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Leicester

Leicester is home to several prestigious institutions, including the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.

If you’re new to Leicester and unsure where to start, our guides offer a great introduction to the best spots for student life, including bars with happy hours, best beer gardens, top student nightclubs and more.

With advice from current Leicester students, you’ll quickly feel relaxed here. Leicester is a great place to study, so use our guides to get to know your uni city and make the mosf ot it all.

Universities in Leicester

University of Leicester
University of Leicester
de montfort university
De Montfort University
Leicester College
Leicester College

Leicester is home to several well-regarded universities and colleges that offer a diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities. The University of Leicester is renowned for its groundbreaking research in genetics, space science, and archaeology, notably contributing to the discovery of King Richard III’s remains.

De Montfort University (DMU) is known for its strong focus on creative arts, technology, and business, with innovative teaching models and strong links to industry.

Complementing these universities is Leicester College, one of the largest further education colleges in the UK, offering a wide variety of vocational, technical, and higher education courses. It plays a key role in supporting career-focused learning, apprenticeships, and local skills development. It’s more of a college than a uni, however students can study university-level qualifications there on courses provided in partnership with DMU.

Read more about local universities in Leicester in our university reviews and uni guides.

🎓 Key Takeaways: Universities in Leicester

University of Leicester

  • Gold in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
  • Ranked 27th in the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
  • Top 30 UK institution in the 2024 National Student Survey.
  • De Montfort University (DMU)

  • Top 20 UK university for employability initiatives in 2023 (Forage).
  • First UK university to earn the Race Equality Charter Silver Award in 2023.
  • Offers block teaching and guaranteed work experience opportunities.
  • Leicester College

  • Gold TEF rating in 2023 for higher education programs.
  • Winner of Best School/College at the 2024 UK Social Mobility Awards.
  • Shortlisted for the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year (2023).
  • Engineering Block redevelopment nominated for 2024 ProCon Leicestershire Award.
  • Leicester neighbourhood guide

    Already living in Leicester but want to explore a bit more? Whether you’re hunting for your next house, planning some new weekend hangouts, or just curious about what different parts of the city have to offer, we’ve got you covered. Leicester’s neighbourhoods each have their own unique vibe — from the buzzing streets of the City Centre to the laid-back cafes of Clarendon Park. Wherever you’re based now, there’s a whole city out there waiting to be discovered. Here’s your guide to the areas every student should check out!

    Clarendon Park

    Clarendon Park is a favourite with Leicester students for good reason. It’s packed with independent coffee shops, vintage stores, and chill places to grab brunch — think Queens Road as the main vibe hub. It’s close to the University of Leicester campus, so walking to lectures is easy, and you’ll often spot students studying outside when the sun’s out. House shares are popular here, offering a social but laid-back environment. If you love that mix of a cosy neighbourhood with everything on your doorstep (plus a solid mix of takeaway options for late-night study breaks), Clarendon Park could be your perfect match.

    If you want to live in the middle of everything, the City Centre is where it’s at. De Montfort University is right on your doorstep, and you’re a short walk to the University of Leicester too. You’ll have Highcross Shopping Centre, bars, clubs, and restaurants all within easy reach — ideal if you love going out without worrying about taxis home. Expect a mix of modern flats, studio apartments, and shared student accommodation. It can be a bit noisy (especially around Freshers’ Week), but if you’re someone who thrives in a busy, energetic atmosphere, living in Leicester’s City Centre is unbeatable.

    Highfields is a brilliant choice for students who want affordable living without feeling too far from campus life. Rents are generally cheaper here, which means bigger rooms and more spacious house shares — perfect if you want to save your student loan for experiences rather than rent. Highfields has a real multicultural feel, with loads of amazing street food, supermarkets, and independent shops that cater to every taste and background. It’s just a short bus ride or a brisk walk to both universities. If you love a lively, authentic neighbourhood with real character (and you don’t mind a bit more hustle and bustle), Highfields is worth a look.

    Slightly quieter, Stoneygate and Evington are more residential areas, ideal if you’re looking for a bit of calm during your uni years. Expect leafy streets, big Victorian houses turned into roomy student flats, and a relaxed, suburban feel. There are still great places to eat and hang out — Allandale Road has some cool cafes and restaurants — but it’s definitely less hectic than the city centre. Both areas are well connected by bus, making it easy to get to lectures without living in the thick of it. If you’re focused on your studies but still want a social life, Stoneygate and Evington strike a nice balance.

    Entertainment and nightlife

    Leicester has way more going on at night than you might expect. Whether you’re into massive club nights, cheap and messy student events, live music, or just a few casual drinks with your mates, there’s always somewhere to head. From midweek parties at Republic to indie anthems at Mosh, the city has a night for everyone. And if clubs aren’t your thing, there are loads of bars, pub quizzes, and late-night food spots too. Our guides will show you the best places to go out in Leicester where to find proper student spots, and what nights are actually worth it.

    Activities and attractions

    There’s actually loads to do if you fancy switching it up. Whether you’re into museums, shopping, outdoor walks, live sport, or just finding cool new spots with your mates, there’s always something happening. From checking out the dinosaurs at the New Walk Museum to catching a game at the King Power, or even just finding a new place to go on a date, the city’s packed with ways to kill a free afternoon. Our guides will show you the best places to explore, chill, and make the most of your time in Leicester (without blowing your budget).

    Food and drink

    Leicester seriously delivers when it comes to food and drink. Whether you’re after cheap eats, bottomless brunches, massive curries, or just a good pint with your mates, there’s no shortage of places to check out. From iconic student go-tos to hidden gems only locals know about, there’s always something new to try. Late-night kebabs after a night out? Sorted. Vegan cafes for a study break? Easy. Our guides will take you through the best spots in the city — whether you’re skint, feeling fancy, or just really, really craving a burger.

    Student life in leicester

    Living in Leicester isn’t just about your course — it’s about finding the right place to live, the best spots to study (or pretend to study), grabbing those essential student discounts, and maybe even sorting out a part-time job. Whether you’re looking for the best student accommodation, cosy cafés to revise in, recruitment agencies to help you earn some extra cash, or just tips on surviving uni life, we’ve got you covered. Our guides will help you get the most out of your time here — from cheap deals to the best work opportunities and everything in between.

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    Why Unifresher?

    At Unifresher, we understand student life because our guides are written by students, for students. From nightlife and local advice to saving money and finding hidden gems, every article is designed to make your university experience unforgettable.

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