STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN LOUGHBOROUGH

The phrase “people who say money can’t buy happiness clearly don’t know where to shop” rings true in Loughborough. No matter what shopping experience is desired, this town has it to offer. 

On a Thursday and Saturday the pedestrianised Loughborough Market opens its doors before sunrise to eager retail traders, craftsmen and specialists to set up their eclectic yet intricate stalls. Open from 8am to 4pm, this market has been part of Loughborough’s rich history for almost 800 years. Well recognised for its connection to Loughborough University, and for winning the Best Large Outdoor Market of the Year Award in 2017, it boasts an impressive range of fresh produce, household goods, confectionary and vintage clothing. 

If you are a budding fashionista then Ashby square is a MUST. Permeated with vintage stores and charity shops, it makes the perfect destination for a fashion treasure hunt. From forties fashion  to millennial styles, this Loughborough location gives you everything you need to discover some unique or retro hidden gems. 

If music is your passion, this town has some great services to offer. Music lessons are offered in numerous shops across Loughborough, their knowledgeable staff also provide guidance, information and support when customers are unsure of their purchases. One of these is the independent Guitar and Gladrags, a celebrated staple of Loughborough market, that also sells a special range of music related or inspired vintage clothing. Or, you could head down to Leicester Road and visit Just Music, a small store that sells gorgeous instruments alongside an expansive range of music books designed to improve musical ability and to inspire artists. 

High street retailers and big name brands can be found in both of Loughborough’s shopping centres, Carillon Court and The Rushes Shopping Centre. This Study Inn location is also perfectly positioned for supermarkets, newsagents, postal services and household goods stores. 

Within walking distance you can find little independent boutiques hidden alongside global names. These stores sell ethical, handcrafted or artisan gifts and luxuries, from chocolatiers to art galleries, there is something for everyone in Loughborough. 

The nightlife scene in Loughborough mainly revolves around the University and it’s Student Union. The University societies organise nights out for their members throughout the year, from fancy dress to extravagant balls, they are commonly known as ‘socials’, and there is a social that will interest anyone! 

These are mostly held at the Student Union on weekday evenings, and range from silent discos, to themed nights inspired by popular culture, such as The Greatest Showman Ball.

Loughborough has numerous nightclubs that play a variety of music, and each have special offers on drink or entry prices on certain days. The nightclubs playlists and atmosphere determine their clientele for the evening, and with five to choose from you can have a great evening out in Loughborough. There are also plenty of bars and pubs in the town that all cater towards a different clientele, from tiny little pubs that feel intimate and homely to fancy, classy cocktail bars on Church Gate. 

The Organ Grinder in Loughborough was voted CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2019, which won’t come as a shock when you see it's great beer garden and function room, which regularly hosts all sorts of events for the community and patrons. 

Loughborough Town  Hall also plays host to comedians, live music performances, art exhibitions and musicals throughout the year. Catching a show at the Town Hall is a tradition in Loughborough because it is a fantastic way to spend an evening out with friends, family or with a loved one. 

Loughborough has everything to offer in the way of food, from catching a bite to eat in a high street fast food chain, to dining out in an independent family run restaurant, whose recipes have handed down through generations. 

There are many typical little British cafes scattered all over Loughborough offering traditional dishes such as Shepard’s Pie and Full English Breakfasts, as well as lots of coffee and cake shops, including big name brands like Costa Coffee and Starbucks. Takeaways are also not hard to find, with lots of different cuisines to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice. 

Lots of the restaurants in this area have a 4.5 star rating or above, including Indian restaurants like Eastern Spice, Thai eateries such as Sonny’s Street Food and Asian cuisine at The Basin. Delicious traditional Lebanese can be found at Tarboush, and even highly rated Nepalese food can be found on Church Gate at The Himalayan Inn.

If it’s a unique dining experience you’re seeking, Loughborough has one of the best to offer. If you want to feel like royalty for the day, take a trip to The Great Central Railway, hop aboard the historic Pullman coach and dine in true style. A six course meal is prepared and served all on board in a classic fashion by the fantastic staff. This unique experience attracts visitors from all over the world, and The Great Central Railway has over 1000 five star reviews on Trip Advisor. 

