University Of Bedfordshire Accommodation

The University of Bedfordshire officially came into existence in 2006 following the merger of the University of Luton and the Bedford campus of De Montfort University. Its history, however, stretches back much further through the technical education institutions that served Bedfordshire during the early twentieth century.

Today, the university has around 14,000 students studying across its campuses and has developed a strong reputation for courses in nursing, midwifery, health sciences, business, law, computer science, media, performing arts and technology.

The main Luton campus sits at University Square, placing students right in the middle of the town centre. Shops, restaurants, cafés and Luton railway station are all within walking distance, allowing many students to complete their daily routine without relying heavily on public transport.

This central location is one of the biggest advantages of choosing University of Bedfordshire student accommodation, as many residences are only a few minutes away from teaching buildings, libraries and student facilities.

Alongside the Luton campus, the university also operates a Bedford campus, which primarily supports education, sport and teacher training programmes, together with several specialist health facilities across the region.

One of the university's biggest advantages is its location. Students benefit from considerably lower living costs than nearby London while still being able to reach London St Pancras in approximately 25 to 40 minutes by train. That combination of affordability and excellent transport continues to attract both UK and international students each year.

Student life at the University of Bedfordshire is shaped by its central location in Luton. With the campus sitting in the middle of the town, students have shops, cafés, restaurants, entertainment venues and transport links within a short walk. Add London's quick rail connections, and you get the convenience of an affordable university town with one of Europe's biggest cities less than an hour away.

Whether you're living in University of Bedfordshire student accommodation close to campus or choosing private housing elsewhere in Luton, there's plenty to keep you busy outside lectures.

Students' Union and Societies

The Beds Students' Union (Beds SU) is at the centre of student life, supporting students across both the Luton and Bedford campuses. Alongside representing student interests, the union organises events, provides advice services and runs clubs and societies throughout the academic year.

Students can choose from more than 60 societies and sports clubs, covering a wide variety of interests.

Popular opportunities include:

• Cultural and international societies

• Faith-based communities

• Health and nursing student groups

• Media and performing arts societies

• Team Beds sports clubs

• Volunteering and student leadership programmes

Joining a society is one of the easiest ways to meet people outside your course, particularly during your first few weeks at university.

Sports and Fitness

Sport at the University of Bedfordshire is organised through Team Beds.

Students studying in Luton have access to on-campus fitness facilities, while many of the university's larger sports facilities are based at the Bedford campus, particularly for athletics and outdoor sport.

Whether you're interested in competitive university teams or simply keeping active between lectures, there are opportunities for students of all experience levels.

Nightlife and Social Scene

Luton's nightlife is relatively relaxed compared with larger university cities, but it offers plenty for students looking to unwind after classes.

The Students' Union regularly organises themed nights, social events and activities throughout the year. Around the town centre you'll find pubs, bars and restaurants catering to different budgets, while The Hat Factory Arts Centre, located close to campus, hosts live performances, exhibitions and cultural events.

One of Luton's biggest advantages is its location. Students wanting larger concerts, clubs or major events can reach central London in around 25 to 40 minutes by train, making weekend trips and evenings out remarkably convenient.

Shopping and Everyday Living

Students rarely need to travel far for everyday essentials.

The Mall Luton sits beside the university and offers supermarkets, fashion retailers, cafés and other high street stores. Bury Park is another popular shopping destination, particularly for international groceries, independent food shops and affordable restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

This combination makes day-to-day living both convenient and relatively affordable compared with many neighbouring towns.

Culture and Local Attractions

Luton has a diverse cultural scene that's often overlooked.

The Hat Factory continues to host theatre, music and community events throughout the year, while Wardown House Museum and Wardown Park provide a quieter place to spend an afternoon away from campus.

Students studying in Luton also experience one of the UK's largest one-day cultural celebrations through the Luton International Carnival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Football supporters often enjoy watching Luton Town FC at Kenilworth Road, adding another aspect to the town's local identity.

Healthcare and Student Support

Students are encouraged to register with a local GP soon after arriving in Luton.

The Luton and Dunstable University Hospital serves the local community and is also an important placement location for students studying nursing, midwifery and other healthcare programmes.

