Loughborough College student accommodation

Overview

Loughborough College sits in central Loughborough, so most students can choose between the college’s own halls, town-centre PBSA and private student houses nearby. The main advantage here is simple: you do not need to live far from campus to get a good student setup.

If you are under 18, the college’s halls are the obvious starting point. If you are 18 or older, the best-value options are usually PBSA near the town centre, Ashby Square, Forest Road and the Golden Triangle.

Best accommodation options

College halls: The Gables

Loughborough College’s own halls are designed mainly for students under 18, although some non-academy students can apply where spaces are available.

Key points:

• 181 single bedrooms in purpose-built halls.
• Five-minute walk to the college.
• Ten-minute walk to the town centre.
• Shared kitchens usually include cookers, microwaves, fridge-freezers, kettles and storage.
• Rooms include options for disabled students.
• Support is available 24 hours a day.
• The accommodation is ANUK/Unipol accredited and has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for residential provision.

If you are eligible for The Gables, it is the simplest option because the support, distance and student services are already bundled together.

PBSA around Loughborough

For students looking for more independence, PBSA is usually the better fit than a shared house in year one.

What PBSA tends to give you in Loughborough:

• Bills included in most cases.
• Stronger onsite security than a typical private house.
• Better social spaces, study rooms and laundry facilities.
• Easier budgeting because costs are more predictable.

Recommended PBSA shortlist:

1. The Cube for the lowest entry price on live listings.
2. The Print House if you want the town centre and quick access to shops.
3. Forest Court if you want more communal features and outside space.
4. Study Inn Loughborough if you want a premium, all-inclusive setup.

Where students live

These are the most useful areas to target when searching:

Town Centre

Best for students who want to be close to cafés, shops, pubs and transport. Live listings here often cluster around Woodgate, Derby Road and nearby streets.

• Good for walking everywhere.
• Strong choice if you want a short hop to campus and the train station.
• Usually has the widest mix of PBSA and private rooms.

Ashby Square

Ashby Square is one of the most in-demand student pockets because it sits close to the action without feeling isolated.

• Often a good compromise between price and convenience.
• Live listings commonly include en-suite rooms and studios.
• Well suited to students who want a central base with easy access to campus and town.

Forest Road and the Golden Triangle

This corridor is popular because it balances walkability, student density and easy access to the centre.

• Good for students who want a more traditional student area.
• Often features a mix of PBSA, houses and larger shared homes.
• Handy if you want quick access to both the college side of town and the nightlife.

Accommodation costs

Loughborough is usually cheaper than the big UK university cities, but costs still move quickly depending on room type and location.

Rule of thumb: the more private the room, the higher the rent. If you want control over your budget, en-suite PBSA is usually the sweet spot.

Transport and getting around

Loughborough is very manageable without a car.

• Loughborough station is on Station Boulevard off Nottingham Road and is managed by East Midlands Railway.
• National Rail lists step-free access to all platforms, lifts, toilets and staffed assistance.
• The station has regular links to Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and London.
• For day-to-day travel, most students rely on walking, cycling and local buses.

Practical takeaway:

• If you live in the town centre, you can usually walk most places.
• If you live on the Forest Road/Ashby Road side, cycling is often the fastest option.
• If you pick a farther-out house, check the bus route before you sign.

Booking timeline

Start early if you want the best choice.

1. October to January: begin comparing areas and shortlisting PBSA.
2. February to April: book viewings and check what is included.
3. May to July: secure your preferred room and review the tenancy.
4. August to September: confirm move-in details, deposits and inventory.

If you need college halls, do not wait until the last minute. If you want a studio or a popular en-suite block, the better rooms go first.

Scam prevention and safety

Use a simple rule: if a deal looks unusually cheap or rushed, slow down.

• Verify the property on the provider’s official website.
• Never pay a deposit before you have checked the contract details.
• Make sure the landlord or agent is clear about what is included.
• Keep all communication in writing.
• Watch for fake “Home Office” or visa-related pressure messages. UKCISA warns that international students are sometimes targeted by scams like this.

International students and right to rent

If you are renting privately in England, you may need to prove your right to rent.

• GOV.UK says non-British and non-Irish tenants can usually provide a share code.
• Landlords or agents can use that code to check immigration status online.
• If you have a biometric residence permit, eVisa or UKVI account, keep that information ready.

College halls are simpler administratively, but if you rent privately, expect the landlord or agent to ask for identity and immigration documents before move-in.

Tenancy agreement cheat sheet

Before you sign, check these basics:

• The rent amount and how often it is paid.
• The deposit amount and whether it is protected.
• The start and end dates.
• Which bills are included.
• Any rules on ending the tenancy early.
• Whether the property allows guarantors, subletting or joint liability.

Two practical checks matter most:

1. Make sure you understand the total cost, not just the weekly rent.
2. Make sure the room type you are shown is the room type written in the contract.

What to pack

Usually provided

• Bed and mattress
• Desk and chair
• Wardrobe or hanging space
• Shared kitchen appliances in halls or PBSA
• Wi-Fi in most purpose-built schemes

Usually bring yourself

• Bedding and towels
• Kitchen basics if not listed in the inventory
• Laundry bag and toiletries
• Extension lead and lamp
• Any medical or accessibility equipment you need

Accessibility and special requirements

If you need adapted housing, check this before paying a deposit.

• Ask for step-free access, ground-floor options or lift access.
• Confirm whether the room has a wet room, larger bathroom or emergency pull cord.
• Ask about quiet zones, sensory needs or extra storage.
• Check if the provider can support mobility aids or service animal requirements.

For college halls, the accommodation team can advise on available adapted rooms. For PBSA, ask for the access statement in writing.

Bottom line

If you are under 18, The Gables is the most straightforward option. If you are over 18, the safest bet is usually PBSA near the town centre, Ashby Square or Forest Road, with The Cube and The Print House giving you the lower end of the price range and Study Inn covering the premium end.