University Of Central Lancashire Accommodation

The University of Central Lancashire was officially renamed as the University of Lancashire in 2025, is a public university located in Preston. Its history goes back to 1828, when it was established as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge. The university received its university status in 1992 and is now home to around 26,000 students, making it one of the larger modern universities in the UK.

The university has a compact campus centred around Fylde Road (PR1 2HE). More than £200 million has been invested in improving the campus, including the redevelopment of Adelphi Square. Since most university buildings are located in one part of the city, many student accommodation options are within walking distance of the campus, making it easier for students to travel to lectures and other university facilities.

The University of Lancashire is well known for courses in medicine, dentistry, health, aerospace engineering, engineering, journalism, media, policing, forensics, and law. Many of these courses combine classroom learning with practical experience, helping students build the skills needed for their future careers.

The university also aims to guarantee an on-campus room for eligible new full-time students studying at the Preston campus. According to the university, accommodation starts from around £89 per week. Students should still check the latest accommodation policy and prices before applying.

Student life at the University of Central Lancashire combines everything happening on campus with everything Preston has to offer. Since the university has a compact campus and the city centre is close by, students can easily move between lectures, student societies, sports facilities, shops, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment throughout the day without spending much time travelling.

Students' Union and Societies

The University of Lancashire Students' Union, formerly known as UCLan SU, is based in the Students' Centre on campus. It has over 100 student societies and sports clubs, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved outside the course. These societies cover a wide range of interests, including journalism, media, health, policing, aerospace, international communities, and cultural groups.

Apart from societies and sports clubs, students can also take part in volunteering projects and RAG (Raise and Give) activities throughout the academic year. These activities allow students to support local charities, meet new people, and gain experience outside the classroom.

Sports and Fitness

The university's main indoor sports facilities are based at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre on campus. Students also have access to the UCLan Sports Arena, which includes outdoor sports pitches and a cycling track for training and competitions.

Students can join university sports clubs and compete in BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) competitions during the academic year. Beyond the university, Preston has a strong sporting culture through Preston North End Football Club, one of England's oldest football clubs, and the city's long association with football history.

Nightlife and Social Scene

Preston has a compact student nightlife centred around the Students' Union, Friargate, and Church Street. These areas have a variety of pubs, bars, and clubs, all within walking distance of the university, making it easy for students to meet friends after lectures or at weekends.

Going out in Preston is generally less expensive than in many larger UK cities. Students who want a wider choice of nightlife, concerts, festivals, or larger entertainment venues can also travel to Manchester and Liverpool, both of which are less than an hour away by train.

Shopping and Markets

Preston Market Hall is a popular place for students to shop for fresh produce, local food, and a variety of street food. For everyday shopping and well-known high street brands, Fishergate and St George's Shopping Centre are the city's main retail destinations.

Friargate, which is close to the university, also has a good selection of independent cafés, restaurants, and local shops, making it a popular area for students throughout the week.

Culture and Events

One of Preston's best-known cultural attractions is The Harris, which reopened after a £16 million redevelopment. The building brings together a museum, an art gallery, and a library in one place, giving students easy access to exhibitions, collections, and study spaces.

Students can also spend time outdoors at Avenham Park and Miller Park, both located along the River Ribble. For weekend trips, the Lancashire coastline and the surrounding countryside are within easy reach from Preston.

The city is also known for its Preston Guild heritage. The Preston Guild is a historic festival that takes place once every 20 years and is one of the city's longest-standing traditions.

Healthcare and Safety

Students are encouraged to register with a local GP soon after arriving in Preston so they can access healthcare when needed. Royal Preston Hospital, located in Fulwood, is the city's main teaching hospital and is particularly important for students on health-related courses who complete placements there.

The university area is generally busy with students during the day, creating an active campus environment. As with any city, students are advised to take normal safety precautions when travelling around Preston, particularly in the city centre and around Church Street late at night.

Most student accommodation in Preston is within walking distance of the University of Central Lancashire, so where you live usually depends more on your budget and the type of area you want to stay in than on your daily commute. Some students prefer living right next to the university, while others choose quieter residential neighbourhoods or shared houses a little farther away.

