Join our friendly Sidney community and live in affordable, comfortable rooms.

Sidney Sussex is known across the Cambridge Colleges for having an enviable town-centre location. All of our undergraduates live in accommodation located within College grounds, or a short walk away, which helps to foster Sidney's close-knit community.

There is no typical room at Sidney - you might live in a room built in the late-sixteenth century to the present day.

Discover more about Sidney's student accommodation by checking out some frequently asked questions below. If you have a question of your own that we haven't answered, please get in touch with the Admissions Office.

Will Sidney guarantee accommodation for the full duration of my course?

Unlike at most UK universities where you might be expected to find your own accommodation at some point during your course, most Cambridge Colleges (including Sidney) will provide undergraduate students with accommodation for the full duration of their course (up to four years). All undergraduates are expected to live in College accommodation.

Most of our students find this to be a convenient and cost-effective way to study at university.

How are the rooms assigned at Sidney?

First-year students are randomly assigned a room by the Tutorial Office once all offers have been confirmed.

Second and third year students enter a random (rather than academic) ballot. Students can enter this ballot in groups of up to four so that they end up living with friends.

Fourth year undergraduates have a separate ballot run at the end of June, after the exam results have been announced.

It is expected that the room which has been assigned will be used for all three terms.

Download the 'Information about undergraduate accommodation at Sidney' PDF on this page to see which rooms are allocated to students across the different year groups.

What are the rooms like?

All of our undergraduate student rooms are single-occupancy and come fully furnished.

Student rooms typically contain the following (note that minor variation may occur from room to room):

  • Bed
  • Bedside table
  • Bookcase/shelves
  • Desk and desk chair
  • Radiator
  • Wardrobe
  • Curtains
  • Chest of drawers
  • Lamp
  • Small fridge
  • Waste bin
  • Pin board

Some of our rooms have basins, and some have en-suites. All rooms are maintained and refurbished on a regular basis. Card-operated laundry facilities are available on the College site. 

Do you have accessible rooms and cater for medical requirements?

We have a number of bedrooms suitable for students with specific accessibility or support needs. In addition, many rooms are served by lifts, and there is good disabled access to the library and other public rooms.

New students are asked to inform us and the Disability Resource Centre of any particular requirements that we need to make allowances for before arriving.

Take a look at our Accessibility webpage for more information about accessibility at Sidney.

Do Sidney rooms have kitchen equipment nearby?

Yes! All of our rooms have access to nearby kitchens. Simple meals can be prepared in ‘gyp’ kitchens (ie small kitchens) which typically contain a combination microwave, fridge, a grill, toaster, kettle, cupboards, and sink. 

The larger kitchens contain freezers, electric ovens and hobs, and tables and chairs, in addition to the equipment that is provided in a gyp.

We are a catered College with subsidised meal options for a variety of dietary requirements. We have a beautiful Dining Hall and a brand new cafeteria facility too!

Discover more about Eating here on our website.

Does Sidney have any en-suite rooms?

All of our rooms have showers and toilets nearby. Sidney does have a selection of en-suite rooms available, including an entire accommodation block of en-suite rooms (Blundell Court). First year undergraduate students will not be allocated an en-suite room unless there is a medical need.

Communal bathrooms and toilets are cleaned daily seven days a week.

How much does it cost to live at Sidney?

Up-to-date costs are available to view on our Finance and funding page.

Rent is payable in advance at the start of each term, and will be included on the College Bill.

Are students required to vacate their rooms outside of term time?

Like most Cambridge Colleges, Sidney uses its accommodation for conferencing purposes during the vacation periods so students will be required to clear their room and take their possessions home at the end of each term. International students are permitted to store some belongings during the vacation period (storage is occasionally out sourced and held off-site by a third party).

The College's Tutorial and Student Finance Manager is on hand to offer advice and assistance where needed.