Preston is one of the more affordable student cities in the North West, making it a strong choice for students who want good-value accommodation without the higher living costs often found in larger cities. Home to UCLan, the city has a compact student scene, with many accommodation options located close to campus, shops, transport links and everyday essentials.
Finding cheap student accommodation in Preston is not just about choosing the lowest weekly rent. The best value usually comes from comparing location, bills, room type, contract length and what is included before you book. A room that looks cheaper at first can end up costing more if bills, transport or added fees are not included.
In this guide, we’ll explain what affects student accommodation prices in Preston, how to compare your options properly, and where students can find the best balance between affordability, convenience and comfort.
Table of Contents
- Why Preston is One of the UK’s Most Affordable Student Cities
- Average Cost of Student Accommodation in Preston
- Cheapest Areas to Live in Preston
- Cheap Doesn’t Mean Basic
- Best Cheap Student Accommodation in Preston
- How Much Should Students Budget Each Month?
- When Should You Book Cheap Student Accommodation?
- How to Find the Best Student Accommodation Deals
- Shared House vs PBSA
- Is Cheap Student Accommodation Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Find Affordable Student Accommodation in Preston?
You can also explore current Student Accommodation Preston options, or browse wider Student Accommodation across StudentFM.
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Student Accommodation in Preston at a Glance
Why Preston is One of the UK’s Most Affordable Student Cities
For students looking to keep living costs under control without sacrificing convenience, Preston consistently ranks as one of the UK’s best-value university cities. While cities such as Leeds and Manchester offer fantastic student experiences, they generally come with higher accommodation costs, more expensive transport and greater day-to-day spending.
One of Preston’s biggest advantages is its affordable rental market. Whether you’re looking for an en-suite room, a shared apartment or a private studio, weekly rents are typically lower than many other major university cities, allowing students to stretch their budgets further throughout the academic year.
The city itself is also remarkably compact. UCLan sits close to the city centre, meaning many students can comfortably walk between lectures, accommodation, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and nightlife without relying on buses or taxis. This walkability can save hundreds of pounds over the course of a year compared with studying in larger cities where daily transport quickly adds up.
Lower accommodation costs combined with reduced travel expenses make Preston particularly attractive for students trying to manage their finances. Money saved on rent and transport can instead go towards food, social activities, books or simply reducing overall financial pressure during university.
Compared with Leeds and Manchester, Preston offers many of the same student essentials, including modern accommodation, excellent amenities and a lively student community, but often at a significantly lower overall cost of living.
If you’re comparing your options, browse current Student Accommodation Preston listings, read our Student Budgeting UK Cost Guide for practical money-saving advice, or compare prices with our Cost of Living Leeds guide to see how the cities differ.
Average Cost of Student Accommodation in Preston
One of the biggest reasons students choose Preston is the excellent value available across different types of accommodation. Whether you’re looking to minimise your weekly rent or want the privacy of your own studio, there are options to suit almost every budget.
| Accommodation Type | Typical Weekly Cost | Best For |
| Shared House | £80 – £120 | Students wanting the lowest overall cost and a sociable living environment. |
| Ensuite Room | £90 – £145 | Students who want a private bathroom while sharing communal kitchens and living spaces. |
| Studio Apartment | £145 – £220 | Students who prefer complete privacy with their own kitchen, bathroom and living area. |
While shared accommodation is usually the cheapest option, it is important to compare what is actually included in the price. Many purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers include utility bills, high-speed Wi-Fi, contents insurance, on-site security, maintenance and social spaces within the weekly rent. Although the headline price may appear slightly higher, these extras often represent better overall value than cheaper accommodation where additional bills need to be paid separately.
When comparing properties, don’t simply look at the weekly rent. Consider the room type, what’s included, how close the property is to UCLan and whether you’ll save money on transport and day-to-day living costs.
