Home to both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, there are over 43,000 students within the city. This results in around 1 in 8 of the Nottingham population being students, according to a 2021 study. Prospective students and those returning for another year may require student accommodation that meets a variety of their individual needs and requirements.
In this guide, we will discuss which areas of Nottingham are popular amongst students and the types of accommodation they have to offer.
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Is Nottingham a good place to live as a student?
Nottingham is one of the biggest historical cities in the UK. It is surrounded by cultural importance, including the legend of Robin Hood that permeates throughout the city and popular tourist attractions such as its castle and surrounding Nottingham Caves. In fact, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn, which is partly built into the caves, claims to be the oldest pub in Britain and is a Grade II building.
But, it’s not just the culture students can enjoy, Nottingham is a vibrant city that has both nightlife and music venues, attracting some of the biggest names in the industry. Legendary Rock City first opened in 1980, with headliners The Undertones and support Echo & the Bunnymen. Since then, Rock City has seen thousands of performers, including David Bowie, Nirvana, Amy Winehouse and most recently, Yungblud.
Where do students live in Nottingham?
As a large student city, there are various areas in Nottingham that are frequently populated by both University of and Trent students. It’s important to analyse what is important for you and choose an area that accommodates these preferences.
Lenton
Closely located to the University of Nottingham, Lenton is just a short walking distance from the city centre. Lenton is primarily associated with the University of Nottingham and has a range of pubs and bars that offer student events throughout term time. There is also the popular Savoy cinema; the only pre-WWII cinema in Nottingham.
However, because Lenton is known as a “student hub”, this means that there can be high competition for some of the student accommodations, including shared houses.
- University of Nottingham – 12 minute walk
- Nottingham Trent – 27 minute walk
- Tesco Express – 12 minute walk
- Savoy Cinema – 9 minute walk
Forest Fields
For students that are looking for a quieter area, you may want to consider Forest Fields (or the Arboretum) areas. This area in Nottingham is still relatively close to Nottingham Trent University, and a short tram to the University of Nottingham. It means you can still have access to student living without the noise that may come with living in Lenton. If you’re not interested in the vibrant nightlife, consider a walk through the tree-filled park which hosts a range of events, including its own fair.
As the area is a short distance from the city centre, this means that Forest Fields is quite hilly. Not ideal for those who aren’t a fan of walking. Also, Forest Fields is not as convenient to University of Nottingham as other locations and students may find it difficult and expensive to commute every day.
- University of Nottingham – 50 minute walk
- Nottingham Trent – 22 minute walk
- Sainsbury’s Local – 15 minute walk
- Forest Recreation Ground – 5 minute walk
Hockley
One of the newer and more creative areas in Nottingham, Hockley is still up and coming concerning student living. Just an 11 minute walk from the city centre, Hockley is home to Nottingham’s Pride Festival and was named one of the UK’s “coolest postcodes” to live, in a recent article by The Times.
However, as the population continues to grow, this is reflected in the prices. Costs typically start from around £133 per person (pw), which is much higher than both Lenton and Forest Fields.
- University of Nottingham – 49 minute walk
- Nottingham Trent – 10 minute walk
- Tesco Express – 4 minute walk
- Nottingham Castle – 14 minute walk
- Nottingham Train Station – 11 minute walk
City centre
When moving to a new city for university, it’s ideal to be close to the local amenities and university. It’s why many students tend to start looking at accommodation in the city centre, where you are at the city’s heart. As a result, Nottingham has various student accommodations and facilities to keep students entertained throughout the year. This includes student events at nightclubs, gastropubs and quirky bars which are in close proximity to tourist attractions like Nottingham Castle.
However, much like Forest Fields, if you are a University of Nottingham student, you will need to take a longer commute as the campus is a bus ride away. Also, like many city centres, Nottingham is a bustling city centre so can get loud during the night.
- University of Nottingham – 38 minute walk
- Nottingham Trent – 4 minute walk
- Tesco Express – 2 minute walk
- Rock City – 4 minute walk
It is important to find the right student accommodation that meets your needs and requirements. For more information on the type of accommodation, you should choose, click here.
How Mansion Student can help
Since 2007, Mansion Student has acquired, developed and maintained modern student accommodations throughout some of the most popular student cities in the United Kingdom. We prioritise your welfare during your stay, and will help you through every stage of the booking and tenancy period. Browse through our different student accommodation locations below:
- Student Accommodation Leeds
- Student Accommodation Newcastle
- Student Accommodation Nottingham
- Student Accommodation Durham
- Student Accommodation Dundee
- Student Accommodation Coventry
If you are interested in staying at any of our student accommodations, arrange a viewing here to ensure you are completely happy with the property before booking.
Browse through our student offers here.
At Mansion Student, we provide student accommodation in some of the UK’s biggest cities, including Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham. We want to ensure that your transition to accommodation is simple. That’s why we take no deposit, there are no booking fees and all bills are included in all student accommodation.
Mansion Place, Boston Street
Based in the heart of the city centre, Mansion Place is a stylish student accommodation for those who want all the local amenities at their doorstep. We have a range of rooms to choose from, including ensuites, non-ensuites and studio apartments.
There are several benefits that are included in the price, such as:
- Cinema room
- Laundry room
- Social area
- Secure safety features, including CCTV and content insurance
Find out more about our private student accommodation here.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start to look for student accommodation in Nottingham?
Typically, first years should start looking as soon as they start receiving offers from their university choices (from January ready for the following September).
For second and third years, there may be other considerations to make, for example, if you are wanting to specifically live with someone, you may look for accommodation from November onwards for the following academic year.
When can you apply for accommodation at Mansion Place?
If you’re interested in applying for student accommodation, then you can arrange for a viewing or booking directly online with Mansion Student here.
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