International Student Accommodation in Nottingham: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Nottingham has earned its reputation as one of the UK’s most welcoming cities for international students, and it’s easy to see why. Ranked 49th globally in the QS Best Student Cities rankings, this historic East Midlands city combines affordability with a rich cultural heritage that stretches back to the legend of Robin Hood.
The city is home to two large universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, which together welcome over 60,000 students each year. Approximately 15,000 of these students are international, arriving from over 150 countries to study in Nottingham.
The student accommodation market in the city has experienced significant growth recently. New purpose-built student accommodation developments have added thousands of beds to the city, giving you more choice than ever before. Weekly rents typically range from around £120 to £325, depending on location, room type, and facilities.
What sets Nottingham apart is its compact, walkable city centre, lower living costs compared to cities like London or Manchester, and excellent transport links; you’re just two hours by train from the capital. It’s a city that feels big enough to explore, yet small enough to quickly become familiar.
The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students
When searching for student accommodation in Nottingham, finding the right area to live in is vital. Here are five neighbourhoods that are popular among international students.
Lenton
Often called Nottingham’s ‘student village’, Lenton is the top choice for University of Nottingham students. It sits between the city centre and the University Park Campus, making it easy to walk to lectures. The area buzzes with student energy and is packed with pubs and takeaways along Lenton Boulevard.
The tram runs through the area, connecting you to the city centre in minutes. Lenton has one of the lower recorded crime rates among student neighbourhoods, and its friendly atmosphere makes settling in straightforward. Average weekly rent ranges from £100 to £170, with many properties offering bills-included packages.
Beeston
This charming suburban town lies just west of the University Park Campus and offers a more relaxed pace of life. Beeston has its own high street with independent shops, supermarkets, and restaurants, giving it an almost self-contained feel.
International students particularly appreciate the Fresh Asia supermarket, which stocks ingredients from across East and Southeast Asia. Transport links are excellent, with regular buses and trams running to both universities. The average weekly rent ranges from £90 to £200 per week.
Dunkirk
Sitting right next to the University Park Campus, Dunkirk is ideal if you want to be within walking distance of your lectures. It is quieter than Lenton, which suits students who prefer a calmer environment. The area is especially popular with international students who value easy access to campus. Average rents fall between £100 and £170 per week.
Arboretum
This neighbourhood is a favourite among Nottingham Trent University students due to its proximity to the City Campus. The area surrounds Nottingham’s oldest public park, featuring over 800 trees and a beautiful Chinese bell tower. Nearby Hyson Green offers a large Asda supermarket and a wide range of international food shops. Weekly rents typically range from £130 to £230.
City Centre
Living in the heart of Nottingham puts you on the doorstep of Nottingham Trent University and within easy reach of everything the city has to offer. You will find international restaurants, shops, and vibrant nightlife all within walking distance. The trade-off is higher rent, typically £150 to £230 per week, and a busier environment compared to suburban areas.
Getting to Nottingham as an International Student
Arriving in a new country can feel overwhelming, but getting to Nottingham is straightforward once you understand your routes.
Nearest Airports
East Midlands Airport is the closest airport to Nottingham, sitting just 13 miles away. It mainly serves European destinations and is ideal if you are flying from within Europe. For intercontinental flights, you will likely arrive at London Heathrow (107 miles away), Manchester Airport (55 miles), or Birmingham International (51 miles). These larger airports offer connections to destinations across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and beyond.
From East Midlands Airport
The Skylink bus service connects the airport directly to Nottingham city centre. You have two options: Skylink Express takes around 35 minutes and runs every 30 minutes during the day, costing £6.60 for a single ticket. Skylink Nottingham takes approximately 55 minutes but runs 24 hours a day, making it perfect for late-night arrivals. A single ticket costs around £5.30 to £6.00. You can pay the driver by cash or contactless card, or download the Trentbarton mango app for a 10% discount. Taxis from the airport to central Nottingham cost approximately £30 to £40.
From London
National Express runs direct coaches from Heathrow Central Bus Station to Nottingham Broad Marsh Bus Station. The journey takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes, and tickets start from £10 if booked in advance. Alternatively, take the Piccadilly Line to King’s Cross St Pancras, then catch a direct train to Nottingham. The train journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and costs from £33 when booked ahead. This combined route takes roughly 3 hours in total.
From Manchester or Birmingham
If you’re coming from Manchester, trains run hourly to Nottingham and take about 1 hour 47 minutes, with tickets ranging from £23 to £90 depending on when you book. Meanwhile, from Birmingham Airport, National Express coaches run to Nottingham, taking around 1 hour 45 minutes, costing between £19 and £40.
Coach Services
National Express and FlixBus both operate regular services to Nottingham from cities across the UK. Coaches arrive at Broad Marsh Bus Station in the heart of the city centre. Booking in advance online typically offers the cheapest fares. Megabus also serves Nottingham on selected routes.
Day vs Night Arrivals
If your flight arrives during the day, you will have plenty of transport options. For late arrivals at East Midlands Airport, the Skylink bus runs hourly throughout the night. For those arriving late, consider booking a National Express overnight coach or staying at a hotel near the airport before travelling the next morning.
