About Leicester
Leicester is an exciting, multicultural city in the East Midlands that offers a friendly atmosphere and diversity. The city blends history and modernity and provides different experiences like walking in the busy shopping precinct to riverside strolls along the River Soar.
Leicester has leading academic institutions like the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, which bring thousands of students from the UK and overseas here every year. You can either visit the local markets, go to the Phoenix cinema, or enjoy a quiet afternoon in Victoria Park; the city offers a little something for everybody. For affordable Leicester student accommodation, check out Clarendon Park and Highfields neighbourhoods. Also, cities like Nottingham, Coventry, and Birmingham are easily accessible. Visit them on the weekends, with a multi-city ticket on the trains and make use of student discounts too!
Best Student Accommodation in Leicester
Alphaway offers luxury student accommodation in Leicester for international students, which includes top-rated student housing in Leicester, affordable ensuite rooms, and private student studio. All listings are verified and come with 24-hour support. It doesn't matter whether you need a quiet study place or a vibrant student community; we have everything you need. Look at student residences in Leicester for every kind of lifestyle:
Why Choose Leicester for Higher Education
Leicester provides a fantastic student experience, offering access to quality education, communities, and industry opportunities. The top-rated universities, a welcoming vibe, and the city’s multicultural environment make it a highly preferred city by students from all over the world. Further, the range of student accommodation options in Leicester is top-rated, and the facilities are world-class. As a local or an international student, Leicester is a perfect city to choose.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Leicester
Here are some of the best student-friendly neighbourhoods in Leicester:
- Clarendon Park: Popular with students from the University of Leicester, this leafy area has cosy cafes, vintage shops, and quick bus links to campus.
- City Centre: Central, buzzing, and close to both universities. Great for students who want to be close to nightlife, restaurants, and shopping.
- Highfields: An affordable area with great public transport, perfect for students at De Montfort University.
- West End: A quieter alternative that’s still walkable to the city centre and university campuses.
- Aylestone Road: Known for its balance of peace and accessibility. Great for students who prefer quieter, residential surroundings.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Leicester
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA): These are modern, purpose-built student housing in Leicester designed for comfort and convenience. Room types include shared rooms (common living spaces), ensuite rooms (private bedroom and bathroom, shared kitchen), and studio rooms (all private). PBSAs offer fully furnished rooms with all-inclusive rent covering amenities like Wi-Fi, utilities, gyms, study areas, and more. They are secure, social, and ideal for international student housing in Leicester.
- University Halls: Located on or near campus and managed by the university. Facilities and room setups vary according to the university.
- Shared Apartments: Shared student apartments in Leicester are privately rented student flats near universities in Leicester. Usually shared with other students, these offer flexibility and independence, though students manage bills and leases themselves.
Cost of Living in Leicester for International Students
Cost of living in Leicester for students is very affordable. Here’s a monthly breakdown:
- Rent: £170-£300/week depending on location and room type. PBSA options include bills and Wi-Fi.
- Groceries: £90-£150/month from stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco.
- Travel: £40-£60/month. Leicester has an easy-to-navigate bus network and student discounts.
- Dining Out: £10-£20 per meal. Try local student favourites or budget-friendly takeaways.
- Entertainment & Shopping: £50-£100/month for cinema, clubs, and occasional shopping trips.
Transportation in Leicester
Leicester has a great connectivity across the city for the students:
- Buses: Leicester has an effective bus service; students can get discounts on travel passes with Arriva or First.
- Walking & Cycling: Most universities and student housing will be close enough to either walk or cycle.
- Train: Leicester Station provides access to other major cities: Birmingham, London, Sheffield, etc.
- Airport Access: At under an hour away, East Midlands Airport has excellent public transport links.
- Student Travel Passes: Keep those costs down; you could get a student bus card or a student railcard if you travel regularly.
Student Life in Leicester
Leicester offers everything you need for an exciting student life- from great restaurants, raging nightlife, quiet cafes to study, and weekend getaways for when you’re bored of the city. Read on to find out more:
- Restaurants & Cafés: Enjoy global cuisine from Indian street food to English brunches.
- Student Clubs & Events: Join academic societies, dance clubs, or cultural groups through your university.
- Markets & Malls: Explore Leicester Market, Haymarket Shopping Centre, and High Cross Leicester.
- Weekend Getaways: Take day trips to Nottingham, Birmingham, or the Peak District.
- Libraries & Study Spots: From the university libraries to hidden café corners-study spaces are everywhere.
- Live Music & Art: Check out O2 Academy Leicester or attend city festivals and art shows.
Universities in Leicester
- University of Leicester: This innovative research university is distinguished for its academic strength in science, medicine, and the humanities, is routinely ranked in the upper echelon of UK universities and presents a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. The university receives recognition as a top-tier institution in space exploration research, cancer research, and genetic studies.
- De Montfort University (DMU): The university has a reputation for its creative, enterprising, and imaginative ethos, particularly in its programs in art, business, and law. DMU encourages students to engage in productive and industry-relevant work experience; equally, DMU is endowed with state-of-the-art facilities in health, media, and design, located in a city-centre campus.
- Leicester College: Offers further education and diploma education and is ideally placed for students taking vocational and/or foundation programs. Leicester College is one of the UK's largest colleges and provides transitions into university or employment.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: Both the University of Leicester and DMU offer scholarships for merit and financial need.
- Government Grants & Loans: Available for eligible UK residents for tuition and living expenses.
- GCC Scholarships: Students from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf countries can apply through their Ministry of Education.
- External Scholarships: Consider Chevening, Commonwealth, and other international awards for study in the UK.
Tips for International Students
- Open a UK Bank Account: Helps manage rent and everyday costs.
- Get a SIM Card: Providers like GiffGaff, Three, and Vodafone offer affordable plans.
- Learn Local Phrases: A friendly "You alright?" or "Cheers!" goes a long way.
- Budget Smartly: Use apps like Student Beans for discounts and track spending.
- Alphaway Support: From airport pickup to starter kits, we help you settle in fast.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Register with NHS: Visit a local GP to access free healthcare.
- Save Emergency Numbers: Keep 999 and university security contacts handy.
- Stay Safe at Night: Stick to well-lit streets and use student-safe transport.
- Mental Health Support: Both DMU and the University of Leicester offer free counselling, helplines, and support workshops.
