Student life in Leicester

Leicester student life is known for its affordability and diverse atmosphere. The city invites over 40,000 students every year, creating a vibrant and buzzing atmosphere for all to enjoy. If you study in Leicester, you’ll be able to immerse the city’s varied cultural events, cheap drink socials, and inspiring study spots.

This city is famous for its historical roots (most notably King Richard III’s tomb), but students are also drawn to nearby neighbourhoods like Clarendon Park, city centre, and Highfields, where you can find a variety of flats and houses to fit any group size. According to UniHomes' data, Leicester was the 13th most in-demand student city in 2026-27, so be mindful of securing your accommodation early!

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  Ideal for students

  With two popular universities in the city (the University of Leicester and De Montfort University), Leicester is a hive of activity among students. Low-cost fun is abundant here, from green spaces like Abbey Park to the entirely free Leicester Museum & Art Gallery. With affordable accommodation and nightlife, this is certainly the city to be in as a student.

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  A drinks hotspot

  From buzzing bars to themed nights out with the two Students' Unions, Leicester student life would not be complete without a great bar or club! There’s plenty to get stuck into here, from relaxed cocktails at The Exchange Bar to cheeky student discounts at Soar Point. Explore more hotspots to create the best student nights out in Leicester this year.

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  Foodie spots

  Our Leicester student guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our favourite foodie spots! Gyro Express is perfect for those seeking a quick, convenient option on the go, whilst The Blackbird ticks all the boxes when it comes to great-value pub grub. Put your instant noodles aside for Oodles Wok or try the vegan-friendly Gilly's Sandwich Bar for a cheap but delicious brunch option.

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  Music & culture

  Live music is a huge part of student life in Leicester, and because the two universities are so close to the city centre, you can easily hop from venue to venue. We recommend watching bands at The Shed, although you could always brave a larger venue like Club Republic for an electric experience. The Firebug is a student favourite for its retro games and DJs, while the O2 Academy Leicester is situated right on the University of Leicester’s campus, making it super convenient.

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  Easy to get around

  Due to its compact nature, Leicester is relatively easy to get around as a student. One of the biggest advantages of student life in Leicester is that, whilst it has a solid bus network, you rarely need to use it - it’s so easy to walk (or run) from A to B! This area has also invested in becoming a cycle-friendly city, so using a bike and getting fit is a must-try here.

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  Everything you need in one place

  Want to spend an afternoon shopping? Head to the Victorian cobbled streets of the Lanes, where you can find everything from quick bites to eat to clothes ready to kit you out for winter. The roads are lined with vintage boutiques, independent shops, and artisan businesses to explore at your own leisure and help you escape from your coursework.

University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is a venerable public research institution and is known for being a top 30 higher education institution in the UK. You'll find it nestled in the south side of the city, around popular student areas such as Stoneygate and Aylestone.

De Montfort University

De Montfort University attracts around 20,000 students every year and is well-known for its fantastic employment rates (being amongst the top 25 UK universities for employability). Its main campus sits alongside the River Soar towards the north of the city centre.