Cambridge is a small, beautiful, and slightly surreal place to live. Medieval architecture next to cutting-edge research labs. Students in academic gowns cycling past tourists taking photos. The 21,000-pound maintenance allowance is sufficient for a comfortable life here — significantly more comfortable than London would allow.
Your maintenance is ~£1,750/month. Most scholars save £300-800/month for travel during breaks.
Cambridge is roughly 30-40% cheaper than London for accommodation and day-to-day living. A room that costs £700 in Cambridge would be £1,000-1,200 in London. Pubs, restaurants, and groceries are slightly cheaper too. The £21,000 maintenance that feels tight in London feels genuinely comfortable in Cambridge.
London is only 50-70 minutes by train (from £8 with advance booking), so you get access to a world capital without paying its prices.
College rooms are usually the cheapest option and come with the bonus of community, meal plans, and proximity to college facilities. However, not all colleges guarantee postgraduate accommodation for the full duration of your degree. Check your college's policy before accepting. See our colleges guide.
Cambridge is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK. Nearly everyone bikes everywhere. Buy a second-hand bike for £50-100 at the start of term and invest in a good lock (bike theft is the most common crime in Cambridge). You'll save on transport and get your daily exercise simultaneously. Cycle lanes are widespread and drivers are accustomed to cyclists.
Cambridge terms are short and intense: Michaelmas (October-December), Lent (January-March), Easter (April-June). Each term is only 8 weeks. The breaks between terms are long, which many scholars use for travel, fieldwork, or visiting home.
Cambridge has excellent pubs (The Eagle, where Watson and Crick announced the discovery of DNA, is a must-visit). The restaurant scene is surprisingly good for a small city, with options ranging from traditional English food to cuisine from around the world. College meal plans offer cheap, decent food.
Yes, you will go punting on the River Cam. Everyone does, at least once. It involves standing on a flat-bottomed boat and pushing yourself along with a pole. It's harder than it looks, someone always falls in, and it's a quintessential Cambridge experience. Colleges often have their own punts for student use.
Cambridge has a population of about 150,000. After New York, Lagos, or Beijing, it can feel tiny. The upside: you can walk or cycle everywhere, you'll run into friends constantly, and the sense of community is strong. The downside: it can feel claustrophobic, especially during long PhD winters.
Let's be honest: Cambridge weather is gray, flat, and damp for much of the year. The East of England is the driest part of the UK, so it's not as rainy as Manchester, but the flat terrain means wind, and winters are dark (sunset at 3:45pm in December). Pack warm layers and a good waterproof.
PhD life anywhere can be isolating. Cambridge's intense academic culture and small-town feel can amplify this. Both the university and the Gates community provide mental health support. Make use of it. Connect with the Gates community early. Join college social events. Cambridge is better experienced with others than alone.
As a Gates scholar, your NHS Immigration Health Surcharge is covered, giving you full access to the UK's National Health Service. Register with a GP (doctor) in Cambridge as soon as you arrive. NHS care is free at the point of use. For more on the UK healthcare system, see our UK country guide.
Open a UK bank account as soon as possible. Most banks require proof of address and your university enrollment letter. Barclays, HSBC, and Lloyds all have branches in Cambridge. Some scholars use digital banks (Monzo, Revolut) for easier setup.
Your Student visa allows up to 20 hours/week of work during term time. However, the Gates scholarship is generous enough that most scholars don't need to work. Some do teaching or research assistant work within the university for extra income and experience.
Cambridge is a remarkable place to live and study. The combination of academic excellence, community, and a comfortable stipend makes it one of the best postgraduate experiences available.