Moving to a new city can be exciting, but finding somewhere to live can also feel overwhelming, especially if you're moving alone, starting university, beginning a new job or moving out for the first time.
At Cambridge Girls Circle, we want to help women feel more confident about making Cambridge their home. So we're starting our Moving to Cambridge guide series, sharing useful tips, local knowledge and resources to help you settle in.
Let's start with one of the biggest decisions: finding somewhere safe, suitable and affordable to live.
1. Where should you look?
Here are some places to start your search:
Rightmove — rightmove.co.uk for flats, houses and properties through letting agents.
Zoopla — zoopla.co.uk for rental listings and comparing areas.
SpareRoom — spareroom.co.uk if you're looking for a room in a shared house.
OpenRent — openrent.co.uk for properties advertised directly by landlords.
University accommodation services — useful if you're a student or eligible university employee.
Local Facebook groups and community networks — these can help you discover rooms and recommendations, but always verify the advertiser before sharing money or personal information.
Our tip: Set up property alerts, prepare your documents in advance and contact suitable advertisers promptly. Competition can be high, so being organised helps.
2. Which areas of Cambridge should you consider?
The best area depends on your budget, commute and lifestyle. Think about how you'll get to work or university, where you'll shop and whether you need reliable public transport.
When researching an area, consider:
City centre: Convenient for shops, restaurants and social activities, but often more expensive.
Mill Road and Romsey: Worth exploring for independent businesses, cafés and access to the city.
Chesterton: A residential area with river access and routes into the centre.
Arbury and King's Hedges: Areas to consider when comparing housing options and transport links.
Cherry Hinton: A residential option to investigate if you're looking for a little more distance from the centre.
Trumpington: Worth considering if you need access to the south of Cambridge or the biomedical campus.
These are starting points, not safety rankings. Every area has different streets and properties, so visit the specific location and assess whether it feels right for you.
Our tip: Visit during the day and, if possible, again in the evening. Check street lighting, walking routes, transport options and how comfortable you feel getting home after a night out.
3. How to avoid rental scams
Please take this seriously. Fake rental adverts can appear on legitimate property websites and social media groups.
🚩 Watch out for these red flags:
The rent is unusually cheap compared with similar properties.
The advertiser pressures you to pay immediately.
They refuse to arrange a viewing or provide convincing evidence that they can let the property.
They claim to be abroad and say they will send you the keys after payment.
They ask for a deposit or rent before you've viewed the property.
The payment details, landlord's identity or property information don't add up.
Before handing over money:
View the property in person wherever possible.
Verify the landlord or letting agent and their authority to rent it out.
If renting a room in someone else's property, check the arrangement and whether any necessary permission has been obtained.
Get the terms and payment details in writing.
Keep copies of messages, receipts and your tenancy documents.
Never feel pressured to pay just because someone says other people are interested.
4. What should you check before signing?
Before agreeing to rent, make sure you understand:
The total cost: Monthly rent, bills, council tax where applicable, broadband and transport.
The deposit: Understand the amount, what it covers and the applicable deposit protection rules.
The tenancy agreement: Read the terms carefully and ask questions before signing.
Safety and condition: Look for damp, mould, faulty locks, broken windows and signs of poor maintenance. Check that required gas and electrical safety arrangements are in place.
Landlord or agent details: Know who manages the property and how to report repairs.
House-share arrangements: Clarify cleaning, shared bills, guests, privacy and who else lives there.
The inventory: Photograph the property and record existing damage when you move in.
For current renting rules in England, see the official GOV.UK renting guidance.
5. Budgeting for your new home
Remember that your housing costs go beyond rent.
Plan for:
Your first rent payment.
Any permitted deposit or holding deposit.
Gas, electricity, water and broadband.
Council tax, unless you're exempt or eligible for a discount.
Furniture, household essentials and moving costs.
Travel to work, university and social activities.
If you're sharing a property, clarify which bills are included in the rent and which you'll need to pay separately.
Our tip: Work out your realistic monthly budget before viewing properties. Don't stretch yourself just to secure a home that will leave you struggling every month.
If you're struggling to afford the upfront costs, Cambridge City Council may be able to advise you on available housing support and access schemes.
6. Where can you get help?
Save these useful resources:
Cambridge City Council — Housing Advice: cambridge.gov.uk/housing-advice
Cambridge City Council — Private Renting: cambridge.gov.uk/private-rented-accommodation
Shelter England: england.shelter.org.uk for housing rights and renting advice.
Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk for free, independent advice.
If you suspect a rental scam, don't send further money. Contact your bank immediately if you've paid, and report the incident to the appropriate fraud-reporting service.
Just remember…
You deserve a home where you feel safe, comfortable and able to relax.
Don't let anyone pressure you into making a decision you're uncomfortable with. Ask questions, take your time and get advice if something doesn't feel right.
And remember, you don't have to figure everything out on your own. That's what community is for!