Campus Doorstep (Fylde Road / Brook Street / Moor Lane)

If you want to stay as close to the university as possible, this is one of the best areas to consider. Most student accommodation here is within a 10-minute walk of the campus, so getting to lectures is quick and convenient.

The area has a mix of purpose-built student accommodation and traditional student housing, making it one of the busiest student neighbourhoods in Preston.

Weekly rents usually range between £79 and £160. Students who want to avoid using public transport and live close to university facilities often choose this area. House of Student properties here include Foundry Court, Jubilee Court, and Moor Lane Halls.

Plungington / Student Terraces

Plungington is located around a 5 to 15-minute walk north of the university. The area is well known for its traditional terraced student houses and is especially popular with second-year students who move into shared accommodation after their first year.

Weekly rents for shared houses usually range between £85 and £110. House of Student listings in this area include the 8 Bedroom House at 73 Dallas Street and the 6 Bedroom House at 59 Trafford Street.

Friargate / City Fringe

Friargate is located between the university and Preston city centre, making it a convenient place to live. Students can usually walk to the campus within 5 to 15 minutes while also staying close to shops, restaurants, cafés, and other facilities in the city centre.

Weekly rents generally range between £95 and £115. Trinity Student Village is one of the student accommodation options available in this area.

City Centre / Fishergate

Preston city centre is around a 15 to 20-minute walk from the university. Students living here have easy access to shopping streets, Preston Railway Station, restaurants, cafés, and nightlife. It is a popular choice for students who want to stay close to everything the city has to offer.

Weekly rents usually range between £100 and £140.

Ashton / Fulwood

Ashton and Fulwood are quieter residential neighbourhoods located around 1.5 to 3 miles from the university. Students living here usually travel to campus by bus or bicycle. These areas are suitable for students who prefer a quieter place to live or those completing placements at the Royal Preston Hospital in Fulwood. Weekly rents generally range between £80 and £110.

Students looking for more affordable accommodation compare Moor Lane Halls, where rooms start from £79 per week, and the shared houses on Dallas Street, where rents start from around £88 per week. Both accommodation options are within about a 10-minute walk of the university.

Students looking for newer accommodation with more modern facilities always compare Urban Hub, where weekly rents start from £160, and Sizer Court, where rooms start from £159 per week. Both properties are located close to the university and are among the more premium student accommodation options in Preston.

Preston is one of the more affordable cities for students in the UK. Accommodation costs are lower than in many other university cities, and day-to-day expenses are also easier to manage. Before choosing accommodation, it is worth understanding how much you are likely to spend every week apart from your rent.

Students spend around £95 to £125 per week on everyday expenses, excluding rent. This is lower than the UK average, making Preston a good choice for students who want to keep their living costs under control.

Groceries usually cost around £34 per week. Many students shop at large supermarkets near the university and Preston Market Hall to save money on food. According to the Save the Student 2025 National Survey, students spend an average of £146 per month (around £34 per week) on groceries, which is similar to the average spending in Preston.

Transport costs are mostly between £0 and £10 per week. Students living close to the university can usually walk to lectures and the city centre. Those travelling farther, especially students on placements at Royal Preston Hospital in Fulwood, can use Preston Bus and Stagecoach services.

Daily fare caps mean travel costs are cheaper. Students living in private accommodation where utility bills aren’t included should budget around £16 a week for electricity, gas, water, broadband and a TV licence. Most purpose-built student accommodation and university halls have these bills included in the weekly rent, making it easier to manage outgoings on a monthly basis.

Students spend around £14 per week on social activities. Preston's nightlife is mainly centred around Friargate and Church Street, where students can find pubs, bars, and entertainment at prices that are generally lower than in many larger UK cities.

Preston also has good rail connections to Manchester and Liverpool, making it easy to travel for concerts and other events. A UK SIM-only mobile plan usually costs around £3 to £5 per week.

Students studying health-related courses should also keep some money aside for travelling to placements. Eligible students may be able to claim some of these travel costs through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

International students applying for a UK Student visa should also be aware of the maintenance funds requirement. Students studying outside London must show they have around £1,171 per month (approximately £270 per week) for visa purposes. This is an official financial requirement and should not be treated as the average amount students spend every week.

