University Key Worker Accommodation

[fanketyfank]

Hi folks, I've been commuting to Cambridge from London for a few months now. It's do-able as I only have to be in 2 to 3 days a week for supervisions and meetings (sometimes only once a week), but I put myself on the university waiting list for accommodation in case something suitable and affordable came up. They've just offered a place at the new Eddington block of flats in North-West Cambridge. Before I decide whether to take it, I was just wondering if anyone lived there/knows the complex and would you recommend it?

It's different - really all very new - but the facilities are good out there. I go very occasionally for meetings. Have a look at the commute to wherever you do your supervisions/meetings (is it towards that end of Cam or not?). Bear in mind you probably only give supervisions in term time so only 24 weeks of the year (less really - as Easter term is exams). Buses are theoretically regular but Cambridge buses are not all that predictable - you could easily be 30+ mins commute depending. Personally I would do it if I really wanted to cut out the London commute - otherwise I might hold out or look for something more central (is the rent really good though - so maybe you could save some money?) .(Don't think about driving <<shudder>>). A bike would be ideal. Hopefully someone will come along who has more info but that's my two-pennyworth.

Really helpful, ta! Although it is subsidised, I was surprised by how expensive it is actually, especially when you take into account that it is so far out. It's about a grand for a one-bed (excluding bills etc. though) which seems insane given the location + commute time. Not really affordable it seems, but an interesting idea and much-needed judging from friends who live in the city and are trying to escape the ever-rising rents... I've never had reason to visit so will pop over one day and have a look just because I'm nosy and want to see what the fuss is about😁it seems to get a lot of good press, but that might just be the usual marketing (says cynical me)

That is an insane rent. You can get small bedsits more centrally (probably called 'studios') for 7-800. Kind of thing I used to rent in London decades ago.

It is awfully expensive, isn't it - everyone else living in Cambridge that I know seems to think it is an amazing deal... bizarre how normalised the ridiculous rents in the city seem to be. There's also something quite galling about handing over half your salary back to your employer in rent...