Moving to Robin Hood Country to pursue your studies? Great choice! With two major universities and a lively student population, Nottingham is a fantastic place to spend your student years. The only question is – where will you choose to live?
Student.com offers an unbeatable range of student accommodation in Nottingham, with a mix of private apartments and flat shares in popular areas like Lenton, Dunkirk and the city centre. Plus, with our filter options, it’s easy to find a property that fits your needs!
Jump straight in and start searching for your dream student home at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life in Nottingham, including the best places to live and top tips for booking accommodation.
Universities in Nottingham
Nottingham is one of the few cities outside of London with two universities that consistently rank among the top 50 in the UK. The University of Law also has a branch based in the city, so there are lots of options for your studies.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham’s oldest and most reputable university, the University of Nottingham is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a regular feature among the top 100 universities in the world.
Not only does the university excel across a myriad of subject areas – law, engineering, geography, English and veterinary science, to name just a few – but its main University Park campus is also considered to be one of the most beautiful in the UK.
Secured your place at the city’s top-ranking institution? Get browsing our range of University of Nottingham accommodation!
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) may only have gained full university status in 1992, but it’s wasted no time climbing up the league tables thanks to its modern, career-focused approach and dedication to the student experience.
NTU offers a diverse range of courses across its seven schools, with key strengths in art and design, business and pyschology. It's made up of three main campuses which collectively cater to around 35,000 students – roughly the same as the University of Nottingham.
Looking for somewhere to live near your chosen campus? Explore our selection of NTU accommodation!
University of Law
Solely focused on legal studies, the University of Law provides a range of law degrees, conversion programmes and professional courses at sites across the UK – including Nottingham.
The Nottingham campus is based just minutes from the city centre – so easily accessible whether you’re living nearby or commuting – and offers most courses taught by the university.
Studying at the university and need somewhere to stay? Check out our accommodation near the University of Law, Nottingham!
Things for students to do in Nottingham
Nottingham has a spirited population of over 60,000 students, and the city is set up well to cater to this crowd. From nightlife and entertainment to pubs and restaurants, there’s plenty to do during your free time.
Arts & culture
Nottingham is at the cutting edge of modern art with an incredible literary heritage and a thriving creative writing scene. Nottingham Contemporary, one of the largest modern art galleries in the UK, hosts regular exhibitions featuring world-leading artists.
The city boasts several world-class venues, including the Theatre Royal, which hosts West End shows and touring productions, the Nottingham Playhouse – renowned for innovative contemporary theatre – while the Albert Hall presents everything from comedy to classical music concerts.
The city's main creative quarter forms around Hockley and is packed with independent galleries, vintage shops and creative spaces. You've also got the annual Art Fest Nottingham, which brings vibrant street art and creative workshops to the city centre each summer.
History
Beneath its modern charm, Nottingham has a rich history of rebellion, invention and industry. This East Midlands town is loaded with cool historical sites, ranging from the famous Nottingham Castle to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – which claims to be the oldest pub in England.
A tour of Nottingham Castle will reward you with a history lesson, a nice walk around the grounds and a panoramic view of the city. You’ll also get to hear the tale of Robin Hood and pose for your picture alongside a statue of the legendary outlaw.
West of the city centre, you can stroll around the stunning deer park at Wollaton Hall. Nottingham Natural History Museum is housed inside the hall, and you’ll also find the fascinating Nottingham Industrial Museum next door in the stables.
Nightlife
Nottingham is a buzz after dark! This is no surprise considering the city is said to have more bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes per square mile than any other city in Europe. There are some great student hangouts near the city centre, particularly around Hockley and the Lace Market.
The live music and club scene is very vibrant in Nottingham, with a host of top-class venues. Rock City, a 10,000-capacity arena, is a legendary music venue and club. It’s a popular spot for rising musicians and has a student night every Thursday with two-for-one deals.
Next to Rock City is the 450-capacity Rescue Rooms, which is made for more intimate gigs, and Stealth, the Midlands mecca for dance fans. Other student favourites include the Bodega in Hockley and the Forum in the Cornerhouse.
Food & drink
Nottingham has many top-class eateries to whet your appetite. From fine dining at red-brick Alchemilla and the elegant Tom Browns Brasserie to wholesome pub food at Hand & Heart and the Lincolnshire Poacher, there are options for every budget.
You can also enjoy food from around the world, including Spanish, Japanese, French, Thai, Italian, Mexican and American dishes. Asian food is especially good in Nottingham, with Mansfield Road and Radford Road lined with incredible Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern restaurants.
Outdoors
Despite being a big city, Nottingham offers plenty of green spaces for students seeking an outdoor escape. The Arboretum, just a short walk from the city centre, provides peaceful walking paths and open spaces that are great for picnics and study sessions in the sun.
The university campuses themselves have some excellent outdoor spaces, with the University of Nottingham campus featuring lakes, gardens and woodland areas. Elsewhere, Colwick Country Park offers lakeside walks and water sports, while Wollaton Park combines historic architecture with extensive parkland.
Best student areas in Nottingham
Nottingham may be a big city, but in general, students tend to congregate around a handful of key areas – namely the city centre, and then Lenton and Dunkirk, both southwest of the city centre near the University of Nottingham.
