Rental Guide Near Cambridge University You’ll Actually Use

Finding the perfect rental near Cambridge University can be daunting. Whether you’re a student, a visiting scholar, or just someone attracted to Cambridge’s academic atmosphere, finding a comfortable and affordable place to live is essential. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about renting near Cambridge University and how to make your space feel like home.

Location Matters: Where to Rent Near Cambridge University

Whether you live comfortably when studying or working at Cambridge University is closely related to your daily commuting experience. After all, no one wants to carry a computer and trek in the wind for half an hour every day to rush to the first class. Thus, it is really important to choose the right location when renting a house.

Although Cambridge is not big, different areas have their own characteristics. Let’s see some common and handy options for you.

1. City Centre

It is very close to most colleges of Cambridge University, and life is convenient. You can walk to the library, cafes, supermarkets and even bars. It is suitable for students who don’t mind a slightly higher budget and want to save commuting time. But because the location is so good, the house is often in high demand, so you need to act early!

2. Mill Road

This is a favorite of many students. It has a strong atmosphere of life, with various international restaurants, independent bookstores, and second-hand shops. The price-performance ratio is also higher than that of the city center. It is convenient to travel by bus and bicycle, which is a great choice for those who want to balance budget and convenience.

3. Chesterton

A peaceful residential area upgraded for students or researchers who desire quietness, especially those working in the science park or conducting scientific research. It takes around 15-20 minutes of cycling to the city center, which is suggested for those not opposed to being a bit away but seeking comfortable environments.

4. Newnham

It is close to the west of Cambridge and is the choice of many researchers and master’s and doctoral students. The environment is quiet and close to the river, which is well-suited for people who like walking and running. It is close to some science and engineering departments, such as the Department of Engineering and the Department of Mathematics.

5. Arbury or Romsey

These two areas are more suitable for students with limited budgets. Although they are a little far from the city center, they are also good choices if you don’t mind riding a bike or taking the bus. The rent is generally cheaper than in the city center, making them suitable for long-term living.

Budgeting for Your Cambridge Rental

When renting an apartment in Cambridge, you really can’t just make a random decision on your budget. Not only the rent but also water, electricity, internet, transportation, and daily necessities are all “hidden expenses”. Especially for students, every penny must be spent wisely.

Approximate rent range

The rent in Cambridge varies greatly depending on the room type and location:

• Single room (shared): about £500–£800/month
• Studio (single-person apartment): about £900–£1200/month
• One bedroom and one living room: about £1100–£1500/month
• Two bedrooms and one living room: about£1400–£1800/month (suitable for sharing and sharing the pressure)

Don’t ignore the extra expenses

In addition to rent, these often-overlooked expenses must also be taken into account:

• Water, electricity, gas, and internet fees. About £100-£150/month (some houses with bills included can save a lot of trouble).
• Transportation costs. If you live far away, consider buying a student bus card or buying a second-hand bicycle.
• Furniture and daily necessities. Some houses are unfurnished (without furniture), and you need to provide daily necessities yourself.

Share a house or live alone?

If you have a limited budget, sharing a house is definitely a more cost-effective choice. Not only can you divide the rent and utilities, but you can also find housemates from all over the world.

Although living alone is quiet and free, the overall expenses will be much higher, so it is recommended to do it within your means.

Making Your Rental Feel Like Home

When it comes to renting in Cambridge, the question of how to make your new home feel like home is a concern for many people. Although you may only be living here for a short period, you can make the place feel more like home with a few small touches.

Choose the right furniture

While you may not want to spend a lot of money on furniture when renting a place, some practical and comfortable options can enhance the overall living experience, and on Homebaa, you can find a variety of affordable options:

• Bedding. Select a comfortable mattress and warm bedding to warrant a good night’s sleep every night.
• Desk and chair. If you need to study in the room, a comfortable desk and chair are essential.

Lighting is important

Lighting can have a great impact on the mood of a room. Choose a few different light sources, such as table lamps, wall lamps, or floor lamps, to add warmth and depth to a room. Especially with options like affordable floor lamps, they can not only be a beautiful addition to space but also do not require fixed installation, avoiding damage to the house structure and making it easy to take away when moving.

Wall decoration

While your landlord may not allow you to put holes in the wall, you can still express your style by hanging pictures, photos, or fabric decorations. Using removable hooks or stickers, it is easy to add some personalized elements to make the space more lifelike.

Add greenery

Indoor plants not only beautify the environment but also improve air quality. Choose some easy-to-care-for plants, such as succulents, cacti, or ivy, to make your rental life more lively. Green plants will make your living space feel more lively and can also help you relieve study stress.

Practical Tips for Renters

There are so many things to remember about renting a house in Cambridge, but as long as you discover some useful skills, you can make the whole process easier. Listed below are some tips for house renting to avoid common pitfalls and rent the house you want.

1. Use a reliable rental platform

Using a reliable rental site can help you find the right accommodation more efficiently. With the filtering feature, you can search quite quickly and find the most suitable space for you in terms of budget, location, room type, and other keywords.

2. On-site inspection before renting

If conditions permit, it is recommended to visit the house in person before renting. This will not only allow you to intuitively feel the environment of the house but also allow you to observe the surrounding living facilities, such as supermarkets, public transportation, entertainment venues, etc.

3. Prepare for the move in advance

Once you have found a suitable accommodation, you should organize the move in advance. Try to book a moving company in advance and make sure your furniture will fit easily into your new home. Organizing personal items and packing them in batches will make the move easier.

4. Confirm the details of the rental contract

Before signing the contract, be sure to read each clause carefully to make sure you understand the content of all clauses. Pay special attention to the following points:

• Lease period. Make sure the lease period matches your actual needs. If you are a short-term tenant, try to choose a house with a flexible lease period.
• Deposit. Understand the amount of the deposit and the conditions for a refund to avoid disputes in the future.
• Bill payment. Ask whether water, electricity, gas, and internet charges are included in the rent or need to be paid separately to ensure that the budget is sufficient.

5. Check the condition of the house

Before you move in, make sure that you inspect the condition of the house and report any damage, i.e., scratches on walls or wear and tear on furniture. Take photographs and keep them and notify the landlord or agent to make sure that you will not be affected by these problems when moving out.

6. Maintain good communication with the landlord or agent

Good communication is the key to avoiding rental disputes. Whether it is a housing problem or a change in the lease, communicate with the landlord or agent promptly and maintain transparency. Take note of their contact information so that you can contact them easily when you want to.

Final Thoughts

Renting an apartment near Cambridge University is not a complicated process as long as you master the key elements. From choosing the right location and budgeting to making the rental space feel more like home and familiarizing yourself with helpful rental tips, you can create your ideal abode.

Whether you are a new student or someone who hopes to find a long-term home in Cambridge, preparation and selection will help you settle down in this beautiful city. We hope this rental guide can help you, and we wish you a smooth rental journey in Cambridge!