Forest Rise, Loughborough

When it comes to student accommodation in Loughborough, there’s no one-size-fits-all setup — and that’s exactly the beauty of it. No matter if you're new to uni life or well into your degree, the city has various room types. These options fit every personality, budget, and lifestyle. From solo sanctuaries to shared spaces that spark spontaneous pizza nights, here’s the lowdown on what’s available:

1. Ensuites: Perfect for students who love their personal space but still want that shared flat experience. With an ensuite, you get your bedroom and a private bathroom — no more queuing up with your towel in hand. It’s a sweet balance between privacy and social life, ideal for those who want a bit of both.

2. Non-Ensuites: More budget-friendly and more social, non-ensuites give you your room but a shared bathroom with your flatmates. If you’re easygoing and don’t mind a little communal living, this is a great way to meet new people and save some cash for late-night takeout.

3. Studios: All about independence? A studio might just be your dream setup. These self-contained spaces come with your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette — basically, everything you need under one roof. It’s the ultimate choice for students who like to do their own thing, in their own time.

4. Shared Apartments: If your uni experience isn’t complete without a house full of mates, shared apartments are where it’s at. You’ll have your room but share common spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. It’s sociable, budget-friendly, and great for building that “found family” vibe away from home.

Moving to Loughborough and trying to figure out your budget? We got you. The cost of living here is pretty student-friendly compared to bigger UK cities, which means your bank account can breathe a little. The average cost of living in Loughborough is £1,200 to £1,400 per month. Housing is usually the biggest expense. Groceries and eating out won’t break the bank either. Nights out, gym memberships, and other bits of fun vary, but overall, Loughborough makes it easy to balance study and social life without going broke. Here is a breakdown of the expenses you will incur in Loughborough.

1. Off-campus accommodation: £530 - £570/month

2. Transportation: £60 - £80/month

3. Food: £420 - £450/month

4. Entertainment: £40 - £65/month

5. Groceries: £100 - £120/month

6. Clothes: £70 - £80/month

Loughborough's public transportation network is seriously impressive for students. Buses run on regular schedules. Their routes connect university buildings, Loughborough student homes, and popular hangout spots. The Sprint service is very reliable. It keeps students connected to campus and the town centre, so they don’t have to worry about driving or parking.

1. Bus: The Kinchbus network dominates Loughborough's bus scene. The bright yellow buses are impossible to miss and serve all major student areas. Route 5 is the lifeline for many students, running between campus and the town center every 10 minutes during weekdays. The Kinchbus Uni Rider pass costs approximately £30/month or £85/term for unlimited travel on all routes. You can take the Loughborough University and High Street (Stand HB) bus stops.

2. Train: The Loughborough train station is about a 15-minute walk from the town centre. It offers direct links to big cities like Leicester, Nottingham, and London. The 16-25 Railcard is essential for student travelers, reducing all ticket prices by 33% for just £30/year. East Midlands Railway sometimes offers special deals for students during reading weeks and term breaks.

3. Bike: Cycling is big in Loughborough. The flat terrain and bike lanes on campus make it easy to ride into town. The university runs a bike loan scheme where students can rent bicycles for as little as £40/term with a refundable deposit. The Cycle to Campus initiative gives students maintenance vouchers of £15 each semester. To get a voucher, students must register their bikes with campus security. Local bike shops, such as Loughborough Cycles and Evans Cycles, give 10-15% discounts to students. Just show a valid student ID for discounts on purchases and repairs.

Loughborough is lowkey a vibe for students - not just a uni town but built for the student lifestyle! The campus and nearby areas are much safer than larger cities. Security teams watch out for you, not just there for show. The whole town seems made for students. You can find affordable food spots and study cafes that welcome you to stay all day with your laptop. Safety-wise, Loughborough is genuinely elite tier. The Golden Triangle and Forest Road are student villages. You can walk home late at night without feeling stressed. The Student Watch scheme has your back, and there's always someone from campus security you can call if things get sketchy (though they rarely do).

When it comes to hanging out, the options are surprisingly decent for a smaller town. Echo's is the spot for cheap drinks and wild Wednesday student nights that'll have you regretting your life choices in your 9 AM lecture. If club vibes aren't for you, try The Orange Tree and Kelso. They offer great pub food and good craft beers at affordable prices. Baobab Café is the spot for aesthetic study girls to enjoy matcha and film productivity TikTok. Meanwhile, Caffè Nero by the market has comfy seats that everyone wants during revision season. Goodliffes Bar and Caravelli are good spots to grab a bite near Loughborough student accommodation.

When the weather's nice, Queens Park is perfect for picnics, touch rugby, or just lying in the grass and pretending to read for your seminars. The town shines with events, too. Every November, the annual Loughborough Fair takes over the town centre. It features rides and food stalls, perfect for top-notch Instagram posts. The Students' Union runs events that slap, from foam parties to cultural celebrations that hit differently. There's always something to break up essay-writing boredom. From the International Food Festival in spring to the local music scene at The Swan in the Rushes, student life offers more than just a degree.

Loughborough might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think "tourist destination," but honestly? The town's got some hidden gems that are worth a visit. Loughborough is more than just a university hotspot. It offers cultural and historical sites that feel unique. These places are perfect for exploring without the usual tourist crowds. A few tourist attractions near Loughborough student accommodation include.

1. Great Central Railway

2. Queen's Park

3. Charnwood Museum

4. Loughborough Bellfoundry Museum

5. Beacon Hill Country Park

6. Bradgate Park

Loughborough is a low-key one of the UK's elite student hubs, not just another random town on the map. The academic scene here is genuinely stacked with institutions that pull in students from literally everywhere. The city is known as an educational powerhouse. This makes it a great place for students who want a mix of academic prestige and friendly vibes.

1. Loughborough University: It keeps winning in rankings and shines in sports. Olympic athletes train here, no doubt. Their campus is massive and has elite facilities that other unis could only dream about. Loughborough Uni has top-notch engineering and sports science departments. Their business school is impressive too. A few stays near the uni are Asha House and Kingfisher Halls.

2. De Montfort University: DMU Loughborough focuses on design, media, and creative arts. This is different from the main university's STEM emphasis. Their industry connections are fire, and they've got this reputation for getting students into proper creative careers, not just dead-end internships. Accommodations you can opt for near DMU are The Grange and Albion Court.

3. Loughborough College: It completes the trio with practical, skills-based courses and apprenticeships. These options appeal to those who prefer not to follow the traditional university path. The college offers a range of options, from foundation degrees to higher internships. With these apprenticeships, you earn money while you study.