Is Preston a Good Place to Live as a Student?

Choosing a city to study in requires university rankings, cost of living, safety, location, amenities, etc. The cost of living is an important consideration, and the most prominent head of the budget is accommodation, which can account for up to 70% of the cost of living. Considering the above factors, Preston is a suitable city for students to study and live in. Preston is one of the least expensive cities in the UK to study in, and as the capital of Lancashire, Preston has been recognized by the Guardian as having one of the best transport networks in the country. 

Affordable Living

Preston has earned the distinction of being ranked sixth in StudentCrowd’s Top 10 list of cities with the lowest cost of studying in the UK. This recognition underscores the city’s affordability, a significant advantage for students. The cost of living for students in Preston ranges between £700 and £900 per month, making it one of the country’s more budget-friendly options for higher education. This budget covers accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities, allowing students to enjoy all of Preston’s amenities comfortably.

According to uhomes.com, student accommodation in Preston Lancashire, ranges from £75 to £173 per week. This wide range allows students to choose accommodation that fits their financial situation, with various room types available to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether opting for shared flats, private studios, or en-suite rooms, students can find housing that meets their needs without straining their finances.

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Highly Developed Higher Education

Preston, a national education centre, is home to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), a rapidly rising star in the UK’s higher education landscape. Established in 1828, UCLan is one of the UK’s leading public universities, with a student and staff population of nearly 38,000. It is ranked 5th in the UK for undergraduate enrolment and is gaining momentum as one of the fastest-rising universities in the UK.

UCLan attracts a large number of students every year, including a large number of overseas students. UCLan has a long history of media specialisms, and other strong specialisms mainly focus on social sciences and cultural and creative industries, with its School of Art and Design, Tourism, Hospitality and Exhibition, and Accountancy enjoying a good reputation in the industry. The University of Central Lancashire links closely with multinational organisations such as the Disney Group, BBC and Marriott to provide student internship opportunities.

Safe and Colourful Nightlife

Many students and parents may be concerned about safety in the UK when studying in a foreign country, especially at night. Recently, Preston was again awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation, making it the only city in Lancashire to receive this designation.

Similar to the Blue Flag accreditation for beach services, the Purple Flag measures and judges the city’s night-time services (17:00-05:00). Cities awarded the Purple Flag are more popular with tourists because of their friendly people, lower crime rates and less anti-social behaviour. Areas awarded the Purple Flag standard are awarded the accolade by a panel of UK experts for providing a vibrant and diverse range of food, drink, entertainment and culture whilst contributing to the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents. A night out in Preston is not only the ‘gold standard’ in terms of safety, but it’s also packed full of activities, from theatre plays and performances to great pub music.

Excellent Transport Links

Preston’s location in the centre of the North West of England is particularly advantageous. The city is close to Manchester and Liverpool, making it a commuter belt for both cities. With easy access to transport, Preston makes it easy to get to your destination, whether travelling through the city or further afield. This means more internship opportunities and career paths for students.

Preston Bus Station has 80 parking areas and can accommodate 1,000 cars. The first motorway in the UK was the Preston ramp. Located in the North West of England, Preston has been recognised by the Guardian as one of the best cities in the country for its transport network. With excellent transport links, the nearest airport is Manchester International Airport, and London is easily accessible by train in 2 hours.

Green Spaces and Environment

Preston has a natural environment, the city parks or the surrounding countryside, with easy outdoor access for fresh air and exercise. For those who want to relax in nature, Preston also has excellent air quality, scoring 84.4 out of 10, and a whopping 102 walking trails, almost twice as many as Milton Keynes, offering an exciting outdoor experience.

It’s worth noting that Preston scored just 12.5 out of 100 on the noise pollution index, the lowest score of all the cities involved. Social life, construction, industrial noise and transport contribute to noise pollution. The quality of the city’s acoustic environment significantly impacts the quality of life. Living in Preston, you can have an excellent sound environment experience.

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