Where to Live in Nottingham
Where Should You Live as a Student in Nottingham?
Choosing where to live in Nottingham is an important decision, and like any city, there’s no single “best” area, it all depends on what matters most to you.
Some students prefer to live close to campus to keep things simple and cut down on travel time. Others are happy to commute if it means lower rent, more space, or a different lifestyle.
Recent trends show more students choosing to live closer to the city centre, but Nottingham still has several well-established student areas that remain popular year after year. It’s all about balancing your priorities.
What to Consider When Choosing an Area
What matters most to you:
- Budget: Rent varies depending on location, with areas further from the centre often offering better value.
- Commute: Consider how you’ll travel—walking, cycling, tram, or bus—and how long you’re happy to spend getting to campus.
- Lifestyle & Vibe: Some areas are lively and student-heavy, while others are quieter and more residential.
- Amenities: Supermarkets, gyms, cafés, takeaways, and nightlife all impact your daily routine.
- Green Space: Parks and outdoor areas are ideal for relaxing, exercising, or socialising.
- Noise Levels: Busier student areas can be more lively, especially in the evenings and at weekends.
Popular Choices for Students
Nottingham has a mix of traditional student hotspots and central living options. Lenton and Dunkirk are especially popular with University of Nottingham students, while Nottingham Trent University students often choose the city centre or Arboretum area.
🟣 Lenton
Average rent (incl. bills): £129 pppw (excl. bills): £113 pppw
A lively, student-heavy area close to the University of Nottingham campus with a strong social atmosphere.
Highlights: Close to campus, popular with students, strong social scene.
Green space: Wollaton Park and Highfields Park.
Getting around: Good public transport links and around a 30-minute walk to the city centre.
Find Student Properties in Lenton🔵 Dunkirk
Average rent (incl. bills): £121 pppw (excl. bills): £104 pppw
A quieter but still very student-friendly area right next to the University of Nottingham Park campus.
More relaxed than Lenton while still offering easy access to amenities and entertainment.
Highlights: Close to campus and good balance of convenience and quieter living.
Getting around: Strong transport links across Nottingham.
Find Student Properties in Dunkirk🟢 City Centre
Average rent (incl. bills): £133 pppw (excl. bills): £123 pppw
Perfect if you want to be in the heart of the action with access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Highlights: Vibrant lifestyle and ideal for NTU students.
Getting around: Excellent tram and bus links.
Find Student Properties in Nottingham City Centre🟡 Arboretum
Average rent (incl. bills): £125 pppw (excl. bills): £123 pppw
A peaceful area close to the city centre, ideal for students who want quieter surroundings.
Highlights: Calm, residential feel with easy access to city life.
Getting around: Around a 5-minute walk to the city centre with good transport links.
Find Student Properties in Arboretum🔴 Beeston
Average rent (incl. bills): £125 pppw (excl. bills): £99 pppw
A great option for affordable housing while staying close to the University of Nottingham.
Mix of students and professionals with a strong community feel.
Highlights: Good value for money and plenty of amenities.
Getting around: Good transport links into Nottingham and campus.
Find Student Properties in BeestonNote: All average prices are weighted by adverts listed on the Unipol website. This data does NOT include data of 1 or 2 bed properties, or any Purpose-Built Student Accommodations (PBSAs).
Incl. bills: as a minimum includes Electricity, Gas (if present), Water and Internet.