Student Finance FAQ

Is Cambridge more expensive than other universities?

The short answer is, no, and it can even be cheaper. In many Colleges, and Robinson is one, students live in College accommodation throughout their undergraduate course, if they want. The rent for College accommodation is paid for the weeks a student is normally in College, that is, up to 30 weeks per year. In other words, students pay for their term-time accommodation and do not need to pay for their rooms when they are not here. This is not always the case elsewhere.

How do Robinson College charges compare with other Colleges?

Your principal expense as an undergraduate student at Robinson will be our 'Residence Charge'. The size of the Residence Charge will depend upon the standard of room you are allocated for your first year and the standard of room you choose to live in for your second and third years. Most rooms available to first year students incurred a charge of around £1,023 to £1,130 per term (2006/7). Overall student charges at Robinson are comparable with those of other colleges, but the other colleges have a number of separate charges, including room rent and a compulsory catering charge, which are increased annually. Our consolidated Residence Charge will, for a given room, be fixed for three years.

When do fees need to be paid?

Fees are paid termly, not yearly, which makes budgeting easier.

Can I have a job during term?

We do not allow undergraduate students to work during term-time, on the grounds that, with our very short terms and intensive courses, it is simply not possible to combine study and work. However, there are various kinds of work available in the College during vacations. Also, it is worth remembering that Cambridge vacations are longer than those of most other Universities, so there is more scope for vacation work.