Robin Hood Travel Card
Once you arrive in Nottingham, get yourself a Robin Hood card from the Nottingham Travel Centre in Old Market Square. This smartcard works across all buses, trams, and local trains in Greater Nottingham. Student season cards offer unlimited travel and are available for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. You will need your university-issued photo ID to purchase one.
Getting to University
For the University of Nottingham, buses and trams connect the city centre to University Park and Jubilee campuses. For Nottingham Trent University, the City Campus is within walking distance of the train station, while the Clifton Campus is another short tram trip away. Rural campuses are serviced by local bus providers.
Universities in Nottingham and Where International Students Live
University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a Russell Group university with a truly global outlook. Around 8,700 international students make up 24% of the student body, arriving from over 150 countries.
Many University of Nottingham students live in Lenton (a 10-minute walk to University Park Campus), Dunkirk (adjacent to University Park), or Beeston (a short bus ride to Jubilee Campus). Campus facilities include the David Ross Sports Village, Lakeside Arts Centre, multiple libraries, and the Cripps Healthcare Centre.
International student support is available through the Student Service Centres on every campus and the International Student Recruitment team, who provide visa and immigration advice.
2026/27 Term Dates
Autumn Term: Monday 21 September 2026 to Friday 11 December 2026
Spring Term: Monday 11 January 2027 to Thursday 25 March 2027
Summer Term: Monday 26 April 2027 to Friday 18 June 2027
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University welcomes over 6,200 international students from more than 150 countries across its 40,000-strong student community. NTU is known for career-focused courses and strong industry connections.
Students at the City Campus typically live in the city centre, Arboretum, or Forest Fields, all within walking distance. Clifton Campus students often choose accommodation in the Clifton area or commute via the tram network.
International student support includes dedicated advisers, free academic English classes through NILIC, and specialist careers consultants.
2026/27 Term Dates
For 2026/27, NTU follows a three-term structure beginning in late September 2026. Exact dates are published on the NTU Student Hub closer to the academic year.
Cost of Living in Nottingham for International Students
Nottingham is one of the most affordable student cities in England. The Midlands region ranks as the cheapest area for students in the country, and living costs here run around 10 to 15% lower than the national average.
Accommodation (weekly)
Rent varies by room type and location. Expect to pay £90 to £130 per week for a room in a shared house in areas like Lenton or Beeston. En suite rooms in purpose-built student accommodation typically cost £140 to £200 per week, while private studios range from £175 to £230 per week. Most PBSA includes bills, which simplifies budgeting.
Food
A weekly grocery budget of £30 to £50 is realistic if you cook at home. Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer the best value, while Asiana Hypermarket and Fresh Asia stock affordable international ingredients.
Transport
The Nottingham City Transport student bus pass costs £299 for the full academic year, working out to around £7 per week. The Robin Hood card provides pay-as-you-go access across buses, trams, and local trains. A 16 to 25 Railcard (£30 per year) saves a third on national rail fares.
Other costs
Gym memberships run around £20 to £30 per month, though some PBSA buildings include an on-site gym. SIM only phone plans start from £6 to £10 per month. Socialising typically costs £60 to £70 per month, and cinema tickets are around £8 to £12.
Realistic monthly budget
Most students spend between £800 and £1,200 per month in total. For visa purposes, you will need to show £1,171 per month in savings.
Nottingham saving tips
Download UNiDAYS and TOTUM for student discounts. Use the Too Good To Go app for cheap meals. Cook in batches with housemates. Walk or cycle rather than relying on buses for short trips.
Visa Services and Support in Nottingham
UKVCAS Service Point
Nottingham has a UKVCAS centre at Regus, 6th Floor, East West Building, Tollhouse Hill, NG1 5FS. Opening hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. All appointments must be booked in advance through the TLScontact website after submitting your online visa application.
eVisas and BRP Collection
From 2025, UK visas will be issued digitally as eVisas rather than physical BRP cards. Post Office BRP collection ended in April 2025. If you applied before this change and need to collect a BRP, your university can receive it directly. The University of Nottingham uses ACL code 2HE427, with collection at Cherry Tree Lodge on University Park.
University Immigration Support
Both universities offer free visa advice from qualified immigration advisers. Contact the University of Nottingham at immigration-support@nottingham.ac.uk or call 0115 846 6125 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm). For NTU, contact the International Student Support Service at +44 (0)115 848 2631.
Free Community Support
Citizens Advice Nottingham offers free immigration guidance at Nottingham Central Library (Mondays and Thursdays, 10 am to 3 pm) or by calling 0808 278 7974. Nottingham Law Centre also provides free immigration advice for complex cases.
If you have visa problems, contact your university’s immigration team first, as they can liaise directly with UKVI on your behalf.
International Student Community in Nottingham
Nottingham has one of the most diverse student populations in the UK, with over 150 nationalities represented across both universities. This creates a welcoming environment where international students quickly find their community.
