Student City Guide to Preston: Top 10 Things To Do

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Preston claims to be the home of football, with Preston North End becoming the first team ever to 'win the double' and become League Champions and win the FA cup in the same season. But Preston has a lot more to offer than just football...

Preston has just one university within its city – The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) - and its 32,000+ student population dominate the heart of their city.

If you are thinking of joining their ranks, our city guide has a few things you should try when you get there...

Student Thing to Do #1: Flag Market Outdoor Market

Good for… Finding spontaneous events.

What it is… The market is a hub for all things Preston, ranging from gigs, protests and food stalls.

Why you should go… If you’re having a dull day, the flag market is sure to have something going on. Events run here all year round, and they are so diverse that everyone is kept happy. It’s effectively the square in which most things happen, including a carnival, armed forces day and multiple exhibitions.

Student Thing to Do #2: Lazy Cat Cafe

Good for… Animal therapy.

What it is… Preston’s cat café.

Why you should go… This is the ultimate way to relax for an hour. A cuppa and a kitten? This is the dream us Brits have imagined for centuries. With a wonderfully warm and friendly atmosphere, all the kittens love to be pet, and the food and drink here shouldn’t be undermined either. If you and some friends fancy a slightly different experience from the norm, this is the place to go.

Student Thing to Do #3: Roper Hall

Source: Tripadvisor

Good for… Hanging out in a chilled setting.

What it is… Preston’s leading venue complete with club nights and relaxed daytime areas.

Why you should go… Roper Hall is a stress-buster. The place is decked out with Pool tables, games rooms, retro-style arcade machines and much more. It’s a great place to hang out after lectures, and is located in the bustling area of Friargate.

Student Thing to Do #4: Clip N Climb

Good for... A fun way to keep fit.

What it is... An indoor climbing centre.

Why you should go... If you need to shift the 'freshers 5' but are bored of the gym, this place offers a different way for you to get fit whilst having some fun with your mates. With 20 differently designed walls, there will be plenty to challenge you. Scared of heights? You can cheer your daredevil mates on from the safety of the onsite cafe.

Student Thing to Do #5: Adelphi

Good for… Extremely affordable drinks and food.

What it is… Preston student’s favourite pub.

Why you should go… Slap bang in the middle of UCLAN’s campus, The Adelphi is easily the most popular joint around. Open to both students and the local population, it’s a diverse place with tons of entertainment and drinks deals. Complete with 2 huge projector screens and numerous TV’s, you won’t miss out on catching a sport event here either.

Student Thing to Do #6: Harris Museum

Good for… exploring the local history and art.

What it is… A collection of modern and historical emblems.

Why you should go… Commonly referred to as a treasure trove of various artefacts, the museum has something for everyone. For the more art-orientated students, historical paintings of all types are found scattered inside, along with regular exhibitions by more modern creators. The gift shop is also excellent, so if you need to send any gifts to your family at home, this is a good spot.

Student Thing to Do #7: Brockholes

Good for… Nature buffs.

What it is… A nature reserve, home to lots of rare species.

Why you should go… When you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a change of scenery, this is the place to be. Complete with stunning wildlife and vast numbers of large lakes, Brockholes stands out from the rest of Preston to provide a place of complete tranquillity. Events run all year here within the 250 acre nature reserve, and is a great place to take the parents too when they come to visit.

Student Thing to Do #8: Church of St Walburge

Source: Flickr

Good for… History fans.

What it is… Preston’s main Church just north of the city centre.

Why you should go… For your chance to get involved in the city’s history and find about a little more on your new home, the Church is a good place to start. Having stood since the mid-19^th century, St Walburge’s is known across the UK for having the tallest spire of any parish Church in England. The spire alone stands at a massive 94 metres, and is certainly a landmark to add to your bucket list.

Student Thing to Do #9: Avenham Park

Good for… A peaceful stroll.

What it is… A break from the urban landscape, in the form of a heritage park in the centre.

Why you should go… The park itself is beautiful, and is a hub for the community. Pop on down for a picnic after a long day of lectures and find a large portion of the student population joining you on a sunny day. The park also holds a marriage licence, so if you’re lucky you might spot two people tying the knot by the large water fountain.

Student Thing to Do #10: Mad Ferret

Good for… A night of dancing

What it is… The most popular live music venue in Preston

Why you should go… Mad Ferret channels all things American, with a US style bar, open mic nights and cask ale all day every day. If you’re a fan of smaller gigs, this is the place for you, with multiple events during the week. The food portions here are a good nice to cure a hangover, and give you the much needed fuel before a long day of studying.

As you can see, despite being a small city, Preston has a lot to offer the 32,000+ University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) students studying there. Here’s some of the student reviews we have collected about Preston…

“Everything you could want is in Preston. Lots of good bars and pubs for nights out.” Nathan, Computer Aided Engineering BEng (Hons)

"It's not jampacked and not too quiet either, just right.” Ghulaim, Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)

"Really like Preston, good range of shops.” Bonita

“The campus is in city centre so accessible and a lot to do.” Nena, Human Resource Management BA (Hons)

“A very welcoming city.” Anonymous, Operating Department Practice BSc (Hons)

“For a small city, there's a lot to do” Charlotte, Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc (Hons)

Next Steps:

If you like the look of Preston, why not check out UCLAN and the courses they offer. Or even better, why not book an Open Day visit to see the city for yourself.

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Student City Guide to Preston: Top 10 Things To Do

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