UniHomes guide to

Loughborough

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Uni Life in Loughborough

Loughborough student life allows you to experience a vibrant Students’ Union and pure excellence when it comes to sport. Home to Loughborough University, an institution globally recognised for its strong research and outstanding facilities, the city is known for producing a variety of the country’s top athletes.
Home to approximately 18,000 students, Loughborough student accommodation is widely accessible and affordable, with the town centre, Golden Triangle, and Forest Road all being top picks.

Key reasons to study in Loughborough

  • 1
    Free things to do

    Want to experience Loughborough student life on a budget? There are plenty of free things to do here, with one of the best being Queen’s Park. This includes some gorgeous gardens perfect for summer, and Charnwood Museum and Carillon Tower for history lovers. Additionally, you can enjoy free events at the university’s Students’ Union or escape from your studies at The Outwoods, a beautiful nature reserve.

  • 2
    Fabulous food

    If you’re a bit of a foodie but also a sucker for a student discount, there are lots of great cheap eats in Loughborough. Centro Lounge does a great vegan brunch, while Peter Pizzeria serves up quality Neapolitan pizza that anyone can get on board with. The Jam Garden offers some pub favourites as well as sharer dishes perfect for groups, and Sonny's Street Food is the place to go for Thai takeaway.

  • 3
    Daytrips and connections

    Leicester and Nottingham aren’t too far away, and are easily accessible from Loughborough via the city’s well-connected train station. This makes it easy to go on a lovely day trip after a week of studying and explore more of what the UK has to offer. Loughborough is also under two hours from London by train, perfect for international students travelling in.

  • 4
    University-focused nightlife

    Student life in Loughborough​ wouldn’t be complete without its high-energy social scene. The Students’ Union hosts a number of popular venues, such as The Basement and The Treehouse, and is well-known for its student nights (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays). If you live in town, Echos Nightclub and Firefly can show you a good time.

  • 5
    Market town bargains

    Students can enjoy the historic market charm when shopping in Loughborough. Whatever you want or need to buy, you’ll love The Rushes and Carillon Court, which feature all the familiar staples and more. Loughborough’s Retail Markets, known for their fresh local produce, will take you back in time, while the town centre provides free Wi-Fi for all, so you never have to worry about using up your data when shopping.

  • 6
    Sport heaven

    Often named the Capital of Sport in the UK, Loughborough takes pride in training up elite athletes. Loughborough University student life offers extensive opportunities in sport, with the institution ranking number one in the world for sports-related subjects. It is home to a state-of-the-art athletics centre, sports halls, courts of all kinds, and the Sports Technology Institute, which collaborates with top brands to design high-performance sportswear and equipment.

Loughborough is such a student-friendly town, making it so sociable. Most people say that when they are out and about, they will at least see one person they know! Coffee shops are so student-friendly as well - some of my favourites are Public & Plants and Bom Bom Patisserie. Nightlife is good - most students go to the Students' Union or Echos.

Lucy Jones Brand Ambassador

Universities in Loughborough

Loughborough University

Picture of Loughborough University

Founded in 1909, Loughborough University is a popular institution, consistently ranking number one in the world for sports-related subjects. This global leader in sports science, education, and research is home to around 19,000 students, representing learners from more than 130 countries.

Student Life in Loughborough

Frequently Asked Questions

Loughborough student life is highly regarded across the country, with a top-rated Students’ Union, sports culture, and lively atmosphere. Whilst it has a relatively small student population compared to larger cities like Manchester and Birmingham, its town amenities cater to young people from all walks of life, making it one of the best student towns in the UK.
The Students’ Union hosts various club events throughout the week, but the town centre also has a decent selection of pubs and bars. Student life in Loughborough wouldn’t be the same without The Lounge, The Phantom, and The Swan in the Rushes.
Not at all! Whilst Loughborough is famous for its sports excellence, this isn’t to say that it doesn’t offer opportunities in other areas. Loughborough University boasts over 100 societies, so you’re bound to find a hobby you like that doesn’t make you break a sweat, and it also ranks highly in areas like Engineering, Sociology, Business, and Architecture.

Students in Loughborough tend to flock to the Golden Triangle, a popular area nestled between the town centre and the university. However, some decide to live in the town centre for its convenient access to shops, nightlife, and local study spots.

One of the stand-out reasons why students love Loughborough is the university's high-quality sports facilities, although the green campus and friendly market town are also reasons why students love Loughborough. The university also holds a high employability rate of 96%.

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