
Peterborough isn’t flashy. It’s not trying to be. But that’s part of the charm.
Located in eastern England, Peterborough combines historic charm with fresh investment. It’s a cathedral city built around a rich English heritage, the 900-year-old Peterborough Cathedral still dominates the skyline, but don’t be fooled. This city is all about the future.
Over the past few years, Peterborough has quietly evolved into an ambitious education and innovation hub, thanks to regeneration projects, new universities, and a fast-growing student community. It’s just 45 minutes from London by train, so you get capital-level access, without the capital-level costs or chaos.
The city’s known for being green (literally and figuratively), easy to navigate, and full of friendly locals. Got a bike? Even better. Peterborough has over 100 miles of cycleways, scenic riverside parks, and plenty of chill cafes for refueling between lectures.
So whether you’re coming here to start fresh or switch gears, studying in Peterborough puts you on the map, without putting you under pressure.
🎓 Why International Students Are Growing to Love Peterborough
Let’s cut straight to it. Peterborough isn’t shouting for attention like bigger cities. But smart students are starting to pay attention anyway, and here’s why.
1. New University, Fresh Approach
One of the biggest game-changers? The launch of ARU Peterborough (a campus of Anglia Ruskin University). Opened recently with a bold mission: make education affordable, modern, and inclusive. Everything is designed with today’s global student in mind, career-focused degrees, cutting-edge tech, and real employer involvement.
2. Lower Cost of Living = Less Stress
Big shoutout to the budget-conscious. Living in Peterborough is significantly cheaper than London, Oxford, or Cambridge. Rent is manageable. Groceries too. And eating out won’t cost your entire student loan.
This means more room for day trips, experiences, and a lot less financial pressure.
3. Compact, Student-First Lifestyle
In Peterborough, everything is close. The campus, accommodation, cafes, shops, cinema, you’ll rarely need a car. That means more time to focus on coursework, social life, and, yes, maybe even a hobby or two.
4. A Friendly City Built for Growth
Over 20% of residents in Peterborough were born outside the UK. The city is proudly multicultural, making international students feel at home almost instantly. As the university grows, so do student clubs, events, and city nightlife designed around student needs.
In short, to study in Peterborough is to join a movement, a city and student culture growing side by side.
🏫 Top 10 Universities and Colleges in and Around Peterborough
Peterborough is growing fast, and its education scene is evolving too. Here’s where a student in Peterborough might study:
1. ARU Peterborough (Anglia Ruskin University Campus)
The city’s pride and future. Offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in business, engineering, health, computing, and environmental sciences. Designed for career-ready learning and work placements.
2. Peterborough College
Part of the Inspire Education Group. Offers vocational courses, apprenticeships, and access to HE programs. Great for practical learners and progression to university-level studies.
3. University Centre Peterborough
Now expanding under ARU but still offers unique degrees in media, criminology, computing, and business.
4. Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge Main Campus)
Just over an hour away, a parent university to ARU Peterborough. Might require occasional travel but keeps Peterborough-based students connected to a broader academic network.
5. University of Lincoln
Accessible via rail. Brilliant for science, journalism, and architecture. Offers distance learning and mentoring links with Peterborough institutions.
6. Cambridge Regional College – Huntingdon Campus
A 35-minute drive away. Good for pre-university courses and technical certifications.
7. University of Northampton
About an hour away. Known for arts, education, and entrepreneurial innovation.
8. Leicester College (Welford Road Campus)
Perfect for mid-career professionals or students aiming for practical diplomas and degrees.
9. New College Stamford
Located 16 miles from Peterborough, it’s a common route for transitions into university education. Runs nursing, design, and social science programs.
10. De Montfort University (Leicester)
1 hour away. Offers diverse undergrad and postgrad courses with great student support.
🛏️ Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Peterborough
Whether you’re going solo or going shared, here’s where students love to stay:
- ARU Peterborough Student Village – Bishops Road
- Unite Students – Park Crescent Studios
- The Printworks – Close to City Centre
- Clayburn Road Shared Houses
- Rivergate House Apartments
- Long Causeway Student Housing
- Great Northern Road Flats
- Stanground Houseings – Budget Shared Living
- Broadway Court Studios
- Thorpe Park Avenue Co-living Homes
🗺️ Top 10 Student Areas in Peterborough (and What You’ll Find There)
Let’s break it down. Where you live influences your entire uni life, from social life to study balance. Here’s where most students tend to live, with what surrounds them.
1. Bishops Road
- Nearby: ARU Peterborough
- Properties: Student Village, Rivergate Apartments
- Vibe: Clean, green, walking distance to everything. Serious convenience.
2. City Centre
- Nearby: University Centre, shops, rail station
- Properties: The Printworks, Broadway Court
- Vibe: buzzy, social, lots of pubs and cafes. If you want noise and nightlife, this is your zone.
3. Clayburn Road / Eastfield
- Nearby: Peterborough College
- Properties: Clayburn Shared Housing
- Vibe: More residential, budget-friendly, walkable to uni.
4. Longthorpe
- Nearby: Quick bike ride to city
- Properties: Private rooms, newer builds
- Vibe: Quiet, safe, and suburb-y. More ideal for postgrads or focused students.
5. Stanground
- Nearby: 10-15 min bus to ARU Peterborough
- Properties: Budget housing, shared lets
- Vibe: Affordable, very local vibe. Less touristy, more community.
6. West Town
- Nearby: Peterborough Station
- Properties: Co-living apartments
- Vibe: Great connection for commuters. A solid mix of students and professionals.
7. Thorpe Park
- Nearby: Town centre and transport links
- Properties: Thorpe Park Avenue Housing
- Vibe: Green, quiet, and slightly upscale. Perfect for group lets.
8. Rivergate Area
- Nearby: Shopping centre + campus
- Properties: Rivergate Apartments
- Vibe: Madness during the day, calm at night. Great for those who want proximity without the party noise.
9. Park Crescent
- Nearby: City centre
- Properties: Park Crescent Studios
- Vibe: Popular with international students. Mid-range on price but high on location.
10. Broadway
- Nearby: Central and vibrant
- Properties: Broadway Court
- Vibe: Theatre streets, indie cafes. Perfect for artsy or creative students.
✍️ Final Summary: So, Should You Study in Peterborough?
Let’s wrap it up.
If you’re looking for a city that’s not overcrowded, not overpriced, and definitely not overrated, studying in Peterborough just makes sense. From the launch of ARU Peterborough to a growing tech-employment scene, this place is in the middle of a serious glow-up.
It’s affordable. Accessible. Green. Friendly. And built for students who want more than lectures, they want community, comfort, and career pathways.
Whether you’re just starting your course or switching cities, study in Peterborough for a laid-back life with fast-track ambitions. No distractions, just progress.