Lenton
Nottingham’s main student area, Lenton, is based just a short walk southwest of the city centre – more or less between the two universities. As such, you’ll find plenty of students from both the University of Nottingham and NTU living here.
Housing mostly consists of terraced houses converted into student flats, offering good value for money. Being a major student hub, you’ve also got all the essential amenities like budget supermarkets, late-night takeaways and several pubs nearby.
City centre
The city centre is an increasingly popular choice for student accommodation – particularly for NTU students – owing to the rise of purpose-built apartment buildings offering student-friendly amenities like gyms, study spaces and social areas.
You’ll find lots of these complexes in the Hockley and Lace Market area, placing you right in the heart of the action. All these great benefits do make the city centre one of the more expensive areas for student accommodation in Nottingham.
Dunkirk
If you’re looking for a quieter, more residential area that’s not completely made up of students, Dunkirk is a great option. It neighbours Lenton to the south but has more of a mix of locals living nearby, giving it a friendly community feel.
Again, you’ll mostly find converted student flats in the area, with prices comparable to Lenton. It’s right on the doorstep of the University of Nottingham’s main campus, while there are also solid transport links to NTU.
Student cost of living in Nottingham
Nottingham offers good value for students compared to other major UK cities like London and Manchester. Accommodation represents the main cost, and while prices vary, it typically ranges from £120–£170 per week (or around £500–£700 per month).
Other costs associated with food, transport and going out typically amount to about £400–£600 per month. Altogether, then, most students will need to budget roughly £900–£1,300 per month to cover their living expenses.
Free things to do in Nottingham
You don’t have to spend big bucks to have a good time in Nottingham. The city offers plenty of free entertainment with top attractions like Nottingham Contemporary, New Art Exchange and the Harley Gallery waiving admission fees.
When the weather’s nice, exploring the green spaces in and around Nottingham is another fun way to pass the time – Sherwood Forest, Gedling Country Park and Attenborough Nature Reserve all make for great day trips.
Student discounts in Nottingham
When it comes to entertainment, there are lots of ways to save as a student in Nottingham. Cineworld, Broadway Cinema, Lost City Adventure Golf and Discobowl (which does bowling, crazy golf and karaoke!) all offer special student deals.
For discounts on shops and restaurants, your best bet is to sign up to sites like TOTUM, UNiDAYS and Student Beans. These platforms unlock discounts at dozens of retailers across Nottingham, including student favourites like Schuh, Dr Martens and Urban Outfitters.
Public transport in Nottingham
Thanks to its award-winning public transportation system, getting about in Nottingham is easy. Buses, trams and trains are all integrated across one easy-to-use network, giving you lots of options.
There are a couple of different student passes that are worth looking into – Nottingham City Transport (NCT) offers passes for bus travel across the academic year, or you can get a Robin Hood season card which also includes travel by tram or train.
Bus
The bus network is the backbone of Nottingham's public transport, with comprehensive coverage throughout the city and surrounding areas. NCT operates most routes, with distinctive green buses connecting universities and key student areas with the city centre.
Both universities also operate their own shuttle bus services, which are free for students – the University of Nottingham's Hopper bus connects the University Park and Jubilee campuses, while NTU runs services between its City and Clifton campuses.
Tram
Nottingham’s tram system, operated by Nottingham Express Transit (or NET), is another excellent way for students to get around. Both universities have their own tram stops, allowing for easy travel to the city centre.
The two lines that form the tram system also provide direct access to Nottingham train station and the Lace Market. Trams run frequently throughout the day – typically every 10–15 minutes – and often operate later than buses on weekends.
Train
The train is your best way of reaching other UK cities for weekend trips away – Birmingham is roughly one hour away, London takes about 90 minutes, while Manchester is a two-hour trip.
Closer to home, the likes of Leicester, Derby and Sheffield all make for great day trips. If you plan on using the train regularly, consider purchasing a 16-25 Railcard for big savings on tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nottingham a safe place for students to live?
Nottingham is widely considered a safe city for students. This is especially true in the main student hubs of Lenton and Dunkirk, which have some of the lowest crime rates in the city. As in any big city, there are areas that require more caution than others, but generally you have very little to worry about.
When is the best time to book student accommodation in Nottingham?
Viewings for private accommodation typically begin in January, with most students securing their housing by Easter. Any later than this, you’re likely to be left with fewer options and higher prices – but you can still find options in July and August as students confirm their places or decide to study elsewhere.
How much does student accommodation in Nottingham cost?
Accommodation costs vary depending on location and the type of property. A traditional student flat share in Lenton may only cost £80 per week, while a modern apartment in the city centre could be as much as £200 per week. The student accommodation we list in Nottingham typically ranges from £120–£160 per week.
Where are the best areas for students to live in Nottingham?
There are a few key student areas in Nottingham – Lenton is the most popular choice and offers the classic UK university experience with scores of shared student housing, the city centre is on the more expensive side but has lots of modern apartments, while Dunkirk is a more relaxed area with a growing student population.
Do I need a visa to study abroad in Nottingham?
If you plan on studying at the University of Nottingham or NTU as a non-UK or Irish citizen, you’ll need to obtain a student visa before moving to the country. Both universities have dedicated international offices to help with the process. You can also learn more about the application requirements here.
What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here?
For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!