Living in Cambridge on a Gates Scholarship

Cost of Living Breakdown

Your maintenance works out at about £1,929 a month (£23,152 ÷ 12, 2026–27 rate), paid quarterly rather than monthly. Most scholars save £300–800 a month for travel during breaks.

Cambridge vs London

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. A maintenance allowance that would feel tight in London feels genuinely comfortable in Cambridge.

London is only 50–70 minutes away by train (from £8 with advance booking), so you get access to a world capital without paying its prices.

College accommodation

College rooms are usually the cheapest option and come with community, meal plans and proximity to college facilities. However, not every college guarantees postgraduate accommodation for your whole degree. Check your college’s policy before accepting — see our colleges guide.

The cycling culture

Cambridge is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK, and 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 daily exercise at the same time. Cycle lanes are widespread and drivers are used to cyclists.

Culture and Social Life

The academic calendar

Cambridge terms are short and intense: Michaelmas (October–December), Lent (January–March) and Easter (April–June), each only 8 weeks long. The breaks between terms are long, and many scholars use them for travel, fieldwork or visiting home.

Pubs and food

Cambridge has excellent pubs — The Eagle, where Watson and Crick announced the discovery of DNA’s structure, is a must-visit. The restaurant scene is surprisingly good for a small city, from traditional English food to cuisine from around the world. College meal plans offer cheap, decent food.

Punting

Yes, you will go punting on the River Cam. Everyone does, at least once: you stand on a flat-bottomed boat and push 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 students.

It’s small

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.

The weather

Let’s be honest: Cambridge weather is grey, 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 around 3:45pm in December). Pack warm layers and a good waterproof.

Mental health

PhD life anywhere can be isolating, and Cambridge’s intense academic culture and small-town feel can amplify that. Both the university and the Gates community provide mental health support — use it. Connect with the Gates community early and join college social events. Cambridge is better experienced with others than alone.

Practical Information

Healthcare

As a Gates scholar, your Immigration Health Surcharge is covered, giving you full access to the UK’s National Health Service. Register with a GP (family doctor) in Cambridge as soon as you arrive; NHS care is free at the point of use. For more on the UK system, see our UK country guide.

Banking

Open a UK bank account as soon as possible. Most banks ask for proof of address and your university enrolment letter. Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds all have branches in Cambridge, and some scholars use digital banks (Monzo, Revolut) for easier setup.

Working while studying

A Student visa for degree-level study allows up to 20 hours of work a week during term time. The Gates scholarship is generous enough that most scholars don’t need to work, but 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 allowance makes it one of the best postgraduate experiences available. Start with how to apply, or read what happens after selection.