Cambridge is an historic university city with a vibrant student body and a rich heritage.
St Edmund’s College is a warm, inclusive and welcoming community for students from any and all backgrounds. More than 65 countries are represented at the college, making it one of the most diverse and multinational colleges in Cambridge.
St Edmund’s is a small yet wonderfully warm and widely international college, and the sense of community here is something I truly cherish. Whether it’s preparing dinner with my flatmates, meeting friends over coffee at Edspresso, or having friendly conversations with the porters, these little moments collectively shape a strong community at St Edmund’s. 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.
Things to do
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. 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.
Getting Around
Cambridge is well-connected to the rest of the UK and beyond. You can travel to London by train in fifty minutes and to Stansted airport in thirty minutes. If you’re aged 16-25, or 26-30, you can also purchase a discount railcard. St Edmund’s is around a forty-minute walk from Cambridge train station and is one of the hill colleges. The city is easy to navigate on foot or by bike, and many students choose to cycle. Buses are another way to get around the city, and the university subsidises the Universal bus service, which connects many university sites.
Amenities
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.
Healthcare
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.
Work
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.
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.
