The Nottingham Student Guide: Radford

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.

About the author: My name is George Okonkwo. I am a 20 year old Broadcast Journalist student at Nottingham Trent University. I have a passion for journalistic and literary writing and research. I also love reading, binge watching tv shows, singing with my terrible voice, and going for walks alone or with friends. 

Thinking about living in Radford? While it might not be as glamorous as some of the grander areas of Nottingham, for students looking to save money, eat good food, and stay close to the city, Radford is a solid choice. So, is Radford for you? Let’s break it down.

Why do students live here? 

• The rent is cheap. Seriously, compared to Lenton or the City Centre, Radford is an absolute steal; the average cost of student accommodation in Radford when you rent via UniHomes is just £164.90 PPPW (including bills). More money for nights out (or, let's be real, takeaway or, you know, actual food).
• It's close to uni. Nottingham Trent? 15-minute walk. University of Nottingham? A quick bus ride.
• There's great food. From Caribbean takeaways to late-night kebabs, Radford's got your cravings covered.

Yes, it has its quirks, but if you don’t mind a little character, it’s worth considering.

Living in Radford: what to expect

Housing here is a mixed bag. There are modern student flats around Ilkeston Road, which are great if you like the idea of living by yourself in a studio or small 1-bed apartment in Nottingham. Then there are older shared houses, where you’ll get a great deal thanks to the rent being split across multiple housemates.

Food: the real reason to live here

Look, if you’re in Radford, you won’t starve. There’s a massive ASDA for big food shops, plus loads of international supermarkets if you want to stock up on spices, plantain, or noodles.

But the real win? Takeaways.

• Dosa Wala: hands down, one of the best South Indian spots in Nottingham. The dosas are crispy, huge, and so worth it.
• Dixy Chicken: not Radford exclusive, but it’s a student classic. Cheap, filling, and open when you need it. It’s Dixy. You know the drill; fried chicken, chips, and just enough regret.

Nightlife and stuff to do

Radford itself isn’t exactly buzzing with nightlife (unless you count the occasional house party that somehow ends up on TikTok), but you’re a short walk from the City Centre. Rock City, Rescue Rooms, and Pryzm are all easy to get to.

Prefer something more chill? The Dice Cup (a board game café) is great for a laid-back night, and The Organ Grinder is perfect for craft beer lovers who say things like “this has great hoppy notes” unironically.

Getting around: walk, bus, or pray for a Bolt

Radford is very walkable, which is great because student bank accounts and Ubers don’t mix well. NTU is about 15 minutes on foot, UoN a bit further, but there are plenty of buses. Cycling is also an option—though some road surfaces can be a bit rough.

Is Radford safe?

Alright, let’s be real. Radford has a reputation, and yeah, crime rates are higher than in, say, Beeston. But that being said, crime in Radford isn’t as bad as the local legends say—in fact, the crime level for the Radford ward is rated by Crystal Roof as a low 4 out of 10. 

Thousands of students live here every year without issues, but if you want that extra peace of mind then here are some tips for staying safe that can apply for any neighbourhood:

• Lock your doors. Seriously. Even if you’re “just popping out”.
• Be careful with solo late-night walks—if something feels sketchy, trust your gut.

Final verdict: should you live in Radford?

If you want cheap rent, great food, and a central location, Radford is a solid choice. Yes, it has its rough edges (like all areas do), but if you don’t mind a bit of chaos (and the occasional fox fight outside your window), it’s actually a decent place to live.

Would I live here again? Probably. For second and third years looking to save cash, it’s a solid shout.

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Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.

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If you're considering searching for your next house in Radford, compare the best student properties in the area here—all with bills already included.