Key Facts About Nottingham
- Large Student Population: Nottingham hosts an academic community of over 76,000 domestic and international students, creating a youthful, diverse atmosphere.
- Top Universities: The city is home to two major global institutions: the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
- Excellent Public Transport: Students rely on the Nottingham Express Transit tram system and the Nottingham City Transport bus network, which connect all outer suburbs directly to the central campuses.
- Affordable Student City: According to Topuniversities, Nottingham is affordable student city, offering lower living expenses than cities like London (around 10-25%). It ranks Top 57th globally in the QS Best Student Cities index for desirability.
When to Start Looking for Student Accommodation in Nottingham?
The best time to start looking is October-November for the next academic year. This is when private providers release the strongest early-bird discounts and the widest choice of properties. Timing your property search correctly guarantees you secure the best prices and locations. The local housing market moves fast once the new academic term begins.
- October and November:
- May or June:
Best Areas for Students to Live in Nottingham
For University of Nottingham students, Lenton is the classic student hub. It is lively, packed with shared houses, takeaways and pubs, and sits within easy walking or short bus distance of both University Park and Jubilee Campus. Dunkirk sits even closer to University Park and offers a slightly quieter atmosphere while remaining very convenient. Wollaton and Beeston are also popular choices for students who prefer a calmer residential feel with good transport links.
For Nottingham Trent University students, the City Centre is ideal if you study at the City Campus. Everything is on your doorstep, including lectures, nightlife and shopping. The Arboretum is another top pick. It is just a short walk from campus, has a strong student community, green space, and a good mix of shared houses and flats.
In short, University of Nottingham students tend to cluster around Lenton and Dunkirk, while Nottingham Trent University students favour the City Centre and Arboretum.
1. Lenton
- Average rent: £125 to £150 per person, per week.
- Best for: University of Nottingham students (10 to 20 minutes).
- Pros: The streets around Derby Road, considered a “student village”, are packed with students, creating a strong community atmosphere.
- Cons: It may occur noisy nightlife.
2. Dunkirk
- Average rent: £100 to £160 per person per week.
- Best for: It is the top choice for science and medical students who want a commute time of less than ten minutes.
- Pros: Students live here can easily access the UNI.
- Cons: There are very few local bars or clubs in Dunkirk.
3. Wollaton
- Average rent: £95 to £135 per person, per week.
- Best for: Students attending the Jubilee Campus populate this area. It is because it offers a secure and relaxed lifestyle just a short walk from their lecture halls. It usually takes 15 to 25 minutes to get to the campus.
- Pros: Close to campus for students.
- Cons: It has a quiet nightlife.
4. Beeston
- Average rent: £100 to £160 per person, per week.
- Best for: It attracts a large number of postgraduate learners and University of Nottingham staff who prefer a mature, peaceful environment with large local supermarkets. It takes 15 to 30 minutes to get to the campus.
- Pros: It has excellent transport links.
- Cons: The rental prices are higher than other places.
5. Radford
- Average rent: £100 to £200 per person per week.
- Best for: Students in University of Nottingham (15 to 25 minutes) and Nottingham Trent University (between 10 and 40 minutes).
- Pros: The living cost and rent are lower compared to other areas, like Lenton.
- Cons: The security situation is also worse than that in some quieter and greener suburbs.
6. City Centre
- Average rent: £150 to £300 per person per week.
- Best for: Living near Nottingham city centre gives NTU students immediate access to the City Campus alongside the best vintage retail stores and nightlife venues in the region. It only takes around 5 to 15 minutes to get to the UNI.
- Pros: Everything here is convenient.
- Cons: It contain a higher rent than other places.
How Much Does Student Accommodation in Nottingham Cost?
- University Hall: The cost of a university hall typically ranges from £132 to £289 per week. Because utilities are often included, it remains a highly cost-effective choice for students living in Nottingham.
- PBSA en-suite: The rent of purpose-built Student Accommodation en-suite in Nottingham is around £160 – £215 per week, which usually includes the bills, saving students from worrying about extra gas and water fees.
- Studio: Studio costs around £175 – £300+ per week in Nottingham. It is the most expensive option, and bills may not be included.
- Shared house: A shared house usually doesn’t include bills and costs £90 – £150 per week. It is a cheaper choice for students in Nottingham.
Cost of Student Accommodation in Nottingham (per week)
| Room Type | Weekly Rent | Bills Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared House | £90 – £150 | Usually not | Cheapest option for students |
| University Hall | £132 – £289 | Often included | Cost-effective choice with utilities covered |
| PBSA En-suite | £160 – £215 | Usually included | Purpose-built student accommodation |
| Studio | £175 – £300+ | May not be included | Most expensive option |
Types of Available Student Accommodation in Nottingham
Property Types
- University Halls: University halls are official residences managed directly by academic institutions. The University of Nottingham operates catered halls primarily on the University Park Campus. At the same time, Nottingham Trent University manages self catered blocks across the City and Clifton campuses.
