So what's life like in Preston?

This may seem like a vague or even silly question but I basically have no idea!

I've just gotten my offer at UCLan for my insurance choice and because it was my insurance I didn't really spend much time looking at Preston as I was more focused on my firm (silly I know.)

I've lived my whole life in London and even my firm choice was in London and so I have no idea what life will be like so far away. I visited the uni on the open day so I know what the campus itself is like, but I had to get a train back to London and so I didn't have time to look around at the city itself or the surrounding area unfortunately. :s-smilie:

Can anyone say what it's like in Preston?

I mean, what's the transport like? Are there any big events/conventions to look forward to? Where can you go for entertainment during the day? Or the night? Is it busy? Are there any shopping centres? are the people friendly? Is it noisy? etc...

Basically, I'm looking for any information that you can give about Preston. I'm a bit intimidated by the fact that I'm actually going to be going there now and it would be nice to have an idea of what to expect :smile:

Reply 1

Cougar/Cougs

Hi i currently live in Preston, i do not go to uclan but i can tell you about the city as i've been to college in the town centre there are 2 shopping centres in the town none particularly huge but better than most places and the bus routes are quite regular there are 2 cinemas and a bowling alley etc... i cant think of much else to say but just ask if theres anything specific you would like to ask :smile:

Reply 2

LeavingBeirut

Hmmm, i lived in Preston all my life and i always get the sense that people would be disappointed if they came here. Occasionaly I feel sorry for them!
As the above post indicates it's all rather bland and passive, this, I imagine, would be highlighted even more so by your departure city being the capital.
I've enjoyed my upbringing here but that would mainly be down to the people I have encountered rather than the wide range of things to do.

My advise would be to broaden your horizons possibly and look a bit further. Ultimately your desicion though!

Reply 3

bestie

It's quiet compared to London and a bit boring. It has lots of shops and stuff and a decent transport service.

Reply 4

NeonXIII

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm not sure of what to make of Preston being quieter than London, I knew it would be I suppose but the word "boring" has worried me a bit!

I don't really have any specific questions that I can think of at the moment but I'm sure I will after some sleep lol

Reply 5

Boo_x

Of course Preston is much quieter than London but for big events there is Manchester and Liverpool a short train journey away (think it's about a fiver return for both with a railcard) and I know people regularly go there but living in Preston you have lower living costs :smile:

It will be very different to London but won't it be fun to explore somewhere else? There is the usual buses/trains for transport but tbh going to uclan you don't really need them unless you're on a medical course and need to get the hospital everything is a short walk away.

Reply 6

Echoplex

I am from London and I go to UCLan and I'm going to be honest, living in Preston is pretty ****! Lots of the people who go to UCLan are from smaller towns and generally really like Preston.

I don't regret going to UCLan at all, moving out of London/away from drama has probably been one of the best decisions but I do photography and design and I find it very hard to be inspired in a place like Preston. I find it a little bland and cultureless and nothing really happens. I'm saying this as someone from London and used to being able to go out and there will ALWAYS be something happening so it definitely is a shock. There is transport in Preston but you don't need it because everything is next to each other. Campus and halls are like a 10/15 minute walk from the city centre with the shops. The only things that are further out are the supermarkets and cinemas.

Nights out are ok but but the end of the year I was sick of the lack of variation. I mean every night has it's club and there isn't many other options. Manchester is close by for when you feel you need a bit of city culture every now and then. It's about £6 return with a young persons railcard.

Also, prepare yourself for everyone to say "you sound like you're from Landan" to you. A lot.

Reply 7

Tillett88

I visited m gf a lot in preston last year and am gon their this year. I come from a small town and compired to Newbury preston is exciting because i have like 1 club in my town but it like the others said fairly bland and lacks in culture, but having said that less distractions = getting more work done haha, the thing abour preston like everyone else has said is that it's pretty cheap to get a train etc to manchester or somewhere else if you fancy it ! and like the above comment even if your not from london and your southen most will belive your from london even if you tell them otherwise :wink: