Best Student Accommodation in Preston | 2026

Table of Contents

Why Is Preston a Popular Student City?Types of Student Accommodation in Preston Best Student Accommodation in Preston: Top 10 1. iQ Kopa 2. Friargate Court 3. Trinity Student Village 4. Leighton Hall 5. Foundry Court 6. Sizer Court 7. The Tramshed 8. The Warehouse Apartments 9. Boatmans Court 10. Walker Street Best Areas for Preston Student Accommodation 1. City centre 2. Plungington 3. Ashton-on-Ribble 4. Fulwood How Much Does Student Accommodation Cost in Preston? How to Find the Best Student Housing in Preston?On-Campus Student Accommodation:Off-Campus Student Accommodation:Rooms in a Shared House:How uhomes.com help you find student accommodation in Preston?How to Book Student Accommodation in Preston?Conclusion FAQ Where do most students live in Preston? Is Preston a safe city for students to live in? How much does student accommodation in Preston cost? Is it better to live on campus or off campus student accommodation in Preston? How to find student housing in Preston? What should you consider for student flats in Preston?

When searching for the best student accommodation in Preston, most students prioritise location, room type, and weekly rent. The city serves as a major educational hub in the North West of England, primarily anchored by the University of Central Lancashire. Living too far from UCLan or essential supermarkets often results in longer commutes and more time spent on everyday tasks like grocery shopping.

This guide compares Preston’s main student areas, typical rent prices, and the best time to book. Whether you are searching for a private studio in the city centre or budget-friendly student living in Preston within the suburbs, we map the optimal locations to support your academic studies.

Why Is Preston a Popular Student City?

Understanding Preston’s basic structure helps you establish a realistic budget. Here are the core realities of studying and renting here:

Student Population: Preston hosts a student population of over 35,000 learners, making the city heavily focused on academic and student services.
Top Universities: The local housing market is driven almost entirely by the University of Central Lancashire, which dominates the city centre.
Transport Infrastructure: Preston Railway Station is a major national hub. The West Coast Main Line stops at Preston railway station, making it easy for students to reach London, Glasgow, Manchester, and Liverpool. Furthermore, the local Preston Bus network provides fast routes across the suburban districts.
Affordability: According to The Times, Preston is ranked the UK’s 1st most affordable student city. The average rent is around £85 to £130 per week per person, while in London it costs £250 to over £450 per week per person.

Types of Student Accommodation in Preston

Selecting the correct housing format controls your monthly outgoings and privacy levels in Preston.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Most PBSAs include furnished rooms, utility bills, study spaces, on-site security, privately managed and designed specifically for student living. These residential areas are usually not far from the city centre and the campus, and can be reached on foot.

Private Student Accommodation

Private student accommodation in Preston is usually managed by landlords or housing agencies rather than by professional student accommodation providers. Private rentals offer more freedom, but many Preston landlords require a UK guarantor and separate utility payments. Utility charges, such as water, electricity, and gas, may be included in the rent or paid separately. Therefore, it is essential to confirm which items are covered before signing the contract.

Private House Shares and Apartments

Private House Shares and Apartments are usually located in popular student housing areas, such as the Plungington and Ashworth neighbourhoods, or in the city centre. These types of housing are typically the most economical option, offering a highly independent living experience compared to living with a group of friends.

University-Managed Halls

University-Managed Halls are directly managed by the university or its partners. They are usually located within or adjacent to the university’s main campus.University halls in Preston are usually best suited to first-year students who want a simpler move-in process.

Studio

A studio is a self-contained apartment that integrates a bedroom, a private bathroom, and a personal kitchenette into a single unit. It is the top choice for postgraduates seeking independence.

Best Student Accommodation in Preston: Top 10

Preston features numerous purpose-built apartment buildings designed specifically for academic life. We have compiled the top ten options based on location, amenities, and student feedback.

1. iQ Kopa

iQ Kopa is a modern, purpose-built student accommodation designed for practical urban living. iQ Kopa is located close to UCLan, making it an ideal option for students who want a short daily commute.

Location: 130 Moor Lane, Preston PR1 1LR, United Kingdom.
Commute: Students can reach the UCLan main campus via a 5 minute walk and a 10 minute walk to reach Preston city centre.
Room Types: The property focuses on functional en-suite rooms and private studios.
Key Facilities: Residents have access to a gym and a pool table, which are commonly used for socialising and downtime.

2. Friargate Court

Friargate Court is a premium residential complex designed for students who want to easily access everything needed, from restaurants, cafes, clubs, and other social activities.

Location: The building is located directly at Market Street West, Preston PR1 2EU, United Kingdom.
Commute: It is a 9 minute walk to the University of Central Lancashire.
Room Types: Students can select between self-contained studios and en-suite apartments.
Key Facilities: Facilities include a private gym, table tennis and a game room.

