'Maintenance’ refers to the absolute minimum estimated living costs that you will need to cover during your time at the University.
You won’t need to pay anyone this amount, but you do need to make sure you have these funds available to support yourself and any dependants for the duration of your studies.
Although many full-time postgraduate students are housed by their Colleges (either within the College grounds or in postgraduate hostels or flats), few Colleges can house all their student members. There can be a strong demand for suitable private rented accommodation in Cambridge but the Accommodation Service is available to offer friendly and helpful advice on housing.