Leicester · Student city guide
Two universities a short walk from each other, some of the most affordable rent of any UK student city and food from every corner of the world. This is how Leicester actually works for students: where to live, what it costs and where to go out.
2
universities, both walkable from the city centre
£85–£120
a week for a room in a shared house, before bills
£68
for a four-week student bus ticket on any city bus
2012
the year Richard III was found under a city-centre car park
Last checked: November 2026
Campus to clock tower
Leicester is compact and easy to walk. The University of Leicester sits next to Victoria Park, about 15 minutes south of the centre, while De Montfort is on the west side of town by the River Soar. Here's how the student map fits together.
Getting around: most students walk. If you need the bus, the Student Flexi ticket works on any participating operator in the city: £68 for four weeks or £575 for a year.
1
The main campus, the Attenborough Tower and the big green park students use as a back garden.
2
Leicester's classic student area, with independent cafés, bars and takeaways along Queens Road.
3
Highcross shopping centre, the market and the cathedral, where Richard III is now buried.
4
DMU's campus on the west side of town, with riverside walks and the Narborough Road beyond.
5
The Curve theatre, the Phoenix cinema and arts centre, and some of the city's best bars and clubs.
“What makes this city special is how effortlessly nature is woven into everyday life.”
Mariam Amir, Unifresher Leicester writer · Read: the best parks and gardens in Leicester →
Universities
Where you study shapes where you'll live. University of Leicester students mostly live south of the centre around Clarendon Park, while DMU students tend to stay in the city centre and the West End.
Victoria Park · Oadby
A research university next to Victoria Park, known for medicine, science and, famously, finding Richard III. First-years live in halls on campus, nearby, or at the Oadby Student Village.
City centre · River Soar
A big, creative and career-focused university in the city centre, strong in art and design, fashion, law, business and health.
Still choosing? Compare universities across the UK in our university guides →
Neighbourhoods
Six areas cover most of Leicester's student housing. Leicester is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, so the pound signs show how areas compare with each other.
££ · Classic studenty
01
Rows of Victorian terraces just past Victoria Park, with Queens Road's cafés and bars. A short walk to the University of Leicester.
Best for: University of Leicester students who want to be where everyone is
££ · Leafy and calm
02
Bigger houses on quieter tree-lined streets east of Victoria Park, still a walk from campus.
Best for: students who want a quieter house
££ · Green
03
Streets around the park and further south in Knighton, close to campus and with a calmer, residential feel.
Best for: final-years and postgrads
££–£££ · City living
04
Purpose-built student blocks near the Clock Tower, the station and the Cultural Quarter, often with bills included.
Best for: DMU students and anyone who wants to walk to the clubs
£ · Good value
05
Cheaper terraces just over the river from DMU, with Narborough Road's international shops and takeaways.
Best for: DMU students on a budget
££ · Student village
06
A leafy suburb south-east of the city, home to the University of Leicester's Oadby Student Village and Botanic Garden.
Best for: University of Leicester first-years
Want a student's view? Our DMU writer shares her favourite places near Leicester's universities, from coffee shops to clubs.
Things to do near the universitiesNot sure where to live?
Tell us where you're studying, what matters most and your budget, and we'll point you to an area to start your search.
1. Where are you studying?
2. What matters most?
3. What's your budget?
Shared houses near Queens Road's bars and takeaways, a short walk to campus.
Find a letting agentWhere to book
Compare Leicester's letting agents and student accommodation providers, or work out which type of housing suits you.
Shared houses · Leicester
The student letting agents worth knowing in Leicester, and what to check before you sign.
Read the guide →
Purpose-built · Leicester
Our overview of Unite Students' rooms, prices and what's included, including its Leicester buildings.
Read the overview →
Second year
How to decide where to live after first year, and when to start looking.
Read the guide →
Not sure yet?
The pros, cons and costs of each, so you know what to look for.
Compare your options →
Money
Leicester is one of the cheapest student cities in the UK, and you can walk almost everywhere. Pick a lifestyle to see what a typical month looks like.
Shared house in Clarendon Park, a weekly night out and the odd takeaway.
Rent
£450
Bills
£85
Food shop
£160
Buses
£30
Going out
£100
Phone and everything else
£70
About £10,740 a year
£895 a month
Estimates to help you plan, not quotes. Many Leicester shared houses quote rent without bills, so check what's included before you sign anything.
Where a typical £895 month goes
■ Rent · 50%
■ Food · 18%
■ Going out · 11%
■ Bills · 10%
■ Everything else · 8%
■ Buses · 3%
Money tips
1
Walk, or get a Student Flexi
Leicester is small enough to walk most places. If you need the bus, the Student Flexi works on any participating operator: £68 for four weeks or £575 for the year.
