Oxford and Cambridge Universities’ short terms, combined with the Open events in these cities, means that visitors can stay cheaply in an historic college this September while enjoying free entry to many historic attractions.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - September 4th, 2025 - While many universities are welcoming ‘freshers’ and returning students this September, Oxford and Cambridge’s ‘Michaelmas’ terms don’t start until October. That means inexpensive accommodation is still available in historic colleges in both cities until at least the end of this month.

Better still, September coincides with Oxford and Cambridge’s remarkable Open events, when many of the cities’ most important colleges and other famous buildings are open to the public for free.

Johanna Jernberg, a travel expert from the specialist accommodation finder UniversityRooms.com, says: ‘During September, visitors to Oxford and Cambridge can gain free access to many celebrated buildings that are not normally open to the public. In Cambridge, many famous landmarks are open from 12-21 September in association with Heritage Open Days, while Oxford’s Open Doors events take place on 13-14 September.

‘Oxford Preservation Trust has run Oxford Open Doors since 2008. Last year, nearly 30,000 people visited well over 100 venues. Among the top attractions this year is Love Lane, an ancient and historic walk that has been closed off to the public for a century. It will be open on Sunday, 14 September. In contrast, Oxford’s busy BMW-Mini car plant is throwing open its doors for the weekend with access to its museum and heritage area. There’s a full downloadable programme of Oxford events available.

‘Cambridge, meanwhile, is working with Heritage Open Days for over a week of special events. People can visit historic libraries such as the Wren Library in Trinity College and the Parker Library in Corpus Christi. Among the other events, visitors can tour the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 September. There’s also the chance to peek behind the scenes of the famous Cambridgeshire Collection at Cambridge Central Library.

‘Both cities are also opening many of their historic colleges for free during their Open events. That’s not the only good news for anyone wanting to explore Oxford and Cambridge Universities’ most famous colleges. It’s even possible to stay in them this September. Visitors can enjoy a backstage pass to life in these prestigious colleges. It will save money and, best of all, they are open to non-students.

‘It doesn’t take an educated guess to realise that university accommodation is likely to get very booked up for September’s Open events. For more information and to book your stay in Cambridge this September, see: https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/cambridge/home/ For information on staying in Oxford, see https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/oxford/home/

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