About Nottingham
Nottingham is a vibrant and historic city that embraces academic life and social energy. With its fantastic local music scene, stunning medieval architecture, and compact size, Nottingham is one of the most student-friendly cities in the UK. You can explore quirky independent shops and cafes in Hockley, relax at the historic Nottingham Castle, or take a leisurely stroll in the Arboretum Park.
Nottingham is home to popular universities like the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. The city also has various areas popular with students, like Lenton and Radford. These neighbourhoods offer affordable student housing in Nottingham. In addition to being a great place to study, Nottingham has many other cities nearby including, Leicester, Derby, and Sheffield, which are easily accessible by train for weekend trips.
Best Student Accommodation in Nottingham
At Alphaway, you can find the best student accommodation in Nottingham, from budget-friendly shared rooms to luxury student accommodation in Nottingham with premium features. Every student residence in Nottingham listed on our site is verified, secure, and supported by a 24/7 help team. Explore your options and find the perfect fit for your university journey:
Why Choose Nottingham for Higher Education
Nottingham offers a well-rounded student experience with top-ranked universities, a rich history, and a thriving job market. With links to global companies and active entrepreneurship communities, it’s a great place for internships and career growth. Its multicultural atmosphere and student-focused infrastructure make Nottingham a reliable destination for international student living.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Nottingham
Here are some of the most popular areas to find student housing in Nottingham:
- Lenton: A favourite among University of Nottingham students, Lenton offers shared student apartments and en-suite student rooms in Nottingham. It has a youthful vibe with nearby cafes, groceries, and quick transport to campus.
- City Centre: Ideal for Nottingham Trent University students, the city centre is packed with student residences in Nottingham, entertainment venues, shopping, and nightlife.
- Dunkirk: Located near the University of Nottingham’s main campus, Dunkirk offers a mix of private student studios and shared flats.
- Arboretum: Close to NTU, this area is quieter and surrounded by green spaces. It’s popular for affordable student housing in Nottingham.
- Beeston: Well-connected and residential, Beeston offers a balance of student living and local life. Good for students looking for private, peaceful accommodation in Nottingham for international students.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Nottingham
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA): Purpose-built student housing in Nottingham is designed for student life and comes in various types: shared rooms (communal spaces with multiple occupants), ensuite student rooms in Nottingham (private rooms with attached bathrooms and shared kitchens), and private student studios in Nottingham (fully private units with a kitchen and bathroom). These are fully furnished and offer all-inclusive rent, covering Wi-Fi, utilities, and access to gyms, lounges, study areas, and more.
- University Halls: Managed by the university, these are often close to campus. Facilities and room types vary depending on the institution.
- Shared Apartments: Student flats near university in Nottingham can be rented privately and shared with other students. These usually require handling bills, contracts, and maintenance independently.
Cost of Living in Nottingham for International Students
Here’s a breakdown of the typical cost of living in Nottingham for students:
- Rent: £110-£200/week depending on the location and room type. Purpose-built student housing in Nottingham includes utilities in the rent.
- Groceries: £80-£120/month from stores like Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, or Sainsbury's.
- Travel: £50-£60/month with student passes. Trams and buses cover most of the city.
- Dining Out: £10-£20/meal, depending on whether you eat at fast food joints or local restaurants.
- Entertainment & Shopping: £50-£100/month for cinema, local events, and shopping in Victoria Centre.
Transportation in Nottingham
Nottingham has an extensive network of public transport. You have various options that are not just affordable but also safe and convenient to get to major campuses, the city centre, and anywhere else in the city. Here are the transport options in Nottingham:
- Tram Network: Nottingham’s tram system connects the city centre to university campuses and student areas.
- Buses: Regular and affordable, buses run 24/7 on popular student routes.
- National Rail: Nottingham Station links you to cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and London.
- Trains to Airports: East Midlands Airport is the nearest, accessible via train and shuttle.
- Student Travel Passes: Get discounted travel with the Robin Hood Card or Student Bus/Tram Pass.
Student Life in Nottingham
Nottingham gives you the best of both worlds-solid academics and exciting student life. Here’s what you should know to make the most of your student life in Nottingham:
- Restaurants & Cafes: Discover brunch spots in Hockley or vegan bites on Derby Road.
- Student Clubs & Events: Join uni societies or hit student nights at Rock City.
- Markets & Malls: Explore Victoria Centre for shopping or visit local farmers’ markets.
- Weekend Getaways: Plan day trips to the Peak District, Leicester, or Birmingham.
- Libraries & Study Spots: NTU and UoN have great study facilities; there are also quiet city libraries.
- Live Music & Art: Catch gigs at Motorpoint Arena or explore Nottingham Contemporary.
Universities in Nottingham
- University of Nottingham: One of the UK’s leading research universities, the University of Nottingham is known for its beautiful campuses, innovative teaching, and global connections. It has a strong reputation in subjects like engineering, medicine, business, and the arts. The main University Park Campus is surrounded by green spaces and close to student-friendly areas like Lenton and Dunkirk.
- Nottingham Trent University (NTU): A modern, career-focused university, NTU is known for high student satisfaction and industry-aligned programs in design, media, law, and business. With multiple city campuses-like the City Campus, Clifton Campus, and Brackenhurst, the university is truly connected to the whole city. NTU is also recognised for its support for international students.
- Nottingham College: Serving thousands of students every year, Nottingham College is one of the largest further education providers in the region. It offers vocational courses, A-levels, apprenticeships, and university-level programs. The city centre campus makes it easy to access student homes in central Nottingham.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: Both UoN and NTU offer academic and financial need-based scholarships.
- Government Loans: UK students can access maintenance loans and fee support from the UK government.
- GCC Scholarships: Students from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf nations can apply for support through their respective embassies.
- External Awards: International students may qualify for Chevening, GREAT, or Commonwealth scholarships.
Tips for International Students
- Open a UK Bank Account: Makes managing rent and expenses easier.
- Get a Local SIM Card: Choose from GiffGaff, O2, or EE for student-friendly plans.
- Understand British Etiquette: A little politeness goes a long way. A friendly “Hiya” or “Cheers” fits right in.
- Budget Smart: Use UNiDAYS or Student Beans for discounts on food, travel, and shopping.
- Alphaway Support: We help you with airport pickup, settling in, and getting room essentials.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Register with a GP: Access free NHS healthcare by registering at a local clinic.
- Save Emergency Numbers: Dial 999 for emergencies; save uni security contacts too.
- Night Safety: Use student travel passes and stick to well-lit routes.
- Mental Health Support: Both universities offer counselling, wellness events, and student support centres.
