For many Cambridge students, moving beyond the college walls and into the wider city is a natural step in student life. Whether it’s for more independence, flexibility, or the need to find accommodation after the first year, the private rental market becomes part of the student experience. In a historic and growing city like Cambridge, housing demand remains high, especially in areas close to colleges, faculties, and the city centre.
As more students explore options beyond college-provided housing, understanding how to navigate rent in Cambridge becomes increasingly important. The market is active, with a wide range of listings, price points, and property types. While availability can vary throughout the year, starting the search early and using reliable resources can make a real difference.
A city under pressure
Cambridge is not just a historic university city. It is also a centre for global innovation. With the rapid growth of the tech sector, expansion of research facilities and the arrival of more high-income professionals, demand for housing has soared.
Although some new developments have been built, supply has not kept pace with this rising demand. Many properties are bought by professionals or converted into short-term holiday lets, which reduces the availability of long-term rentals for students. As a result, competition intensifies, and prices rise even further.
Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that average rents in the East of England increased by 8.3 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. Cambridge, already one of the most expensive places to rent outside London, is being hit particularly hard.
The shift to private rentals
While most first-year students are housed in college accommodation, many others must look elsewhere. Some find college rooms too expensive or restrictive, while others are simply not offered a place. For them, the private rental sector is often the only option.
However, navigating the private market in a city like Cambridge can be overwhelming. Letting agents and landlords may require deposits between 600 and 900 pounds per person, guarantor documents and sometimes even six months of rent paid in advance. These demands create significant barriers for many students.
As a result, some are forced to live far from the city centre, settle for poor-quality housing or even commute from nearby towns. There are also increasing reports of students sharing rooms or staying temporarily with friends until something becomes available.
A wider trend in university cities
Cambridge is not alone. Similar housing pressures are found in Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol. University towns often face what economists call a double demand: housing is needed for both local residents and the large student population arriving each academic year.
Some universities have expanded their student intake without increasing housing capacity. This adds further pressure to an already stretched rental market. At the same time, landlords are passing on rising costs, such as mortgages and insurance, by increasing rent for tenants.
In cities where supply is tight and demand is high, this creates an environment where renters, including students, struggle to find affordable options.
What could help?
There is no single solution, but several approaches might reduce the pressure. Universities could invest in more student housing, especially for postgraduates and second- or third-year undergraduates. Refurbishing older college buildings or partnering with private developers could also be part of the answer.
Local councils have a role to play too. Policies that support the construction of affordable housing, along with tighter regulation of short-term rentals, could free up more long-term homes. In some places, rent control is being discussed, though opinions on its effectiveness vary.
Students are also exploring shared housing models and co-operative living arrangements as alternatives. These solutions can help reduce costs, but require organisation, clear agreements and sometimes support from the university or local authorities.
Practical advice for students
Until broader changes are made, students must navigate the system as best they can. One of the most effective strategies is to begin the search early. Looking for housing five to six months before term starts often leads to better options and less stress.
It also helps to research your rights as a tenant and use verified housing platforms that simplify the search process for young renters. Being cautious with contracts, asking the right questions and avoiding deals that seem too good to be true can prevent costly mistakes.
Final thoughts
The housing situation in Cambridge highlights a wider problem across the UK rental market. For students, the impact is especially difficult. Studying at a world-class university should be a time of learning, growth, and opportunity, not a constant struggle to find and afford a place to live.
If cities like Cambridge want to remain attractive and accessible to future generations of students, solving the housing challenge must become a shared priority.
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