Life in Preston

Student life

Wondering what life in Preston will be like? Preston is a vibrant, multicultural city in the heart of the North West, making it the perfect place to live, work and play. This guide to Preston will help you make the most of your time in our incredible city.

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#MyPreston - Food

Preston ranked in the Top 20 of 'Best Student Cities in the UK 2023'

Students from StudentCrowd reviewed cost of living, eating out, night life, shopping and public transport in their cities.

View StudentCrowd's Best Student Cities

Things to do in Preston

Our average monthly rent is the 3rd Cheapest in the UK and the cheapest in the North West Save the student - National Student Accommodation Survey 2023

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Enjoy an al-fresco meal in Once Was Lost's urban garden terrace.
Enjoy an al-fresco meal in Once Was Lost's urban garden terrace.

Where is Preston?

Preston is a vibrant, multicultural city in the heart of the North West, making it the perfect place to live, work and play.

Explore our campus and city

Join us on campus

people walking

Why not discover our city and campus together

Explore our fantastic campuses and discover what life is like here at the University of Central Lancashire.

Life in Preston

Is Preston a good student city?

Here you'll enjoy the best of both worlds – a buzzing student city right on your doorstep, together with beautiful green spaces to relax and unwind in. Preston’s small enough to get around on foot and to get to know. But it has a big personality and its own unique character. Whatever you’re looking for in a student city, you’ll find it in Preston.

Student stories

What our students say

Get to know the city from the people who matter the most - our students.

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Our University is a thriving student community where you'll soon feel at home and meet lifelong friends. Keep on reading for my guide to all things student life in Preston.
man looking into the camera
Jose Luis Oliván Cano
BSc Aerospace Engineering
Dubai
Read blog

Thinking about commuting to classes?

Many of our students live at home and commute to campus for their studies. If you're thinking about doing the same, we have lots of information that might help.

Find out more about commuting

Facts about Preston

  • Caribbean Carnival

    Our Caribbean Carnival, founded in 1974, is one of the oldest in the UK.
  • Telephone boxes

    We have the longest continuous row of old style phone boxes in the country.
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken

    In 1965 Ray Allen opened the UK's first KFC store on Fishergate High Street.
  • Tallest spire in England

    Home to the St Walburge's Church which boasts a towering 309ft spire.

Ready to explore some more

  • Preston: the city with culture around every corner

    Whilst Preston is a lively and modern city, we’re also proud of our heritage. Over 70 buildings and structures around Preston are listed by English Heritage.

  • Fresh air and wide open spaces

    Preston has all the perfect locations you are looking for in a student city. The charming Georgian setting of Winckley Square is the ideal place to escape from the crowds and enjoy a quiet lunch.

  • The gateway to the North West

    Preston railway station is only a 10-minute walk from our campus. The Bus Station offers local and national bus and coach services. So getting around Preston couldn’t be easier.