Living and Working in Cambridge

The beautiful city of Cambridge, in the county of Cambridgeshire is situated in eastern England. It is only around sixty miles from London which makes travel to and from the capital relatively easy. A train to London can take considerably less than an hour and if driving then it is conveniently connected by the M11 motorway.

The River Cam which is great for spotting wildlife (and houseboats!) flows through Cambridge and is popular with both residents and tourists alike. Whether you take a relaxing stroll along the riverbank or meander at your leisure in a boat or more specifically a ‘punt’ (which is a narrow and flat bottomed boat which is driven by a pole), the quintessential English countryside can be enjoyed from both sides of the river.

Cambridge has a legendary university which is home to over 20,00 students from over 140 countries. It has always been popular and has been global leaders in research and study for centuries, paving the way for academic excellence. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and dates back to 1209. It is currently second in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and remains the highest rated higher education institution in the UK. Some well known people who have attended the establishment include David Attenborough, Steven Hawking and King Charles. The university consists of thirty one colleges, many of which are beautifully architectured historic buildings and some can be visited by the public with several interesting tours available. A selection of these associated buildings are Kings College and King's College Chapel, Trinity College, Peterhouse College (which is the oldest) and the wonderfully exhilarating Botanic Garden.

As well as the university connection, the close proximity to London further strengthens the economy  of the city which continues to flourish. Going from strength to strength, Cambridge is known for its thriving knowledge based economy and is a hub of technological and academic excellence. Industry strengths are especially apparent in technology and innovation, biotechnology and life sciences, education and research, retail and consumer goods, financial and professional services, manufacturing and creative and cultural industries. In addition, tourism and hospitality generates a significant amount towards the economy with several million visitors per annum, a number which is ever increasing. Cambridge has a vibrant startup ecosystem and the presence of the university, coupled with access to capital and a culture of innovation, has led to the growth of numerous successful startups in various sectors.

Cambridge has much to offer apart from the university and it has an interesting history involving the Romans, river trading, devastating fires and pestilent plagues! Tours and guided walks of the city are frequently offered by experts which is a fantastic and highly interactive way of experiencing the real Cambridge and of course, being able to ask questions along the way.

There's no getting away from the fact that Cambridge is a highly desirable place to live. It is a romantic city that has offered inspiration over the centuries but it can also be an expensive place to live. It is described as being one of the UK’s most expensive cities to buy a house with a garden. Affluent, green and safe ~ Cambridge may be out of many people's price range but once out of the city itself and into the surrounding areas, then you do see the prices fall.

Cambridge provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional development. It is an increasingly sought after city which offers an exceptional quality of life, combining a rich cultural heritage with a thriving economy.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be on March 1st between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the beautiful and historic Guildhall, CB2 3QF.