Nationality-Based Societies
Both universities run extensive networks of cultural societies. The University of Nottingham Students’ Union hosts over 40 international societies, including the Chinese Students Society, Indian Society, Nigerian Students Society, Malaysian Society, Korean Society, Pakistani Society, and many more. NTU offers similar groups, including Chinese, Islamic, Italian, Hispanic, and Ukrainian societies. These groups organise cultural celebrations, social events, and provide essential peer support for newcomers.
Global Food and Shopping
Nottingham caters well to international tastes. Asiana Hypermarket on Woodborough Road stocks Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese products. Raja Brothers and Fresh Asia offer Indian and East Asian groceries. For dining out, try Memsaab and Calcutta Club for Indian cuisine, Chino Latino for Pan Asian dishes, or the many authentic restaurants in Hockley and around Maid Marian Way.
Language Exchange
The Culturebox Language Café meets every Saturday (1 pm to 3.30 pm) at Nottingham Central Library, offering free informal language practice. Meetup groups like the Nottingham Spanish Language Group and Notts Languages and Walking provide regular conversation practice. Apps like Tandem connect you with local language partners.
Where to Socialise
NTU’s Global Lounges on each campus provide dedicated spaces for international students to meet and relax. Popular student areas include Hockley for independent bars and cafes, Old Market Square for city centre socialising, and the Lace Market for restaurants and nightlife. Rock City and Rescue Rooms host live music events that attract students from both universities.
Making Friends
Attend the Freshers Fair in September to discover societies. Join the HOST UK programme to spend time with British families. Follow your university’s international student Instagram accounts and join Facebook groups for your nationality or course to connect before you arrive.
Banking, Healthcare, and Essential Services
Banking
Major banks with branches in Nottingham city centre include Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Santander, and Nationwide. To open an account, you will need your passport, student visa or eVisa, proof of UK address (tenancy agreement), and a university enrolment letter. Digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut offer quicker setup without branch visits. HSBC offers a dedicated international student account.
NHS Registration
Register with a GP during your first week. University of Nottingham students can register online at Cripps Health Centre on University Park Campus (Tel: 0115 822 7979). NTU has health centres on the City and Clifton campuses. You will need your Nottingham address. Allow seven days for registration to process.
For non-emergencies, call NHS 111 or use the NHS App. For urgent injuries, visit Nottingham Urgent Care Centre. In emergencies only, Queen’s Medical Centre A&E is near University Park.
Police Registration
No longer required. The Home Office repealed this requirement for international students.
Other Services
The main Post Office is on Queen Street in the city centre, open Monday to Saturday. For international money transfers, Wise and Remitly offer better exchange rates than traditional banks. Western Union provides cash pickup options for urgent transfers.
What Makes Nottingham Special for International Students
Weekend Adventures
Nottingham’s central location makes exploring Britain easy. The Peak District is just 90 minutes away for hiking at Mam Tor or crossing the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones. London is two hours by train (from £12 with booking), while Birmingham, Sheffield, and York are all under two hours. Closer to home, Sherwood Forest and its legendary Major Oak are 30 minutes north.
Local Attractions
The city offers Nottingham Castle, the City of Caves network beneath the streets, and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, England’s oldest inn, dating to 1189. Student discounts are widely available through UNiDAYS and TOTUM cards, and a 16 to 25 Railcard saves a third on rail travel.
Career Opportunities
Nottingham is one of six UK Science Cities and home to the country’s largest bioscience centre. Major employers include Boots (healthcare and retail), Experian (data analytics, 2,000+ local staff), Capital One (digital banking), Games Workshop (global gaming giant), and KPMG. International students can work up to 20 hours weekly during term time. Both universities run internship programmes with local businesses, and the Grads4Nottm scheme connects graduates with regional employers. Graduate placement rates exceed 94%.
Alumni Network
Notable graduates include Nobel Prize winners Sir Clive Granger and Sir Peter Mansfield, actors Theo James and Ruth Wilson, novelist D.H. Lawrence, band London Grammar, and Wetherspoons founder Tim Martin.
Why Nottingham?
Students choose Nottingham for its combination of lower living costs, compact walkable centre, strong employment links, and central location for exploring the UK.
Nottingham FAQ’s
Is Nottingham safe for international students?
Nottingham holds a Purple Flag award for nine consecutive years, recognising its safe and welcoming nightlife. The city centre is well lit with CCTV coverage, and both universities have 24-hour security teams. Student areas like Lenton and Beeston have active community networks and regular police patrols.
What is the difference between the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University?
University of Nottingham is a research-focused Russell Group university with a large parkland campus. Nottingham Trent University emphasises career-ready, practical courses with strong industry connections and is based across city centre locations. Both welcome international students and offer excellent support services.
Do I need a car to get around Nottingham?
No. Nottingham is one of the UK’s most walkable cities with an award-winning tram network and extensive bus routes. The NCT student bus pass costs £299 per year. Most student areas are within 20 minutes of university campuses on foot, by bike, or by public transport.
Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Nottingham?
Now you’ve seen all that Nottingham has to offer International students, it’s time to explore our range of Nottingham student accommodation options.
If you have more questions relating to more general international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.