Best Places to Live in Loughborough: 7 Student-Friendly Areas
Student Living Made Easy in Loughborough.
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Loughborough has a welcoming atmosphere, excellent university life, and affordable living options, one of the most popular towns in the United Kingdom. From lively student neighbourhoods close to campus to quieter residential areas with green spaces and modern housing, Loughborough offers something for every lifestyle and budget. In this guide, “the best places to live in Loughborough,” for university students, we highlight each area’s atmosphere, connectivity, affordability, and student appeal.
The City of Loughborough
Loughborough is a market town in the Charnwood Borough of Leicestershire, England, with a population of around 64,884 according to the 2021 Census. Located close to Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby, it is one of the East Midlands’ most well-connected student towns and is especially popular for its strong university culture, welcoming community, and lively atmosphere.
The town is best known as the home of Loughborough University, one of the UK’s leading universities, attracting students from across the world every year. Loughborough has a rich industrial and cultural heritage, which attracts students for non-academic reasons. The town is home to the historic John Taylor Bellfounders, the world’s largest working bell foundry, famous for casting iconic bells.
Best Places to Live in Loughborough
1. Ashby Square
Safety Index: 8.4/10
Walkability: 9/10
Crime rate: 68 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities: The Markfield Institution of Higher Education
Population: ~8,000
Average Monthly Rent: £700/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,000/month
Ashby Square is one of the most friendly student areas, known for its modern apartments, cafés, supermarkets, and proximity to the town centre, and is one of the most affordable places to rent in Loughborough. Students benefit from excellent transport links like Kinchbus Skylink Derby, Arriva Midlands bus services, and a lively atmosphere with restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues nearby. The area is highly walkable, making it ideal for students who want convenient access to campus and social hotspots. Popular dining spots such as Caravelli and Goodliffes Bar are well-known for their welcoming atmosphere, quality food, and popularity among students and locals alike. Some affordable and accessible accommodations in this area are:
2. Golden Triangle
Safety Index: 8.2/10
Walkability: 9.2/10
Crime rate: 72 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities: Loughborough University
Population: ~6,500
Average Monthly Rent: £680/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £980/month
The Golden Triangle is among the most popular student neighbourhoods and affordable properties to rent Loughborough due to its social life and large student population. Packed with shared student houses, takeaways, pubs like the Belle Vue and Earlham, and convenience stores, the area creates a lively university environment. Its close distance to campus and affordable areas in Loughborough make it highly desirable for undergraduate students.
3. Forest Side
Safety Index: 8.7/10
Walkability: 8/10
Crime rate: 58 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities: Loughborough University
Population: ~5,000
Average Monthly Rent: £750/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,050/month
Forest Side is one of the quietest residential neighbourhoods preferred by postgraduate and international students seeking peaceful surroundings, a calm environment, and affordable properties to rent Loughborough. The area offers green spaces, modern housing, and easy cycling routes into town and campus. Its lower crime rates and calm environment make it ideal for a focused academic life. Loughborough Hospital is conveniently located nearby, providing students and residents with easy access to healthcare services.
4. Shelthorpe
Safety Index: 7.9/10
Walkability: 7.8/10
Crime rate: 80 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities: Universities Human Resources
Population: ~9,000
Average Monthly Rent: £620/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £920/month
Shelthorpe is known for affordable places to rent in Loughborough and convenient local amenities, making it attractive for students on a budget. The area has supermarkets, parks, and bus connectivity to the university and town centre. Shelthorpe offers convenient access to supermarkets such as Tesco Extra, Aldi, Lidl, and Morrisons, making grocery shopping easy and affordable for students and residents. Some affordable and accessible accommodations in this area for students are:
5. Nanpantan
Safety Index: 8.9/10
Walkability: 7.5/10
Crime rate: 50 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities: Association of University Directors of Estates
Population: ~4,500
Average Monthly Rent: £780/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,080/month
Nanpantan is a scenic and peaceful area and has affordable properties to rent in Loughborough, and is surrounded by greenery and open spaces. Loughborough student life prefers quieter lifestyles; the neighbourhood offers spacious accommodation and a relaxing atmosphere away from busy student crowds. The area has good cuisine and restaurants like the Sutalia, Caravelli, and Charcoal Bar & Grill serves the best of all. Despite its calm environment, it remains well connected to the university and local facilities.
