About the Accommodation Service

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

In June, 1998 the Accommodation Service was created and combined all the separate services into one office to help any current member of the University and visiting scholars. We let University-owned properties, and also advertise rooms, apartments and houses from private landlords. It is our remit to help members of University staff (working at least 20 hours per week), students studying full time and any visiting scholar who is coming to the University on an official visit. 

The Accommodation Service staff 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 guidance on school information and applications, details about local facilities, sports and libraries.

All applicants should register with our Service online via: www.accommodation.cam.ac.uk and then follow to find a home. For shorter stays, we also have listings of temporary accommodation (such as B&Bs, hostels and hotels).

“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.”