Moving to Stoke-on-Trent: A Potteries Travel Guide

The new academic year will soon be upon us, and with it a new swathe of young people making their journey to university. Preparing for that big day is an exciting time, but you need to know how to make the move go smoothly. That’s why we’ve decided to put together this short guide on moving to Stoke-on-Trent for the 2026/27 academic year.

By learning a few of the major travel connections and gaining a little inside knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to settle into your new city.

Your Travel Route

Stoke-on-Trent is essentially the geographical heart of the UK, meaning it boasts exceptional road infrastructure to virtually all parts of the country. If you are arriving from the North or Scotland by car, you will likely approach the city via Junction 16 of the M6. For students travelling from Birmingham, London, or the South, you will arrive at Junction 15 of the M6.

Once off the motorway, you will arrive at the A500, the backbone of Stoke’s travel network. The road cuts through the city and connects the two motorway junctions. If your journey takes you through the East Midlands, you will join the A500 from the A50 via Uttoxeter.

For international students or those travelling by rail, the main station is Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station in Hanley. This is found close to the University of Staffordshire and provides links to the rest of the country. Services to Manchester Piccadilly take around 40 minutes, while a journey to London will take a little over an hour and a half.

Your nearest airports will be Birmingham International and Manchester Airport, both of which are reachable by train and by road.

Where Can I Park on Move-in Day?

Well, if you’re joining us at Icon House this Autumn, then you can park near the property while unloading. You’ll have to move your car if you plan on staying longer than your allocated time slot.

Parking in Hanley (the city centre) is easy thanks to a range of central car parks that make reaching shops and restaurants a breeze. Two of the most popular car parks include the NCP Glass Street and the NCP Meigh Street. The latter is a multi-storey car park with 24-hour options.

Explain the Layout to Me

Understanding the unique layout of the city makes moving to Stoke much simpler. Unlike most UK cities, Stoke-on-Trent is made up of six towns, namely Hanley, Stoke, Longton, Tunstall, Burslem, and Fenton.

• The local bus network is managed by First Potteries, with routes designed to connect each of the towns. Student bus passes are available and will save you a lot of money over the course of the academic year.
• The Trent and Mersey Canal alongside the Caldon Canal cut right through the area, providing flat, traffic-free paths. It is often faster and much more scenic to cycle along the canal towpath from the train station or campus up to Hanley than it is to brave the city traffic.

A Few Local Tips

Here are a few of our favourite local tips to get you started in Stoke.

• Learn to call people ‘duck‘ as this is a local term of endearment, similar to ‘love’ or ‘mate’ in other parts of the UK.
• Staffordshire Oatcake is a local delicacy and is best enjoyed filled with some cheese and bacon.
• Stoke City FC play on weekends and some weekday evenings, so manage your travel around matchdays.

Time to Make the Move

Well, there you have it! Moving to Stoke-on-Trent should be easier for you after today. We hope some of the information above has proven helpful.