# Study in Cambridge — universities, cost of living and student life

> Cambridge is a historic university city and global science-and-tech hub, with higher-than-average living costs.

Cambridge is a world-famous historic university city, home to the University of Cambridge — one of the world's leading universities — and Anglia Ruskin University, a large modern institution. The city is beautiful, compact and a global hub for science and technology, with living costs above the UK average (though below central London) and fast rail links to the capital. Confirm visa and cost figures on GOV.UK and university pages.

## Quick facts
- **Universities:** University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University
- **Cost level:** Above average (below central London)
- **London by train:** ≈ 1 hour

## Key takeaways
- Home to the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University (a distinct modern university).
- One of the world's most famous university cities and a global science-and-tech hub.
- Living costs are above the UK average, though generally below central London.
- Close to London — around an hour by train — and very international.

## Why study in Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the world's great university cities and a global centre for science, technology and research. The University of Cambridge — collegiate, ancient and consistently ranked among the very best globally — anchors a city famous for its colleges, the River Cam and a thriving technology cluster ("Silicon Fen"). Anglia Ruskin University, a large modern institution, adds professional and applied courses. The compact, historic city is highly international and within an hour of London.

## What it costs
Cambridge's living costs are above the UK average, with accommodation in high demand, though generally below central London. The academic and research environment is world-class, so careful budgeting is worthwhile. Study UK Now builds a realistic Cambridge budget with you so there are no surprises on arrival.

## Frequently asked questions
### Is Cambridge a good city for international students?
Yes — Cambridge is a beautiful, historic university city and a global science-and-technology hub, with a highly international student body and fast links to London. Living costs are above the UK average, but the environment is world-class. Study UK Now helps you plan both the application and a realistic budget.

### Which universities are in Cambridge?
Cambridge is home to the University of Cambridge (one of the world's leading universities, collegiate and ancient) and Anglia Ruskin University (a large modern university). Each has very different entry requirements — Study UK Now helps you choose and apply to the right one for your subject and goals.

## Sources
- [University of Cambridge — international students](https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-students) — University of Cambridge

Canonical: https://studyuknow.com/cities/cambridge
Verified: 2026-06-16
