The reasonableness of Preston as an affordable university city.
Affordable Student Living in Preston: A Comprehensive Guide
Preston, a city in Lancashire, UK, known for its relaxed vibe and friendly nature, offers an attractive option for students seeking affordable living costs. The city is home to the University of Central Lancashire (uCLAN), which boasts approximately 25,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Cost of Living
The average living expenses for students in Preston typically range around £800 to £1,000 per month, with accommodation, food, and transportation being the major components.
Accommodation
Student accommodation prices range approximately from £75 to £200 per week, depending on the type and facilities. This means roughly £300 to £800 per month for rent.
Food
Monthly food expenses usually start from about £150 to £250, depending on shopping habits and choice of stores. The cost of groceries in Preston is approximately £180 per month.
Transportation
Public transport costs are about £50 per month, although this can vary based on usage. Living in Preston can help save on transportation costs due to its walkability, with most amenities within walking distance.
Utilities and Internet
Utilities (gas, electricity, water) typically add around £80 to £120 plus £30 for water monthly; internet costs range from £20 to £35.
Total Cost
Overall, students in Preston can expect their monthly budget to be approximately:
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (£) | |-------------------|------------------------------| | Accommodation | 300 - 800 | | Food | 150 - 250 | | Transportation | 50 | | Utilities & Internet | 130 - 155 | | Total | 630 - 1,255 |
Student Perks
uCLAN offers on-campus job options for students to balance work and study life. Additionally, some student accommodations in Preston may include a gym. For students studying at the Preston campus, a free gym membership is available. Similarly, students at the Burnley Campus and the Westlakes Campus can benefit from free gym memberships at the Burnley Leisure Center and Greenwich Leisure Limited, respectively.
Affordable Student City
Preston is considered an affordable student city in the UK, with relatively low rental and living costs compared to larger cities. The city of Preston has the third-cheapest average monthly rent in the UK. Preston offers a wide variety of budget-friendly student accommodation options, making it one of the friendly, affordable, and compact cities for students.
Course Offerings and Research Excellence
Preston offers a wide range of courses and is renowned for its research excellence. The city is home to the University of Central Lancashire and other universities, providing students with a diverse range of academic opportunities.
In conclusion, Preston offers an attractive option for students seeking affordable living costs, a friendly environment, and a wide range of academic opportunities.
In Preston, students can choose from an array of home-and-garden style student accommodations, including some that offer on-site gyms as part of their lifestyle amenities.
Students in Preston, with its affordable cost of living, can allocate a substantial portion of their budget towards experiencing a convenient home-and-garden lifestyle, while still enjoying the benefits of a student-friendly city.
