Living in Cambridge means more than just punting, picturesque college views, and late-night library sessions. With increasing awareness of the climate crisis and the rising cost of energy, many students are looking for ways to live more sustainably – without breaking the bank. Whether you’re in halls of residence, a rented flat, or sharing a big, drafty student house, there are practical, low-cost steps you can take to make your home greener and your energy bills lower.

Quick and budget-friendly eco swaps

You don’t need to be a homeowner or have deep pockets to make a difference. Here are some of the easiest and most affordable sustainability wins:

1. Switch to LED bulbs

This one’s a no-brainer. LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last up to twenty-five times longer. At just a few pounds each, you can easily upgrade your desk lamp or bedside light. If your tenancy agreement allows, consider replacing other bulbs in your home too – just remember to keep the originals for when you move out.

2. Draught-proof your room

Many student houses and college buildings are old, beautiful… and freezing. Draughts around windows and doors can cost you warmth and money on your heating bills. Use self-adhesive draught excluder tape around windows and doors, or pop a draught excluder cushion (or even a rolled-up towel) at the bottom of a leaky door. A pack of tape costs less than £5 and can save up to £45 per year, according to the Energy Savings Trust.

3. Layer up – your home, that is

Adding a thermal curtain lining behind your existing curtains can help trap heat indoors. If you don’t have curtains, a second-hand pair from a charity shop will often do the trick. Rugs (even cheap ones) on bare floors can also help keep things toasty.

4. Be smart with heating

If your accommodation has individual room thermostats or electric heaters, resist the urge to crank them up. Try setting it to the lowest comfortable temperature – 18 to 20°C is usually sufficient. Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket (which uses very little electricity) for an extra boost in those cold winter months.

5. Use a washing-up bowl and wash full loads

In shared kitchens, small habits go a long way. Use a bowl for washing up rather than letting the tap run. If you have access to a washing machine, make sure it’s full before running it and wash clothes at 30°C wherever possible.

6. Switch off vampire devices

Electronics like TVs, game consoles, chargers, and printers suck energy even when they’re on standby. Make it a habit to switch off power strips when not in use. Over a year, this could save around £60 on your electricity bill.

7. Go second-hand

From clothes and furniture to kitchenware, buying pre-loved items reduces demand for new manufacturing and often supports local charities. Cambridge has great second-hand shops, like the British Heart Foundation on Burleigh Street, as well as Facebook Marketplace and local swap groups.

8. Cut down on food waste

Plan meals, store leftovers properly, and get creative with what’s already in your fridge. Apps like Too Good To Go let you snap up unsold food from Cambridge cafés and restaurants at discounted prices – saving food from landfill and helping your budget.

Lucky enough to own your own home? Here are some of the best eco-friendly options you can implement on a more permanent basis

While students in rented homes might be limited in what they can do when it comes to home improvements, if you’re lucky enough to own a property – or are planning to after graduation – there are some big-ticket sustainability investments that pay off over time, both for the planet and your wallet.

1. Install solar panels

Cambridge might not be the sunniest place on Earth, but solar panels still work efficiently in the UK. Installing them on your roof can significantly reduce your electricity bills and even allow you to sell surplus energy back to the grid. Although upfront costs range from around £4,000 to £7,000+, long-term savings and government incentives (like the Smart Export Guarantee) can make it worthwhile.

2. Upgrade to a heat pump

Heat pumps extract warmth from the air or ground to heat your home and water. They’re far more energy-efficient than traditional boilers and can cut your home’s carbon emissions substantially. The UK government offers grants of up to £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, helping to ease the cost of installation.

3. Improve insulation

Loft and wall insulation are among the most cost-effective ways to reduce heat loss. Well-insulated homes require less energy to heat and stay warm longer. Although more expensive to install (especially solid wall insulation), they offer quick returns in energy bill savings.

4. Double or triple glazing

Upgrading to double or triple-glazed windows helps retain heat and reduce noise – ideal if you live near a busy road. While not cheap, this is a long-lasting investment in comfort and efficiency.

Access local support

In Cambridge and the wider Cambridgeshire area, you may be eligible for additional financial support through schemes like the Energy Company Obligation scheme or Warm Homes: Local Grant, which target lower-income households and older, energy-inefficient homes. Check your eligibility and apply at the links below.

https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation

https://www.gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant

A greener future starts at home

Whether you’re dodging draughts in a student house or making long-term eco-upgrades in your own home, there are steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint which won’t cost the earth (quite literally). Every energy-saving habit, from switching off a light to installing solar panels, contributes to a more sustainable city – and planet.

So, the next time you put on a jumper instead of turning up the heating or rescue a Too Good To Go bag from a city café, know that you’re making a difference.

And remember: the greenest home improvements are the ones that last – so start where you can and grow your impact over time.