Balancing university alongside social activities is a struggle most students face, however, there are some great adventures to have in Loughborough and most of them are within walking distance from this Study Inn site. 

Dying to see the latest releases, or desperate to enjoy a night off? Look no further, Cineworld is a praised multiplex cinema that shows the biggest blockbusters as well as independent films, in both 2D and 3D screenings. With a wide selection of food and drinks available and less than a five minute walk from what could be your new home. 

Escape rooms are steadily becoming a trend in the leisure activity sector, from themed rooms to hair raising horrors, these days make for a great experience. Gather a team of your fiercest friends and brave buddies, work together to solve the puzzles and predicaments you’ve found yourself in, release yourselves from captivity with enough time to spare. Luckily for you, in Loughborough there are numerous different escape rooms all with their own niche, but the question is - can you conquer them all? 

When the weather brightens up there are also lots of great spaces to chill out and relax in the sunshine with friends. Head to Queens Park and get an ice cream, wander around the picturesque park, spot the different birds and take in the tranquil scenery. Although it is bordered by main roads, this scene feels a million miles away from a busy town, where the traffic sounds are minimal and it’s natural beauty is amplified. This park also makes the perfect summer study spot, and quite often plays host to students revision sessions, where groups meet up to study in the sunshine. Beacon Hill Country Park offers all of this, as well as the opportunity to spot some natural wildlife. 

Visiting Manor Farm Park and Woodlands is a feel good activity, with both indoor and outdoor animals that you can hand feed as well as their woodland nature trail and cafe bistro, it makes a great day out and that brings you closer to Mother Nature. 

Each year Loughborough plays host to some unmissable events, from comedy to music to food and drink festivals, there is something in this town for everyone. For a small town, it’s events schedule is mighty. 

Every February, the Leicester Comedy Festival showcases hundreds of comedians from all over the world across 90 different locations in Leicester and Loughborough. Ticket prices are always reasonable, from internationally recognised comedians to budding new starters, some shows even opt for a ‘pay what you laughed’ system. One of the venues in Loughborough is the towns beloved Pizza Pizzeria, and what better way is there to spend a February evening? Here you can enjoy a delicious pizza whilst discovering a new comedy gem. Other venues include the University’s Student Union, where content is typically tapered towards students, as well as Loughborough Town Hall and The Swan and Rushes Pub. And if the show you are dying to see is in Leicester, it’s only a ten minute train ride away. 

Another Staple in the town's calendar is the much loved Loughborough Beer Festival. Each year this event gets bigger and better, but its enthusiastic atmosphere (which is almost infectious) stays the same, in March 2021 it will celebrate its 45th anniversary. With beers and ales from all over the world served alongside complimenting snacks and treats, this event allows you to discover a new favourite and learn from the experts about how they were made. 

Glastonbudget is a well known British music festival that is held every Summer,  it’s humorous tone and exciting, vibrant crowds make it a popular place to let off some steam, especially after exams. Known as The World's Biggest and Best Tribute Music Festival, this event draws people in from all over the UK and overseas. However, if you are living at Study Inn Loughborough, camping at the festival is a choice, not a necessity, because Glastonbudget will be a short 25 minute drive away from home. 

Much like most university towns in England, Loughborough’s calendar is overflowing with events run by, or in association with, the University. Educational events from guest lecturers or group discussions and workshops are held on a broad range of subjects throughout the year, which are attended regularly by both students and the general public. Loughborough University has a long withstanding reputation of producing great athletes such as four time Olympic medal winner  Sebastian Coe, who went on to become a member of parliament, and Baroness Tanni Grey - Thompson DBE, a wheelchair sports Paralympian. With accredited athletic alumni like this, it is no surprise that Loughborough University often hosts sporting events or matches for students to attend. 

The Student Union also holds events specifically aimed at students, here you can attend showcases and musical performances, both by your fellow students and professional artists. From plays, musicals and comedy skits to incredible dance performances and goosebump inducing musical showcases the Student Union has it all.