Student Housing in Preston

Student Accommodation in Preston

Preston is a city in Lancashire in North West England, located on the north bank of the River Ribble. It is known for its mix of historic and modern architecture, with Victorian buildings, Georgian squares and contemporary developments. Preston also has a rich industrial heritage and is home to the University of Lancashire, one of the UK's largest universities. According to HESA data, there are 23,850 students currently in Preston, of whom 4,895 are international, and 18,955 are domestic. Student accommodation in Preston is popular because of the city's affordable cost of living, compact layout and excellent transport links to Manchester, Liverpool and other major cities. 

The city has a well-established student accommodation market. Finding accommodation is generally easier and more affordable than in larger student cities such as Manchester or Leeds, although properties near the city centre are in high demand. Popular areas like Preston City Centre, Avenham, and Fulwood are often booked early because they are within a short walk of the university. Students who book 3-4 months before the September intake have the widest choice of accommodation. At UniAcco, students can compare verified student accommodation in Preston, explore different room types and prices, and receive 24/7 support to find the right student home.

 

Preston Student Accommodation in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Preston?

Students choose accommodation in Preston for its affordability, modern amenities, prime location, safe environment and vibrant local lifestyle. Preston's compact layout means the University of Lancashire campus, libraries and city centre all sit close together, allowing most students to walk to lectures in minutes. Many private halls and PBSAs bundle Wi-Fi, utilities, and security into a single transparent weekly price, with an average rent of £112/week, making it easier for students to manage their budgets without worrying about hidden costs. Popular areas like Corporation Street, Moor Lane and Deepdale place students right next to supermarkets, cafés and everyday essentials, while fast rail and road links connect Preston easily to Manchester and Liverpool for weekend trips or part-time work. Housing options range from budget shared student houses in Plungington to modern private studios with gyms, social lounges, and green spaces like Avenham and Miller Parks, giving students an easy escape close to home. 

 

UniAcco Insights 

• Average weekly rent: £112
• 75% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging £100/week.
• 21% choose studios, averaging £162/week.

 

Accommodation Types Available in Preston

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Preston

Preston has a well-established student accommodation market and is more affordable than larger cities like Manchester and Leeds. Areas such as Preston City Centre, Avenham, and Fulwood are popular with students because they are close to the University of Lancashire, but properties here can fill up quickly. Below are the top 10 affordable student accommodations in Preston, offering furnished rooms, modern amenities, and different price options to suit student budgets. Students can also compare verified properties on UniAcco and get 24/7 support when booking their accommodation.

• Moor Lane Halls
• 73 Dallas Street, Preston
• Jubilee Court
• Trinity Student Village
• Walker Street
• Foundry Court
• iQ Kopa, Preston
• Leighton Hall
• The Warehouse Preston
• The Tramshed

 

Best Student Housing in Preston

What makes student accommodation in Preston a good choice? The city has affordable housing, a large student community, and easy access to the University of Lancashire. Many properties offer fully furnished rooms, modern amenities, and all-inclusive bills. Living close to the university also makes it easier to reach classes, shops, restaurants, and other daily essentials. Below are the top 10 student accommodations in Preston, giving students a range of options based on location, facilities, and budget.

• Friargate Court
• Boatmans Court
• Sizer Court
• Unity Living Urban Hub, Preston
• 16 Lovat Road, Preston
• Ladywell Halls
• Oxheys Court
• Malthouse Court
• Bowran House
• 59 Trafford Street, Preston

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Preston

• Preston City Centre — This is the main shopping and social area of Preston, with the Flag Market, Harris Museum, Guild Hall, shops and restaurants all nearby. The bus and train stations are also here, making it easy to travel around the city. University of Lancashire is only a 6-minute walk away, so it is a popular choice for students who want everything close by.
• Avenham — Known for Avenham Park, this area gives students easy access to one of Preston's best green spaces. The park has open lawns, a bandstand and views across the River Ribble, making it a nice place to relax between classes. University of Lancashire is around a 16-minute walk away, while the city centre is also close.
• Fulwood — This is a quieter, greener area with more of a suburban feel. It is home to Fulwood Barracks, which has a long history in the city. University of Lancashire is around 18 minutes away by bus, making it a better option for students who prefer a calmer area and do not mind using public transport.
• Ashton-on-Ribble — Located west of the city centre, this area has a more residential feel and a strong local community. It also has links to Preston's old industrial and dock areas around the River Ribble. University of Lancashire is around 8 minutes away by bus, so students can live away from the centre without having a long journey to university.
• Friargate — One of Preston's best-known streets, Friargate is full of independent shops, bars and places to eat. It has a lively student atmosphere, especially in the evenings. University of Lancashire is only a 4-minute walk away, making it one of the most convenient areas for students who want to stay close to campus and nightlife.

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities

 

Getting Around Preston — Student Travel Guide

Getting around Preston is easy, with most places in the city centre within walking distance of the University of Lancashire. Buses are useful for reaching areas such as Fulwood and Ashton-on-Ribble, while cycling is a good option for longer local journeys. For trips outside Preston, the city’s main railway station offers direct connections to places such as Manchester, London and Glasgow. Students can also save on travel with discounted bus tickets and Railcards.

 

Transport options and costs:

 

Student Life in Preston

• Cafes and Study Spaces

Whether it's revising before a deadline or catching up with friends after lectures, Preston has plenty of places to unwind. Students often visit independent cafés around the city centre and Winckley Square, while the University of Lancashire Library provides quiet study spaces, group work areas and extended opening hours during exam season.

• Student Societies

Getting involved outside the classroom is a big part of university life in Preston. The University of Lancashire Students' Union has societies covering everything from sports and music to gaming, volunteering and cultural interests, making it easy to meet people with similar backgrounds and hobbies.

• Shopping

From everyday essentials to weekend shopping, students have plenty of options in Preston. Fishergate and the St George's Shopping Centre are home to popular high-street brands, while the Flag Market and surrounding streets offer independent shops, cafés and local businesses. Supermarkets such as Tesco, Aldi, Asda and Sainsbury's are all within easy reach of the main student areas.

• Sports and Fitness

Staying active is easy in Preston. The university offers modern sports facilities and fitness classes, while Avenham and Miller Parks are popular spots for running, football and relaxing outdoors. Preston is also home to Deepdale, the stadium of Preston North End FC, and several gyms across the city offer student memberships.

• Nightlife and Entertainment

Evenings in Preston range from relaxed pub nights to live music and club events. Students often spend time around Fishergate and the city centre, where bars, restaurants and venues host regular live performances. For something different, there are cinemas, bowling alleys and seasonal events throughout the year.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Preston

The best student accommodation in Preston comes to those who book before the rush. The best-located, most affordable properties in areas like Avenham and Preston City Centre tend to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below: 

 

How to Book Your Student Accommodation in Preston with UniAcco?

Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.

Step 1: Compare prices and properties

First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 20 verified listings, shortlist the accommodation that suits your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details 

Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get the confirmation

Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.