Cambridge University support staff who said they were paid below the rate of inflation for too long have demanded action to address their concerns.
Unite, the union representing 450 staff who work in the University Library, Fitzwilliam Museum, estates management and the engineering department, said many earned less that £23,000.
Members are expected to strike from Wednesday until Friday.
The university said the action was "regretful".
Unite claimed the educational setting had continually failed to pay staff a fair wage.
A spokesperson added: "Despite being one of the world's most prestigious institutes of learning, the university is trying to force through a real terms pay cut.
"Workers have only been offered an increase of between 5% and 6%. The pay award was due to come into effect in August last year when the real inflation rate (RPI) stood at 9%."
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said members have had enough and added: "It might be a prestigious university, but that doesn't put food on the table or pay the bills of essential workers doing vital roles across the university."
In a statement, Cambridge University told the BBC it was "committed to open and constructive dialogue with Unite".
It said it had commissioned a pay review which was "being progressed as a matter of urgency".
"A special joint negotiating committee with representatives from all three recognised unions, including Unite, has been constituted to discuss the pay review," it added.
