Diverse, friendly, and fun – there's a lot to love about Leicester. For starters it's one of the UK's 'most affordable student destinations'.
[Leicester] has loads of green spaces and friendly people, that made me feel at home. The city is really culturally diverse, hosting the largest Diwali outside of India, and has great connections to London, Nottingham, and Birmingham, so there is certainly a lot to do. The National Space Centre is a must visit at some point! (Second year student, University of Leicester)
What Leicester's famous for...
Cheese
Fancy a slice of Stilton or Red Leicester? Leicestershire is one of the UK's biggest dairy counties.
Leicester nightlife, according to students
The University of Leicester has its own student club nights in the O2 on campus – popular with first years. It's definitely worth venturing into the city, to clubs like Club Republic and Mosh. These tend to have more varied music, and also hold student nights. There are also lots of nice bars and pubs in the city. (Second year student, University of Leicester)
King Richard III
The royal remains were excavated from Leicester Council car park, 500 years after his death.
Leicester nightlife, according to students
There are a few good bars on and near Granby Street, such as Fat Cat, Walkabout, The Locker Room, and Mamba, to name a few. This is only a short walk to the centre, where you’ll find most of the big clubs (Mosh and Club Republic specifically). Almost all bars and clubs run student nights with £1 vodka mixers etc. (Second year student, University of Leicester)
Rugby
The city's rugby team, Leicester Tigers, are officially England's most successful rugby club. Ever.
Student life in Leicester
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Treat yourself
Mowgli is a delicious, authentic Indian restaurant. It's also decorated with fairy lights, so makes [for] awesome pictures. (Third year student, University of Leicester)
Low on cash
The New Walk Museum is free. There are loads of sections, like stuffed animals, fossils, dinosaurs, renaissance paintings, and even a Picasso room. (Second year student, De Montfort University)
Friday feeling
Republic is really popular! It holds lots of different events and is cheap. Sports teams also get to go on the VIP list. (Second year student, De Montfort University)
When family visit
The National Space Centre is in Leicester, and not too far from the city centre. It's great for younger kids. (De Montfort University student)
Grab a bite
Doughnotts are amazing! [They're] known for their unique take on doughnuts, with their crazy fillings and designs. (De Montfort University student)
Sunday chilling
Victoria Park and Abbey Park, plus many walks along the river. Drive a bit further out to Bradgate Park, for an amazing mountain view. (Third year student, University of Leicester)
Feeling cultural
The King Richard III museum is cool if you’re interested in history! (Second year student, University of Leicester)
Catch up with mates
The Loaded Dog is the best pub in Leicester. (Second year student, University of Leicester)
Leicester in pictures
Castle Gardens and Cathedral
(Eduina Henriques, third year student at De Montfort University)
New Walk
Beautiful views along New Walk. Makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside, rather then the middle of the city. (Lauren, second year student at De Montfort University)
Living in Leicester, according to students
Westcotes – I chose to live in this area, as it was a safe and secure area. There's a health centre nearby, and it's close to Narborough Road which hosts a whole range of corner shops and eateries. This was also a good area for me to live, because it had parking. All I had to do was apply for a £25 parking permit from Leicester City Council. It is about a 15 – 20 minute walk to campus. (Third year student, De Montfort University)
Mowgli
The beautiful restaurant Mowgli, with their swing seats and fairy lights. (Third year student, University of Leicester)
Light Up Leicester
Me at the ‘Light Up Leicester’ event, where there were light up statues and features all over Leicester. (Megan, second year student at De Montfort University)
Living in Leicester, according to students
Clarendon Park – really friendly area, lots of students and young families. Great shops and restaurants on Queens Road, and Victoria Park is right next to Clarendon. Only [a] ten-minute walk across the park to campus, and maybe a 40-minute walk or 15-minute cycle into town. Would definitely live here again. (Second year student, University of Leicester)
Living in Leicester
Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.
Where you'll find students
- Westcotes
- Clarendon Park
- Evington
Student money tips
The market in the middle of town is great to get cheap fruit and veg while also being environmentally friendly (bring your own bags and buy loose) and supportive of local farmers. (Third year student, University of Leicester)
The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.
Discover more savings on student life in Leicester with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.
Study options
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