Student life in Preston

Student life in Preston is greatly varied. Considered the biggest city in Lancashire, Preston unsurprisingly has a lot going on. When it comes to student life in Preston, there’s always something to do, whether you’re into food, live music, history, or nature.

The city is home to the University of Lancashire, along with around 20,000 students, making student events and deals a given. Students often choose to live right at the heart of the action in the city centre, although Plungington and Ashton are becoming more popular.

• 1

  Social scene

  Preston has a vibrant social scene with spots like The Warehouse, The Ferret, and Baluga Bar & Club keeping the city alive until the early hours. Another student favourite is Kuckoo, perfect for any cocktail lover, and you can easily hop from spot to spot in the city centre. And if you've already been to Roper Hall too many times, Manchester’s not too far away!

• 2

  Green spaces

  If you need some nature therapy, you won’t be short of green spaces here. There are Green Flag spots like Ashton, Haslam, Miller, and Avenham Parks, as well as Brockholes, a stunning nature reserve that’s perfect for a weekend picnic in the third semester. If you can’t get enough of woodland areas, you can also pay a visit to Boilton Wood Nature Reserve.

• 3

  History and culture

  History lovers will fall for The Harris, a Grade I-listed building known for its free-of-charge local history museum and fine art gallery. If this wasn’t enough, you can always take a wander down the historic Preston Markets or tick some iconic architectural sights off your list, including St Walburge’s Church.

• 4

  Retail therapy

  Any shopaholic will find the retail therapy they need here, with St George’s Shopping Centre being considered the largest in the city centre. Fishergate Shopping Centre, located next to the railway station, features numerous well-known retailers. The historic Miller Arcade offers a blend of bars, restaurants, and speciality shops.

• 5

  Easy access to entertainment

  It’s hard to stay bored in Preston, with plenty of ways to stay entertained. The Flower Bowl offers a variety of activities, from crazy golf and curling to shuffleboard and cinema (although you'll need a car or bus to get to this one). For something closer, you could try your hand at bowling, arcade games, and laser tag at Level or Hollywood Bowl.

• 6

  Annual events

  Another great aspect of Preston student life is the opportunity to attend numerous annual events. The Encounter Festival celebrates Lancashire’s culture, while the Preston Caribbean Carnival is full of costumes and dancing. Additionally, music lovers should watch out for the Preston Jazz Festival and Rockprest.

University of Central Lancashire

Founded in 1828, the University of Lancashire is known for its high employability and career-focused courses. Being one of the UK's most affordable universities, it welcomes students from over 100 countries.