The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), based in Preston, is one of the UK's largest universities, with over 38,000 students. It attracts both home and international students thanks to its wide range of courses, affordable tuition, and strong employability focus.
But beyond tuition fees, understanding the cost of living in Preston in 2025 is vital. Compared to bigger cities like London or Manchester, Preston offers a much more affordable student lifestyle — making UCLan an attractive choice for budget-conscious students.
Complete UCLan Student Budget Planner
🏠 Accommodation Costs at UCLan
Accommodation is the biggest expense for students. UCLan provides both on-campus and private accommodation, all within easy reach of the city centre.
1. UCLan Halls of Residence (2025)
- Standard rooms: £90 – £110 per week (£360 – £440/month)
- En-suite rooms: £110 – £130 per week (£440 – £520/month)
- Studios: £150 – £180 per week (£600 – £720/month)
👉 Bills, Wi-Fi, and utilities are usually included in UCLan halls.
2. Private Accommodation in Preston
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Shared housing | £350 – £500 per student |
| Private halls | £480 – £600 (£120 – £150/week) |
| Studio apartments | £650 – £800 |
🍴 Food & Grocery Expenses
Food in Preston is more affordable compared to bigger UK cities.
- Groceries: £150 – £200/month (shopping at Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, or Asda)
- Eating out: £8–£12 for a student meal; £20–£25 for a restaurant meal
- Coffee & snacks: £2.50–£4 for coffee, £4–£6 for fast food
👉 Cooking at home can save around £1,200 per year compared to regular takeaways.
💡 Utility & Household Bills
For students in private housing:
| Utility | Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Electricity, gas, water | £60 – £90 |
| Internet/Wi-Fi | £20 – £30 |
| Mobile phone | £15 – £25 |
🚍 Transport Costs in Preston
Preston is a compact and student-friendly city, so transport costs are relatively low.
- Walking & cycling: Many UCLan students live close to campus and walk to lectures
- Bus pass (Preston Bus): £50/month or £480/year
- Train (to nearby cities): Manchester (~£8 return), Liverpool (~£10 return)
- Bikes: Free storage available at UCLan; used bikes cost £80–£120
👉 Many students spend less than £30/month on local transport if they mostly walk.
🎉 Lifestyle & Personal Expenses
Student life in Preston is affordable and lively:
| Activity | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Night out / clubs | £15–£25 |
| Gym membership | £20 – £30/month |
| Shopping & clothes | £40 – £80/month |
| Entertainment (cinema, concerts, etc.) | £30 – £60/month |
| Books & course materials | £15 – £25/month |
📚 Study Essentials
- Course materials & printing: £15 – £25/month
- Laptop & accessories: £400–£800 (one-time cost)
- Stationery & supplies: £10–£20/month
👉 Many resources are available digitally through the UCLan library, reducing costs.
📊 Average Monthly Student Budget (UCLan 2025)
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 350 – 600 |
| Food & Groceries | 150 – 200 |
| Utilities & Internet | 60 – 110 |
| Transport | 30 – 50 |
| Lifestyle & Social | 100 – 180 |
| Study Materials | 15 – 25 |
| Total | 800 – 1,050 |
💡 Why Preston is Affordable for Students
- Lower rent compared to Manchester, Birmingham, or London
- Affordable public transport with student passes
- Wide range of student discounts at shops, cafes, and gyms
- Strong student community with budget-friendly nightlife
💡 Tips to Save Money as a UCLan Student
- ✅ Choose shared housing near campus to save on rent and transport
- ✅ Use discount supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Asda) for groceries
- ✅ Apply for a student railcard for cheaper train travel
- ✅ Cook meals in bulk and avoid daily takeaways
- ✅ Use UNiDAYS and Student Beans for discounts on clothing, tech, and entertainment
- ✅ Take advantage of UCLan's free or subsidised sports facilities
- ✅ Find part-time work in Preston — retail, hospitality, and campus jobs are common
🏙️ Living in Preston – Student Lifestyle
Preston is a medium-sized city in North West England, known for its student-friendly atmosphere.
- Safe, welcoming, and affordable
- Vibrant nightlife with pubs, clubs, and music venues
- Excellent transport links to Manchester, Liverpool, and the Lake District
- Mix of historic landmarks, green spaces, and modern facilities
👉 This makes Preston ideal for students who want a balance of affordability and city life.
❓ FAQs
📝 Conclusion
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston is one of the most affordable study destinations in the UK. Students can expect to spend around £800 – £1,050 per month on living costs, making it significantly cheaper than London or Manchester.
With lower accommodation prices, affordable groceries, and excellent transport options, Preston allows students to enjoy a great quality of life without breaking the bank.