A Guide To Living in Leicester as a Student
Leicester is one of the most popular student cities in not just the UK, but the whole world. Thousands of students from across the world flock here and enrol in two top-ranking universities in the world- De Montfort University and the University of Leicester. With so many students moving to this city every year, it is also a hub of amazing student accommodations that provide amenities to die for.
If you’re moving to Leicester, and have a gazillion questions about safe neighborhoods for students, finding the right accommodation that fits your budget, and the city life for students, we’re here to your rescue. Enter, a guide to living in Leicester as a student:
What is Student Life in Leicester Like?
Leicester is a great place for students to live. Be it affordability, nightlife, culture or opportunities, the city has the right mix of all, for all. No matter where you come from, this city will make you feel right at home. Here is everything you need to know about the city before you move in:
- Cost of Living: The average monthly spend, minus rent and course fees, for a single person in Leicester, is around £600 (Numbeo, 2021). It is the third most affordable city in the UK according to a ranking published by banking giant NatWest. To give you a fair idea, on average, houses rent for about £120 a week. However, more affordable student housing options are available at portals such as Unilodgers with offers that’ll get you closer to your ideal student home.
- Transport: Leicester is easily navigable via bicycle or on foot. The bus service is the most commonly used mode of transport in the city. You can avail a student bus pass for around £460/year or check out providers such as First Bus or Arriva for more details.
- Healthcare: The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s state healthcare system providing a wide range of services including appointments with a doctor and hospital treatment. If you’re a full-time student in the UK, you’re eligible to use NHS services that provide free physical and mental health care services.
Finding the Right Student Accommodation in Leicester
You can find tons of flats in Leicester at websites like Gumtree and Zoopla. But if you’re looking specifically for student accommodation that offers fully-furnished, tastefully designed spaces with great amenities, you can check out Unilodgers. Here you can explore, compare and book student flats in Leicester that fit all your needs- be it a private space, a specific budget or a short stay.
- Budget-friendly: A little hard to believe but you can find some world-class accommodations in Leicester that are under 200 pw– that’s right! All you have to do is explore and book.
- Private Apartments: If you’re someone who’s looking for a 1 bed flat in Leicester where you’ll have the whole space to yourself- you’ll find tons of great options at Unilodgers. These student studios in Leicester will be fully furnished, have ample storage and be designed to make you feel right at home.
- Short Stays: Leicester also has various accommodations that offer student rooms for short stays. These can be private or shared spaces and will also offer all the amenities you’ll need.
- Accommodation for Senior Year Students: Wondering where do your fellow second and third-year students live in Leicester? They’re right where the freshers live! There are no special student apartments in Leicester for senior students and the process of booking a room for them is the same as it is for freshers.
Popular Neighborhoods of Leicester for Students
So where do most students live in Leicester? There are a few neighborhoods in this city that are not just a short walk from universities but also safe for students and home to some of the city’s best hang-out spots. Some of these areas are:
- City Centre: Leicester city centre is not just home to the city’s finest restaurants, cafes and pubs, but also the best student homes. Here, you will find student rooms that offer great amenities, and amazing views of the city and fit right into your budget. Some of the most affordable student apartments in Leicester city centre are The Hosiery, The 100 Apartments, and The Wool Factory.
- De Montfort University: Right in the heart of the city, the DMU campus not only offers student libraries, close proximity to classes and safety, but also some great coffee places and all essential facilities like grocery shops and pharmacies just a short walk away. If you’re looking for on-campus accommodation here, you can check out Castle Court and Newarke Street.
- Oxford Street: If you’re looking to live in areas that are near DMU and Leicester University, are a short walk away from the city centre and are safe for students, Oxford Street is a great option for you. Some of the most popular accommodations in this area are Student Roost Newarke Street and Upper New Walk.
Looking for Last-Minute Student Accommodation in Leicester?
If you’ve procrastinated too long and are now finding no student rooms in Leicester, worry not. With Unilodgers, you can still find last-minute student accommodation and compare them with the other remaining rooms in the city.
So what are you waiting for? Book your room, pack your bags and get ready to dive into Leicester’s blasting student life!
