Key Summary
FAQs
Where should I live in Nottingham for second or third year?
It really depends which university you're at and what vibe you want. The Arboretum is the classic pick for Nottingham Trent students, Lenton is the go-to for University of Nottingham students, and the city centre suits anyone who wants to be walking distance from everything.
Why do so many Trent students live in The Arboretum?
It's a short walk from NTU's city campus and the students' union, so you can roll out of bed and be in a lecture in minutes. The area is also unashamedly full of students, so if you want a lively, social house share, this is where most of your coursemates will already be.
Why is Lenton so popular with University of Nottingham students?
Lenton sits right next to the Jubilee Campus, with plenty of shops, pubs and even two affordable cinemas nearby. It's also close to Wollaton Park if you want some green space, and to the Queen's Medical Centre, handy if you ever need it after a big night out.
Is living in Nottingham city centre a good idea for students?
Yes, especially if you want to be close to everything without relying on buses. You're within a 10-minute walk of most nightclubs and never far from a supermarket, which makes it a strong choice whichever university you're at, though it can come with a livelier, noisier atmosphere than some of the other areas.
What's West Bridgford like for students?
It's the more polished option, popular with students from both universities who want a slightly nicer setting. You get Nottingham Forest's ground, good pubs and restaurants, and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on your doorstep, though it's a bit further from the centre so you'll rely on public transport more.
What is The Park area like in Nottingham?
The Park is a private, gated community with gas lamps and genuinely striking architecture, more residential than student-heavy. It suits quieter students who aren't looking to host parties every week, and most of your neighbours won't actually be students, but it's still close enough to the centre to stay convenient.
Is transport good enough to live further from campus in Nottingham?
Yes. Areas like Lenton and West Bridgford are a bit further out, but regular buses run into the centre and to both university campuses, including some late-night services, so you're not stuck if you choose somewhere a bit quieter.
How do I decide which area is right for me?
Start with which university and campus you're at, since that narrows things down fast between Lenton and The Arboretum. From there, think about whether you want to be in the middle of everything (city centre), somewhere quieter and more residential (The Park), or somewhere with a bit more polish (West Bridgford).
If you’re currently in your first year of university in Nottingham, you may have already sorted your house for next year. Homes, particularly in the nicer areas of the city, go like hotcakes and most students have their deposits paid by the start of the second term (unless you’re really unorganised). However, if you haven’t sorted your house out yet or you’re thinking about studying in Nottingham in the future, then this list may be helpful for you. Here are Unifresher’s rankings of the best areas to live in the city if you’re a second- or third-year university student.
The city centre
This may seem a bit obvious but honestly, the city centre is the place to be for students. With everything at walking distance, Nottingham city centre is the perfect size meaning you’re never far away from anywhere you want to go. The Aldi next to the Victoria Centre is right on your doorstep for all your food needs and midnight snaking (not forgetting the many Tesco Extras and mini Sainsburys), and you’ll be less than a 10-minute walk away from most of the nightclubs.
If you go to (or are planning on going to) Nottingham Trent University, the city centre is probably the best area to live, particularly if you’re studying on the city campus. However, a lot of students who go to the University of Nottingham and other Nottingham Trent campuses also choose to live in the centre because of the excellent travel links. City centre living offers the best of both worlds, in our opinion.
The Arboretum
If you stopped any Nottingham Trent second or third-year student in the street and asked them where they were living, the majority would say The Arboretum. The Arboretum is probably the most popular choice among Trent students, probably due to the short walking distance to the university and the student’s union. There is a high crime rate in the area, but this is quickly forgotten when the sun comes out, and the students flock to The Arboretum park with their cans of dark fruits.
The Arboretum is unashamedly full of Trent students, so people who study at the University of Nottingham may choose to find their perfect second/third-year house elsewhere. The rent in this area of Nottingham is usually pretty low compared to the city centre, averaging out at around £110 per person per week (depending on how many people you choose to live with). So, if you and your mates are watching your pennies, a house in The Arboretum area should definitely be considered.
Lenton
This is one for all those University of Nottingham students out there. While Trent students have The Arboretum, University of Nottingham students have Lenton, and that’s the way it’ll probably always be (and has been). Lenton is situated perfectly in walking distance next to the Jubilee campus of the university and has an abundance of shops, pubs and even two affordable cinemas close by (Showcase Cinema de Lux Nottingham and The Savoy). Just in case you fall into the clumsy student category or have one too many drinks on a night out, Lenton is also luckily home to The Queen’s Medical Centre Hospital, and the scenic Wollaton Park is nearby.
The only negative of living in Lenton is that you’re a bit further from the city centre when you want a shopping trip, or when you want to go on a last-minute night out. Fortunately, buses go from the area to the city centre regularly, with some also running late at night so there is no need to stress.
West Bridgford
If you’re feeling like a fancier way of living, then West Bridgford might be the area for you. Notoriously nicer than the city centre and other surrounding areas, West Bridgford is a popular choice for students from both universities. The area is home to some of the best things in life: Nottingham Forest Football Club, cosy pubs and restaurants and a rather large Asda. Cricket fans will be pleased to know that West Bridgford is also home to the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground where England play their Test matches.
Even though West Bridgford is a little bit nicer than other areas, it’s not as close to the city centre (a problem solved yet again by public transport). Rent is around the same price as other areas, averaging at around £110-£120 per person per week.
The Park
The Park is probably the most picturesque area out of the lot. This private, gated community is powered by gas lamps, and with the excellent architecture, you wouldn’t think that it’s an area students often choose for their second or third-year house. Yet, the reasonable rent prices and the closeness to the city centre make The Park a great choice, particularly for quieter students who maybe don’t hold a house party every other night. Most of the residents at The Park are not students, but that doesn’t mean it should be disregarded as an option.
