Living Costs
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Living Costs in Cambridge
Contrary to popular opinion, Cambridge is actually one of the cheapest places to be a student. With subsidised accommodation in colleges guaranteed throughout your studies, and the majority of social activities aimed at students, you'll find it much easier to afford than you might have thought.
How much rent will I have to pay?
The average rent is in the region of £70 a week, though rent varies from room to room and college to college. This rent is paid to the college, usually at the start of each term or once your student loan has come through. The range of available rooms is pretty huge, and most colleges will allow you to choose a room, or indicate a preference based on price or facilities. The range tends to be from £50 to £110 per week, and the size and standard of the room will vary from a small study-bedroom to en-suite, or separate bedrooms and study rooms.
Colleges are able to offer accommodation to students throughout their time in Cambridge, so you won't have to rent from the private market. This makes things much cheaper. Additionally, college accommodation is often subsidised, and you only have to pay rent during term time when you're using your room (24 weeks per year), rather than for the whole year as in many other universities.
Will I be able to afford proper food?!
Kitchen and canteen facilities in Cambridge vary from average to good, but you're unlikely to have to cut down on your food! Students are normally charged 'Kitchen Fixed Charge' (KFC) – a fixed sum of around £100 - which goes towards subsidising your food and in some colleges is exchanged for meal tokens. You can eat a very decent meal in college for £3, and it's a hassle-free way to make sure you get a balanced diet. There's also 'formal hall', a three-course evening meal for about £8, which offers a cheaper alternative to eating out. The way the canteens and payment works varies from college to college (though it usually involves a pay-as-you-go system), as does the standard of the food itself. That having said, it's higher than most school canteens and not really too much of an issue.
There are always self-catering facilities available, though these vary from a single hob to a full kitchen with ovens, microwaves, and George Foreman grills. Kitchen facilities usually improve in your second and third years, and there's a variety of supermarkets and a daily market in the centre of town. Cooking for yourself can often end up being substantially cheaper, and most people will do this for at least part of their time at Cambridge. Cooking with friends is a great way to keep prices down, enjoy each other's company, and you'll find you have more than enough money to be inventive. You won't be able to afford eating out every evening, but you'll be able to eat well and food isn't likely to be a problem, whatever your requirements.
What are the transport costs?
Once you're actually in Cambridge, the transport costs are minimal. Cambridge centre is pretty compact, and the colleges and departments are no further than a 15 minute cycle away, with most being substantially less. Most people tend to have a bike (it can give you that extra five minutes sleep in the morning), and you can pick up a decent second hand one from the many bike shops for £50. Once you've kitted out with a lock, lights and helmet, you won't have to pay anything for the rest of your student life! If you do end up wanting to use a bus, you can get a 60p student ticket across Cambridge. There are also several reliable taxi firms.
The rail links from Cambridge are also pretty good, and it's pretty easy to get to by public transport. With a student rail card, you'll be able to get a return to London for £20.15, or by coach for even less.
How much will I spend on books and other costs?
Though you'll use a lot of books during your time at Cambridge, you're under no obligation to buy any. The libraries are exceptionally well stocked, and you'll be able to borrow any book you could need. The University Library is a legal deposit library, meaning that there is a copy of every book published in the UK, from Shakespeare to Postman Pat. There are also college libraries, likely to be only a couple of minutes from your room, and department libraries. If you do want to buy your books, many older students sell them on at discount prices, and the Oxfam and Amnesty bookshops are always well stocked with student texts. Some books can be very popular, and often being used by other students, but there are usually reference copies that remain in the library.
There are college computer rooms with good computers, broadband internet and printing facilities, so there's no need to have your own. If you do, you can usually get the Internet in your room, with most colleges charging about £20 a term for this.
Scientists will find that they need to buy a decent calculator (about £20), a lab coat (less than £10), and you may need extra items for field trips or site visits, though these are often available to borrow from your department. There are subsidies and grants to help with these costs, if necessary.
Is it expensive to play sport or join in other social activities?
The University has hundreds of sports groups and societies that you are able to join, and it's a great opportunity to get involved in a huge variety of things. Many of these offer a high standard of coaching, equipment and support, but this doesn't mean it's expensive. All societies are aimed at students and as such they try to keep their prices down. Sports teams will often charge a joining fee, though this is usually around £20 for the whole year and covers all the costs. Most societies also offer a cheaper trial run, so you can work out whether you like something before you have to pay. You'll find that the facilities are, on the whole, excellent, so you won't have to buy much for your sport, though you're likely to want to get things like your sports team's kit if you decide to compete.
All students are automatically members of the Cambridge University Students' Union and their college JCR (a mini-students' union), and there is a lot of free entertainment in colleges, from parties to film nights, acoustic nights to comedy and theatre. Colleges give students free access to things like the gym, tennis courts, and music rooms. There's a college bar, which is often much cheaper than bars in town, and there are student club nights. There are also the usual student discounts for things like theatre, cinema and bowling. There's much more information about life as a student at Cambridge on our online alternative prospective www.applytocambridge.com.
Will I feel pressured to join in social activities I can't afford?
Lots of socialising is just hanging out in someone's room, watching DVDs, or cooking, and you'll find it easy to socialise without spending money. One of the great things about University is that there are so many different people around you, and you'll always find people who like doing the same things as you. As students, most people are in the same financial situation, and though you might find the odd few people who seem to be able to spend much more than you, the majority of people will be on the same budget.
Am I able to have a part-time job?
The University prefers people not to work during term-time, and from a student perspective, you're unlikely to either want or need to work. Terms are short, and there's more than enough time to raise sufficient money in the holidays (especially the three month summer holiday), and bursaries give extra financial support. On top of that, terms are busy, and it's much better to make use of the amazing social opportunities. Some work is allowed and can be fun: some people find work within the University for a few hours a week, for example in the college bar or in a library.
Is it an advantage to live at home?
There is an increasing trend in people opting to live at home during their degree, seeing it as a way to save money. Though it has its benefits financially, it is worth remembering that you will be able to get a low-interest loan to cover your living costs, which will be paid off in gradual instalments once you are earning. One of the best things about university is the experience of living there, the freedom it gives you, and the social opportunities it brings, and living at home may mean that you miss this. It's also important that financial factors don't influence your choice of university: you should go somewhere where you like the course and feel you can excel, not necessarily the university closest to your home.