Cambridge is often a student favourite for its unique charm, which is evident in its charming cobblestone streets, prestigious universities, lively nightlife, and social scene. You can enjoy beautiful strolls or cycles along the River Cam and walk through historic districts there. But Cambridge is not only about the old; it also embraces the new. This is evident in its modern structures and youthful population.
The city, however, can be slightly pricey for some, which is why we’ll walk you through the cost-saving tips and how to find budget-friendly options for those seeking student accommodation Cambridge.
Costs of Living in Cambridge
Before jumping straight into Cambridge’s most cost-friendly accommodation options, we must first provide an overview of the cost of living there. The cost of living and rent in Cambridge are as follows:
Cost of Living
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Food (groceries) | £200–£300 |
| Transportation (bus pass) | £50–£70 |
| Utilities (including internet) | £80–£120 |
Cambridge Accommodation Options
| Option | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| College Accommodation | £500–£800 |
| Shared houses or flats (single room) | £400–£600 |
| Student Halls (private) | £450–£700 |
| non-ensuite rooms | £300–£500 |
Grocery Item Prices (Cambridge)
| Item | Estimated Price |
| Loaf of Bread | £1.00–£2.00 |
| Milk (1 litre) | £0.80–£1.20 |
| Eggs (dozen) | £1.50–£2.50 |
| Chicken Breast (1 kg) | £5.00–£8.00 |
| Apples (1 kg) | £2.00–£3.00 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | £1.00–£1.50 |
| Pasta (500g) | £0.50–£1.00 |
| Rice (1 kg) | £1.00–£2.00 |
| Cereal (500g) | £2.00–£4.00 |
| Instant Coffee (jar) | £3.00–£5.00 |
Choose Your Perfect Budget-Friendly Housing Options
Now that you have a general idea of costs, let’s explore the different available housing options.
University-Managed Accommodation:
On-campus housing options are managed by educational institutions and offer the most convenience in terms of location, with many being on-campus, which saves you plenty of commute time.
Many university- or college-managed options also feature academic facilities such as libraries and computer labs. Other present facilities may include lounges, laundry facilities, vending machines, game areas, and much more. It is more expensive than private options; however, they have utility bills included in the rent, saving you the hassle of paying additional fees.
For reference, on-campus ARU Cambridge accommodation options are available with a starting price of £161.28 per week.
Another downside of choosing university-managed housing is that options are very limited, as they are highly desirable.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
This option has more availability than university-managed accommodation options. PBSAs also offer excellent on-site facilities, which include gyms, lounges, game areas, laundry facilities, and much more. Staying at PBSAs also makes students feel like they belong to a broader student community. Despite the flexibility offered in contract lengths, it might still be more expensive than shared accommodation options.
Shared Houses and Flats
Shared houses and flats are the most affordable option; you’ll share the rent with other tenants. Shared flats are one of two things, the first being single rooms within shared flats and the second being sharing an entire flat with your friends (if applicable). You should, however, be mindful of your utility bills, as unlike PBSAs and university-managed accommodation options, bills are not always included in the rent.
Savings Tips for Student Living
Living on a budget is not just about finding budget-friendly accommodation; it also depends on budgeting well, which applies to your daily spending habits. Some of our top budgeting tips include the following:
- Teaming up with flatmates: As previously mentioned, sharing a flat or room with other flatmates will significantly reduce your expenses. Just be mindful of utility fees.
- Choosing a convenient location: selecting a convenient location will ensure you save up on travel expenses. Make sure that you choose an affordable and convenient location.
- Using public transportation: Using public transportation can significantly reduce your expenses, especially when opting for weekly or monthly passes.
- Track your expenses: Tracking your expenses is essential, as you should always ensure you remain on target while also understanding your spending habits and planning ahead.
- Explore scholarships: Finding a scholarship can make all the difference when reducing costs; imagine having your scholarship reduced or even waived entirely. Check with your university to see if you’re eligible for a scholarship.
- Make your own food: Making your own food rather than buying ready-made food can significantly decrease your budget. If you are still busy, some housing options may offer meal plans.
- Buy second-hand: Luckily for you, if you choose to make Cambridge your home, you’ll get to enjoy the city’s thriving second-hand market scene. One of the biggest of these is the Cambridge Market, which takes place Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Market Square. It also offers local products and fresh produce.
- Book early: Booking your accommodation as soon as possible is a great way to secure lower prices, as you can make use of early bird discounts. It is generally recommended that you start your search at least six months in advance to give yourself more time to look for a place, to have the broadest range of options, and to have the largest variety in price.
Relying on Accommodation Experts
There are several ways to find student accommodation in Cambridge. You can search university listings, explore options through independent landlords or letting agencies, or utilise student housing companies like Casita that specialise in student placements. Casita, for instance, is a student housing company with expert staff in the UK housing market.
Through Casita, you can find various options based on your preference, whether a specific accommodation type, an area, proximity to your campus, or within a particular price range.
To find your perfect student accommodation, you can simply go to Casita.com, type in the city of choice or university, and find the related options. You can also use the filters to filter by room type, price range, and even the cancellation policy.
Once you settle on a selection, click the “enquire” button and fill in your details, and one of our experts will assist you free of charge.
Finding budget accommodation in Cambridge is relatively easy; with the proper tools and resources, especially with expert guidance such as Casita, it will be a job easily done. That, coupled with effective budgeting techniques, will give you the chance to live and study stress-free. If you need further guidance, contact Casita’s staff directly through the “Contact Us” page.
