1. Why Loughborough is a Unique Student Town
2. The Campus Bubble – University Halls and Surroundings
Pros
Cons
3. Student Accommodation in the Town Centre
Why Students Love It
Things to Consider
4. Student Hotspot: Ashby Road
Why It Works
The Vibe
5. Radmoor Road and Forest Road
Pros
Cons
6. Burleigh Road and Student Streets
What to Expect
7. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation
Why Students Choose It
Examples in Loughborough
8. Comparing Costs Across Student Areas
9. International Students – What You Need to Know
10. How to Decide Where to Live
11. Final Word – Making Your Move in 2025
You did it. Exams are done, results are in, and now you are officially a university student. No more waiting for UCAS updates, no more late-night panic revising biology case studies or maths past papers. You have made it into Loughborough, one of the UK’s best-known student towns. But as you’ll quickly learn, the hard part isn’t over. The real question now is this: where are you going to live?
Accommodation is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your first year. It shapes your social life, your daily routine, and how much money you’ll have left for nights out and takeaways. Get it right, and you’ll find yourself in a community that supports you, keeps you close to campus, and makes student life easier. Get it wrong, and you’ll be stuck with damp walls, dodgy landlords, and a walk to lectures that feels like a marathon.
This guide breaks down the best student areas in Loughborough, explaining the pros, cons, and hidden details you won’t hear in the glossy brochures. Whether you’re moving into halls, renting a private house, or looking at purpose-built student accommodation like Study Inn, here’s where you should be looking in 2025.
Why Loughborough is a Unique Student Town
Before we zoom into specific student accommodation Loughborough, let’s talk about what makes Loughborough different. Unlike bigger cities like Nottingham or Leeds, Loughborough is a compact student town. The university dominates the landscape, with the campus itself acting as the beating heart of the community.
That means most of the best student areas in Loughborough cluster around two main factors:
- Proximity to campus – Nobody wants a 40-minute walk in the rain before a 9 a.m. lecture.
- Access to the town centre – For food, pubs, gyms, shopping, and the all-important nights out.
Living in Loughborough is about finding the sweet spot between those two.
The Campus Bubble – University Halls and Surroundings
For most first-years, the starting point is halls of residence. Loughborough University has a strong reputation for student halls, many of which are within walking distance of lectures.
Pros
- Close to lectures and facilities.
- Instant community – everyone around you is a student.
- All-inclusive rent packages.
Cons
- Less independence.
- Rooms can be smaller than private alternatives.
- Limited choice once allocations are made.
While halls are great for getting started, many students move into the wider town for their second and third years. That is when knowing where to live as a student in Loughborough really matters.
Student Accommodation in the Town Centre
If you want easy access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife, the town centre is one of the top student accommodation locations.
Why Students Love It
- Walking distance to pubs, clubs, and takeaways.
- Close to supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
- Frequent bus connections to campus.
Things to Consider
- Slightly further from campus, so commuting daily can get tiring.
- Noisier environment, especially on weekends.
Town-centre living suits students who value convenience and social life over quiet study spaces.
Student Hotspot: Ashby Road
Ask any Loughborough student about the classic student areas in Loughborough, and Ashby Road will be near the top of the list.
Why It Works
- Lined with affordable student houses.
- Convenient bus routes to campus.
- Close to the Pilkington Library, meaning late-night study sessions don’t end with a long walk home.
The Vibe
Ashby Road is very much student territory. Expect a mix of noise, activity, and plenty of house parties. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this may not be your best bet. But if you want the social buzz, this is it.
Radmoor Road and Forest Road
These areas sit closer to the edge of town but still within easy reach of both campus and the town centre.
Pros
- Houses tend to be slightly larger than those in the town centre.
- Good balance between access to nightlife and campus.
- Often more affordable rents than Ashby Road.
Cons
- A little quieter – depends on what you’re after.
- Less variety in shops and amenities nearby.
For many, these areas represent a middle ground: lively enough to feel connected, but not so busy that you’re losing sleep every night.
Burleigh Road and Student Streets
These areas are specifically geared towards student housing, with many streets made up almost entirely of shared student houses.
What to Expect
- Affordable rent split between multiple tenants.
- Strong sense of community – everyone’s in the same boat.
- Lots of houses that get snapped up early.
The flip side is that some properties can be poorly maintained, so always check your contract and inspect the house before signing.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation
Over the past decade, purpose-built student accommodation has become one of the most popular options in Loughborough. Providers like Study Inn offer fully furnished studios and en-suites with all-inclusive bills, private facilities, and access to gyms, study rooms, and communal lounges.
Why Students Choose It
- One weekly payment covers everything: rent, Wi-Fi, heating, water.
- Modern facilities and guaranteed security.
- Prime locations close to campus and town.
Examples in Loughborough
Study Inn’s Lemyngton Street is a standout example. Students benefit from stylish rooms, social spaces, and services like weekly cleaning that most private houses don’t include.
This type of accommodation is perfect if you want predictability, modern facilities, and a supportive environment, especially in your first or second year.
Comparing Costs Across Student Areas
When deciding where to live as a student in Loughborough, costs are one of the biggest factors. Here is what you can expect:
- Private student houses: Often advertised with cheap rent, but bills can add an extra £100–£150 per month.
- Town centre flats: Higher rent, but good for convenience.
- Purpose-built accommodation: Higher upfront cost, but everything included and no nasty surprises.
Always factor in travel, utilities, and hidden costs when comparing options.
International Students – What You Need to Know
If you’re coming to Loughborough from overseas, the accommodation decision can feel even more daunting. Many international students prefer purpose-built accommodation like Study Inn because it removes the need for UK guarantors and ensures all services are bundled together.
You’ll also benefit from onsite support and communities designed to help international students settle in quickly. For further resources, UKCISA provides helpful guidance for international students living in the UK.
How to Decide Where to Live
With so many student accommodation locations in Loughborough, the decision can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:
- Decide on your priorities: Do you want to be near campus, or is nightlife your priority?
- Set your budget: Factor in not just rent, but bills, transport, and food.
- Visit if possible: Photos rarely tell the full story.
- Think long-term: Your choice affects your daily routine, study habits, and social life.
Final Word – Making Your Move in 2025
Exams are behind you, results are in, and now the real decisions begin. Choosing where to live is not just about finding four walls and a bed. It’s about shaping your entire student experience.
The best student areas in Loughborough offer something for everyone. Ashby Road for social buzz. Town centre flats for convenience. Forest Road for balance. Purpose-built accommodation like Study Inn Lemyngton Street if you want modern living, bills included, and peace of mind.
Where you live will define your first year and beyond. Get it right, and you’ll have the foundation for a great university experience.Ready to make Loughborough your home? Explore Study Inn Lemyngton Street, offering en-suites and studios designed for modern student living, just minutes from campus.
