Discover the magic of Cambridge, a historic city full of opportunities for English learners. This famous university city offers ancient architecture, a relaxed culture, and friendly locals, making it a great place to improve your English. See world-famous landmarks, practice your language skills in local cafes, and enjoy living in a world centre of education. Cambridge is a perfect destination for English learners who want a full and fun experience.
Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials
Cambridge is famous for its prestigious university, but there’s so much more to this charming city. The city boasts stunning architecture, winding cobbled streets, and beautiful green spaces.With a rich cultural scene, Cambridge also offers a variety of museums, theatres, and galleries, as well as numerous shops, restaurants, and pubs.
Climate
Cambridge enjoys a temperate maritime climate, which means mild temperatures throughout the year. Summers are usually warm, while winters are cool but rarely extreme. Rain is spread throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat with you.
Money
The currency used in Cambridge, like the rest of the UK, is the British Pound Sterling (£). You can change money and traveller’s cheques at the post office in the city centre. There are several banks on the same street (HSBC, NatWest and RBS) where you can withdraw money from the atm (cashpoint) machines.
Telephone Country Code
The telephone country code for the UK is +44.
Electricity
230 V; 50Hz – 3-pin plug.
Tap water
Tap water in Cambridge, as in most of the UK, is safe to drink unless there’s a sign to the contrary (e.g. on trains). The water supply is carefully regulated, ensuring high-quality drinking water.
Transportation
Cambridge is well-connected by various modes of transportation, making it easy to get around. The city is bike-friendly, with extensive cycling paths. Should you wish to hire a bike, there are several cycle shops around Cambridge. Additionally, walking is common due to the city’s compact nature.
Public Transport Info
Cambridge has an efficient and reliable public transport system, primarily served by buses. The city’s bus network covers most areas, with frequent services running throughout the day and night. Many students choose to buy weekly or monthly bus passes for cost-effective travel.
Public holidays falling on a weekday
2025: 01 Jan, 18 Apr, 21 Apr, 05 May, 26 May, 25 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec.
Please contact us for more information.
Legal Driving Age
The legal minimum age to drive a car in the United Kingdom is 17 years old, provided you hold a valid driving license.
Alcohol Age
The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. Be prepared to show identification in pubs, bars, and restaurants, as many establishments operate a strict ID-checking policy, especially for those who look under 25.
Smoking Laws
Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, pubs, and public transportation. You must be 18 or older to purchase cigarettes. Many places offer designated outdoor smoking areas, but smoking in certain public spaces, such as playgrounds and schools, is also restricted.
Insurance
Students must have adequate health, accident and travel insurance while attending EC programmes.
Cost of Living
Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)
£0.80-£1.50
Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)
£2.00-£3.00
Fast-Food combo meal
£5.00-£7.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant
£10.00-£18.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)
£22.00-£45.00
Public transport (local transport)
£2.50-£3.50 (one-way)
Public transport (monthly pass)
£50.00-£60.00
Punting is a quintessential Cambridge activity. Glide along the serene River Cam in a traditional wooden boat with a guide while passing under picturesque bridges and alongside the famous university colleges.
King’s College Chapel is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and breathtaking stained glass windows. You can tour the chapel’s majestic interior and learn about its role in the city’s religious and academic history.
Spread over 40 acres, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is home to thousands of plant species from all over the world, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation or study breaks.
You can wander through the University of Cambridge’s historic colleges, such as Trinity and St John’s, each with unique architecture and rich histories. Many colleges offer guided tours that delve into their traditions and notable alumni, enhancing your understanding of this prestigious institution.
The Cambridge Science Centre offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages in scientific exploration. With hands-on activities and educational workshops, it’s perfect for families looking to inspire curiosity in science and technology.
For stunning panoramic views of Cambridge, climb the 123 steps to the top of Great St Mary’s Church Tower. From here, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the university buildings, rooftops, and the surrounding countryside.
Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.
In addition to our General English programme, EC Cambridge offers special courses to help you improve your English to succeed at school and in the global workplace. These include: English Now, a boutique learning experience that allows you to personalise your course by choosing from a range of modules; FlexiTrack, a flexible option for digital nomads and busy professionals and EC x FutureLearn, which combines immersive English language lessons from EC with specialised online courses from leading universities worldwide. EC Cambridge also offers courses that prepare you to take the Cambridge Exam. We also offer One-to-One private English classes which can be combined with any group course and can be taken at any time during in Cambridge.
At EC Cambridge, We offer host family or residence/student apartment accommodations. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a family in Cambridge. This is a great option if you want an opportunity to practice your English with a local family over homecooked meals. If you’re looking for more independence, you may want to consider a fully-equipped shared apartment with other students, and share some or all of the living spaces.
When you learn English in Cambridge, you’ll never be short of exciting things to see and do. Known as one of the most student-friendly cities in the world, Cambridge combines centuries of history with a youthful energy, offering the perfect setting to practise your English in real-life situations.
Please take a tour of the iconic King’s College, renowned for its stunning Gothic chapel and its connections to Cambridge University (and yes, it does feel like stepping into a Harry Potter film).
Go punting down the scenic River Cam, one of the most unique and relaxing ways to enjoy the city’s picturesque views. Explore the many museums, art galleries, bookshops, and historic pubs or hop on a train for a quick day trip into nearby London.
To help you make the most of your time while you study English in Cambridge, EC Cambridge offers a dedicated activities programme. These teacher-led and social activities immerse you in Cambridge’s culture, improve your language skills, and help you make international friends, all while exploring everything this beautiful university town has to offer.
You may need a visa to study English in Cambridge. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, the length of your course, and other individual factors. Some students may need a visa to learn English in the UK, while others may not. The best way to find out what applies to you is to get in touch with us. We’re happy to help guide you through the process.
Choosing to learn English in Cambridge means immersing yourself in one of the world’s most prestigious academic environments. Home to the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s oldest and most respected institutions, this historic city offers a unique blend of tradition, culture, and academic excellence.
At EC Cambridge, you’ll study in the heart of this renowned university town, surrounded by bright, ambitious students from across the globe. It’s the perfect setting to develop your English language skills while experiencing authentic student life in a truly inspiring setting. Cambridge is compact and easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, making it simple to enjoy everything the city has to offer, from breath-taking architecture and tranquil green parks to cosy cafés and lively street markets. The city’s rich academic heritage and international student community create the ideal atmosphere for focused study, personal growth, and meaningful connections.
So, if you’re preparing for university, advancing your career, or want to improve your confidence in English, learning English in Cambridge allows you to do so in a supportive academic environment.
