The University of Cambridge is one of the world's oldest universities and leading academic centres, and a self-governed community of scholars. Its reputation for outstanding academic achievement is known world-wide and reflects the intellectual achievement of its students, as well as the world-class original research carried out by the staff of the University and the Colleges.
International Student Guide
Pre-arrival and orientation information
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This pre-arrival and orientation guide has been produced for students who
are coming to study at Cambridge from outside the UK. It provides practical
guidance on coming to live and study in Cambridge from an international
student perspective and information on some of the University’s central support
services. Its intention is to complement other sources of guidance you are likely to
receive as part of your induction from your College and other bodies such as the
Cambridge University Students’ Union.
Accommodation
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Council Tax
4
Travelling Around Cambridge
5
Travelling in the UK
7
Healthcare
8
Living in the UK
11
Working in the UK
12
Living in Cambridge
14
Homesickness
17
University Services
20
Immigration Requirements
25
Pre-arrival checklist
29
Cambridge Terminology
31
Other sources of Information
34
Welcome
Contents
Cover Photograph by Sir Cam
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If you are not taking accommodation in your College, the University’s
Accommodation Service will be able to help you find a suitable place to live.
Register with them via www.accommodation.cam.ac.uk and you will be sent login
and password information so that you can search their database. They will be able
to assist with two types of properties:
• University-owned or managed accommodation which is located throughout the
City. These are usually self-contained flats and houses, not rooms, both furnished
and unfurnished. They are generally available for a minimum period of one year
and can be booked prior to arriving in Cambridge.
• Private accommodation which is located throughout the City and the
surrounding villages. There are rooms available in houses shared with landlords
or with fellow students, along with whole houses and flats. We would strongly
advise you to view a property in person, or have a reliable contact view, before
agreeing to a contract with a landlord. The Accommodation Service has a
large list of tempora