9 Best Places to Live in Lancashire for University Students

Lancashire is one of the most student-friendly regions in England. The city offers affordable living, world-class universities for students, vivid culture and heritage, and a scenic countryside. With excellent transport links, diverse entertainment, and access to top institutions like the University of Central Lancashire and Lancaster University, Lancashire continues to attract students from across the UK and beyond. If you are looking for answers to where to live in Lancashire, this guide explores the best places to live in Lancashire for students, covering affordability, safety, transport, nightlife, and overall student experience to help you find the ideal area to call home.

The City of Lancahire

Lancashire is a ceremonial county located in North West England, known for its rich industrial heritage, scenic countryside, and student-friendly cities. The region comprises famous institutions like the University of Central Lancashire and Lancaster University. The universities in Lancashire attract students from around the world. Also, giving them a better living standard, friendly societies, and a calm environment.

Bordering Cumbria, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and the Irish Sea, the county offers a diverse mix of urban centres, coastal towns, and peaceful rural landscapes.

The geographical location of Lancashire combines flat coastal plains with beautiful upland landscapes. Areas like the Fylde Coast and West Lancashire offer scenic seaside views, while the Forest of Bowland and the West Pennine Moors provide stunning countryside escapes popular among students.

Best Places to Live in Lancahire

1. Preston

Safety Index: 7.8/10
Walkability: 8.5/10
Crime rate: 82 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Lancashire: University of Central Lancashire (0.5–2 miles)
Population: ~150,000
Average Monthly Rent: £650/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £950/month

Preston is one of the most sought-after student destinations in Lancashire, known for its affordable places to live in Lancashire, good accommodation facilities, nightlife, and excellent transport connectivity to other parts of the city. Preston offers a lively student atmosphere with easy access to shopping centres, entertainment venues, study spaces, and everyday essentials located close to the university area. Popular spots such as Brucciani’s and Coco’s Soul Food add to Preston’s social and food culture, making it a favourite among students.

Popular student accommodation in Preston includes -

• Fusion Students Preston
• Jubilee Court
• Foundry Court

These properties offer a good environment, friendly neighbours, and a walkable distance to major markets and stores nearby.

2. Lancaster

Safety Index:  8.4/10
Walkability:  8.8/10
Crime rate:  60 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Lancashire: Lancaster University (2–3 miles)
Population:  ~52,000
Average Monthly Rent: £700/month
Cost of Living (Monthly):  £1,000/month 

Lancaster blends historic charm with a lively student-friendly atmosphere. Properties like Penny Street Residence and CityBlock Lancaster make it one of the best places to live in Lancashire for students. The city offers affordable places to live in Lancashire, scenic riverside walks, independent cafés, cultural landmarks, and a welcoming community that creates a balanced and enjoyable student lifestyle. With reliable public transport, easy access to universities, and essential facilities such as Westmorland General Hospital nearby, Lancaster provides students with both convenience and a comfortable living environment. 

3. Blackpool

Safety Index:  6.9/10
Walkability: 8/10
Crime rate:  105 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Lancashire:  Blackpool and The Fylde College (1–2 miles)
Population:  ~140,000
Average Monthly Rent: £575/month
Cost of Living (Monthly):  £900/month

Blackpool offers students affordable places to live in Lancashire and a lively coastal lifestyle, making it one of the most popular places to live in Lancashire. With affordable rental costs and a student-friendly environment, reliable public transport, and easy access to shopping centres and daily essentials, the town provides a convenient student living experience. Students can also enjoy a variety of cafés, restaurants, nightlife spots, and entertainment venues, creating a fun and social atmosphere throughout the year. Popular attractions such as Blackpool Tower and Blackpool Pleasure Beach are the best places to go in Lancashire. This further enhances the area’s appeal, giving students plenty of opportunities to relax and explore during weekends and holidays.

4. Burnley

Safety Index: 7.2/10
Walkability: 7.5/10
Crime rate: 88 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Lancashire: Burnley College and UCLan Burnley Campus (1–2 miles)
Population: ~95,000
Average Monthly Rent: £500/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £820/month

Burnley is popular among students for its affordable living costs, peaceful residential neighbourhoods, and convenient access to educational facilities, shopping areas, and green spaces. The town offers a comfortable student lifestyle, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Students often enjoy spending time at cafés such as The Coffee House, Wilfred’s, and Real Coffee Bean, which provide welcoming spaces for studying and socialising. 

