A black student's guide to university life

Starting university is an exciting journey, and we’re here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. Our guide has been created with input from current black students to help you find community, access resources, and make the most of your time with us.

This guide is made by students for students, and it is designed to help you settle into university life with ease. It is also created with your studies in mind, whether that be at any of our three campuses – Preston, Burnley, and Westlakes.

If you're wondering where to find local restaurants, hair and beauty services, societies to join, or a place of worship, you can find it all here.

Groceries and shopping
Grab your groceries and goods from various selections of tastes that include Afro-Caribbean and Asian foods.
Eat out and entertainment
Discover where to eat, drink, and play in Preston with our guide to the city’s must-visit restaurants and entertainment venues.
Hair and beauty
Looking for the perfect place for braids, weaves, or barbering? Check out our recommended hair and beauty spots here.
Societies and events
With over 90 different societies run by our Students’ Union, there’s lots of opportunities to meet students with similar interests to yours.
Places of worship
Wherever you are on your faith journey, there are various welcoming spaces for worship and reflection.
Student support
Struggling to adjust to university life? With access to a full range of support you can be sure we are always here to help.
What our students say
Want to know what uni life is like? Check out what some of our students have had to say about their experience with us.
Other useful links
Everything you need in one place – explore our helpful links to support, services, and student life at the University of Lancashire.

K R Samartos Afro Shop - Specialises in Nigerian and West African products. Address: 58 Plungington Rd, Preston PR1 7RA.
JB Supplies Ltd - A hub for Afro-Caribbean groceries and hair products. Address: 1 Market Street, Preston, PR1 2EL.
Blessed Afro Caribbean and Latino Shop - Provides a range of Nigerian and West African goods and products. Address: 17 New Hall Ln, Preston PR1 5NU.
African Village Preston - Offers a fine dining experience with a range of African cuisines. Address: 7 Priory Lane, Penwortham, Preston, PR1 0AR.
Asia Continental - Offers a wide range of Asian groceries, fresh produce, and spices. Address: 7–9 Sedgwick Street, Preston, PR1 1TP.
Meiz Oriental Supermarket - Oriental snacks and ingredients from Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian cuisines. Address: Fishergate Shopping Centre, Preston, PR1 8HJ.
Far East Oriental Food Store - A family-run store offering authentic oriental products and brands. Address: 33–35 Moor Lane, Preston, PR1 7AT.
Preston Halal Meats - Halal butcher offering a range of meats and specialty products. Address: 425 High Street, Preston.
ZamZam Supermarket - Halal groceries and fresh produce. Address: 425 High Street, Preston.

KT Afro-Caribbean Foods - Provides a variety of afro-caribbean groceries and food delivery services. Address: Water Street, Burnley, BB12 7LQ.
Afro-Caribbean Superstore Ltd - A superstore specialising in african and caribbean products. Address: 5 Bull Street, Burnley, BB11 1DW.
Shakeel Grocers - Provides a range of asian groceries and fresh produce. Address: 34-36 Cromwell Street, Burnley, BB12 0DB.
Apna Watan Superstore - A halal cash and carry offering a variety of products. Address: Brief Street, Burnley, BB10 1AS.
Lancashire Halal Meat Centre - Specialises in halal meats and poultry. Address: 136 Colne Road, Burnley, BB10 1DT.
Shafiq Halal Meat - Offers a selection of halal meats. Address: 292 Colne Road, Burnley, BB10 1DZ.

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Get all your lifestyle essentials and fresh produce from the city's best African and Asian stores.

Coco’s Soul Food – A three floors restaurant themed around Bob Marley, caribbean, and mexican cuisines. Address: 88 Friargate, Preston PR1 2ED.
Turtle Bay – Known for jerk dishes, rum cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere. Address: Crystal House, Birley Street, Preston PR1 2AQ
Manjaros – A blend of african and caribbean flavours with a lively setting. Address: London Road, Preston.
Jaffa – A popular restaurant for Mediterranean dishes with halal option. Address: 19 Church Street, Preston PR1 3BQ.
Animate – A newly built amusement centre in Preston city centre. With Hollywood Bowl, Arc Cinema, Taco Bell, and Cosmo you can be sure you’ll have a good time with your friends. Address: Preston city centre, Tenterfield St, Preston, PR1 2BL.

C&H Caribbean Restaurant - Traditional caribbean dishes with a homely feel. Address: 18 Standish St, Burnley BB11 1AP.
Cha Cha Chai - Serves a fusion of asian and british dishes with halal options. Address: 260 Colne Rd, Burnley BB10 1DZ.
Shimla Spice – An award-winning Indian restaurant with halal-certified dishes. Address: 45 Church Street, Burnley BB11 2DW.
Sharif’s – Serves grilled meats and peri-peri chicken with halal and vegetarian options. Address: 56 Briercliffe Rd, Burnley BB10 1UX.
Burnley Bowl – An entertainment centre that provides bowling, food, and arcade games for all ages. Address: Finsley Gate, Burnley BB11 2HE.
Burnley Markets – Provides a variety of local produce and food. Address: Curzon Street, Burnley BB11 1BB.

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Enjoy good food with good company.

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The Black Student Guide is here to remind you that no matter the obstacles, finishing your degree is a triumph in itself, and it opens doors to endless opportunities.

Levy Kariuki

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Student support

Feeling uncertain about navigating university life as a black student? Sometimes we all need a bit of extra support. Our student support team offers mental health and wellbeing services, along with a wide range of additional resources. You can visit our weekday drop-in sessions—no appointment required.

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A black student's guide to university life

Nearby stores

City hotspots

Preston Campus

Burnley Campus

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Hair and beauty

Societies and events

Places of worship

Nearby locations

Hear from our students

Student support

Opening hours

A black student's guide to university life

Groceries and shopping

Eat out and entertainment

Hair and beauty

Societies and events

Places of worship

Student support

What our students say

Other useful links

Nearby stores

Preston Campus

Burnley Campus

Westlakes Campus

City hotspots

Preston Campus

Burnley Campus

Westlakes Campus

Hair and beauty

Societies and events

Places of worship

Nearby locations

Preston Campus

Burnley Campus

Westlakes Campus

Student life

Hear from our students

Student support

Other useful links