Introduction

Cambridge Freshers Week is one of the most important, and fun, parts of the university experience, particularly for first year students. As well as getting to know your course, your tutors and everything the university has to offer, it’s an amazing opportunity to meet new and like-minded people from clubs, societies and groups.

With the city centre just a short walk from your student accommodation in Cambridge you’re truly at the heart of the best shops, bars, restaurants and markets, but also some truly wonderful and peaceful green spaces.

As Cambridge Freshers Week typically falls during the time you’re moving into your student accommodation, we’ve put together an overview to help you make the most of this exciting time. You’ll be moving to an area that already has a large student population of around 20,000 so you’re sure to fit right in with other similarly-aged people who you can explore the city with. Plus, there’s so much to do and discover during Cambridge Freshers Week and beyond – from the historic colleges to the city’s many museums, galleries, and outdoor spaces, Cambridge is brimming with culture and personality.

So check out our handy guide to help you make the most of Cambridge Freshers Week and explore this amazing city.

Cambridge University Freshers Week 2022

Cambridge Freshers Week events are taking place from Monday 1 August 2022 to Friday 30 September 2022, with a series of free welcome events being hosted by alumni groups for undergraduate and postgraduate students who will be starting at Cambridge university in September. While these events are optional, it’s a great opportunity to speak to current and former students about their experiences studying at Cambridge, as well as meet some fellow new starters.

Keep checking in with Cambridge student union, read the Cambridge Freshers Guide or join the Cambridge Freshers Facebook group for all the latest updates on what to expect for Cambridge Freshers Week.

There’s plenty of places for you to explore in the city of Cambridge during Freshers Week but here’s a few to get you started.

The Hay Festival

Famed for its literary connections, Cambridge is never short of cultural events for students to enjoy – but the biggest is probably the Hay Festival and you’ll be arriving for Cambridge Freshers Week just as it’s getting started. The Winter Weekend festival in November brings together writers and readers for a series of talks, workshops and events. You can sign up to their mailing list so you never miss an exciting event in Cambridge.

Walking Tours

The beautiful city of Cambridge has so many stories to tell and so much to discover during Cambridge Freshers Week that it may be hard to know where to start. Luckily there’s a host of free walking tours in Cambridge available which is one of the best ways to get to know a city. You can choose to visit the iconic landmarks of Cambridge or find something more unusual as there’s different routes to choose from. Best of all, it’s all very accessible from your Cambridge University accommodation.

The Big Weekend 

Before Cambridge Freshers Week really gets started, you could head to the city for The Big Weekend festival. Put on by Cambridge City Council every summer, it’s one of the biggest events in Cambridge and one that’s particularly ideal for students. Traditionally, the Big Weekend takes place on Parker’s Piece (one of many lush green spaces in Cambridge for you to enjoy) and includes big-name performers as well as local musicians, a French market, entertaining games, educational activities and fireworks.

University of Cambridge Events 

The University of Cambridge hosts a series of events that are often free and completely open to the public during Cambridge Freshers Week and beyond. These range from talks and lectures to more hands-on events and workshops in topics from history and science to art and literature. There are of course specific events for Cambridge students to enjoy including open days, subject masterclasses, student fairs and exhibitions.

Student Accommodation in Cambridge

We’re committed to helping students get the most of their time at university. It’s why we offer first class student accommodation with on-site teams who will always be on hand to help and offer you a warm welcome to your new home. Whether it’s top tips on where to go and what to see in Cambridge or practical guidance on matters like finance or mental health, be sure to check out our blog pages.