3. Trinity Student Village

Trinity Student Village is a popular student property tailored for budget-conscious learners wanting a straightforward daily routine. It offers competitive rental prices and a more social living environment with shared spaces for students.

Location: The site is located on at Great Shaw Street, Preston PR1 2HF, United Kingdom.
Commute: A walk to the UCLan campus takes approximately 10 minutes.
Room Types: The options include different types of en-suite bedrooms.
Key Facilities: The property is supported by a pool table, table football and game room.

4. Leighton Hall

Leighton Hall is a well-established accommodation block catering primarily to students requiring central convenience. It offers a secure environment just steps from the academic zone, which appeal students of UCLan.

Location: The building is located At eighton Street, Preston PR1 8RH, United Kingdom.
Commute: Students can access the University of Central Lancashire through a quick 5 minute walk.
Room Types: The property provides various en-suite rooms and studios.
Key Facilities: Residents have access to a games room, pool table, and cinema room.

5. Foundry Court

Foundry Court is one of the closest student buildings to UCLan, within a 1–3 minute walk.

Location: Situated on Brook Street, Preston PR1 7EA, United Kingdom.
Commute: It takes 1-3 minutes walk to the UCLan campus.
Room Types: The building offers en-suite rooms.
Key Facilities: The property includes a game room, a pool table, a cinema room, and table football.

6. Sizer Court

Sizer Court provides students with straightforward amenities and a highly social lifestyle. Sizer Court mainly offers studio rooms, making it more suitable for students who want privacy.

Location: The property sits on Sizer Street, Preston PR1 7AW, United Kingdom.
Commute: Walking to UCLan takes approximately 2 minutes, and a 8 minute drive to Preston College.
Room Types: Renters can choose from various studio types.
Key Facilities: Residents benefit from a gym, pool table and game room.

7. The Tramshed

The Tramshed is located close to UCLan and supermarkets like ALDI and offers en-suite rooms with shared facilities.

Location: The building is located at 160 Corporation Street, Preston PR1 2UQ, United Kingdom.
Commute: It is a 5 minute walk from the UCLan campus and near the central Aldi supermarket.
Room Types: The property focuses on en-suite rooms.
Key Facilities: Residents enjoy a gym, pool table, table football and game room.

8. The Warehouse Apartments

The Warehouse Apartments is a cosy, well-equipped accommodation option designed for students desiring a private lifestyle.

Location: It is located on Victoria Street.
Commute: It takes a 3 minute walk to reach the main university buildings.
Room Types: The building operates en-suites and spacious studios.
Key Facilities: You can use the pool table, study room and bike storage.

9. Boatmans Court

Boatmans Court is a quiet and affordable residential block designed for learners preferring a peaceful academic environment.

Location: It is located on 53 Marsh Ln, Preston PR1 8RQ, United Kingdom.
Commute: UCLan is a convenient 4 minute walk away.
Room Types: The building offers classic en-suite rooms.
Key Facilities: The site boasts secure bike storage and courtyard.

10. Walker Street

Walker Street delivers a comfortable residential experience for UNI students. Students can enjoy all the amenities of living here, and the apartment also provides the breakfast area.

Location: 12-16 Walker Street, Preston PR1 2RN, United Kingdom.
Commute: Students can access the UCLan campus through a quick 2 minute walk.
Room Types: The options include standard en-suites and studios.
Key Facilities: The property features a gym and pool table.

Best Areas for Preston Student Accommodation

Preston is a relatively small student city, so most students choose accommodation within walking distance of UCLan campus or the city centre. Choosing where to live usually depends on how close the property is to UCLan campus and your budget.

1. City centre

The Preston City Centre has a high concentration of student accommodation buildings and easy access to shops and nightlife.

Best for: It is a good area for students who want to enjoy convenience, nightlife, and social life.
Vibe: It provides an active vibe and the place is close to bars, restaurants and shopping centres.
Commute: around 6 to 10 minute walk to the UCLan halls.
Accommodation type: Purpose-Built Student accommodation (PBSAs) and private studios.
Average rent: The average rent in the city centre is £75 to £130 per week.

2. Plungington

Plungington is a student-populated area near UCLan campus.

Best for: It is best for students seeking a budget-friendly neighbourhood.
Vibe: A residential area popular with students due to lower rent.
Commute: 10 to 15-minute walk to UCLan’s main campus.
Accommodation type: Mainly shared houses and HMOs.
Average rent: The average rent in Plungington is £80 to £115 per person per week.

3. Ashton-on-Ribble

Ashton-on-Ribble is a quiet, leafy residential conservation area situated west of the city centre.