To help compare your options, read our guides to Ensuite vs Studio Student Accommodation, Shared Student Accommodation and What’s Included in Student Accommodation?.
Cheapest Areas to Live in Preston
Finding cheap student accommodation in Preston often comes down to choosing the right area, not just the lowest weekly rent. Some locations cost more because they are closer to campus, while others offer better value if you are happy to walk a little further or live in a quieter student neighbourhood.
Preston is a compact student city, which means many popular areas are still within easy reach of UCLan, shops, cafés and transport links. That makes it easier to compare rent, location and what is included before you book.
Preston is especially useful for students who want to stay close to university without paying the higher prices often found in larger cities. City Centre accommodation is usually the most convenient, with quick access to campus, nightlife, supermarkets and Preston railway station.
Corporation Street is another strong option for students who want to live close to UCLan. The Tramshed is located on Corporation Street, making it a practical choice for students who want modern accommodation within walking distance of university buildings and local amenities.
The area around UCLan is popular with first-year students, international students and anyone who wants to reduce travel time. Living nearby can help keep transport costs low, especially if you can walk to lectures instead of relying on buses or taxis.
Adelphi is also worth considering if you want to stay close to the student community. It has good access to the university and city centre, while still offering a slightly more residential feel than the busiest central streets.
Plungington is often a good option for students looking for cheaper shared housing or a more budget-conscious location. It is a little further out than the city centre, but still close enough for many students to walk or cycle to campus.
The best area depends on what matters most to you: lowest rent, shortest walk, included bills, or the overall quality of the accommodation. For many students, the best value is not simply the cheapest room, but the room that gives you the right balance of price, location, safety and convenience.
Cheap Doesn’t Mean Basic
Many students assume that choosing the cheapest accommodation means sacrificing quality, but that’s no longer the case. Modern student accommodation has changed significantly over the past decade, and today’s purpose-built developments often provide far better value than older shared houses, even when the weekly rent appears slightly higher.
A traditional shared house can certainly be the lowest-cost option. However, older properties may come with slower Wi-Fi, dated kitchens, higher heating bills, fewer communal facilities and the responsibility of organising repairs with a private landlord. Once utility bills and maintenance costs are added, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value.
By comparison, modern Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is designed specifically around student life. Many buildings include high-speed Wi-Fi, fully furnished rooms, dedicated study spaces, on-site gyms, cinema rooms, secure bike storage, communal lounges and regular social events, all within the weekly rent.
Security is another major advantage. Most PBSA buildings offer secure entry systems, CCTV coverage and on-site management teams, giving students and parents additional peace of mind throughout the academic year. If something goes wrong, dedicated maintenance teams are usually available to resolve issues quickly without students needing to contact landlords or organise contractors themselves.
The key is to compare the total value rather than simply the headline weekly price. A room that costs £15 or £20 more per week may actually save money overall once you consider included bills, transport savings, internet costs and the quality of facilities available.
If you’re weighing up your options, our guides to Purpose Built Student Accommodation, What’s Included in Student Accommodation? and Shared Student Accommodation explain the differences in more detail and can help you decide which type of accommodation offers the best value for your budget.
Best Cheap Student Accommodation in Preston
If you’re looking for affordable student accommodation in Preston without compromising on quality, The Tramshed stands out as one of the city’s best-value options. Located on Corporation Street, just a short walk from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), it combines competitive pricing with modern facilities that are usually associated with much more expensive accommodation.
Unlike many older student houses, The Tramshed offers a choice of both ensuite rooms and private studios, allowing you to choose the accommodation that best suits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you prefer the social atmosphere of sharing a kitchen or the privacy of your own self-contained studio, there are options to suit every type of student.
One of the biggest advantages is that all utility bills are included within your weekly rent. Electricity, heating, water and high-speed Wi-Fi are all covered, making it much easier to budget throughout the academic year without worrying about unexpected monthly costs.