University accommodation starts from around £89 per week, and many private student accommodation options are also available for less than £90 per week. Preston is also one of the cheapest student cities in North West England, particularly when it comes to lower everyday living costs.

Your accommodation choice will affect your budget, privacy and day to day student life. Students looking for accommodation near the University of Central Lancashire will generally have to choose between an en-suite room, a studio flat and a shared flat. Each option is for different budgets and living preferences.

Private Room (En-suite)

With an en-suite room, you will have your own private bedroom and bathroom but you will share the kitchen and living space with other students. Most flats contain 3 to 8 bedrooms, so this option is a compromise between privacy and shared living.

It is a popular choice for first-year students and for those who want their own bathroom while still living with flatmates. Weekly rents to live in Preston generally range from £90 to £150.

Studio Flat

Studios are the best option for students who want a bit more independence, or a quieter place to study, because studios don’t have to be shared with any other students. Studio accommodation in Preston generally starts from around £130 per week, rising to around £160 per week depending on the property.

Shared / Cluster Flat (Non-en-suite)

In a shared or cluster flat, each student will have their own private bedroom but will have to share the bathroom, kitchen and living area with other residents. This is usually the cheapest accommodation option and is particularly popular with second and third year students who want to live with friends. House shares in areas such as Plungington are usually anywhere between £85 and £110 per week.

Choosing the right room depends on your weekly budget, the amount of privacy you want, and whether you prefer shared or independent living. Shared flats generally have the lowest rents, en-suite rooms provide additional privacy while keeping shared spaces, and studios offer complete independence at a higher weekly cost.

The best student accommodation near the University Of Central Lancashire offers a short commute, good value and a variety of room options. Most of these properties are within walking distance of campus, so you don’t have to rely on public transport to get to lectures.

Foundry Court

Foundry Court is one of the closest accommodation options to the university. At 0.16 miles from campus, students can walk to lectures in around 3 minutes. Rooms are available from £99 per week, so it’s a practical option for students who want to live close to campus without the highest rents.

Jubilee Court

Jubilee Court is 0.3 miles from the university, with a walk time of around 6 minutes.  Rooms start at £95 per week, another cheap option for students looking to stay close to campus.

Sizer Court

Sizer Court is located 0.38 miles from campus and takes around 5 minutes to walk. Weekly rents start from £159, making it one of the higher-priced accommodation options close to the university.

Leighton Hall

Leighton Hall is 0.39 miles from campus, with an average walking time of 8 minutes. Rooms start from £91 per week, making it one of the more affordable properties within easy walking distance of the university.

Urban Hub

Urban Hub is located 0.4 miles from campus and can be reached in around 8 minutes on foot. Rooms start from £160 per week. It is one of the premium accommodation options available close to the university.

Friargate Court

Friargate Court is 0.42 miles from campus, with a walking time of around 7 minutes. Rooms start from £115 per week. Its location also places students close to both the university and Preston city centre.

The Tramshed

The Tramshed is located 0.47 miles from campus. Students can walk to the university in around 10 minutes or use public transport in approximately 5 minutes. Rooms start from £109 per week.

8 Bedroom House at 73, Dallas Street

This shared house is 0.52 miles from campus, with a walking time of around 9 minutes. Weekly rents start from £87.57, making it one of the more affordable shared house options close to the university.

Moor Lane Halls

Moor Lane Halls is 0.55 miles from campus and takes around 9 minutes to walk. Rooms start from £79 per week, making it one of the lowest-priced accommodation options within walking distance of the university.

6 Bedroom House at 59, Trafford Street

Located 0.7 miles from campus, this shared house is around 15 minutes on foot or 8 minutes by public transport. Rooms start from £109.20 per week. It is another option for students looking for shared accommodation in the Plungington area.

Preston is one of the more affordable student cities in the UK, with several accommodation options available at lower weekly rents while still being within walking distance of the University of Central Lancashire. Students looking to reduce accommodation costs can choose from purpose-built student accommodation and shared houses across the city.