Alongside medical services, the university provides wellbeing, counselling, disability and academic support to help students throughout their studies.

Safety in Luton

Like any busy town centre, it's sensible to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly during late evenings.

The university campus itself is well used throughout the day, and many student accommodation buildings are located within the central area, meaning students rarely have to travel far between lectures and home.

For most students living in student accommodation near University of Bedfordshire, walking remains the easiest and most convenient way to get around during the day.

Luton's student accommodation is concentrated around the university, making it possible for many students to walk to lectures each day. Your choice of neighbourhood will largely depend on whether you want to live as close to campus as possible, prioritise lower rent or enjoy a quieter residential environment.

If you're searching for student accommodation near University of Bedfordshire Luton, these are the areas most students consider first.

Vicarage Street and Park Street

The streets surrounding University Square offer some of the closest accommodation available.

Students living here are usually only two to eight minutes on foot from campus, making this area particularly attractive during busy teaching weeks.

Properties such as Fitzroy Court and Park House are located here, giving students immediate access to university buildings, the library, supermarkets and the town centre without needing public transport.

Chapel Langley

Located just southwest of the campus, Chapel Langley offers another popular choice for students.

The walk to the university generally takes around 10 to 15 minutes, while the surrounding streets provide a quieter atmosphere than the immediate town centre.

Modern developments such as Chapel Street and Opto Village have made this area increasingly popular with students looking for contemporary accommodation within walking distance of lectures.

High Town

High Town sits just beyond Luton railway station and has long been known for its traditional terraced housing.

Students looking to reduce accommodation costs often choose shared houses here, with weekly rents generally remaining lower than purpose-built student residences. The university can usually be reached in around 15 minutes on foot, making it a practical option for students who don't mind a slightly longer walk.

Many students searching for shared student accommodation near University of Bedfordshire begin their search in this neighbourhood because of its combination of affordability and convenience.

Bury Park

Bury Park offers some of Luton's lowest rental prices and has become a popular option for students working with tighter budgets.

Located roughly one mile west of campus, the area is well known for its multicultural community, independent grocery stores and affordable restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

Students looking for cheap student accommodation near University of Bedfordshire Luton often compare Bury Park with High Town before deciding which area best suits their budget.

Bedford Campus Area

Students enrolled on courses based at the Bedford campus should remember that it is located around 20 miles from Luton.

Accommodation suitable for Bedford-based students is generally located near that campus rather than around University Square, so it's important to check which campus your course is taught at before arranging accommodation.

Area	Typical Weekly Rent	Best For
Vicarage Street & Park Street	£143–£183	Students wanting the shortest possible walk to campus
Chapel Langley	£188–£208	Modern accommodation close to the university
High Town	£90–£120	Affordable shared houses
Bury Park	£85–£110	Budget-conscious students
Bedford Campus Area	Varies	Students studying at the Bedford campus only

One of the biggest advantages of studying at the University of Bedfordshire is that Luton is considerably more affordable than many nearby university cities. Students benefit from lower day-to-day expenses while remaining within easy reach of London, making it easier to manage a realistic student budget.

Excluding rent, most students spend between £100 and £130 per week, although this will naturally vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.

Typical Expense	Estimated Weekly Cost
Groceries	£34
Transport	£0–£10
Household bills (if not included)	£16
Social activities	£14
Mobile plan	£3–£5
Course-related expenses	Varies

Students living in purpose-built residences often find budgeting much simpler because utility bills are frequently included within the weekly rent.

Grocery Shopping

Food shopping in Luton is generally less expensive than in many parts of the South East.

The Mall Luton has several supermarkets suitable for everyday essentials, while Bury Park is well known for its independent food stores and international grocery shops that often offer excellent value. Shopping locally and preparing meals at home can significantly reduce weekly living costs.

Transport Costs

Many University of Bedfordshire students spend very little on transport.

The university campus, town centre, railway station and many student residences are all located within walking distance of one another, allowing students to complete most daily journeys on foot.

Those living slightly further away can use local Arriva bus services, but transport costs usually remain relatively low compared with larger cities.

