Life in the UK as a St Edmund’s postgraduate
Moving to the UK, and to Cambridge, is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. This guide brings together everything international postgraduates usually want to know: daily life, transport, healthcare, student societies, and what it’s really like to live in Cambridge as part of St Edmund’s College.
St Edmund’s is a small yet wonderfully warm and widely international college, and the sense of community here is something I truly cherish. My Arab friends are also an integral part of this experience with the MPH Common Room becoming our regular spot to catch up after long days of work.
Living in Cambridge
Whatever hobbies you have or activities you like to do, Cambridge has you covered, from its many museums, art galleries, cinemas and parks, to annual events like the Folk Festival and Festival of Ideas.
Student life and societies
There are a very wide number of student societies at collegiate and university level, from the AI Ethics Society to the Bubble Tea Society or the Fencing Club. Learn more about the full list of current societies, as well as information about starting a society and support available on the Students’ Union website or visit our sports and societies page.
We also run weekly Wellbeing Wednesdays events that help foster a sense of community and belonging. Cultural Diversity Day is particularly fun, where everyone is invited to bring food from around the world, and wear a traditional outfit, or bring something along that you feel represents your culture.
Getting around Cambridge
Cambridge is well-connected to the rest of the UK and beyond.
Travelling by train
- Cambridge to London in 50 minutes
- Cambridge to Stansted airport in 30 minutes.If you’re aged 16 to 25, or 26 to 30, you can also purchase a discount railcard.
Walking
- St Edmund’s to city centre is 10 minutes
- St Edmund’s to University Library is 10 minutes
- St Edmund’s to Cambridge train station is 40 minutes
Bike
The city is easy to navigate by bike, and many students choose to cycle. We have dedicated lockable areas to store your bike on site.
Bus
Buses are another way to get around the city, and the University subsidises the Universal bus service, which connects many university sites.
Daily essentials
St Edmund’s is located at the heart of the city and has lots of amenities within close proximity. Aldi supermarket is on nearby Histon road, and there are a number of further supermarkets in the centre of Cambridge. There is a daily market on Market Square, selling a range of items including food, clothes, books and music. There’s also an excellent world food store. We’ve created a short video which shows you how close it is and the types of produce it sells.
Watch our word food store video
Healthcare and the NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s state healthcare system, which provides access to a range of health-related services, including doctors’ appointments and dental care. You should register with a doctor as soon as possible following your arrival in Cambridge. The nearest GP practice to the college is Huntingdon Road Surgery, 1 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0DB.
Working during your studies
It’s important to be aware that the University places restrictions on full-time students working during their studies. Undergraduate and Masters students are not expected to work during term-time. Students on a visa must also ensure that they understand and adhere to the working conditions attached to their immigration status.
The Comms Office offers a part-time paid 12-week internship, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for roles like this that can complement your studies.
International Students’ Office
The International Students’ Office provides specialist support to international students at Cambridge and can be contacted at international.students@admin.cam.ac.uk
Find out more about living and studying in Cambridge as an international student.
