There is one university in Preston, the University of Central Lancashire. There is also Preston College, Cardinal Newman College and the Royal Preston Hospital, which is a teaching hospital.

The University of Central Lancashire, UCLan, has had many names in its long and illustrious history and is based in the town centre. There are around 25,000 students at UCLan, a combination of undergraduates and postgraduates.

The university is known for its wide range of courses and also research. The university has links to NASA, BAE Systems, the Department of Health, the Football Association, Professional Golfers Association and International Olympic Committee.

Preston is a northern city that has transformed itself from its industrial past and is now thoroughly modern.

Living costs for students are modest, but not the cheapest. As Preston is a hub for aerospace and defence industries, there are some well-paying jobs around, which has pushed up some prices.

It is still cheaper to be a student in Preston than many southern cities, though. Not all property prices are higher than average but some are. There are still thousands of low cost terraced properties throughout the city, so rents can be cheap.

The general cost of living is okay too. Beer, food, taxis, bus and train are all reasonably priced considering this is a city.

Eating out in Preston is surprisingly good. There is a wide variety of food and drink available and lots more a short drive outside the city.

Local highlights include Ginger Bistro, Honeywells Farm Shop, Town House Coffee and Brew Bar, Black Horse, Cafune South American Café, Il Gusto d’Italia, The Blue Anchor Inn Bretherton, Sai Surbhi, Jonah's, Bistrot Pierre, Greekouzina, The Stags Head Goosnargh, Haighton Manor, Azuma, The Larder, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel and 1842 Restaurant & Bar.

Travel outside the city and you’ll come across hundreds of restaurants, tea houses, cafés and eateries across Lancashire.

Nightlife is a key consideration for any student in Preston, and you won’t be disappointed. While it isn’t the clubbing capital of the north, there are plenty of bars, pubs, cafés and things to do once night falls.

Highlights include Adelphi, Switch, Roper Hall, Ships & Giggles, Revolution, Baker St, The Warehouse, and Popworld.

If you’re after a big night out, Blackpool is a short drive west while Manchester and Liverpool are a longer drive south.

Shopping as a student in Preston is actually pretty good. There are opportunities both in the city and wider county, depending on what you’re looking for.

Preston has St George’s Shopping Centre, Fishergate Shopping Centre and Deepdale Shopping Park. Each has a decent mix of independents and chains to browse.

St George’s is in the city centre while Fishergate and Deepdale are slightly outside.

The city centre itself has plenty of shops, again, both chains and independents. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it here.

Student accommodation in Preston is the same mix you’ll find anywhere. University halls, private halls and private landlords.

Many former working terraces have been converted into HMOs and student rooms, with varying levels of success and living standards.

University halls are pretty good and a lot of money has been invested recently. Private halls include those run by Sanctuary Students. We have two buildings, one on Moor Lane and the other on Walker Street.

Both are within a short walk of UCLan and the city centre and provide warm, safe accommodation for very competitive prices. All rents are inclusive too!

Preston is a lively city with a decent student population. It also has a strong local identity and vibrant economy, which means there’s plenty going on.

You’ll find most interests covered, including Harris Museum & Art Gallery, Brockholes Nature Reserve, Beacon Fell County Park, Avenham Park, Miller Park, Ribble Steam Railway, Winckley Square, Guild Wheel, Lancashire Infantry Museum, Moor Park, Preston Docks, Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary, Forest of Bowland, Bowland Wild Boar Park, the British Commercial Vehicle Museum, Cuerden Valley Park and Ribchester Roman Museum.

Venture further afield and the entirety of Lancashire opens up, including Blackpool and the many towns and villages just a short drive from the city.

Preston is relatively easy to navigate as a student. It has plenty of roads, a good bus service and is part of the rail network.

The M6 M55 and M65 all pass close to town while the A59 takes you to Ormskirk.

Local roads are pretty good with reasonable traffic at peak times and modest competition for parking.

Preston railway station is on the West Coast Main Line and links to London Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow.

There are also a good number of local services around Cumbria, the Lake District and Lancashire.

Preston bus station handles local bus routes and National Express. Local buses are plentiful and reasonably priced and cover most student areas and central neighbourhoods.

The closest airports are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport. Both are around 40 miles south of the city.

Cycling around the city is okay but busy in the city centre. The Guild Wheel is a cycle route that circumnavigates the entire city, which is a good day out.

Preston has a lively economy that is pretty diverse. Working in Preston as a student can be relatively simple depending on what you want to do.

The main employer in the city is BAE Systems who don't really have a need for temporary workers. However, there are smaller industries in and around the city that might.

Then there’s the usual retail, waiting and bar work. Considering how many bars, restaurants and cafés there are in the city, you should be able to find something. The same for retail.

Preston is a great place to be a student. There’s plenty to see and do, lots of shopping opportunities along with the relaxed vibe of a typical northern city.

UCLan is well known and has a good reputation and it’s based in the town centre, which is very convenient.

Add good transport links, proximity to the sea, to Blackpool, the Lake District, Liverpool, Manchester and the wide open spaces of Lancashire, you can see why it’s so popular!