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    Study in Preston

    City guide

    While Manchester and Liverpool get all the attention, nearby Preston has plenty of perks for its smaller size, including a strong student population, and lots of green spaces.

    Preston is small relative to large cities like Birmingham; however it has a large enough collection of shops, a beautiful art gallery/museum with free entry, [and] a nice market/event space where things such as Preston Pride occur. It is close to the coast [as well as], Liverpool, and Manchester. It is definitely a student town, and you feel that the university has a large importance. (University of Central Lancashire student)

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    • Adam

      Coventry University
      Sports Coaching BSc
      Hi there👋, My name is Adam and I am currently a first year Sports Coaching student and a lifelong Coventry habitant. Sports has been a massive part of my life which has lead me to studying the Sports Coaching Bachelor Degree here at Coventry. I am looking to pursue a career within Sport Coaching as I look to teach and coach others the amazing thing that is sport🤩. Feel free to ask me questions about the Sports Coaching Course and elements of University life😃 ⚽️🏀🎾🏓🏏

    • Adrianna

      Bangor University
      Marine Biology
      Hi, I'm Adrianna. I'm from North West England. I decided I wanted to do marine biology, when someone did an online talk at my college all about the marine environment and biology. My main hobbies include sewing; gaming; watching films and series; and spending time with friends and family. Some of my favorite games are Animal Crossing; Slime Rancher; and Stardew Valley. Some of my favorite movies/series are: How to Train Your Dragon; Vampire Diaries; Grey's Anatomy; and Disney movies.

    • Accalia

      University of Sussex
      Law with International Relations LLB (Hons)
      I would love to be engaged in various sectors specifically Media, Law and International Business, My end goal is to be an international consultant for Caribbean small businesses.

    • Adrianna

      University of the Arts London
      Public Relations
      ✨Public Relations student passionate about creative storytelling & making an impact through strategic marketing. 📈Obsessed with digital analytics, media research 🔍, and fostering real connections within the media world! 🤝 👩‍🎓Active as a Peer Mentor, Senior Student Ambassador, and Media School Rep – always here to help and share my journey! 🌟 💡 Let’s chat all things PR, media, and beyond!

    • Abdul Rashid

      University of Aberdeen
      Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Bio-business MSc
      My current career plan is to delve deep into the core of bioinformatics and try as much as possible to make it easy for future prospects in that field of study.

    • Aditi

      University College Birmingham
      Finance and Accounting
      I am Aditi Ghevade, from the city of Mumbai, India. Currently pursuing my postgraduate studies in Finance and Accounting, I find immense joy in delving into the intricacies of financial systems and exploring the world of numbers. Fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, and even French, my multicultural and multilingual background has equipped me with a versatile skill set.

    • Abigail

      City St George's, University of London
      Politics BSc (Hons)
      Hi, my name is Abigail and I am a 2nd year Politics undergraduate, who wants to become a lawyer in common law. I am happy to answer questions regarding university, a career in law, etc! ❤️

    • Abigail

      University of Lincoln
      Dance - BA (Hons)
      Hi, I'm Abi and I'm a third-year BA (Hons) Dance Student. I'm from Suffolk. I started dancing from the age of 3 in Ballet, Modern and Tap and then also started training in Contemporary, Irish and Ballroom & Latin dance before completing both GCSE & A-level Dance. I'm now continuing my passion here at UOL and hope to continue this into a professional career!

    • Aaliyah

      University of Hertfordshire
      Animation, film, games and creative media
      Hi, I'm Aaliyah! I am a final-year Games Art student and want to work hard to hone my skills and improve as a character artist! I am also a producer so if you want to talk about that specialism within Games and VFX then feel free to ask. You might be feeling a bit worried or uneasy about what there is and what the course entails but I am here to answer all your questions. No matter how big the question or how small :) Whilst I'm not in the other animation pathways (3D/VFX, 2D animation, Comic & Concept Art) I can always give my knowledge in those areas too. Just pop a message over! Very excited to talk about the courses with you :D

    • Abdul

      University of Lincoln
      Architecture - BA (Hons)
      “Hi! Feel free to ask me any questions about the courses here in Lincoln and also about the city itself. I am more than happy to help you with any questions you might have.”

    • Abbey

      Leeds Trinity University
      Criminology with Police Studies BA Combined (Hons)
      I am looking at going into the police after university and doing their graduate detective program. I enjoy watching all sorts of true crime documentaries.

    • Aditya

      University of Glasgow
      Medicine [MBChB]
      Hello everyone, This is Aditya. I am a 2nd Year international medical student at the University of Glasgow. My aspiration is to become a cardiologist with a special interest in interventional cardiology and cardiac physics. I am open to any questions you guys might want to ask about the university, the medical school, or even the city and how it’s been adapting to a new culture as an international student :)

    • Abigail

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Film
      Hi, I'm Abigail and I'm a third-year Film student! I'd be very happy to answer anything about filmmaking and media related questions at Bournemouth University, and what it’s like to move out for the first time and settle into a new city! :))

    • Adeola Priscillia

      Coventry University
      MSc International Business Management
      I am currently studying International Business Management and have a background in education. Although I’ve recently started as a student ambassador, I bring previous customer service experience, which has strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills. I’m passionate about pursuing a career in global business, combining my interests in education and international management.

    • Advika

      University of Glasgow
      Common Law [LLB]
      Hey there ! I am Advika from India🇮🇳 and I am a third year Common Law student. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, studies, student life, or anything else. Please feel free to chat 😊

    • Abby

      Swansea University
      Sport and Exercise Science, BSc (Hons)
      I am a keen swimmer and am part of the University Swim team and have competed in the BUSL swim league as well as Welsh Varsity representing the university. The swim team is comprised of a range of abilities. I love what I study and am passionate about Sport Psychology and hope to pursue it as a Masters when I graduate. I am in my second year of the degree course and am loving it so far, so any questions about my course or the swim team are more than welcome.

