Best Student Accommodation in Preston, United Kingdom

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is Preston's main university, ranked in the UK's top 100 and rated world-leading in 16 subject areas. Established in 1828, it has campuses in Preston, Burnley, Westlakes, London, and Cyprus, offering 600+ courses. Industry partners include British Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, and Cisco, helping graduates launch 1,000+ businesses in five years.

Preston College

Preston College is one of England's largest further education colleges, teaching 20,000 to 30,000 students each year. As an associate college of UCLan, it offers T-Levels, BTECs, apprenticeships and higher education pathways, with clear progression routes into university degrees. Courses are developed alongside employers, giving students strong industry placement opportunities and practical, career-focused training.

ONCAMPUS UCLan

ONCAMPUS UCLan is a pathway programme based directly on the UCLan campus, helping international students prepare for undergraduate study. It offers Foundation and International Year One programmes, guaranteeing progression to a chosen UCLan degree upon successful completion.  Students benefit from dedicated English language support, access to UCLan’s facilities and integrated academic support throughout. 

There are many options for student accommodation in Preston, with different prices, locations and room types. Average rents range from around £80 to £190 per week depending on room type and location.

Private Student Accommodation in Preston

Affordable Student Accommodation in Preston

Room Types Available in Preston

Preston offers accommodation to suit every budget and privacy preference:

1. Ensuite Rooms: Private bedroom with an attached bathroom, while kitchen and lounge areas are shared.

Privacy: Private bathroom for comfort

Shared Living Areas: Kitchen and lounge shared with flatmates

Ideal For: Students who want privacy with the option to socialise

2. Shared Apartments: Individual private bedrooms with shared bathroom, kitchen and lounge facilities usually the most budget-friendly option.

Privacy: Bedrooms are private; other areas are communal

Shared Living Areas: Strong focus on social living and group activities

Ideal For: Students who enjoy social living and making new friends

3. Studio Apartments: A self-contained unit with a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette all in one space.

Privacy: Complete independence with private facilities

Shared Living Areas: None; the entire space belongs to the resident

Ideal For: Students who prefer full independence

4. Private Student Flats: a full flat bedroom, bathroom and kitchen solely for one student, or for a small group/friends sharing a larger unit.

Privacy: Full privacy with no shared areas (or shared only among your own group)

Shared Living Areas: None

Ideal For: Students who want maximum comfort and independence, or groups booking together

Preston is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. Its neighbourhoods are surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and student attractions.

Preston has a lower cost of living than most UK cities, including Liverpool and London. A single person's monthly cost of living, excluding rent, is estimated to be between £600 and £900, depending on lifestyle.

Quick Monthly Breakdown (excluding rent):

• Food & Groceries: £150 – £220

• Transportation: £40 – £86

• Utilities: £20 – £50 (or £270–£650 if not bills-inclusive accommodation)

• Mobile/Phone Plan: £8.50 – £20

• Leisure & Miscellaneous: £40 – £80

Student Accommodation

Groceries

Utilities

Transportation

Preston has a useful local transport network of buses and trains, but for short journeys in the city centre, it is often easiest to walk.

Bus

The main public transportation option is the bus network, which is managed by Preston Bus. It offers services across the city and the surrounding areas. Typically around £3, with discounts available for people under 19 and students. The most popular bus station is Preston Bus Station.

Trains

Train services are managed by National Rail. The system links Preston to other UK cities like Manchester and Liverpool. Trains are more expensive than buses; however, students can get a discount with the 16–25 Student Railcard. It is very useful for long-distance travel. The main train station in Preston is Preston (Lancs) Railway Station.

Walking

The best way for international students to mix with Preston’s environment is by walking to get the city vibes. If you would like to walk and enjoy fresh air, there are many parks, such as Miller Park, Haslam Park, Beacon Fell Country Park, and Hurst Grange Park.

Cycling 

Many student accommodations in Preston offer secure bike storage, and cycling is a popular, low-cost way to get around the compact city centre. Look for bike-friendly properties if you plan to cycle to campus.

Dining & Nightlife

Popular spots include Caffè Nero and Turtle Bay for food, along with a range of cafés and restaurants across the city centre and Broadgate area.

Culture & Heritage

• Lancashire Infantry Museum: History of Lancashire's infantry regiments from the 1600s to today; student tickets £4 with valid ID

• The Harris: Fine art, regional history and a public library under one roof; free entry

• Wild Discovery: Exotic and unique animals including capybaras, Arctic foxes and sloths

Green Spaces

Miller Park, Haslam Park, Beacon Fell Country Park, Hurst Grange Park, and Avenham Park are popular with students for walks, picnics and downtime between classes.

Shopping

St George's Shopping Centre and Fishergate Shopping Centre are the main shopping destinations in Preston city centre.

Entertainment

Red Rose Bowl: one of the largest bowling alleys in the North West of England, featuring pool tables, an arcade, and ten-pin bowling.

Short-term student housing in Preston offers flexible move-in and move-out dates for students who don't need a full-year contract, ideal for a single term, short course, or temporary stay while settling in.

Properties well-suited for short-term stays:

• Foundry Court — fully furnished en-suite rooms with communal areas

• Trinity Student Village — well-fitted apartments with study area and in-house laundry access

• Urban Hub — modern studios and shared apartments available short-term, close to the city centre

• iQ Kopa — en-suite rooms with shared kitchens and gym facilities, also available for shorter stays