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Leicester is a thriving student city filled with opportunity, excitement and culture. Located in the heart of the East Midlands and offering two unis, Leicester is an ideal location for those seeking an enriching experience during their studies. The city offers plenty of job opportunities, quality accommodation and affordable living costs, ensuring that students have everything they need to make sure their studies are enjoyable and successful. With its vibrant nightlife, numerous cultural attractions and surrounding natural beauty spots, Leicester is a great destination for any student looking for a truly unique experience.
1. Affordable living costs
Leicester is a great location for students due to its low living costs, meaning more money in your pocket. The accommodation costs are lower on average than those in many other major UK cities, so your student loan will stretch a bit further here.
2. Quality accommodation
With lots of quality student housing options available, you can be sure to find the perfect place to stay while studying. From rooms in shared houses to studio apartments, you’ll have plenty of options to suit your preferences.
3. Welcoming community
Leicester is known for its friendly and welcoming locals who are always happy to help and lend a hand when needed. From day one you’ll feel at home in the city thanks to its diversity and welcoming atmosphere.
4. Cultural attractions
From markets and festivals to music venues and art galleries, there’s plenty to explore and discover in Leicester. The New Walk Museum and Gallery offers history and art fans the perfect place to spend an afternoon, while music lovers might want to head to The Big Difference or The SoundHouse.
5. Vibrant nightlife
Whether it’s clubbing or simply relaxing at one of the many bars, Leicester has something for everyone looking for a good time. 33 Cank Street is the perfect date night cocktail spot, while clubs such as MOSH and Club Republic are a great choice for dancing the night away with your friends.
6. Easy access to surrounding natural beauty spots
Whether it’s visiting Bradgate Park or taking in some local wildlife, Leicester is surrounded by beautiful countryside that offers plenty of outdoor activities. Did you know Bradgate Park in Newtown Linford was the home of Lady Jane Grey before she was crowned Queen of England? To this day you can see the ruins of her home and spot the numerous deer still roaming the park.
7. Great job opportunities
With numerous companies located locally, there are lots of part-time work possibilities for students wanting extra cash during studies. Retail and hospitality are both popular student types of job in Leicester thanks to the amount of different shops, cafes, bars and restaurants on offer.
8. Excellent university facilities
From libraries stocked with books to state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, Leicester unis provide top notch learning spaces ideal for studies. Whether you prefer to study in a quiet library or a bustling café, you’ll find the perfect study space on and around the uni’s campuses.
9. Safe city centre
With an extensive network of CCTV cameras and police presence throughout the day, students can feel safe when exploring the city centre after dark. The city centre is also relatively compact, meaning you won’t have far to go from the club to get home. There are also several different taxi companies in the city, so if you are living further out of the city, you’ll still be able to get home safely.
10. Value for money
With universities giving out generous scholarships, grants and bursaries each year, getting a degree in Leicester doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out the scholarships and bursaries page on the website of the uni you’re interested in to see if you’re eligible for one of the many awards on offer.
11. Student discounts
Many shops in Leicester offer exclusive student discounts on clothing, food and entertainment so don't forget to take your student ID out with you. While some shops will require the paid NUS card to claim student discount, many stores are happy to accept free versions of student ID such as your uni ID card or an app such as UniDays or Student Beans.
12. Easy transport links
Whether it’s buses for local travel or trains allowing you to explore further afield nearby cities like London and Birmingham, the public transport on offer in Leicester is regular and reasonably priced. If you’re planning to head out of Leicester often, whether to go home or to visit another UK city, we’d recommend purchasing a 16-25 rail card to get the best prices on train tickets.
13. Local events
There's always something happening in Leicester, from gigs by famous acts to family days out at the park. The city is also well known for its celebrations of a range of different religious festivals, so you’ll have lots of chances to learn more about the festivals celebrated across the city.
Studying in Leicester is a unique and exciting experience. With two universities to choose from, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, you can find the perfect course for your career ambitions. Classes are taught in well-equipped classrooms by qualified tutors and professors who will help you succeed. The University of Leicester ranked within the top 40 UK universities according to Complete University Guide’s 2025 league tables, while De Montfort University places a big focus on sustainability, working towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition, university life provides plenty of opportunity to make new friends, take part in activities like sports or join one of the many student societies. And with lots of events and attractions in Leicester, there’s no shortage of things to do when not studying. From museums and galleries to parks and markets, there’s always something happening around town that's sure to keep you entertained. Whether you're looking for culture or adventure, Leicester has it all, making it an ideal place to study.
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