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Accommodation Service

Studying at Cambridge

 

About us

About the Accommodation Service

The University has helped visiting scholars and guests find accommodation since the late 19th century. Originally, the Lodgings Syndicate helped registered students find places to stay during their studies. Later, in the late 1960s, the Society for Visiting Scholars was started to support visiting academics and their families. University properties were handled separately by Estate Management.

In June, 1998 the Accommodation Service was formed to combine all the separate services into one office to help all members of the University and visiting scholars. We look after University-owned properties, and match scholars with rooms, flats and houses from private landlords.

It is our remit to help anyone coming to the University on an official visit as visiting scholars, members of staff (working at least 20 hours per week), and everyone studying full time here.  Most of our staff have worked in the Accommodation Service for many years, and have a huge wealth of local knowledge. We can provide personal support, help and advice, especially if you visit our office at Kellet Lodge.

We help relocating families from across the world, and can assist with school information and applications, details about local facilities, sports and libraries. Visitors connected with the University can register online to find a home. For shorter stays, we also have listings of temporary accommodation (such as B&Bs, hostels and hotels).

For people planning to move, it is useful to combine a short stay with a visit to our office.

“I came to Cambridge not knowing anyone or anything. Within an hour of my arrival in the office, the Accommodation Service staff had sorted out some temporary accommodation and then shortly after that I secured a longer term home for me and my family. It was brilliant.”