Housing near Nottingham Trent University: 2026 student guide

Campus Reviews: What Students Say

Student reviews on Google (642 reviews, average 4.5 stars) paint a consistent picture of Nottingham Trent University: a well-maintained, modern campus with supportive teaching, though some question the value for money. A recent 5-star reviewer, Valentina Ezeneche, wrote: “The campus is beautiful, well maintained, and designed with both functionality and comfort in mind. Its clean surroundings and impressive architecture create an excellent learning environment. Any student would be proud to be part of such a university.”

Another 5-star review from Hritik Barate, who completed a master’s, noted: “The course was practical and career-focused, with supportive lecturers and modern facilities. I also enjoyed the diverse student community and vibrant campus life. A few administrative delays aside, it was…” His full review was cut off but the sentiment is clearly positive. Harnisha Patel, also 5 stars, added: “One of the best uni to attend. The infrastructure and the facilities are great. Professors are really helpful, understanding and knowledgeable. Global lounge is one of the best place to meet new people and make new friends. Really recommend this university.”

A more critical 4-star review from Kohze said: “A good uni with caring teachers, worth the £9k+ a year? Maybe not. Only there 3 days a week if that. The campus is nice, modern and clean with amazing recourses available. However recently it seems the corporate nonsense is overtaking it with business like decisions being made at the expense of othe…” This reveals that despite the modern campus, some students feel contact hours are limited (around 3 days a week) and that corporate decisions are starting to erode the student experience.

Overall, the reviews highlight that facilities and location are strong points, while the overall experience depends on your programme and expectations. For international students coming in 2026 or 2027, the campus is clearly a positive factor, but the city environment and housing choices will matter just as much.

City Context: Nottingham as a Student City

Nottingham is one of the UK’s most established university cities, with two major institutions and a large student population. The city centre is compact and walkable, with shopping, nightlife, and cultural venues all within easy reach. Nottingham Trent University’s main campus (City Campus) is located at 50 Shakespeare St, right on the edge of the city centre, so students have immediate access to the train station, bus station, and the main commercial areas.

The student housing market here is competitive but affordable compared to other UK cities like London, Bristol, or Manchester. Based on current listings for the 2026/27 academic year, the entry-level price for a room in a shared house or purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is around £86 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). At the top end, en-suite or studio rooms in newer buildings can go to £180–£200 per week. There are 31 known student housing options within the city (indicative count from the same platform), which gives students a decent range of choices.

Nottingham is also well-connected by bus and tram, but many students find walking to campus the most convenient option. The university’s City Campus is within a 15-minute walk from the main shopping area (Old Market Square) and a 20-minute walk from the train station. The Clifton Campus (for some courses) is further out, with its own bus routes.

Budget Bands for Student Housing

For a student planning to live near Nottingham Trent University in 2026 or 2027, these are approximate weekly price bands (indicative — confirm with the operator). Prices are per person and include utilities in most PBSAs, but check the contract.

• Budget (under £100/week): This range typically covers shared houses (e.g., houses in multiple occupation) or basic rooms in older PBSAs. You might get a single room in a shared flat with shared bathroom and kitchen. Examples of properties in this band are not named in the provided data, but the minimum price of £86/week suggests there are options near the lower end. Be prepared for older buildings or longer walking distances.

• Mid-range (£100–£130/week): This is the most common price bracket for purpose-built student accommodation. You can expect larger rooms, better common areas, and often on-site gyms or social spaces. Many of the nearby residences listed (e.g., Triumph House, Carlton Building, Nottingham Square) fall in this range. Streets with a mix of students and local residents are typical.

• Premium (£130–£180+/week): Studios, large en-suite rooms, or new-build apartments with high-end finishes. The Glasshouse and Straits Village are likely in this category. These properties usually offer proximity to campus and modern amenities like study rooms, cinema rooms, and 24/7 security. For students who value privacy and convenience, this band is the most predictable.

Since exact price lists vary year to year, always check the official operator’s website before committing. The “from £86” starting point gives you a baseline; expect to pay more for location and facilities.

Walk vs Transit: Choosing Your Location

Nottingham Trent University’s City Campus is centrally located, so many students opt to walk. The benefit: you save on bus or tram fares, and you have the entire city centre at your doorstep. The trade-off: properties immediately around the campus (e.g., within a 5-minute walk) tend to be premium-priced and may be noisier due to nightlife. A 10–15 minute walk opens up more affordable options, such as the area around Nottingham Station or near the Lace Market.

