7 Best Places to Live in Preston with Affordable Student Accommodation
Smart Student Living in the Heart of Preston
Table of Content
Preston is one of the UK’s most student-friendly cities, offering affordable living, excellent education opportunities, and a student lifestyle. The University of Central Lancashire attracts students from around the world with its welcoming atmosphere, lively cafés, shopping areas, and strong transport connections. From bustling city-centre neighbourhoods to quieter residential communities, there are plenty of options for students searching for the best places to live in Preston. The city provides budget-friendly student housing close to campus, making Preston an ideal destination for comfortable and convenient student living.
The City of Preston
Preston is a student city in Lancashire, North West England. The city is known for its affordable cost of living, excellent educational opportunities, and welcoming atmosphere, attracting students from different corners of the world. The city is also popular for affordable Preston student housing, offering excellent value compared to many larger UK student cities. Students wondering where to live in Preston can easily find areas with strong transport links, walkable streets, student-friendly cafés, and convenient access to campus facilities.
From bustling city-centre locations to quieter residential neighbourhoods, students can easily find the best areas to live in Preston based on affordability, safety, transport links, and lifestyle preferences. Preston is considered an ideal destination for students seeking comfortable, convenient, and budget-friendly university living. The city is also famous for its iconic visiting sites, which show relevance to understanding the culture and heritage of the place. Avenham and Miller Parks are among the most scenic green spaces in Preston, offering beautiful riverside views. The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library stands as one of the city’s most iconic cultural attractions, known for its impressive art collections and exhibitions.
Best Places to Live in Preston
1. Preston City Centre
Safety Index: 7.5/10
Walkability: 10/10
Crime rate: 112 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Preston: University of Central Lancashire
Population: ~22,000
Average Monthly Rent: £650/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,350/month
Preston City Centre is one of the best places to live in Preston for students who prefer a lively and convenient lifestyle. Students looking for student housing and calm places to live and study can easily find modern studios, shared apartments, and other affordable accommodations. Students can also explore nearby cafés such as Café Nero and Starbucks, while Royal Preston Hospital is conveniently located nearby for healthcare services.
2. Fulwood
Safety Index: 8.6/10
Walkability: 8/10
Crime rate: 62 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Preston: Preston College, Cardinal Newman College
Population: ~31,000
Average Monthly Rent: £875/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,250/month
Fulwood is among the best areas to live in Preston for students seeking a quieter and safer environment. Known for its green spaces, residential streets, and student-friendly atmosphere, the area offers excellent Preston student housing options at relatively affordable prices. Students searching for cheap student accommodation in Preston often choose Fulwood for its balance of comfort and affordability. The area also features student-friendly cafés like Costa Coffee and Brew + Bake, along with quick access to Royal Preston Hospital.
3. Ashton-on-Ribble
Safety Index: 7.9/10
Walkability: 8/10
Crime rate: 81 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Preston: University of Central Lancashire
Population: ~18,000
Average Monthly Rent: £820/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,180/month
Ashton-on-Ribble is one of the best places to live in Preston for students looking for affordable living and good transport connectivity. The area is popular for budget-friendly Preston student accommodation, including shared houses and modern student flats. Students wondering where to live in Preston on a budget often prefer Ashton-on-Ribble due to its lower rent prices and relaxed atmosphere.
4. Penwortham
Safety Index: 8.4/10
Walkability: 7.5/10
Crime rate: 58 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Preston: Lancaster University
Population: ~15,000
Average Monthly Rent: £860/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,220/month
Penwortham is a peaceful suburban neighbourhood and one of the best areas to live in Preston for students who enjoy a calm residential environment. The area offers affordable Preston rental apartments, green spaces, and local shops like Booths Penwortham and Tesco Express. Excellent transport links such as Stagecoach bus services, the A59, and nearby Preston Railway Station provide easy connections across Preston and beyond. Students looking for comfortable Preston student housing away from busy nightlife often choose Penwortham.
