Student Life in Preston

Student life in Preston: what to expect

Preston is one of the most affordable student cities in the North West, home to over 30,000 students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). It is a compact, well-connected city with a strong student community, good transport links and easy access to both major northern cities and the Lancashire countryside. This guide covers the practical aspects of student life in Preston — accommodation, transport, cost of living and what the city has to offer.

Universities in Preston

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is one of the largest universities in the UK, with a city-centre campus at the heart of Preston. It has a diverse student body of around 30,000 and strong industry partnerships across medicine, journalism, forensic science, engineering and the arts. Preston College and Cardinal Newman College also have a significant student presence in the city, as does the Royal Preston Hospital, which serves as a teaching hospital for health and medical students.

Accommodation in Preston

Students in Preston choose between university-managed halls, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and privately rented houses. PBSA in Preston is concentrated in the city centre and typically includes all utility bills. Private house shares in areas like Avenham and Fulwood are also popular with continuing students and are generally affordable by North West standards.

The following properties are listed in full on Hallbookers:

• Canterbury Hall — View listing
• Trinity Student Village — View listing
• Foundry Court — View listing
• Sizer Court — View listing
• The Warehouse Apartments — View listing
• Student Houses in Preston — View listing

For a full overview of areas, costs and transport links, see our Preston student accommodation city guide.

Cost of living in Preston

Preston is consistently among the most affordable places to study in the North West. PBSA typically ranges from around £100 to £200 per week with bills included. Private house shares in popular student areas cost approximately £380–£500 per person per month, excluding bills — lower than comparable cities like Manchester or Leeds.

Day-to-day living costs — food, transport and leisure — are also lower than in larger northern cities. Preston has a well-established independent food and drink scene in and around the city centre, with a range of affordable options for students.

Getting around Preston

Preston is compact and most campus buildings are within a 10–15 minute walk of Preston Bus Station and Preston Railway Station.

Stagecoach operates the main bus network. The UniRider Student Pass provides unlimited travel on Stagecoach services in Lancashire at approximately 81p per day, available to UCLan students. The Preston Bus Student Term Ticket is a further option, purchasable through the Preston Bus app with a valid university ID. Service 31 stops directly outside the UCLan Students' Union. Most buses accept contactless payment.

Preston Railway Station is a major national interchange approximately 5–10 minutes on foot from the main UCLan campus, with direct services to Manchester (around 35 minutes), Liverpool (around 45 minutes), London Euston (under 2 hours) and Glasgow. A 16–25 Railcard or 26–30 Railcard gives a third off most train fares.

UCLan provides good cycling facilities including over 60 individual cycle lockers and secure compounds on campus. Bike hire is available at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre. The Guild Wheel, a dedicated cycle route encircling the city, is popular with students who cycle for leisure.

What to do in Preston

Preston has a well-established student scene centred on the city centre. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter and one of the city's most visited cultural venues. Avenham Park and Miller Park, alongside the River Ribble, are popular green spaces a short walk from campus. Deepdale Stadium, home to Preston North End, is accessible from the city centre.

Preston's location in Lancashire gives students easy access to the wider region. The Forest of Bowland, the Ribble Valley and the Lancashire coast are all reachable by public transport. Manchester and Liverpool are under an hour by train, and Blackpool is around 30 minutes — making Preston a practical base for students who want to explore the North West.

Frequently asked questions

Is Preston affordable for students?

Yes. Preston is one of the most affordable student cities in the North West, with lower accommodation costs and living expenses than Manchester or Leeds. PBSA typically starts from around £100 per week with bills included.

How well connected is Preston?

Very well connected. Preston Railway Station has direct services to Manchester (35 minutes), Liverpool (45 minutes), London Euston (under 2 hours) and Glasgow. Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport are both within around 40 miles of the city.

What is UCLan like as a university?

UCLan is one of the largest universities in the UK with around 30,000 students. It has a city-centre campus in Preston and strong industry links across a wide range of subjects including medicine, journalism, forensic science and engineering.

What areas do students live in Preston?

Most UCLan students live in the city centre, Avenham, Miller Park or Fulwood. The city-centre campus means most areas of Preston are within a manageable distance of the university by foot or bus.