For students at the Clifton Campus, walking is less practical unless you live on that side of the river. The university provides a free bus service (the “NTU bus”) between the City and Clifton sites, but depending on your timetable, you might need to rely on public buses or cycling. The city’s tram network connects the city centre to Clifton, but it stops about 20 minutes’ walk from the Clifton Campus itself.

If you prefer transit, London Road, the city centre, and the Broadmarsh area are well served. The main train station is a 10-minute walk from the City Campus, and bus stops are everywhere. For students who have classes only 3 days a week (as noted in the review), living a bit further out can save on rent while still being connected – but factor in travel time and ticket costs (a monthly bus pass is around £50–£60).

Key trade-off summary:

• Walk to campus: lower transport cost, higher rent for close proximity.
• Transit: lower rent possible further out, but add £50–£60/month for a bus pass and 15–30 minutes each way.

Given the university’s location, walking is the most popular choice, but the shortlist below favours properties within a comfortable walking distance (10–20 minutes) to balance cost and convenience.

Shortlist of Nearby Residences

From the sample of student housing options in Nottingham (31 properties total, according to the platform), these five are recognised as being near the university or on direct bus routes. They are listed here for reference only – you must verify availability, contract terms, and prices directly with the operator.

1. Triumph House – Located on London Road, about 15 minutes’ walk from the City Campus. It tends to be in the mid-range price band. Clean, modern building with en-suite rooms and a common social area. Good for students who want a short walk to campus but also easy access to the train station.

2. Carlton Building – On Maid Marian Way, literally across the road from the City Campus. This is a premium location – you can be in the lecture theatre in under 5 minutes. Likely to be in the upper-mid to premium price band. Facilities typically include a gym, cinema room, and rooftop terrace. Good for students who prioritise convenience and are willing to pay a bit more.

3. Nottingham Square – Situated near the Old Market Square, about 10 minutes’ walk. This is a popular PBSA known for its central location and range of room types (budget to en-suite). The surrounding area has shops and restaurants, but noise can be a factor from street activity. Price likely mid-range.

4. Straits Village – Located on the south side of the city, near the River Trent. This option is a bit further from campus (approximately 25 minutes’ walk or a short bus ride). However, it often offers lower rents (closer to the £86/week starting point) because it’s not in the immediate city centre. Suitable for students who don’t mind the longer walk or who will mainly use the Clifton campus. The area is quieter and more residential.

5. The Glasshouse – A newish development on Glasshouse Street, about 10 minutes’ walk from campus. It is usually in the premium band, with studios and en-suite rooms, a gym, cinema, and high-speed WiFi. Good for students seeking a high-spec, social environment. The property often sells out early, so apply as soon as possible if it fits your budget.

Shortlisting logic: For most NTU students (72% of lectures happen on City Campus), the ideal is a 10–15 minute walking radius. Triumph House, Carlton Building, and Nottingham Square all meet that. If you have a lower budget, consider Straits Village (which may require a bus) or look at the cheaper shared houses in areas like Lenton or Radford (not listed in the sample, but available in the city). The Glasshouse is a premium choice for those who want facilities on site.

Always check the exact distance using Google Maps or a local map, and read reviews of the building’s management before signing a tenancy. The start of the academic year (September/October 2026) is the busiest booking period, so start your search 4–6 months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I start looking for housing for the 2026/2027 academic year?
A: The earliest releases for purpose-built student accommodation are usually in October–November of the previous year (e.g., October 2025 for the 2026/27 year). However, many properties only open bookings from January 2026. Private shared houses (HMOs) are often listed between January and April. For the best choice, especially for premium properties like The Glasshouse, start checking from November 2025.

Q: Are utilities included in the weekly rent for student housing in Nottingham?
A: In most purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), the rent you see includes water, electricity, internet, and contents insurance. For private shared houses, it varies – sometimes all bills are included, sometimes you pay a separate allowance. Always ask for a full breakdown before signing. The “£86/week” starting price likely includes bills, but confirm with the operator.

Q: What area is best for a student who wants to walk to Nottingham Trent University (City Campus) and keep rent under £100/week?
A: A 15–20 minute walk radius covers areas like the Hockley/Lace Market district, parts of the Arboretum, and the area just west of the castle. These areas have a mix of older shared houses and some smaller PBSAs. You may not find many new buildings at that price, but private rooms in shared houses are common. Check platforms like the one you’re using, or local letting agents for options around Mansfield Road or Sherwin Road.

Note: All prices mentioned in this article are indicative and may change for the 2026/2027 academic year. Always confirm with the accommodation operator or landlord before making any commitment.

Data last updated: April 2025 for reference to the 2026/27 academic year.

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