The travellers who book a bed here, in the second busiest hostel in England & Wales, come for a variety of reasons: There are tourists and backpackers as well as those who stop off at YHA Cambridge when first moving to the city, country or continent. The vulnerable ones amongst the guests come in search of friendships they find it difficult if not impossible to strike up in more traditional social settings.

Despite all their differences they share rooms, enduring each other’s night time habits and snores. Transient friendships are forged easily. Diverse groups band together, providing friendship and even family replacements. Some will return home after their stay of up to two weeks, a few will make Cambridge theirs. Others yet will continue their travels, never staying for long in any one place.

While their faces are ever changing the warm and welcoming atmosphere and sense of community between them remains.