Beyond your room, residents have access to a range of premium facilities designed to make university life easier and more enjoyable. These include a fully equipped gym, cinema room, dedicated study spaces, comfortable communal lounges and regular social events that help students meet new friends throughout the year.
Safety and convenience are equally important. The building benefits from secure entry systems, on-site management and professional maintenance support, providing reassurance for both students and parents.
For many UCLan students, The Tramshed offers the ideal balance between affordability, location and lifestyle. Rather than simply choosing the lowest weekly rent, you’ll benefit from modern accommodation, excellent facilities and predictable living costs all in one place.
If you’d like to explore room types, availability and current prices, visit The Tramshed. If you’d prefer to see the accommodation before making a decision, you can also Book a Viewing and experience the facilities in person.
How Much Should Students Budget Each Month?
While finding affordable accommodation is one of the biggest ways to reduce your university costs, it’s important to plan your full monthly budget. Knowing roughly what you’ll spend each month helps you avoid financial surprises and makes it much easier to manage your money throughout the academic year.
The figures below are typical monthly costs for students living in Preston. Your actual spending will depend on your lifestyle, accommodation choice and whether you work part-time alongside your studies.
| Monthly Expense | Typical Budget |
| Accommodation | £450 – £750 |
| Food & Groceries | £150 – £250 |
| Travel | £20 – £60 |
| Shopping & Essentials | £50 – £120 |
| Entertainment & Socialising | £80 – £180 |
| Emergency Savings | £30 – £75 |
Because Preston is a compact and highly walkable city, many students spend far less on transport than they would in larger cities such as Leeds or Manchester. Walking or cycling between campus, accommodation and the city centre can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.
Accommodation with bills included can also make budgeting much easier. Instead of receiving separate electricity, gas, water and broadband bills throughout the year, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying each week, making it easier to manage your finances.
It’s also worth building a small emergency fund into your monthly budget. Even setting aside a modest amount each month can help cover unexpected costs such as course materials, travel home or replacing everyday essentials.
For a complete breakdown of student living costs, budgeting tips and money-saving advice, read our Student Budgeting UK Cost Guide.
When Should You Book Cheap Student Accommodation?
One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the summer to start looking for accommodation. While you can still find rooms later in the year, booking earlier gives you the widest choice, the best prices and a much better chance of securing your preferred room type.
Here’s what you can typically expect throughout the student accommodation booking cycle.
October: The Earliest Choice
Many purpose-built student accommodation providers begin releasing rooms for the following academic year as early as October. At this stage, availability is at its highest, giving students the best opportunity to choose their preferred building, room type and floor.
This is the ideal time for students returning for their second or third year who already know where they want to live.
November: Great Availability
November remains one of the best months to book. Most room types are still available, and students can compare different accommodation options before making a decision without feeling rushed.
If you’re hoping to secure an ensuite room or studio in a popular building, this is an excellent time to book.
January: Booking Season Begins
After Christmas, the student accommodation market becomes much busier. Many students have finalised their friendship groups and begin organising where they’ll live the following academic year.
Although there is still plenty of availability, the most popular buildings and room types often start to sell quickly.
February: Popular Buildings Fill Up
By February, demand increases significantly. Premium studios, larger rooms and the best-located buildings may already have limited availability.
Students looking for specific room types should avoid delaying their decision much longer.
March: More Limited Choice
March is often the point where students begin noticing fewer options available. While there are still good rooms to be found, you’ll likely have less choice over room type, floor level or preferred building.
Booking during March is still perfectly possible, but flexibility becomes increasingly important.
April: Last Good Opportunity
April is usually considered the final opportunity to secure accommodation before the busiest late-season rush begins.
Many providers still have availability, but the most sought-after rooms are often fully booked by this stage.
Late Bookings
If you’re applying through Clearing, changing university, or making a late decision, don’t panic. Student accommodation providers regularly release additional rooms throughout the summer due to cancellations, deferred places and booking changes.