Best for: Students seeking a quieter, more relaxed environment.
Vibe: Quieter residential environment compared to the city centre.
Commute: Around 20–30 minutes’ walk or 10 minutes by bus or bike to UCLan.
Accommodation type: Private apartments and shared houses.
Average rent: The average rent in Ashton-on-Ribble is £105 to £135 per week.

4. Fulwood

Fulwood is a residential area to the north of Preston. It contain the larger houses and a quieter environment compared to the city centre.

Best for: Students seeking a quieter, more relaxed environment.
Vibe: Suitable for students who prefer quieter residential living and larger housing options.
Commute: Around 10–15 minutes by bus or around 8 minutes by bike to UCLan.
Accommodation type: Larger modern houses and higher-end PBSAs.
Average rent: The average rent in Fulwood is £110 and £120 per week per person per week.

How Much Does Student Accommodation Cost in Preston?

Housing costs in Preston depend heavily on the property type. Preston is considered one of the more affordable student cities in the UK. If you are looking for affordable student accommodation in Preston, the city is considered one of the more budget-friendly student destinations in the UK. Student accommodation in Preston typically costs around £90–£140 per week, while the average student rent across the UK is often between £160–£200 per week. Compared with larger student cities such as London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, Preston offers significantly lower rental costs, making it a popular choice for students who want to manage their budget more comfortably.

Accommodation Type	Average Weekly Cost	Bills Included
Non En-suite Rooms	£80 – £110	Usually not included
En-suite Rooms	£100 – £135	Usually included
Private Studio	£140 – £170+	Usually not included
University Halls	£80 – £165	Usually included

How to Find the Best Student Housing in Preston?

Booking private student accommodation preston can be done through university halls, private providers, or third-party booking platforms. The platform you use will affect how easy it is to find and book accommodation in Preston.

On-Campus Student Accommodation:

University halls are official properties managed by University of Central Lancashire. They offer guaranteed placement for first-year students. Rooms are usually simpler in design, and availability for postgraduates is limited.

Off-Campus Student Accommodation:

For off-campus purpose-built blocks, you can use platforms like Sanctuary Students or StudentCrowd. However, uhomes.com is a global student housing platform that partners exclusively with verified property providers to offer fully furnished rooms with all-inclusive bills. It serves as the ultimate one-stop portal, allowing you to compare multiple brands, read authentic reviews, and may offer options that do not require a UK guarantor.

Rooms in a Shared House:

Local platforms like SpareRoom and Gumtree are public databases utilised by local UK residents. While they list rooms across Plungington, they often require a UK guarantor and rarely include utility bills, which can be more difficult for international students.

How uhomes.com help you find student accommodation in Preston?

uhomes.com is a global student housing platform that partners exclusively with verified, purpose-built student properties. For students seeking a hassle-free setup, it serves as the ultimate rental tool. You can secure a fully furnished room entirely online. The platform removes the need for a UK-based guarantor. It ensures that all listed properties feature all-inclusive utility bills. Furthermore, using this channel grants students access to exclusive cashback offers and lowest-price guarantees, helping them effortlessly live on a budget in Preston.

How to Book Student Accommodation in Preston?

Follow this logical, step-by-step procedure to secure your property safely and efficiently near UCLan in Preston:

1. Define Your Budget: Calculate your maximum weekly rent and decide whether you need an all-inclusive bills package to protect against winter heating costs.

2. Map the Commute: Check the exact walking time to your specific UCLan faculty building. Ensure your chosen property sits near Fulwood or Plungington for a zero-commute lifestyle.

3. Browse Verified Platforms: Use professional booking websites like uhomes.com to compare exact prices, read past tenant reviews, and inspect virtual 3D tours of the apartments.

4. Review the Lease Terms: Read the contract thoroughly to ensure the tenancy dates match your academic term and confirm the exact deposit protection scheme used by the landlord.

5. Pay the Holding Deposit: Complete your transaction through a secure online payment portal to officially reserve the room and take it off the Preston housing market.

Conclusion

Navigating the Preston student housing market depends largely on aligning your budget with your proximity to the University of Central Lancashire. City Centre accommodation is often chosen by students who prioritise short walking distance to UCLan. For postgraduates or students seeking a quieter environment, suburbs like Ashton-on-Ribble and Fulwood provide excellent residential alternatives.

Regardless of the neighbourhood you select, adhering to the January to May booking windowis recommended for securing the most competitive rates. To simplify your transition to the North West of England, you can utilise professional platforms like uhomes.com. Booking through this verified channel allows you to bypass UK guarantor requirements and lock in fully furnished rooms with all-inclusive utility bills, ensuring your academic year in Preston remains financially predictable.

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