    • Abdullah

      Liverpool John Moores University
      Computer Science, BSc (Hons)
      Currently in my second year, I’m focused on making the most of my degree and building a strong foundation in my field. After completing my bachelor’s, my plan is to pursue a master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. I’m passionate about using AI to tackle real-world challenges, and eventually, I’d love to work in a tech company that’s leading the way in innovation. My vision is to be part of projects that push the boundaries of what technology can achieve—I’m excited about what the future holds!

    • Abigail

      University of Essex
      Criminology
      Hello! My name is Abi, and I'm currently in my third year doing Criminology with Counselling Skills. I aspire to go into the police force to be a detective! I love helping others and cooking. Alongside my degree, I am doing some content creation and photography as a fun hobby as I also have a passion for both of those things.

    • Aayan

      City St George's, University of London
      Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)
      I did my Foundation year from INTO City, University of London. Currently doing BSc Data Analytics and Actuarial Science. I plan to work in Data / AI Field, I have strong interest in Trading and Content Creation 😊.

    • Abbie

      Leeds Trinity University
      Primary Education (Early Years 3-7) with QTS BA (Hons)
      Hi I’m Abbie 🫶🏻. I am a primary education student here at Leeds trinity completing my first year currently. I live at home and commute in for my lectures. I am a course representative so look very closely into student feedback. I am also the mental health officer for Leeds trinity and look forward to building campaigns to help those at trinity! I was very nervous joining university but realised very quickly it’s like family where everyone is supportive and tries to help at any opportunity. The campus is beautiful and I love to study in lots of different spaces to change up the scenery every now and again! I have a dog walking business to satisfy my love of animals and am also a student ambassador for university. I work part time in a pub not far from the university and love to go running in my spare time to clear my mind! I came from sixth form to university and knew what course I wanted to do. I’m here to answer all of your questions about life at university hoping to give an insight on the student life and what to expect!

    Preston nightlife, according to students

    All bars and clubs are in the city centre, only metres apart. When you walk out of clubs, there are always police and club bouncers, and taxis there to help you get home safe. (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    What Preston's famous for...

    Butter Pie

    Described as ‘pure, unrelenting, delicious fat’, this local fave – butter, potatoes, and onion in a pie – is best enjoyed over a Preston North End game.

    Preston butter pir
     

    Preston nightlife, according to students

    I’m not big [on] ‘going out’, but there are plenty of clubs to choose from [if I do]. Warehouse seems to be the most popular among students. What I’m particularly happy about is that there are occasionally clubs rented out by the K-club society to play Kpop all night – as a big Kpop fan who never had the opportunity to go to K-clubs, this is great! (University of Central Lancashire student)

    Finger-lickin' history

    The first KFC outside of the United States and Canada opened in Preston's Fishergate area of all places, in 1965.

    KFC sign

    Living in Preston, according to students

    Plungington – I live here because the rent is super cheap. It is less than ten-minutes away from campus. There is a Spar and Co-op less than five minutes down the road. (University of Central Lancashire student)

    Freddie Flintoff

    One of English cricket's all-time greats, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff may be the most well-known Prestonian. Since retiring, Flintoff has become a firm favourite on television.

    Cricketer holding a ball

    Student life in Preston

    Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.

    Low on cash

    Avenham Park is a beautiful, big park where you can go for a break from flatmates, a picnic, play football, or a workout. (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    Treat yourself

    The most fancy, upmarket restaurant would be Bistro Pierre – it’s in an old church, and the food is delicious! [Alternatively] take some friends to Level for bowling, laser tag, assault courses, karaoke, and more! (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    Friday night out

    Warehouse for the emo, punk, and [alternative] kids. [There’s] other nightclubs, like Switch. There’s usually always a live music event, like Cascada, Basshunter etc. (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    Sunday chilling

    [There’s a] cycling trail around Preston (the Guild Wheel]. A short drive out of the city takes you into the Forest of Bowland, which is truly breathtaking. (University of Central Lancashire student)

    When family visit

    Angelo’s for a nice dinner with the family, and then a walk down the Fishergate strip. (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    Feeling cultural

    The [Harris] Museum and Art Gallery is a really relaxed way to spend the day. (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    Catch up with mates

    A great pub is Ships and Giggles, one of the only places outside of the cinemas to sell Tango IceBlasts – they put alcohol in it too. There are some lovely artisan coffee shops. (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    Grab a bite

    Roper Hall is amazing. They are an American diner with a British feel! They have a ‘burger of the month’, and last Easter they had a Hot Cross Bun Burger which is actually delicious and not as horrible as it sounds (I promise!). (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    Living in Preston

    Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.

    Where you'll find students

    • Plungington
    • Ashton
    • Fulwood

    Local transport

    • Daily student ticket: 66p
    • Bus

    Student money tips

    A place that’s fairly cheap (under £20 for two people) is Coco's Soul Food! It is such a nice date place, and I can honestly say the best food I’ve had in a long time. (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

    ​Discover more savings on student life in Preston with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

    Living in Preston, according to students

    Friargate – this area is super close to campus, and only a ten to 15-minute walk from town. There’s a small Tesco Express close by, and Aldi is only ten minutes away. It’s also close to a lot of other accommodations, so my friends are just a few minutes away too. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth the cost. (Second year student, University of Central Lancashire)

    Study options

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