Learning from Cambridge
Last week, Charles and Prakhar travelled to Cambridge to gain first-hand insight into student life in one of the world’s most iconic university cities. We were fortunate to meet with Viv Goenka, a Land Economy student at Magdalene College, who shared a valuable student perspective on what makes the Cambridge experience truly distinctive.
The visit formed part of our mission to ensure that Casa, our student accommodation brand, is deeply rooted in the character and culture of each university city we operate in. We’re not interested in rolling out a generic product, we want to create places that reflect how students really live, learn and connect.
As we explored the courtyards, libraries and common rooms of several Cambridge colleges, it became clear how integral the physical environment is to the student experience. Each college offers its own architectural identity and social dynamic, but they all share one common trait: a seamless integration between living spaces, academic buildings and the city’s historic urban fabric.
Cambridge’s blend of tradition and modernity stood out. Historic colleges are interwoven with contemporary social spaces, bars and cafés, creating a setting where academic pursuit meets vibrant community life. The city’s collegiate structure fosters a powerful sense of belonging and shared purpose, something that’s hard to replicate but essential to understand.
What we took away from the visit is this: great student accommodation is about more than comfort and convenience, it’s about context. It should enhance, not dilute, the student experience by drawing inspiration from the local culture, history and way of life.
As we continue developing Casa across Europe, we are committed to designing places that feel authentic to each city – where students don’t just live but truly belong.
 | Magdalene College Library where student led events and exhibitions often held |
 | Courtyard space between multiple student dwellings where students can congregate |
 | Student Accommodation in Magdalene College within main building next to gym and music hall |
 | Another angle of area above |
 | Gym at Magdalene College |
 | Accommodation Block for First year students – Magdalene College |
 | Team and Viv in front of Kings College |
 | Queen’s College Student Accommodation Block |
 | Queen’s College Accommodation Block |
 | Inside Harvey’s Coffee House at Gonville & Caius College – main social hub at Harvey Court where a lot of students congregated |
 | Accommodation Block at Harvey Court- Gonville & Caius College |
 | Accommodation at Clare College |
 | Accommodation Block at Homerton College – this college had larger space and more modern blocks however was on opposite side of town from other Cambridge Colleges and felt slightly disconnected from the city centre |