5. Blackburn

Safety Index:  7/10
Walkability: 8/10
Crime rate:  95 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Lancashire:  Blackburn College (1–2 miles)
Population:  ~120,000
Average Monthly Rent:  £550/month
Cost of Living (Monthly):  £850/month

Blackburn is one of the most attractive places in Lancashire, offering students affordable places to live in Lancashire, a diverse community, and excellent rail connections to nearby cities such as Manchester and Preston. The town provides a comfortable and budget-friendly lifestyle with easy access to shopping centres, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making everyday student living convenient and enjoyable. Students also benefit from essential facilities like Royal Blackburn Hospital, one of the leading healthcare centres in the region, adding to the area’s overall accessibility and appeal. 

6. Lytham St Annes

Safety Index: 8.8/10
Walkability: 8.2/10
Crime rate: 45 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Lancashire: Blackpool and The Fylde College (5–7 miles)
Population: ~42,000
Average Monthly Rent: £725/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,050/month

Lytham St Annes is a peaceful coastal town that attracts students looking for a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle while studying in Lancashire. The town is known for its scenic beaches, green spaces, and welcoming atmosphere. Students enjoy spending time at popular restaurants and cafés such as Miller & Carter, Spago, and Novello, which add to the town’s social scene. The area also provides good access to nearby universities and modern student accommodation options, including Queens Court, The Residence Fylde Coast, and Chapel Street Apartments, making Lytham St. Anne's one of the best places to live in Lancashire.

7. Ormskirk

Safety Index:  8.3/10
Walkability:  8.6/10
Crime rate:  58 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Lancashire:  Edge Hill University (1–2 miles)
Population: ~25,000
Average Monthly Rent:  £680/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £980/month

Ormskirk offers a welcoming student atmosphere with traditional markets, cosy cafés, and excellent transport connections. The walkability of this region makes daily commuting simple and convenient for students, while the town’s relaxed environment creates a comfortable place to live and study. There are many popular attractions of this region, some of which, such as Ormskirk Market and Ruff Wood, add to the area’s charm, giving students plenty of opportunities to explore nature, local culture, and leisure activities during their weekends and holidays.

8. Accrington

Safety Index:  7.4/10
Walkability: 7.8/10
Crime rate:  84 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Lancashire:  Blackburn College and Burnley College (6–10 miles)
Population:  ~38,000
Average Monthly Rent: £480/month
Cost of Living (Monthly):  £800/month

Accrington is a popular choice for students seeking affordable student housing in Lancashire, who are seeking a relaxed lifestyle away from busy city centres. The town offers reliable transport connections, good walkability, and convenient access to nearby educational institutions, making daily commuting simple and cost-effective. Its peaceful residential atmosphere gives students the advantage of living in a comfortable out-of-town setting while still staying well connected to surrounding areas. Popular cafés such as Mocha Parade, Cafe Ri-An, and The Hideout are well known among students for their affordable food, cosy ambience, and welcoming social environment.

9. Chorley

Safety Index: 8/10
Walkability: 8.1/10
Crime rate: 63 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Lancashire:  University of Central Lancashire (10–12 miles)
Population:  ~37,000
Average Monthly Rent:  £620/month
Cost of Living (Monthly):  £920/month

Chorley offers students a balanced and affordable lifestyle with green parks, peaceful residential neighbourhoods, and excellent rail connections to Preston, Manchester, and nearby university hubs. Known for its welcoming student-friendly atmosphere, the town provides budget-friendly accommodation options along with easy access to shopping areas, cafés, restaurants, and essential services. Students also benefit from healthcare facilities such as Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, which adds to the convenience of living in the area. Popular student accommodation options near Chorley include The Warehouse Apartments, Jubilee Court, Urban Hub Preston, and Trinity Student Village, offering modern amenities and comfortable living spaces for students studying across Lancashire.

Why Students Prefer Living in Lancashire? 

Students enjoy living in Lancashire because of its strong balance between academic opportunities, affordability, and quality of life. The University of Central Lancashire and Lancaster University are both known for their diverse student communities, modern campuses, and career-focused education. Culturally, Lancashire combines historic charm with modern student life, offering everything from seaside attractions in Blackpool. The county also benefits from excellent transport connections, including regular rail services to Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and London, along with reliable local buses and student-friendly travel options. 

The city offers students an excellent mix of affordable places to live in Lancashire, quality education, vibrant culture, and diverse neighbourhoods suited to every lifestyle. Whether you prefer the lively student atmosphere of Preston, Lancaster, or Lytham St Annes, the county provides plenty of options for comfortable student living. With excellent universities, reliable transport links, and a preferable cost of living, the place provides a wide variety of options for students to live. 

Searching for a good accommodation in a new town is one of the most tedious tasks, and thus,amber helps students discover safe, modern, and convenient Lancashire student housing options across Lancashire. From shared apartments to private studios near top universities, amber makes student living simple, flexible, and stress-free.

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