5. Deepdale
Safety Index: 7.2/10
Walkability: 8.5/10
Crime rate: 95 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Preston: Lancaster University School of Mathematics
Population: ~20,000
Average Monthly Rent: £760/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,120/month
Deepdale is a popular student neighbourhood known for its affordable lifestyle and convenient access to campus facilities. It is considered one of the top choices for cheap student accommodation Preston, offering budget-friendly shared homes and student flats. Students searching for the best places to live in Preston with lower living expenses often choose Deepdale for its affordability and strong bus connectivity. The area also benefits from nearby healthcare facilities such as Royal Preston Hospital and convenient grocery stores including Aldi, Asda, Tesco Express, and Morrisons, making daily life comfortable and convenient for students.
6. Ribbleton
Safety Index: 7/10
Walkability: 7/10
Crime rate: 101 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Preston: University Center at Blackburn University
Population: ~16,500
Average Monthly Rent: £720/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,050/month
Ribbleton is one of the most affordable areas to live in Preston for students looking to manage the cost of living in Preston efficiently. The area features economical Preston student accommodation, local supermarkets, and good public transport options like Stagecoach bus services and Preston Bus routes. Students looking for affordable Preston student housing and quieter surroundings often choose Ribbleton.
7. Docklands Preston
Safety Index: 8/10
Walkability: 8/10
Crime rate: 70 crimes per 1,000 residents (approx.)
Nearby universities in Preston: University of Central Lancashire
Population: ~12,000
Average Monthly Rent: £980/month
Cost of living (Monthly): £1,380/month
Docklands Preston is a modern waterfront neighbourhood and one of the best places to live in Preston for students who prefer stylish apartments and scenic surroundings. The area is well known for premium rental apartments and contemporary Preston student accommodation close to cafés, restaurants, and riverside walking paths. Students searching for modern student housing with a relaxed atmosphere often prefer Docklands. The area offers stylish waterfront living with easy access to cafés like Costa Coffee Docklands and Riverside Café.
Why Students Prefer Living in Preston?
Students choose Preston for its affordable lifestyle, welcoming student community, and excellent academic opportunities. The city is rich in heritage and culture, and alongside academics, students can definitely visit different places to gain knowledge. Places like the Brockholes Nature Reserve are among the most peaceful attractions in Preston, offering beautiful lakes, wildlife spotting, and eco-friendly visitor facilities.
Preston provides a wide variety of housing options, making it easier for students to explore the best places to live in Preston based on their budget, lifestyle, and preferred university location. From lively areas like Preston City Centre and Deepdale to quieter residential neighbourhoods such as Fulwood and Penwortham, students can choose from modern Preston student accommodation, shared flats, studios, and comfortable Preston rental apartments. The relatively lower cost of living in Preston also makes it easier for students to manage monthly expenses while enjoying a comfortable university lifestyle.
Finding safe and affordable student accommodation in Preston can be challenging, especially for international students. Amber makes the process simple by offering fully verified student housing options, including studios, shared apartments, and modern residences near universities, transport links, cafés, and popular student areas, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free living experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly cost of living in Preston?
Students in Preston live a budget-friendly life. The average monthly cost of living for students is £1,000 to £1,400, including accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and entertainment expenses.
What sports and outdoor activities are popular in Preston?
Preston is famous for many outdoor activities, such as football, cycling, hiking, gym workouts, and riverside walks, with popular spots including Preston Guild Wheel and Deepdale Stadium.
What cultural events take place in Preston throughout the year?
Preston hosts several popular cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Preston Caribbean Carnival, Preston Jazz Festival, and seasonal food and music events that attract students and visitors alike.
Which famous personalities are associated with Preston?
The famous Nick Park, the creator of Wallace and Gromit, and football legend Sir Tom Finney belong to Preston.
Which are the major hospitals available for students in Preston?
Major healthcare facilities in Preston include Royal Preston Hospital and Fulwood Hall Hospital, both offering comprehensive medical services and emergency care for students and residents.