Table of Contents
- Introduction
- A City Made for Students
- Good Employment Prospects for Students
- Affordable Accommodation Options for Preston student living
- Strategic Placement of Urban Hub
- Social Life and Entertainment at a Reasonable Price
- The year 2026 calls for a wise decision!
- FAQs
Introduction
When selecting a university city, you must consider the cost. Preston has long been considered more affordable than many other UK university cities. It is one of the top UK student cities for affordability. Although the cost of living has risen across the UK in recent years, Preston remains comparatively affordable.
In this scenario, one question remains on students’ minds: Is Preston affordable for students in 2026?
Simply put, Preston remains one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, where students can live at a reasonable cost. It is a small city with good living conditions at a lower price than in other major UK university cities.
The city has both essential amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. Students and residents find it relatively easy to travel around the city. Moreover, they can enjoy food options and nightlife within their budget.
A City Made for Students
One of the most attractive points of Preston for students is its walkability!
The city is so small that you will not have any difficulty traversing the main areas, such as lecture theatres, the city centre, shops, cafés, and Preston railway station. Besides, all this is very advantageous to students as they do not need to spend a lot of money on daily commuting. The city is well-connected, with frequent trains to Manchester, Liverpool, and London, among others. As a result, taking a trip and visiting places over the weekend is quite easy.
Good Employment Prospects for Students
Being in the very centre of Preston is a huge benefit for students, as they quickly get part-time jobs. Preston offers students part-time employment in various fields, including shops and restaurants. They are quite accessible and very friendly to students. The main benefits of these jobs are easy access and great flexibility, making it very convenient for students to manage their study and work schedules and thus avoid many challenges. Furthermore, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) facilitates part-time on-campus jobs for students during the academic year.
Affordable Accommodation Options for Preston student living
The student cost of living UK, is generally the biggest bite of the students’ money pie. However, this is precisely the point at which Preston wins over the students!
Preston’s rental values are very low for the UK, making it one of the areas with the lowest cost of living. Therefore, Preston is the top destination for students, whether they are freshers or returning students.
There are several types of accommodation for students to pick from: private student accommodation, shared houses, or university halls, depending on their preferences. These options are fantastic because they fit the students’ budgets and lifestyles. It is a common choice for students after the first year to move into private student housing or share a house with friends, which, on the whole, enables them to significantly cut their rent and utilities.
Strategic Placement of Urban Hub
Students do not need to worry about money, as Urban Hub provides well-equipped accommodation at an all-inclusive price. Our locations are really convenient, which contributes to the low cost of living, allowing students to focus on their studies and careers without worrying about their accommodation.
Social Life and Entertainment at a Reasonable Price
In a student’s life, creating memories is just as important as attending lectures and completing coursework!
Preston certainly ranks among the top cheap cities for students in the UK, and its lively, vibrant nightlife is one of the reasons, along with its low cost. The price of a pint is still lower than the average UK price, and there are a significant number of cafés, bars, and nightclubs in Preston for students with every taste. For example, UCLan students can hang out at Lampworks and other social spots to rest and enjoy the company of friends, as these spots are not too pricey.
The year 2026 calls for a wise decision!
In a nutshell, the UK’s student cities have seen price hikes, yet Preston remains one of the most affordable, convenient, and high-quality-of-life cities for students. Urban Hub would be your ideal choice if you have made up your mind on Preston and are still searching for budget-friendly living. Our studio apartments are booking fast, so make your reservation now!
FAQs
1. In 2026, is Preston still among the UK’s most affordable cities for students?
Yes, Preston is still one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students, especially compared to larger cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and London.
2. How much does Preston’s student housing cost?
With alternatives ranging from shared housing to purpose-built student housing at competitive weekly prices, Preston’s student housing costs are often lower than the national average.
3. Is it easy for students to find part-time work in Preston?
Indeed, there are many student-friendly part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, and on-campus positions at UCLan in Preston.
4. Is Preston a student-friendly city?
Indeed. Because Preston is a small, walkable city, students don’t need to rely heavily on public transportation to get to college, stores, transportation hubs, or social areas.
5. Do international students find Preston to be a decent city?
Yes, Preston is well-liked by overseas students because of its reasonable living expenses, friendly locals, convenient transport and robust student support services.
