Driving in Preston
A realistic Guide to life at UCLan - written by students!
Sorry, but ask any student and they will tell you parking at UCLan is not so much fun.
There is car parking on campus; however, students are not eligible for car parking unless they live over 90 minutes away from UCLan by public transport. Students may get a parking permit if this is the case, although campus parking spaces are limited so parking operates on a first come, first served basis. Basically during the academic year you need to be at the university by 8.45 at the latest to be able to get a space.
It is possible to park around the campus on surrounding streets although these spaces are also limited and may be used by residents of the surrounding community.
Blue Badge holders are eligible for a University Priority Permit which is free of charge.
We strongly advise that you read the information for students on parking for full details. There have been cases of students bringing their cars when they live in halls and struggling to find somewhere to park it. Students are told not to bring cars if they live in halls as unless they are a Blue Badge holder they will not get a permit.
The University isn’t too far from the motorway for friends and family to come and visit. The traffic Preston can get quite heavy at rush hour as the city’s bypass runs right through the centre of the city (genius). Plus with only one bridge over the River Ribble and one route through town to one of the main residential areas, rush hour is not a fun time to drive. However thankfully the student areas around UCLan and down Plungington Road are not too badly affected.
Car Sharing:
UCLan runs a car sharing scheme which allows permit holders 50% off their permit charges when they car share with up to four passengers (these passengers must also be eligible for a permit). This is a greener way of travelling to UCLan and gives you a few more pounds in your pocket…everyone’s a winner!!
Of course you can always cycle!