University of Cambridge

Services & Facilities

Cambridge is a small city about 50 minutes north of London on the train. Students account for about a fifth of the city’s population (there are over 22,000 here) and are a significant and important part of the community. As a result Cambridge is a great place to be a student.

Cambridge combines and embraces the old and the new. You're surrounded by (and living and studying in) historic architecture as well as modern buildings and shopping centres. It has the charm and welcoming feel of a small town but also the variety and energy of a larger city.

It's small in size so it's easy to get around and you quickly start to feel at home here. However you like to spend your time, there's always something to keep you entertained – whether that's having coffee with friends, going punting, catching a film, having a night out, or getting involved in clubs and societies.

If you want to escape and explore further afield, there's even more to discover:

* take one of the walking or cycling routes from the city centre to nearby villages
* visit Ely Cathedral or one of the local National Trust properties, such as Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
* have a go at karting, a high-wire obstacle course, or skydiving in a wind tunnel
* play in the snow on a real snow slope

Entertainment

Cambridge certainly likes to keep its residents and students entertained. There are four theatres, three cinemas, and two major entertainment venues – The Junction and The Corn Exchange (offering varied programmes including comedy, drama, dance, concerts and club nights) – plus numerous other events and festivals.

Live music is a big part of life in Cambridge, as well as in the University. Every musical taste is catered for and ranges from buskers in the street, to gigs in pubs and classical concerts, to big-name acts. Amongst many others, Plan B, Professor Green, Fun Lovin' Criminals, The Go! Team, Seth Lakeman, Klaxons, Ellie Goulding, Diana Vickers, the English Symphony Orchestra, Pendulum, Mumford and Sons, and Motörhead have all performed in Cambridge during the last year. Cambridge also plays host to a world famous Folk Festival and an up–and–coming Rock Festival.

Pubs, clubs and restaurants

Cambridge is well known for its great range of pubs – there are around 120 to choose from even before you start to count the dozens of College and University bars! There are several clubs in the city as well, and most have student nights with cheap entry and offers.

There’s also a great selection of places to eat; something for any mood, palate, occasion and price range. Better still, the student card you’ll receive when you start at Cambridge will get you discounts and special deals at numerous restaurants and cafés.

Shopping

Within Cambridge’s four shopping centres and the city centre streets, most high street names are represented, as well as lots of independent shops and boutiques. The daily market on Market Square sells everything from jewellery and vintage clothes to bread and fruit; and at the weekend there are also farmers', and arts and crafts markets. Perhaps the most exciting and diverse shopping can be done on Mill Road, where you can find just about anything, from just about anywhere in the world, all on one street!