Household Bills

Students renting privately should always check whether utilities are included before signing a tenancy agreement.

If they're charged separately, typical weekly costs are around £16, covering essentials such as:

• Electricity

• Gas

• Water

• Broadband

• TV licence where applicable

Many providers offering private living accommodation near University of Bedfordshire include these bills within the rent, helping students avoid unexpected monthly expenses.

Entertainments and Society

Luton has a usually cheap nightlife, which helps students have a night out without breaking the bank.

Students interact extensively at university events, in cafés, restaurants and local pubs, and sometimes travel to London for concerts, larger events or weekends away.

Typically, it takes about £14 per week to fund typical social activities throughout the semester.

Study and Mobile Costs

SIM-only mobile plans typically cost between £3 and £5 per week depending on provider and data capacity.

Students should also provide for regular academic fees, like printing, stationery, software subscriptions and course supplies. If you’re a nursing or healthcare student doing clinical placements, the NHS Learning Support Fund also offers support with travel costs.

It is important for international students to note that the current guidance for the UK Student visa states that students studying outside London are required to demonstrate they have maintenance funds of £1,171 per month. This is not an average weekly budget, but it is a useful benchmark for budgeting your funds before coming to the UK.

The proper room is more than just the right price. Some students enjoy the social environment of sharing accommodation, others prefer a quieter room for themselves after lectures.

Whether you are looking for first year student accommodation at University of Bedfordshire or moving into private property later on in your course, there are normally three major types of accommodation you will discover available.

Shared rooms

Shared accommodation is still the cheapest way to live in Luton.

Students share a bedroom, or have their own room in a shared house with shared kitchens and baths, used by all of the occupants.

This is a great alternative for students who wish to share with others and save on lodging fees for the entire academic year.

This form of Luton student accommodation is quite popular with many students looking for shared student accommodation near the University of Bedfordshire, due to the lower rent and social environment it offers.

Rooms With En-suite

En-suite rooms offer students a separate bedroom and bathroom, although students share kitchens and public areas with other residents.

This remains to be one of the most sought-after alternatives of accommodation since it gives more solitude without missing out on the social side of student living.

The price normally starts from about £143 per week, depending on the home and location.

Students looking for private shared student accommodation near University of Bedfordshire generally believe en-suite rooms provide the finest blend of independence and price.

Studio Apartments

Studio apartments are fully self-contained, giving students complete privacy throughout their tenancy.

Each studio usually includes:

• Private bedroom

• Kitchenette

• Study area

• Bathroom

Studios are particularly popular with postgraduate students, mature students and anyone who prefers a quieter living environment.

Prices generally begin from around £187 per week, reflecting the additional privacy and independence they provide.

Room Type	Typical Weekly Rent	Best Suited For
Shared Room / House	£85–£120	Students looking for the lowest accommodation costs
En-suite Room	From £143	Students wanting private bathrooms with shared social spaces
Studio Apartment	From £187	Students seeking complete independence

There's no single accommodation type that's right for everyone. Your choice should reflect your budget, preferred level of privacy and the kind of university experience you want throughout your time in Luton.

One of the biggest advantages of studying at the University of Bedfordshire is how close many student residences are to the main campus. Unlike universities where students depend on buses or trains every day, many accommodation options in Luton are within comfortable walking distance of lectures, the library, supermarkets and the railway station.

If you're looking for student accommodation near University of Bedfordshire, these properties are among the most popular choices available through House of Student.

Fitzroy Court

Fitzroy Court is one of the closest student residences to the university.

Located on Vicarage Street, the property is only two to eight minutes on foot from University Square, making it ideal for students who want to minimise their daily commute. Weekly rents start from £143.50, making it one of the best-value options available in central Luton.

Its location also places students within walking distance of shops, cafés and Luton railway station.

Park House

Park House is another good choice for students who want to live close to the school.

It is on Park Street and is a short walk away from the university buildings. It offers modern apartments with rents from £182.50 a week.

Park House regularly ranks high on the list of students who’d prefer convenience over public transit.

Opto Village

Opto Village is in the Chapel Langley area and provides modern accommodation about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the school.

It is popular with students who want modern facilities but want to be able to walk to lectures, starting at £187.50 a week.