Moor Lane Halls

Moor Lane Halls is one of the lowest-priced accommodation options near the university. Rooms start from £79 per week. The property is 0.55 miles from campus, and students can reach lectures in around 9 minutes on foot. It’s a good option for students who want to be close to the university but want to keep the cost of accommodation down.

8 Bedroom House at 73, Dallas Street

This shared house offers rooms from £87.57 per week. Located 0.52 miles from campus, students can walk to the university in around 9 minutes. It is a suitable option for students who prefer shared house living at a lower weekly rent.

Leighton Hall

Leighton Hall has rooms starting from £91 per week. The property is 0.39 miles from campus, with an average walking time of 8 minutes. It combines one of the shorter commutes with relatively affordable weekly rents.

Jubilee Court

Jubilee Court is located 0.3 miles from the university, with a walking time of around 6 minutes. Rooms start from £95 per week, making it another affordable option for students who want to stay close to campus.

Trinity Student Village

Rooms at Trinity Student Village start from £95 per week. The property is 1.02 miles from campus, with an average journey of around 17 minutes on foot or 14 minutes by public transport. It offers another lower-cost option for students who don't mind a slightly longer commute.

Foundry Court

Foundry Court combines one of the shortest commutes with competitive weekly rents. Located 0.16 miles from campus, students can reach lectures in around 3 minutes on foot. Rooms start from £99 per week.

4 Bedroom House at 16, Lovat Road

This shared house has rooms starting from £107.10 per week. It is located 0.75 miles from the university, with a walking time of around 12 minutes. It is another option for students looking for shared accommodation close to campus.

The Tramshed

The Tramshed offers accommodation from £109 per week. The property is 0.47 miles from campus, with an average journey of 10 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by public transport. It combines modern accommodation with a convenient location close to the university.

6 Bedroom House at 59, Trafford Street

Rooms at this shared house start from £109.20 per week. Located 0.7 miles from campus, students can reach the university in around 15 minutes on foot or 8 minutes by public transport. It is another affordable shared housing option in the Plungington area.

Friargate Court

Friargate Court has rooms starting from £115 per week. The property is 0.42 miles from campus, with an average walking time of 7 minutes. Students looking to stay close to both the university and Preston city centre often compare this property with other nearby accommodation.

The majority of students studying at the University of Central Lancashire live close enough to campus to walk. There are buses, rail services and airports nearby, making it easy to travel around the city and the rest of the UK. 

Walking and Cycling

Walking is the most common way for students to travel around Preston. Most student accommodation near the university is within a 0 to 15-minute walk of campus, making daily travel quick and free. Students travelling from Preston city centre or Preston railway station can usually reach the university in 10 to 15 minutes by following the Friargate route.

Preston is also suitable for cycling. The city is relatively flat and is home to the Guild Wheel, a 21-mile orbital greenway that provides safe cycling and walking routes around Preston. Cycling is an easy way to travel between the campus, the city centre, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Bus Services

Although many students walk, Preston's bus network makes travelling to residential areas and placement locations simple. Preston Bus operates routes across the city, while services along Garstang Road connect the university with Fulwood and Royal Preston Hospital. This is particularly useful for students on healthcare placements, with journeys typically taking around 20 minutes from campus. The source recommends checking current route numbers before travelling.

Students staying at accommodation such as The Tramshed can also use public transport, with a journey time of around 5 minutes to campus.

Rail Links

Preston railway station is around a 15-minute walk from the university and is one of the main stations on the West Coast Main Line, making it easy to travel to other parts of the UK. Train services are operated by Avanti West Coast, Northern, and TransPennine Express.

Typical journey times include:

Manchester: Around 40 minutes

London Euston: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes

Glasgow: Around 1 hour 50 minutes

Lancaster: Approximately 15 minutes

Students commuting from nearby towns also benefit from Northern rail services, with regular connections to Blackpool, Blackburn, and Chorley in around 20 to 40 minutes. The source notes that these services support the university's large commuter student population.

Airport Access

Preston has convenient access to several airports for international travel and domestic flights.

Manchester Airport (MAN): The nearest major international airport, reached by direct train in around 50 to 60 minutes from Preston railway station.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL): Usually takes around 1 hour 20 minutes by a combination of rail and bus services.