Best Student Areas in Leicester: De Montfort vs University of Leicester

Leicester is one of the UK’s most popular and affordable student destinations for studying and enjoying a high standard of living and cultural diversity while being home to two of the UK’s excellent Universities. Moreover, compared to other UK cities, Leicester is relatively cheap to live in. All of this makes Leicester a very attractive destination for thousands of students who visit this city every year.

Finding a place to stay in Leicester can be challenging and time-consuming. With two great Universities, a wide range of both student accommodation and private rentals, and much more, Leicester offers an enormous selection of housing options. Booking early will help you secure the best value deals on the most sought-after properties.

In this article, you will find everything international and local students need to know about finding a place to rent in Leicester. From the best areas where to look for a private let to the cheapest options or the most popular and sought-after student accommodations in Leicester.

Understanding Leicester's Student Neighborhoods

Leicester's compact size means you can walk across most of the city in well under an hour, so many students choose accommodation based on walking distance rather than public transport. Leicester student neighborhoods each have their own character, and getting to know them before you book will save you time and money later.

Before comparing the best areas to live in Leicester for students, take into consideration:

• Distance to campus: your actual daily commute, not just distance on a map
• Budget: weekly rent plus whether bills are included
• Social scene: lively and central versus quieter and residential
• Safety: how secure the area and property feel
• Access to shops and amenities: groceries, cafés, and everyday essentials nearby

Best Student Areas in Leicester

Even though the entire city of Leicester is great for students, there are some areas that are more preferred by students because of their proximity, variety of accommodation and convenience. Here are some of the best student areas in Leicester:

1. Leicester City Center

• Best for: De Montfort University students, students who enjoy city life
• Nearby universities: De Montfort University (around a 5-minute walk), University of Leicester (under 15 minutes on foot, or a short bus ride)
• Why students love it: restaurants and cafés, shopping at Highcross, nightlife, and excellent transport links
• Average rent: £85 to £250+ per week
• Pros: everything on your doorstep, easy access to both universities, no need for a car
• Cons: can get noisy at night, and rent at the higher end pushes past what budget-conscious students want to pay

2. Clarendon Park

• Best for: University of Leicester students
• Nearby universities: University of Leicester (10 to 15-minute walk)
• Why students love it: independent cafés, a genuinely student-friendly atmosphere, green spaces, and a strong community feel
• Average rent: £121 to £127 per person per week
• Pros: consistently one of Leicester's most searched student areas, safe, walkable to campus
• Cons: popular means it fills up fast, so early booking matters here more than almost anywhere else

3. Highfields

• Best for: budget-conscious students, University of Leicester students
• Nearby universities: University of Leicester (close by, near Spinney Hill Park)
• Highlights: affordable rents, a diverse community, and good transport links
• Average rent: £120 to £152 per person per week
• Pros: some of the more affordable rent near UoL, strong sense of community
• Cons: property quality and safety can vary more street to street than in neighboring areas, so it's worth viewing in person or asking plenty of questions before booking

4. West End

• Best for: De Montfort University students, shared student houses
• Nearby universities: De Montfort University (10 to 15-minute walk), University of Leicester (25 to 30-minute walk)
• Highlights: affordable accommodation, popular with returning students, close to the city center, and home to the "Golden Mile" of international food on Narborough Road
• Average rent: £95 to £160 per week
• Pros: genuinely affordable, lively multicultural food scene, short commute to DMU
• Cons: a longer walk if you're studying at UoL

5. Stoneygate

• Best for: students looking for a quieter residential area
• Nearby universities: University of Leicester
• Highlights: widely considered one of the safer student areas in Leicester, green surroundings, and premium accommodation options
• Average rent: £130 to £159 per person per week
• Pros: peaceful, leafy streets, strong safety reputation
• Cons: further from the action, so you'll want to budget a bit more time for getting into town

6. Evington (Optional)

• Best for: students who don't mind a slightly longer commute for lower rent
• Highlights: residential, good bus connections, and generally more affordable housing
• Average rent: starting from around £75 per week, with some properties reaching £150 to £200 depending on standard
• Pros: real savings on rent, quieter pace of life
• Cons: relies more on buses than walking, so factor in journey times to lectures

Together with Highfields, Evington is one of the go-to picks if affordable student accommodation Leicester-wide is your main priority.

Best Areas by University

Living near your university is one of the best decisions you’ll make. If you’re headed to Leicester and are going to be studying in DeMontfort University or University of Leicester, here are some of the best areas to live:

Best Areas for De Montfort University Students

If you're specifically after student accommodation near De Montfort University, these are the neighborhoods worth shortlisting:

• Leicester City Center: unbeatable for commute, just minutes from campus, with the city's shopping and nightlife on your doorstep
• West End: a short walk to DMU with some of the most affordable rent in the city, plus a brilliant food scene along Narborough Road
• Braunstone Gate: a 5 to 10-minute walk to DMU, with cafés like 200 Degrees, plenty of bars and restaurants, and a lively, youthful feel

Best Areas for University of Leicester Students

If you're looking for student accommodation near the University of Leicester specifically, these are the neighborhoods to prioritize:

• Clarendon Park: the classic choice, a walkable 10 to 15 minutes from campus with a strong, established student community
• Highfields: a more affordable alternative close to campus, ideal if budget is your main priority
• Stoneygate: best for students who want a quieter, safer environment without straying too far from university life

Comparing Leicester's Student Neighborhoods

Confused about which area to choose? Here’s something that will make this decision easy for you:

Which Leicester Area Is Right for You?

Figure out one thing that’s the most important for you as a student in Leicester and choose your neighbourhood:

Tips for Choosing Student Accommodation in Leicester

Your student accommodation in Leicester will consider your university experience to a major extent. Choose the right one with these quick tips:

• Walking distance to campus: check the actual route, not just the straight-line distance
• Budget: work out your all-in weekly cost, not only headline rent
• Bills included vs excluded: this can change your real monthly cost significantly
• Safety: look into the specific street, not just the general area
• Room type: shared, ensuite, or studio all suit different budgets and personalities
• Local amenities: proximity to shops, gyms, and everyday essentials

👉 Tip: Book early, especially for Clarendon Park and other high-demand areas, since the best rooms go quickly.

Find Student Accommodation in Leicester with Alphaway

Wherever you are studying, Alphaway will make your search a lot easier. Browsing student housing options in Leicester can be daunting, but Alphaway will help you narrow your search to properties close to both universities. You can choose between a studio, an en suite, or a shared apartment, all across different areas and within your budget.

Compare your options and benefit from the expertise and advice of a professional agency that knows what international students need.