Student Accommodation in Leicester - Complete 2026 Guide

Leicester is one of the best cities in the UK for students to live. The city is home to top universities, has a welcoming community, a mixed culture, and has a lower cost of living than cities like Manchester and London. Finding student accommodation in Leicester is also a breeze as there are SO many options to choose from.

Student housing in Leicester is one of the finest in the country. You will find accommodation options varying from luxury PBSAs with massive, fully-furnished studios to shared student apartments on a budget near major university campuses.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about student accommodation in Leicester, from the best neighbourhoods and accommodation types to costs, booking timelines, and top properties.

Why Study in Leicester?

Top Universities

• University of Leicester: Ranked 34th best university in the UK (QS), the University of Leicester attracts thousands of students from all over the world and the country every year. As of 2026, the university has over 20,000 students from more than 140 countries. It is known for its research in genetics, space science, and law.
• De Montfort University (DMU): De Montfort University (DMU) is the largest of the two, welcoming more than 27,000 students, including 2,700-3,000 international students from over 130 countries. Recently, DMU has been ranked among the top ten universities in the UK for graduate employability and was voted by international students for the best careers, value for money, and learning opportunities.

Student Lifestyle

Leicester is noticeably more affordable than cities like London, Birmingham, or Bristol, and it's one of the most multicultural cities in the UK, with a genuine mix of communities and cuisines year-round.

You'll find a solid mix of shopping, cafés, restaurants, and nightlife, plus green spaces like Victoria Park for downtime. The city is compact and walkable, so you're rarely more than 20 to 30 minutes from anywhere you need to be.

Career Opportunities

Part-time work is easy to find alongside your studies, especially in retail and hospitality around the city centre and Highcross Shopping Centre. Leicester's healthcare sector also offers placements, and local businesses and graduate schemes give students a route into full-time work.

Types of Student Accommodation in Leicester

University Halls

Managed directly by the university, halls are the default choice for first-year students. Rooms come furnished and are typically close to campus, making settling in easier. Availability is an issue, as rooms get booked in minutes.

Private Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Private student accommodation Leicester providers offer, often shortened to PBSA, covers purpose-built residences with everything set up for student life. This includes:

• Studios: self-contained rooms with a private kitchenette and bathroom
• Ensuite rooms: private bedroom and bathroom with a shared kitchen
• Shared apartments: multiple bedrooms sharing a kitchen and living space
• All-inclusive bills: rent that covers utilities, WiFi, and often contents insurance
• Student-focused amenities: gyms, cinema rooms, study spaces, and social areas

Shared Houses & Student Flats

Shared houses and flats suit second- and third-year students who want more independence. Rent tends to be lower than PBSA, but bills usually aren't included, so budget separately for gas, electricity, water, and WiFi. If you'd rather have everything sorted from day one, student rooms Leicester providers offer through PBSA are the easier route.

Best Areas to Live in Leicester for Students

Leicester City Centre

Best for convenience and nightlife, with both universities within easy reach.

Clarendon Park

A firm favourite for University of Leicester students. Short walk from campus, with cafés, independent shops, and a relaxed, community feel. Widely considered one of the safer areas for students.

Highfields

Budget-conscious and near both universities, with a diverse community and good transport links into the centre.

West End

Popular with De Montfort University students looking for affordable shared housing, close to campus and the centre.

Stoneygate

A quieter, leafy area with attractive period housing. Further from the centre, but still well connected by bus and bike.

Best Student Accommodation in Leicester (2026)

Here are some top student housing Leicester options for 2026-27, whether you want accommodation near University of Leicester or accommodation near De Montfort University.

Newarke Point, Leicester

A short walk from campus, with study areas, social spaces, and outdoor space.

Nearby universities: University of Leicester, De Montfort University
Key features: en-suite and studio rooms, CCTV, laundry, parking, free WiFi, bike storage, 24/7 security

Price: Starting from £129/ week

Ben Russell Court, Leicester

High-standard shared flats and private studios, with a cinema lounge and on-site team.

Nearby universities: University of Leicester, De Montfort University
Key features: 3, 4 and 5-bedroom shared flats, studios, cinema room, communal lounge, all bills inclusive, free contents insurance

Price: Starting from £89/ week

Pennine House, Leicester

Central, just moments from De Montfort University and the city's shopping and social spots.

Nearby universities: De Montfort University, University of Leicester
Key features: en-suite rooms in 4, 5, 6 and 8-person flats, self-contained studio, 24/7 staff and security, all bills inclusive

Price: Starting from £109/ week

Grange Lane Apartments, Leicester

Just moments from De Montfort University, with easy access to campus and city essentials.

