Preston guide

Preston fresher's week guide

As the most recent place in the UK to be awarded city status, Preston is a compact city with a tremendous character and a thriving student scene. The University of Central Lancashire (or UCLAN) is based just outside the city centre, with a wealth of bars, clubs, shops and restaurants on its doorstep. For such a small city, Preston has a huge personality, with an impressive nightlife. So to help you settle into your new city and get the most out of the next, exciting three years, here's our guide to student life in Preston.

Preston fresher week guide »

Preston sport guide

The University has its own Health Centre (off Kirkham Street) where you will find your usual GP services. For those that like their exercise and to stay fit then Preston has all the amenities you’d expect from a decent sized city. T

Preston sport guide »

Preston travel

With the Uni being so close to the town, it’s likely your only travel expense will be from digs to your place of study or heading home for the weekend. B

Preston travel guide »

Attractions

Harris Museum Visit the Harris Museum on the Flag Market and take in some great art and exhibitions. Likewise Art students (or anyone with such an appreciation) will enjoy the Preston Art and Design Gallery (PAD) over the road which promotes the work of North West based artists and designers. All for free. Parklife

Preston attractions guide »

Preston shopping

The city’s shopping districts have grown of late with the re-development of the main shopping centre The St Georges Centre Mall, which features a variety of high street chains and smaller stores. Similarly The Fishergate Centre features the county’s largest Debenhams (if you like that sort of thing) while Fishergate itself, which runs through the spine of the town, houses your HMV, Next and River Island among other top name names. P

Preston shopping info »

Restaurants

With a student-centered city centre, Preston is the perfect place to grab a nice bite to eat on a budget. Apart from The Source at the UClan Union and student favourite The Adelphi nearby check out our guide to some of the most student-friendly eateries without the long walk. Bella Emilio's, Friargate Bella Emilio's is a great Italian restaurant at the bottom of Friargate, ne

Preston restaurants/takeaways guide »

Nightlife

Preston has some of the best pubs in the North West. The most popular for students is the Adelphi at the top of Friargate, a large and busy student pub with a good heated beer garden. Every Thursday they host 'Quids'. Basically a huge variety of alcohol on offer for just £1. Entry is £1 too but get there early as it's usually packed! From there you can head down the road on a crawl via the  Lamb and Packet, Roper Hall and Greyfriars before checking out the string of trendy bars that line the street towards town such as Cafe Manyana, The Academy, Reflex (80's pub/club)  and Assembly. Live Music Preston has some of the best pubs in the North West. The most popular for students is the Adelphi at the top of Friargate, a large and busy student pub with a good heated beer garden. Every Thursday they host 'Quids'. Basically a huge variety of alcohol on offer for just £1. Entry is

Preston nightlife guide »