You may not have the same level of choice as students who booked earlier, but it’s still possible to find excellent accommodation, particularly with providers that have multiple buildings or room types available.
As a general rule, the earlier you start comparing accommodation, the more likely you are to secure the best combination of price, location and facilities.
If you’re interested in learning more about booking timelines, our guide on When Should You Book Student Accommodation? offers additional advice that applies to students across the UK, including Preston, while we prepare a dedicated Preston-specific booking guide.
How to Find the Best Student Accommodation Deals
Finding cheap student accommodation isn’t simply about choosing the lowest weekly rent. The best deals often come from comparing what’s included, where the accommodation is located and how much you’ll save over the course of the academic year.
Here are some of the smartest ways to find excellent value.
Book Early
The earlier you begin your search, the more choice you’ll have. Booking early gives you access to a wider range of room types, better locations and, in many cases, lower prices before the most popular accommodation fills up.
Compare What’s Included
A room with a slightly higher weekly rent may actually save you money if it includes utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, contents insurance and access to on-site facilities. Always compare the total cost of living, not just the advertised rent.
Think About Walking Distance
Living close to campus can reduce your transport costs considerably. Preston is a compact city, and many students are able to walk between their accommodation, lectures, supermarkets and the city centre every day, saving money throughout the year.
Read Student Reviews
Reviews often provide valuable insight into what it’s actually like living in a building. Look for comments about maintenance, security, internet speed, cleanliness, staff support and the overall student experience rather than focusing solely on star ratings.
Choose Purpose-Built Student Accommodation
Modern purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) often represents better overall value than older private houses. Bills are usually included, buildings are professionally managed, maintenance is handled quickly and facilities such as gyms, study rooms and communal spaces are available at no extra cost.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, our guide to Private Student Accommodation vs PBSA explains the key differences.
If you don’t have someone who can act as your guarantor, our guide to Guarantor Student Accommodation explains the options available.
Once you’ve found your perfect room, don’t forget to prepare for moving day with our Moving Into Student Accommodation Checklist, which covers everything you’ll need before you arrive.
Shared House vs PBSA
When comparing accommodation, it’s important to think beyond the weekly rent. While a shared student house may appear cheaper initially, modern purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) often delivers better overall value thanks to inclusive bills, on-site facilities and professional management.
Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide which option is right for you.
| Feature | Shared Student House | Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) |
| Weekly Rent | Usually lower | Competitive, depending on room type |
| Utility Bills | Usually paid separately | ✔ Typically included |
| High-Speed Wi-Fi | May be separate | ✔ Included |
| Gym Access | Rare | ✔ Often included |
| Cinema & Social Spaces | Rare | ✔ Common |
| Study Rooms | Uncommon | ✔ Dedicated spaces |
| Security | Varies by property | ✔ Secure entry & CCTV |
| Maintenance | Private landlord | ✔ Dedicated on-site team |
| Social Events | Not usually | ✔ Regular resident events |
| Budgeting | Variable monthly costs | ✔ Predictable weekly payments |
For many students, PBSA offers greater convenience because almost everything is included within one weekly payment. That makes budgeting much simpler and removes the worry of unexpected utility bills or maintenance costs during the academic year.
A shared house can still be a great choice for students who already have a group of friends and don’t mind organising bills, cleaning schedules and dealing directly with a landlord. However, students looking for convenience, security and an all-inclusive lifestyle often find PBSA provides better overall value.
If you’d like to learn more about each option, read our guides to Shared Student Accommodation, Purpose Built Student Accommodation and Private Student Accommodation vs PBSA.
Is Cheap Student Accommodation Worth It?
Absolutely, but only if you look beyond the weekly rent.
The cheapest accommodation isn’t always the best value, and the most expensive option isn’t always necessary. The key is finding accommodation that offers the right balance of affordability, comfort and support throughout your time at university.
