Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

The Railyard

Reception desk in The Railyard

If you love the hustle and bustle of city centre living with everything on your doorstep, The Railyard is for you.

Just a 15-minute walk from campus, The Railyard is also close to Cambridge train station, supermarkets and a range of restaurants – along with a bowling alley, gym, theatre and cinema.

There are 196 en suite rooms split into 41 flats. The Railyard is owned and managed by Downing Students, who provide 24-hour support from the on-site reception.

Cambridge property comparison chart

  • 15-minute walk to campus
  • All bills included (gas, water, electricity, Wi-Fi and contents insurance)
  • Wi-Fi and wired internet
  • En-suite rooms
  • 24-hour reception
  • On-site security
  • On-site repairs and maintenance service included in the rent
  • Self-service launderette
  • Common room
  • Free on-site gym
  • Bicycle storage
  • Post boxes and parcel collection point
  • Unfortunately, there is no parking available

  • Small double bed (4 foot) and mattress
  • Under-bed storage
  • Wardrobe
  • Desk and chair
  • Shelf
  • Noticeboard

En-suite rooms contain:

  • Toilet
  • Sink
  • Mirror
  • Shower

Kitchens (shared between five to seven students)

  • Fridge freezer
  • Oven with grill and hob
  • Microwave
  • Cupboard space
  • Dining table and stools
  • Sofa
  • TV (TV licence not included)
  • Toaster
  • Kettle
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Mop and bucket
  • Dustpan and brush
  • Broom
  • Iron
  • Ironing board

Common room

  • TV
  • PlayStation 4
  • Pool table
  • Table football

The Railyard is about 15 minutes' walk from the Collier Road gate at the back of campus. View on Google Maps.

Before you move in

You'll need to pay a £100 holding deposit, which will form part payment of your first rent instalment. You will also be asked to pay five weeks' rent before your contract starts.

Rent

The Railyard asks you to give details of a UK-based guarantor. If you cannot, you can instead choose payment plan 2 or 3 below.

For current rent prices, please check our Cambridge halls and houses cost comparison (PDF).

Options for paying your rent:

  1. Four instalments: August (before you move in), September, January and April (you need to have a UK-based guarantor to choose this option)
  2. Payment for the whole of the contract before you move in
  3. Three instalments: August (before you move in), October and December

If you'd like to book a room in The Railyard, simply apply online.

Once you’ve applied, we'll send your details to Downing Students, who own and manage The Railyard. They will arrange for you to pay any upfront costs and sign your tenancy agreement. View the Downing Students privacy policy.

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