Loughborough at a glance
Loughborough is a compact and welcoming town in the East Midlands, best known for its world-renowned university, particularly in the fields of sport, engineering, and design. Located between Leicester and Nottingham, it offers a peaceful setting with easy access to big city amenities. The town revolves around student life, making it incredibly friendly, safe, and affordable. With a campus often ranked among the best in the UK, it’s a destination that prioritises education, innovation, and community.
Pretty much anywhere in Loughborough town centre is walking distance from campus (about 20-40 minutes depending on which side of campus you're on), and it's always felt very safe, even when I've been walking back at night. There are some fun street art pieces around which makes it nice and colourful, and Queen's Park is really nice for a walk – there's also a bunch of tropical birds in the aviary to go look at! You're really spoilt for choice for pubs, which makes for some brilliant pub crawls. There's plenty of nice food and drink places dotted around. (Second year student, Loughborough University)
Train station
Student population
Browse through the universities and colleges in Loughborough to find one that suits you.
City highlights
Loughborough may be small, but it has its share of charm and culture. Visit Queen’s Park for peaceful walks or climb Carillon Tower for views across town. The Loughborough Town Hall offers performances, comedy nights, and student theatre, while the monthly farmers’ market is a great way to sample local produce. The university itself is home to a huge number of sports events and student-led activities, giving the town an always-on campus feel.
Student life in Loughborough
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Friday night out
Sunday chilling
Feeling cultural
Transport tips
Loughborough is easy to get around on foot or by bike, especially for students living near campus. The Kinchbus service offers quick and reliable buses between the town centre and university, with discounted student passes available. Loughborough Train Station connects you to Leicester, Nottingham, and London, making travel across the UK straightforward. Cycling is encouraged on and off campus, with well-marked lanes and safe bike storage across the town.
Accommodation
Loughborough is designed for student life. Most students live either in on-campus halls or off-campus housing in areas like the Golden Triangle, Ashby Road, and Kingfisher Estate. Rent prices are lower than in larger cities, and local supermarkets, cafés, and takeaways cater to student budgets. The town is considered very safe, with a strong student support network and active campus security. Student services also help with housing advice, budgeting, and wellbeing.
Accommodation advice
International student information
Discover everything you need to know as an international students planning to come to the UK.
Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our international pages can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.
Where to eat
You’ll find a range of affordable dining options across town. Fernandez Grillhouse is a student favourite for burgers and casual eats, while Eastern Spice offers great value Indian cuisine. For coffee and study spots, try Bom Bom Patisserie or Public, both loved for their atmosphere and snacks. Loughborough’s multicultural student base also means you’ll find Chinese, Thai, Turkish, and vegan options easily accessible throughout the town.
What to visit
In and around town, there’s more to explore than you might expect. Visit the Great Central Railway, a heritage line offering steam train rides, or spend a sunny day at Outwoods Nature Reserve. Charnwood Museum offers insight into local history, and the university’s own arts centre regularly hosts exhibitions and performances. You can also enjoy frequent student-run events, film nights, and cultural fairs – there’s always something going on, especially on campus.
[Loughborough] is only a short way away from Leicester and Nottingham, therefore you get the best of both worlds. However, the biggest mistake is to underestimate Loughborough – most of us are more than content with the Students' Union, but also there are bars like Echos and Firefly that provide a refreshing change.
The Golden Triangle – this is a hotspot area for students, and is fairly reasonable in price depending on which letting agency you go through. Lidl is a five-minute walk. Places like Bom Bom café are a short walk too. It's about ten minutes to town, and ten minutes in the opposite direction to campus, depending on how quickly you walk. There are bus stops close by, to get the free campus shuttle bus or to head to the train station.
On your doorstep
Loughborough’s central location makes day trips and weekends away simple. Leicester and Nottingham are both under 30 minutes away by train and offer great shopping, restaurants, and museums. For nature lovers, Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill Country Park offer scenic walks and wildlife. You’re also close to East Midlands Airport, ideal for low-cost European travel during breaks. It’s a great base for exploring both city life and countryside escapes.
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
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