Nearby universities: De Montfort University
Key features: 2 and 3-bedroom flats, classic and classic plus studios, free WiFi, bike storage, all bills inclusive

Price: Starting from £109/ week

St Martins House, Leicester

Central, close to both universities, transport links, and the city's social scene.

Nearby universities: University of Leicester, De Montfort University
Key features: en-suite rooms, premium studio, CCTV, laundry, parking, free WiFi, bike storage, 24/7 security

Price: Starting from £121/ week

Tudor Studios, Leicester

A premium standard of student living, with high-spec studios, an on-site gym, a courtyard, and a coffee shop.

Nearby universities: University of Leicester, De Montfort University
Key features: classic, deluxe, premier and premier luxe studios, gym, courtyard, games room, all bills inclusive

Price: Starting from £125/ week

Liberty Park Leicester, Unite Students accommodation Leicester

Around 20 minutes from both universities, home to 690 students, with a common room for foosball, pool, and air hockey.

Nearby universities: University of Leicester, De Montfort University
Key features: en-suite rooms with shared kitchen, studios, premium en-suite for two flatmates, free on-site gym, supermarket, all bills inclusive

Price: Starting from£128/ week

Filbert Village, Leicester

Set by the River Soar, with shared and private spaces, a cinema room, and games areas.

Nearby universities: University of Leicester, De Montfort University
Key features: 2-bedroom flats, en-suite rooms, classic studio, cinema room, games room, courtyard, parking

Price: Starting from £130/ week

Reynard House, Leicester

A premium option in the heart of Leicester, 13 minutes' walk from the University of Leicester and 7 minutes from De Montfort University.

Nearby universities: University of Leicester, De Montfort University
Key features: en-suite serviced apartments, a range of studios, private spa, gym, entertainment lounges, housekeeping included

Price: Starting from£135/ week

Cost of Student Accommodation in Leicester

Average Weekly Rent

What Affects Rent?

• Location: closer to campus or the centre tends to cost more
• Room type: studios cost more than ensuite, which cost more than shared rooms
• Amenities: gyms, cinema rooms, and premium finishes add to the price
• Distance from university: cheaper further out, but factor in travel time

Cost of Living in Leicester for Students

Beyond rent, here's roughly what to expect each month:

• Groceries: around £100 to £150
• Transport: a monthly bus pass runs roughly £52 to £60
• Mobile: a basic SIM-only plan costs £10 to £20
• Entertainment: budget £50 to £100 depending on your social life

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

on-UK and non-EU students on a Student visa must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application. As of 2026, this is £776 per year for students, paid upfront for the full length of your visa. For a typical three-year undergraduate degree, that works out to roughly £2,328, paid in full before your visa is granted, not spread across the year.

Altogether, budget somewhere between £800 and £1,300 a month, not including tuition fees. If you're after affordable student accommodation Leicester consistently comes out cheaper than London, Birmingham, and Nottingham.

Getting Around Leicester

Leicester is compact enough that many students rarely need a car.

• Walking: most student areas and both universities sit within a 15 to 30-minute walk of the centre
• Cycling: decent cycle routes, plus secure bike storage at several properties
• Local buses: First Bus and Arriva connect student areas to both campuses and the centre
• Student travel discounts: season tickets are available through the main bus operators, worth checking before you commit

How to Choose the Right Student Accommodation in Leicester

• Budget: know your all-in monthly number, including bills, before you start browsing
• Location & commute: think about your actual daily route to lectures, not distance on a map
• Amenities: decide what you need versus what's just nice to have
• Safety & security: look for 24/7 security, CCTV, and secure entry systems
• Lifestyle preferences: a lively shared flat suits some students, others prefer more privacy

There's rarely a single best answer. It's about balancing cost, convenience, and the living situation that helps you focus on your course.

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Leicester?

Ideal Timeline

• January to April: the best availability and pricing, especially near both universities
• May to July: demand picks up as offers are confirmed
• August to September: options become limited, with fewer room choices

Booking early gives you the best selection, particularly if you have your eye on a specific area or property.

Student Life in Leicester

Both universities run active students' unions with dozens of societies and sports clubs, so it's easy to find your people, whether through a hobby, a cause, or your course.

Leicester Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in the country, worth a wander for fresh produce and local life. Highcross Shopping Centre covers most retail needs, and the city's nightlife has plenty of options across the centre and student areas.

Leicester's train links also make weekend trips easy, with Birmingham about 55 minutes away, Nottingham around 40 to 46 minutes, and London roughly an hour and 18 minutes.

Book Your Student Accommodation in Leicester with Alphaway

Choosing where to live for the next year is a big decision, especially from another country. Alphaway makes it simpler with verified accommodation, a range of room types for different budgets, and support throughout booking.

Whether you want student apartments, Leicester properties with premium extras or a straightforward, affordable base near campus, compare properties side by side with a team that understands what international students need.