Getting around in Cambridge

Maps

Here is a map of the College.

The University’s map

The Universityis map is a great way to see where its buildings are located. Here you will find a detailed map with useful overlays including the ‘Universal’ University bus service and free-to-use bicycle repair stations. Universal offers reduced fares to University students so be sure to present your ID card when boarding the bus.

Google Maps is still one of the best ways to plan your journeys around Cambridge.

Cycling

Cambridge is synonymous with cycling. If you already own a bike, consider bringing it with you. If you haven’t got one yet, new and second-hand bikes are available to buy at the Freshers’ Fair Bike Market which takes place at the start of each academic year, or through the many bike shops in Cambridge. Working front and rear bike lights are a legal requirement. Like everywhere, bike theft is a problem in Cambridge so invest in a good-quality lock.

Bike rental is another option. Mobike and independent bike shops offer short- and long-term bike hire options. City Cycle Hire is closest to the College and offers hire periods from half a day to 12 months. The College owns and maintains a number of 'loaner' bikes for students to use in a pinch.

We politely request that you do not cycle on the footpaths within the campus.

For those of you bringing your own bicycles to College, we have a covered bicycle rack opposite the Porters' Lodge. The University requires student bicycles to be numbered and the number to be displayed on the bicycle. The Porters' Lodge will allocate a number once you have filled in the bycicle registration form (link below); please be sure to do this as soon as you have a bicycle in Cambridge to avoid losing your bicycle. Below you can also find the link for a useful guide to cycling at uni.

Bycicle Registration Form

Cycling at Uni guide

Safety - you are advised to take your personal safety very seriously.  Bicycles are required by law to have working lights and a rear reflector at night (note that the police can fine you for riding without lights at night).  Cycle helmets and reflective clothing are strongly recommended!

Security - always use a good strong lock, preferably a D-lock, especially in public places.  Unfortunately, bicycle theft is common in Cambridge so insurance against theft is strongly recommended (this may be covered by your home insurance policy).

A bicycle cull takes place annually with 2 weeks notice given - any bicycle not marked in advance will be removed and disposed of.

College bicycle loan

The College has a number of bicycles which are available for the use of Lucy Cavendish College students, staff and Fellows for short-term or emergency use. There is no charge for bike hire but they must be secured with the 'D' lock and key provided by the College whenever they are left. The College can also provide lights for night or evening use (please remove the lights from the bicycle when you leave it or they will be stolen).

Call in to the Porters' Lodge for details about how to hire a bicycle and please cycle responsibly.

Buses

Cambridge has a good local bus service. Note especially the Uni 4, which is part-funded by the University and current members of the University can travel for a subsidised fare on presentation of their University card.

Walking

Walking is arguably the best way to get to know your way around Cambridge. Its historic centre is full of narrow, cobbled streets that are best navigated on foot.  Journey times will depend on your speed, but here some examples:

• University Library: 12-16 minutes
• Centre of town (Market Square): 10-15 minutes

Bus

The  Universal Bus (U Bus) provides a subsidised service for students.  There is a bus stop close to the College.  Services run to University Library, the Sidgwick Site, Silver Street, the railway station, and the Biomedical campus at Addenbrookes via the Busway.  In the other direction the U Bus goes to the West Cambridge site (including the University Sports Centre) and Eddington.

Stagecoach East is our main local operator. Plan your journey, view timetables and book tickets through its website – or pay by cash or card on the bus.

Taxi

There are many taxi operators in Cambridge. Most take cash and card payments. You can book a cab through the Porters’ Lodge.

Cars

Students are not usually allowed to keep a car in Cambridge, though there are some circumstances in which it’s permitted. All student car enquiries should be directed to the Student Office at studentoffice@lucy.cam.ac.uk.