2
Do the free stuff
Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, the cathedral and the city's parks are all free, and the National Space Centre often has student deals.
3
Eat on the Golden Mile and Narborough Road
Some of the best-value food in the UK, from curry houses to sweet shops.
4
Shop at Leicester Market
One of the biggest covered markets in Europe, with cheap fruit and veg.
5
Check what's included
Many shared houses quote rent without bills. Ask what's included and budget about £20 a week extra if bills aren't.
“Famous for being most Leicester residents' first legal night out, Mosh nightclub is your go-to club for freshers events.”
Leah Corbett, Unifresher Leicester writer · Read: the best nightclubs for students in Leicester →
Going out
Leicester's nightlife is all within walking distance of the city centre. Pick an area to see where students go.
Talk like a local
Guess what each one means, then tap to check.
Ay up me duck
Hello, all right? The classic East Midlands greeting.
"Ay up me duck, you all right?"
Mardy
Grumpy or sulky.
"Don't be mardy, it's only a 9am."
Jitty
A narrow alley between houses.
"Cut down the jitty, it's quicker."
Cob
A bread roll.
"Chip cob, please."
Spogs
Sweets. Very Leicester.
"Got any spogs?"
Nesh
Someone who feels the cold easily.
"Heating on already? You're so nesh."
Gizza
Give me a…
"Gizza go on the controller."
Our kid
Your brother or sister, or a close mate.
"I'm going home to see our kid."
Written by Leicester students
Our student writers pick their favourite places so you don't have to work it out alone.
Editor's pick · On a budget
Cheap days and nights out, from museums and parks to arcades and the cinema.
Read the guide →
More from our Leicester writers
Nights out
10 of the best nightclubs for students in Leicester →
Near campus
Things to do near Leicester's universities →
Outdoors
The best parks and gardens in Leicester →
Culture
The best museums and art galleries in Leicester →
Days out
The best day trips from Leicester →
Fresh from our writers
New guides, reviews and things to do in Leicester, written by students who live there.
Save money
Verified discounts on food, fashion, tech, gyms and more, including offers you'll only find on Unifresher.
Browse student dealsFor businesses
Want your brand in front of students at the University of Leicester and DMU? Feature on this guide or partner with Unifresher.
Partner with usJust arrived?
Eight small jobs that make your first term in Leicester much easier. Most take ten minutes.
✓
Register with a GP
Sign up near your term-time address before freshers' flu hits. Your uni will point you to a local practice.
✓
Sort your travel
Most students walk, but if you'll bus regularly, a Student Flexi ticket covers any participating operator in the city.
✓
Get a 16–25 Railcard
A third off most rail fares, so it pays for itself after a couple of trips home.
✓
Find your Students' Union
Go to the Freshers' Fair and join a society or two. It's the easiest way to meet people outside your flat.
✓
Save campus security's number
Every university has a 24-hour security line. Put it in your phone now.
✓
Check your contents insurance
Bikes, phones and laptops do get stolen in student areas. Find out whether your halls or house already include cover.
✓
Learn your route home
Know your way back to Clarendon Park or the West End from town, and stick to busy, well-lit roads, especially through the parks at night.
✓
Sort a TV Licence if you need one
You need one to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, even on a laptop or phone.
Useful links
University accommodation offices, travel tickets and the admin every student needs to sort.
FAQs
Is Leicester a good city for students?
For most people, yes. It's affordable, compact and very diverse, with great food, two well-known universities and a friendly feel. The nightlife is smaller than in bigger cities, but there's plenty going on, and Nottingham and Birmingham are close by.
Which area of Leicester is best for students?
University of Leicester students usually live in Clarendon Park or Stoneygate after first year. DMU students often choose the city centre, the West End or Narborough Road. Most first-years at both universities start in halls.
How much is student rent in Leicester?
A room in a shared house in areas such as Clarendon Park often costs about £85–£120 a week in 2026/27, usually without bills. Purpose-built rooms in the city centre cost more, but often include bills.
Is Leicester safe for students?
Most students feel safe in Leicester. As in any city, lock up properly, keep valuables out of sight, and stick to busy, well-lit roads at night rather than cutting through parks.
How do students get around Leicester?
Mostly on foot. The Student Flexi bus ticket works on any participating operator, at £68 for four weeks or £575 for a year in 2026/27. Trains from Leicester station reach London St Pancras in about an hour.
What is Leicester famous for?
Richard III, Leicester City's 2016 Premier League title, Walkers crisps, the Golden Mile and one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India.
Pitch a guide or join our team of student writers. We're always looking for people at the University of Leicester and DMU.
Write for UnifresherRankings, halls, costs and student life at each university in Leicester.