Think About Overall Value
When comparing accommodation, consider what’s included as part of your rent. Bills, high-speed Wi-Fi, study spaces, communal facilities and on-site support can save you both money and stress over the course of the academic year.
Security Matters
Feeling safe where you live is essential. Modern student accommodation often includes secure entry systems, CCTV, on-site teams and controlled access, giving students and parents greater peace of mind.
Wellbeing Comes First
University life can be exciting, but it can also be challenging. Living in accommodation that provides quiet study areas, social spaces and access to support services can have a positive impact on both your academic performance and your wellbeing.
A Strong Student Community
Purpose-built student accommodation creates opportunities to meet people from different courses, countries and backgrounds. Regular social events and shared communal areas make it much easier to settle into university life, particularly if you’re moving away from home for the first time.
Professional Maintenance & Support
One of the biggest advantages of professionally managed student accommodation is knowing that help is available when you need it. If something breaks or you have a question about your accommodation, dedicated on-site teams can usually resolve issues quickly, allowing you to focus on your studies rather than household problems.
Ultimately, affordable student accommodation is absolutely worth it when it provides security, reliable support and a comfortable place to live, not simply the lowest weekly rent. Choosing accommodation that helps you enjoy university life can offer far greater value than saving a small amount each week.
To learn more about how StudentFM supports residents throughout their stay, visit our Safety & Wellbeing page and explore Living With Us to see what you can expect after moving in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student accommodation in Preston typically costs between £80 and £140 per week for shared accommodation, £110 to £170 per week for ensuite rooms, and £160 to £250 per week for private studios. The final price depends on the location, room type and facilities included. You can compare the latest options on our Student Accommodation in Preston page.
Yes. In general, Preston offers lower accommodation costs and a lower overall cost of living than Manchester. Rent is typically more affordable, and Preston’s compact city centre means students often spend less on transport because many destinations are within walking distance.
Generally, yes. Preston is considered one of the UK’s more affordable student cities, with accommodation and everyday living costs usually lower than Leeds. Students often benefit from lower rents while still enjoying excellent university facilities and a vibrant student community.
The most affordable accommodation depends on the room type and availability, but purpose-built student accommodation often provides the best overall value thanks to bills being included and modern facilities. You can explore current availability on our The Tramshed page.
Yes. The Tramshed is located on Corporation Street, just a short walk from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), making it an excellent choice for students who want to live close to lectures, shops and the city centre.
Absolutely. StudentFM welcomes students from around the world and provides accommodation suitable for both UK and international students. If you’re moving to the UK for university, our International Students guide explains everything you need to know before you arrive.
Most purpose-built student accommodation includes electricity, heating, water and high-speed Wi-Fi within the weekly rent. This makes budgeting much easier because there are no unexpected utility bills during the academic year.
Yes. First-year undergraduate students are welcome, and many choose purpose-built student accommodation because it provides a safe, social environment that’s ideal for settling into university life and meeting new people.
Yes. Booking between October and January usually gives you the best choice of room types, buildings and prices. Although accommodation is often still available later in the year, the most popular rooms can sell out quickly.
Studios are an excellent choice if you value privacy and having your own kitchen and bathroom. While they usually cost more than ensuite rooms, many students find the additional independence well worth the extra investment, particularly during exam periods or postgraduate study.
Some accommodation providers require a UK guarantor, while others offer alternative options for students who don’t have one. If you’re unsure what’s required, our guide to Guarantor Student Accommodation explains the different options available to UK and international students.
Ready to Find Affordable Student Accommodation in Preston?
Finding cheap student accommodation doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. By booking early, comparing what’s included and choosing the right location, you can secure accommodation that offers excellent value throughout your university experience.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable ensuite room, a private studio or modern all-inclusive accommodation close to UCLan, StudentFM makes it easy to compare your options and find the right place to call home.
Start exploring today’s availability and discover why so many students choose Preston for its combination of affordability, convenience and student lifestyle.