- Best for: First-year student to live in.
- Purpose-built Student Accommodation: purpose-built student accommodation is modern apartment blocks designed only for students that offer amenities such as onsite gyms and cinema rooms.
- Best for: Students who want a private and efficient place to live.
- Private Shared Houses: Private shared houses are traditional residential properties rented collectively by a group of friends, usually located in suburbs such as Lenton or Beeston.
- Best for: Students who are seeking an affordable price to rent.
Room Types
- En-suite Rooms: En-suite rooms are accommodations that provide a private bathroom while requiring you to share kitchen and living facilities with your flatmates. It suits students who care about privacy and are looking for low rent.
- Studio: A self contained living space that integrates a bedroom, kitchen and private bathroom into a single functional room. It is the best choice for students who love to live independently, but it usually costs more.
- Non en-suite Rooms: Non en-suite rooms are basic private bedrooms where residents share both the bathroom and kitchen facilities with other students, making them the cheapest among student areas. It is the most affordable room type for students. It is cheap but lacks privacy.
How to Book Student Accommodation in Nottingham?
- Define Your Criteria: Calculate your maximum weekly budget and decide exactly which room type matches your privacy needs.
- Research the Areas: Map out the exact public transport routes from neighbourhoods like Dunkirk or Hockley directly to your specific faculty building.
- Browse Verified Platforms: Use global booking websites to filter available properties based on your move in dates and university proximity.
- Arrange a physical or virtual viewing: Never book a private shared house without inspecting it first. You should schedule a physical viewing to check for dampness, water pressure and general neighbourhood safety. If you are an international student, you must use platforms like uhomes.com to access verified virtual tours and live video inspections before making a decision.
- Prepare your required documents: They usually contain: photo ID, proof of student status, financial/funding documents, and details for a UK based guarantor.
- Review the Contract Terms: Read the tenancy agreement carefully to confirm the exact contract length and verify that all utility bills are fully included.
- Pay the Holding Deposit: Transfer your initial deposit through a secure online payment gateway to officially take the room off the local market.
Popular Student Accommodation in Nottingham
1. Talbot Street
- Location: The building sits at 80 Talbot Street, in the city centre.
- Commute: Students can walk to the NTU City Campus, which takes roughly 3 minutes, and the bus ride to the University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus takes only 11 minutes.
- Room Types: Students can choose from a variety of en-suite rooms and private studios.
- Key Facilities: Residents enjoy a private gym, SPA rooms, Wellness centre, table tennis, a cinema room and a Yoga studio.
2. iQ Exchange
- Location: The property is located at 143 Lower Parliament Street.
- Commute: It provides a 16 minute walk or a 6 minute cycle to Nottingham Trent University, and a 25 minute bus ride to the University of Nottingham.
- Room Types: The site features modern en-suites, fully equipped studios and 2 bed apartment.
- Key Facilities: There are table tennis and a pool table for students.
3. Radford Mill
- Location: It is located on Llkeston Road.
- Commute: Walking to the 15-minute walk to Nottingham Trent University City Campus and a 17-minute walk to the University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus.
- Room Types: Renters can select a studio, 1/2 bedroom apartment, a townhouse, or a 2-bedroom apartment with an en-suite.
- Key Facilities: The building includes a Gym, pool table, cinema room, table tennis, table football and a game room.
4. Nottingham Two
- Location: The residence is located on Midland Way.
- Commute: You can reach the University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus in only 5 minute walk and a short bus ride to Nottingham Trent University.
- Room Types: The options range from standard en-suite rooms to private studios and apartments.
- Key Facilities: Students benefit from Gym and table tennis.
5. Triumph House
- Location: It is located at 3 Triumph Road.
- Commute: The apartment is only a 4 minute walk from the University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus and an 11 minute bus ride from Nottingham Trent University.
- Room Types: The property focuses on high quality en-suite rooms and large studios.
- Key Facilities: It features fast WiFi, a gym, a game room, table tennis, a pool table, a sauna room and a music studio.
6. St. Peter's Court
- Location: The site is located in Midland Way.
- Commute: It only takes a 10 minute walk to the University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus.
- Room Types: It offers Platinum en-suite.
- Key Facilities: The complex provides a gym, game room, pool table and table tennis.
7. Trinity Square
- Location: It is located on North Church Street.
- Commute: It is just a 5 minute walk from Nottingham Trent University.
- Room Types: The building offers en-suite rooms and studios.
