Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when starting university, and for students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston offers a great mix of affordable modern halls, private student apartments, and friendly residential neighbourhoods. Whether you're a first-year student looking for a sociable halls experience or a postgraduate after quieter, more independent living, there are plenty of options both on and around campus.
Types of Accommodation Available
Accommodation in Preston for UCLan students falls into three main categories: university-managed halls, approved private halls, and shared houses or flats in the local area.
- University-Managed Halls
UCLan owns and manages several of its own halls close to campus, including the highly popular Whitendale, Derwent, and Roeburn residences. These are ideal if you want to live near teaching buildings, the library, the Students’ Union, and the social life of the university. The university-managed halls come furnished and usually include utility bills, wi-fi, and on-site support from residence teams. They tend to create a community feel, especially for first-year students who want to settle in quickly and make friends. - Private Halls (UCLan-approved)
There are also several private student halls in Preston, such as Trinity Student Village, Leighton Hall, iQ Kopa, Foundry Court, and Jubilee Court. These are run by professional student housing companies but still located close to campus, often with more modern facilities like en-suite bathrooms, on-site gyms, or social lounges. These halls often appeal to students who want a slightly more upgraded living environment while still being part of student life. - Shared Houses and Flats
From second year onward, many students choose to move into shared houses in the local neighbourhoods around the university. Areas like Adelphi, Moor Lane, Ashton-on-Ribble, and Deepdale are popular. These properties are typically let through local student-specialist letting agents and can be more cost effective, with the benefit of more living space and independence.
Location and Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of UCLan accommodation in Preston is proximity. Almost all of the university-managed halls are within a five- to ten-minute walk of the main campus buildings. This means you can get to lectures easily, head home quickly between seminars, or nudge yourself out of bed without a long commute on frosty mornings.
Preston is a compact student-friendly city. Essential amenities like supermarkets, pharmacies, gyms, cafés, takeaways, and the Students’ Union bar are all clustered close to campus. The train station is also walkable, making it simple to get to Manchester, Liverpool, or the Lake District for weekend trips.
Affordability
Compared with larger UK university cities such as Manchester or Leeds, Preston is known for being very affordable. Accommodation prices are generally lower while still maintaining modern standards. University-managed halls often include bills, and private halls usually operate a fixed-rent structure, which makes budgeting easier during your first year. If you choose a shared house later on, you might find monthly costs even lower, especially if splitting bills equally with friends.
Facilities and Room Types
Typical room options at UCLan accommodation include:
- Standard rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms
- En-suite rooms with private bathrooms
- Studio flats with your own fully equipped mini-kitchen and more space
- Accessible and adapted rooms for students with disabilities or specific medical needs
Most halls provide fast internet access, furnished bedrooms, shared social areas, laundry facilities, secure entry systems, and 24/7 support for emergencies. In university-managed halls, there are also Residential Assistants — older students who provide pastoral help, answer questions, and organise events to help first-years socialise.
Social Life and Community
Living in halls is one of the fastest ways to make friends at UCLan. Many residences put on events during Welcome Week and throughout the academic year, such as film nights, pizza socials, outdoor games, and cultural celebrations. The Students’ Union plays a major role in community building, and because everything is within walking distance, students often meet up spontaneously for society meetings, evening activities, or study groups.
Private halls tend to attract a mix of returning students, first-years, and postgraduates, which can create a slightly different vibe — often more independent, but still friendly and sociable. Shared houses tend to offer a more homely environment, especially if you value a living room or garden space.
Safety and Support
UCLan’s campus is equipped with CCTV, security patrols, and residential teams to ensure students feel safe. Living in university-managed halls gives you direct access to staff support 24 hours a day. Preston itself is considered a friendly and welcoming student city, and most student areas are well-lit and close to campus.
How to Apply
Applying for UCLan-managed accommodation is straightforward. Once you accept your offer from the university, you can apply online through the accommodation portal. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and priority is usually given to first-year undergraduate students. Private halls have separate application processes via their own websites, but most are flexible with contracts and offer virtual tours to help you decide.
Final Thoughts
UCLan accommodation in Preston offers excellent value for money, convenience, and modern student living. Whether you choose a bustling city-centre halls block, a quiet studio apartment, or a shared house with friends later in your degree, there is something to suit every personality and budget. For new students especially, living in halls is a great way to build independence, confidence, and a social circle right from the start of university life. With strong student communities, supportive staff, and a compact, accessible campus, Preston remains one of the most student-friendly places to live in the North West.