6. Loughborough Town Centre
Safety Index: 8/10
Walkability: 9.5/10
Crime rate: 88 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities: Loughborough University
Population: ~12,000
Average Monthly Rent: £720/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,020/month
The Town Centre is ideal for Loughborough student life; people enjoy it here because of its busy nature and the availability of necessary things throughout the town. The Goodliffes Bar is one of the famous restaurants in this area. The area offers a mix of private student accommodation and shared housing close to everyday essentials. Excellent connectivity and entertainment options make it one of the most convenient and one of the best places to live in Loughborough. Loughborough Town Centre is home to popular attractions such as Loughborough Carillon, Charnwood Museum, Queen's Park, and Loughborough Town Hall.
7. Thorpe Acre
Safety Index: 8.5/10
Walkability: 8.8/10
Crime rate: 63 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities: University of Nottingham
Population: ~7,500
Average Monthly Rent: £690/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £990/month
Thorpe Acre is a balanced residential area offering a mix of student housing and affordable places to rent in Loughborough, green spaces, and quiet streets. The neighbourhood is close to campus while still maintaining a more relaxed atmosphere compared to central student zones. Students benefit from good transport links, local shops, and easy access to sports and recreational facilities. Thorpe Acre residents have easy access to facilities such as the Loughborough University Sports Centre, Holywell Fitness Centre, and Burleigh Springs Leisure Club for sports, fitness, and recreational activities. The area is an ideal location for students to live in an affordable rate and with the best amenities around:
Loughborough Student Life
Loughborough is widely loved by students for its perfect balance of academic excellence, and welcoming community atmosphere. Home to the prestigious Loughborough University, the town has built a strong student-focused environment with modern facilities.
Students enjoy popular pubs, restaurants, student bars, fitness centres, and Loughborough nightlife for students, with venues close to campus, creating an energetic and friendly atmosphere. The cafes and restaurants are filled with different types of cuisine from around the world. The town hosts local markets, music events, cultural festivals, and sporting activities, helping student living Loughborough to stay engaged beyond academics. Students in Loughborough can enjoy local markets and events such as the Loughborough Market, Loughborough Fair, Loughborough Mela, Loughborough Arts Festival, Party in the Park, and sporting events hosted at Loughborough University, which contribute to the town’s vibrant cultural and social scene. With excellent Loughborough transport and connectivity, the city is accessible for students to live and commute to different places.
Whether preferring lively student areas in Loughborough close to campus or quieter residential communities, it provides budget-friendly student accommodations in Loughborough for every lifestyle and budget. Amber makes the affordable student accommodation search easier by offering verified, fully furnished student accommodation near Loughborough University, helping students enjoy a smooth, convenient living experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average living cost of Loughborough?
The average cost of living in Loughborough ranges from £900 to £1,200 per month, the living charges include accommodation, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure expenses.
Is public transport good in Loughborough for students?
Loughborough has reliable public transport, including local buses and direct rail links to cities such as Leicester, Nottingham, and London.
Does Loughborough have good healthcare facilities for students?
Students in Loughborough have access to NHS healthcare services, local GP clinics, pharmacies, and nearby hospitals such as Loughborough Hospital.
Is Loughborough safe for university students?
Loughborough is generally considered a safe student town with a welcoming community atmosphere. Popular student accommodation near the university has good security measures, well-lit streets, and regular student support services.
What entertainment options are available for students in Loughborough?
Students can enjoy pubs, cafés, gyms, cinemas, music venues, parks, sports facilities, and student union events. The town also has a lively nightlife and regular cultural activities throughout the year.