- Key Facilities: Residents enjoy a secure pool table, table tennis and a game room.
8. Centre Court
- Commute: it is just a 10-minute walk from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) City Campus.
- Room Types: Options include comfortable en-suites and studios.
- Key Facilities: The property includes a gym, Yoga studio, game room, pool table and coffee bar.
9. Morriss House
- Location: It is located at 1 Radmarsh Road.
- Commute: It takes a 12 minute bus from Nottingham Trent University and a 15 minute bus from the city centre.
- Room Types: The building operates en-suites and studios.
- Key Facilities: You can get a gym, coffee bar, cinema room, game room, dance room and karaoke room.
10. iQ Newtown House
- Location: It is located in Maid Marian Way.
- Commute: Nottingham Trent University is just an 8 minute stroll away, while the University of NottinghamJubilee Campus can be reached in 17 minutes by bus.
- Room Types: It offers only studio types.
- Key Facilities: The site boasts an on site gym, a cinema room and a pool table.
Best Student Rental Platforms in Nottingham
University Official Halls
Local General Platforms
Professional Student Platforms uhomes.com
What Should You Avoid When Booking Nottingham Student Accommodation?
- Social Media Scams: Never transfer money to unverified private landlords advertising cheap rooms on Facebook. Always use trusted property platforms to ensure your funds reach a legitimate company.
- Ignoring the Bills Policy: Do not sign a contract without checking if gas and electricity are included. Heating a drafty house in Lenton during the winter will destroy your monthly budget.
- Booking Too Late: Avoid waiting until August to find a room. The most affordable and highly rated flats in the city centre consistently sell out by early spring.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Nottingham Student Accommodation?
- Location and Commute: Calculate the exact walking time to your specific faculty rather than the general campus. Living in Lenton is suitable for students from NTU and UoN.
- Budget and Bills: Factor the total cost of living into your calculations. Ensure your weekly rent leaves you with enough disposable income for food and transport.
- Facilities and Amenities: Check if the building provides high speed internet and on site laundry. Free gyms and study rooms save you a large amount of money annually.
- Safety and Security: Prioritise accommodations with secure fob entry and round the clock CCTV. Feeling safe in your home is non-negotiable for international arrivals.
- Social Vibe: Evaluate the community atmosphere of your chosen property. Suburbs like Lenton provide an active social environment for undergraduates, while Beeston offers a quieter lifestyle suited for postgraduate study.
- Contract Length: Verify that your lease dates align perfectly with your academic term.
Tips for Students Living in Nottingham
- Download the NCTX Buses App: Nottingham City Transport operates a bus network across the region. Buying a student academic year pass directly in the app saves you hundreds of pounds compared to scanning your debit card daily.
- Utilise the Tram Network: The NET tram system connects the City Centre directly to Beeston and the University Park Campus. Always buy your ticket before boarding the carriage to avoid sudden harsh financial penalties from inspectors.
- Shop at an affordable Market: Ditch the expensive central convenience stores for your weekly groceries. Find fresh, affordable produce and authentic international ingredients at this market.
- Carry a Solid Waterproof Coat: The weather in the East Midlands shifts unpredictably throughout the day. A sturdy hooded jacket serves you infinitely better than an umbrella when walking across the windy university campuses.
- Register with a Local GP early: Health registration is vital upon arrival. Sign up at the Cripps Health Centre if you attend UoN or the Radfort Medical Practice to ensure you receive free NHS medical care when needed.
Conclusion
FAQ
Where do most students live in Nottingham?
Is Nottingham a safe city for students to live in?
Is Nottingham affordable for students?
Yes, Nottingham is one of the more affordable major student cities in the UK. Shared student houses typically cost £90–£150 per week, while university halls and private en-suite rooms usually range from around £130–£220 per week. Total monthly living costs for most students fall between £800 and £1,200, which is noticeably lower than in London and competitive with other mid-sized university cities.
How much does a student need to live in Nottingham?
A student typically needs £800–£1,200 per month to live comfortably in Nottingham. This covers rent (usually the biggest cost), food, transport, and basic living expenses. Shared houses or standard halls keep costs toward the lower end, while private studios or a more social lifestyle push the budget higher.
What areas are affordable for students to live in Nottingham
The most affordable areas for students in Nottingham are Beeston, Dunkirk, Radford, Sneinton and Hyson Green. These neighbourhoods generally offer lower rents than the city centre, with shared houses often available from around £90–£150 per person per week. Beeston and Dunkirk are particularly popular with University of Nottingham students because they combine reasonable prices with good access to campus. Radford, Sneinton and Hyson Green tend to suit students prioritising lower costs while still staying reasonably close to the city or Nottingham Trent University.
