In September, I spent 3 nights in a dorm room at St John’s College in Cambridge. This was my first time staying in university accommodations so I thought I’d write a quick report.
Some universities offer dorm rooms to tourists between terms. Because I started my trip in early September and the fall term begins in October, this was an option for me. I used this website to find and book accommodations:
https://www.universityrooms.com
I chose St John’s because it offered rooms with an ensuite bathroom, had good reviews on the booking site, and was in an excellent location. Here is some specific info about St John’s
https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/cambridge/college/stjohnscambridge
This was a good deal for me, but it may not appeal to everyone. My room rate was 99.50 GBP per night.
My room was in the 2nd court (built between 1598 and 1602). The room was up 2 flights and the staircase had uneven, winding stairs; it would not be a good choice for someone with mobility issues or someone who could not carry their luggage up such a staircase. My room was actually multiple rooms; it included a sitting room (loveseat, table, shelf, desk and chair), bedroom (single bed, wardrobe, dresser), kitchenette (fridge, sink, hob, kettle), and bathroom with shower. The floor had a significant slope; one side of the room was probably 6 inches higher than the other side. I guess that is what happens in a 400 year-old building. I did not expect the room to be so large. I am not sure if all the rooms are this size or have a kitchenette; this was not mentioned on the website. Wifi, a hairdryer, soap, shampoo, and coffee and tea-making supplies were included. I arrived at the end of record high temperatures and the room was very hot and there was no fan; fortunately, by evening it had cooled down and with the windows open the room was comfortable. I don’t know if I would want to chance a stay here in August.
The rate included breakfast in ”The Buttery” which was on the ground floor of my building. Breakfast was buffet style with all the fixings of a full English breakfast (e.g., eggs, sausage, beans, mushrooms, etc), as well as continental breakfast options.
B&B guests could visit the college’s bar (pay) which appeared to offer a full range of drinks. I had a glass of wine in the bar one evening and the charge was under 4 GBP. There was also a cafe selling coffee, cakes, etc. that was open during the day. I stopped by for a latte one afternoon.
I was able to walk around the grounds and visit the Chapel. St Johns is the college with the Bridge of Sighs that you see in so many photos of Cambridge. After hours, I had to use a specific gate and buzz the porter to be admitted to the grounds. I took a taxi to and from the rail station which was under 10 GBP.
I would consider staying in university accommodations again and I think this is a good option for anyone interested in budget accommodations in a great location.