There are stores, cafes and other common conveniences in the nearby region.

Chapel Street – Luton

Chapel Street is another popular residence located within the university's main walking area.

The university can usually be reached in around 10 to 15 minutes, while rooms start from £207.50 per week. Students choosing this property often value its newer accommodation and convenient access to both campus and the town centre.

Property	Weekly Rent	Distance to Campus	Typical Walk Time
Fitzroy Court	From £143.50	Very close	2–8 minutes
Park House	From £182.50	Very close	2–8 minutes
Opto Village	From £187.50	Close	10–15 minutes
Chapel Street – Luton	From £207.50	Close	10–15 minutes

Luton has earned a reputation as one of the more affordable university towns in the South East, and that extends to its student accommodation. Even properties located close to campus often remain competitively priced when compared with universities in neighbouring cities.

If you're searching for cheap student accommodation near University of Bedfordshire Luton, these options provide a good balance between price, convenience and facilities.

Fitzroy Court

With rooms starting from £143.50 per week, Fitzroy Court offers some of the best value available within walking distance of the university.

Being only a few minutes from lectures also means students spend very little on transport throughout the academic year, making it an even more economical choice overall.

Park House

Park House combines a central location with competitive pricing.

Starting from £182.50 per week, it gives students quick access to campus while remaining close to local supermarkets, restaurants and public transport.

For many students, the slightly higher rent is balanced by the convenience of living so close to university facilities.

Opto Village

Opto Village is another strong option for students who want modern accommodation without moving too far from campus.

Rooms begin from £187.50 per week, while the 10 to 15-minute walk allows students to avoid relying on buses for their daily commute.

Chapel Street – Luton

Although Chapel Street is the highest-priced property on this list, it still represents good value considering its location and newer facilities.

Students willing to spend a little more often choose it for the additional comfort while remaining within walking distance of the university.

Property	Weekly Rent	Why Students Choose It
Fitzroy Court	From £143.50	Lowest weekly rent and closest to campus
Park House	From £182.50	Excellent location with modern facilities
Opto Village	From £187.50	Contemporary accommodation and easy walk to campus
Chapel Street – Luton	From £207.50	Premium facilities close to the university

One of the biggest benefits of studying in Luton is how compact the town is. The university, railway station, shopping centre and many student residences are all located within a relatively small area, allowing students to complete most daily journeys without needing public transport.

Walking Around Luton

Walking is the preferred way to travel for many students.

Properties such as Fitzroy Court and Park House are only two to eight minutes from the university, while Opto Village and Chapel Street can usually be reached in 10 to 15 minutes on foot.

This makes student accommodation near University of Bedfordshire Luton particularly convenient, as many students can comfortably attend lectures, visit supermarkets and return home without relying on buses.

Local Bus Services

Students living slightly further from campus can use Arriva bus services, which connect areas including Bury Park and surrounding neighbourhoods with the town centre.

Journey times are generally short, making buses a useful option for students living outside the central accommodation zone.

Cycling

Luton's relatively compact size also makes cycling a practical choice.

The town forms part of National Cycle Network Route 6, while dedicated cycle routes connect several residential areas with the university. Secure bicycle parking is available on campus for students who prefer travelling by bike.

Rail Connections

Luton railway station is around 10 minutes' walk from the university, giving students access to fast services across the country.

Destination	Approximate Journey Time
London St Pancras	25–40 minutes
Bedford	Around 25 minutes
Gatwick Airport	Around 1 hour 15 minutes
Brighton	Around 1 hour 50 minutes

These rail links make Luton particularly attractive for students who plan to travel regularly during weekends or university holidays.

Airport Access

London Luton Airport is one of the town's biggest advantages.

Students can reach Luton Airport Parkway by train before transferring to the DART shuttle, allowing most journeys from the university to the airport to take around 15 to 20 minutes.

This is especially convenient for international students or anyone planning to travel frequently during academic breaks.

Strong transport connections are one of the reasons many students choose private living accommodation near University of Bedfordshire. Even without a car, travelling around Luton, visiting nearby cities or reaching London is straightforward throughout the academic year.