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Leicester City Guide for Students: Study, Live, and Explore


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Student Finance

Travel Preparation

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Updated at: 27 July, 2025

Published at: 27 July, 2025

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By Nour Shehata

Leicester City Guide for Students: Study, Live, and Explore


Tips and Advice

Student Finance

Travel Preparation

7 mins read

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Add to Favourite Blog
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Updated at: 27 July, 2025

Published at: 27 July, 2025

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By Nour Shehata

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Why Leicester?

Thinking of moving to Leicester for uni? Good shout. This East Midlands city is seriously underrated and one of the best places to study in the UK. It’s got a mix of everything you may need: top universities, diverse food spots, rich history, and just the right balance between calm and buzzing. Basically, it gives the student vibe without draining your wallet.


Leicester is home to more than 25,000 students from around the world. The city hosts major institutions like the University of Leicester, De Montfort University (DMU), and Leicester College, all within walking distance of the city centre. So yeah, commuting isn’t going to ruin your mornings.

study in Leicester for international students

Top Universities in Leicester


University of Leicester

This Russell Group-level uni is a research powerhouse. Think Nobel Prize-winning science, game-changing archaeology (they literally found King Richard III under a car park), and one of the UK’s leading space research centres. It’s especially strong in genetics, criminology, law, and media studies. The campus is a quick walk from Victoria Park, and its diverse student body makes it super international-friendly. Bonus? The Students’ Union is always buzzing with events, societies, and late-night study spaces.


De Montfort University (DMU)

DMU is where creative minds thrive. With strong ties to global companies like Warner Bros, Nike, and BBC, it’s one of the UK’s top universities for employability and practical learning. The art, design, game development, and media programs are next level, and the campus is super modern with high-tech labs, digital media suites, and its own gallery. DMU Global also offers study trips and internships abroad. Yes, travelling while getting your degree.


Leicester College

If you’re into hands-on learning or thinking of starting with a foundation year, Leicester College has your back. It’s one of the largest further education colleges in the UK. It offers everything from A-levels and apprenticeships to access-to-higher-education courses. It’s especially great for international students who want to build up their academic background or explore different career routes before jumping into a full degree.


Student Life in Leicester

Leicester’s got all the essentials for a solid student life:


  • The city centre is full of indie cafés, thrift shops, bookstores, and food joints from every cuisine you can think of.

  • Highcross Shopping Centre has your big brands sorted.

  • Victoria Park is perfect for chill days, jogging, or revising under a tree.


Bonus? Everything’s super walkable. And if you need to head out, buses and trains have got you covered.


Top Things to Do in Leicester: Beyond the Books

Let’s be real. Uni life isn’t just about lectures and deadlines. Leicester’s got serious personality, and once you settle in, there’s loads to explore, eat, and experience.


Visit the National Space Centre

You don’t need to be a science nerd to enjoy the National Space Centre. With real rockets, interactive exhibits, and a massive planetarium, it’s one of the UK’s best science museums, and it’s literally in your backyard.


Walk Around Leicester Castle & The Guildhall

Yep, Leicester has its castle. It’s a peaceful spot for history buffs or if you just want to romanticise your walk home. The Guildhall nearby is also worth checking out; think mediaeval vibes and ghost stories.


Explore Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

Free entry, chilled atmosphere, and exhibits that cover everything from ancient Egypt to Picasso. It’s the perfect low-effort Sunday plan.


Shop (or just window-shop) at Highcross

This one’s for the retail therapy crowd. Big brands, local shops, cafés, and a cinema, all under one roof. Bonus: it’s walking distance from most student accommodation options.


Catch a Leicester City FC match at King Power Stadium

Whether you’re a hardcore football fan or just there for the atmosphere, watching a match live is a must. The energy? Wild. The crowd? Even wilder.


Chill at Victoria Park

Perfect for picnics, study sessions, or a quick run (if you’re that kind of student). It also hosts some of Leicester’s biggest events, like Diwali and summer festivals.


Top Places to Eat and Drink in Leicester

One of the best things about living in Leicester? The food. Whether you're after something cheap and cheerful, a cosy spot to hang with friends, or a late-night dessert run, the city’s got you covered. Here are some student-approved favourites to check out:


Kayal

Craving a proper South Indian meal? Kayal is legendary. The dosas are huge, the appams are fluffy, and the seafood is spot on. It’s a top choice for group dinners or when you need a proper feast after a long week.


Herb

This one’s a hidden gem for vegetarians or anyone who just loves good food. Herb serves South Indian dishes with a modern twist, and everything tastes super fresh. It’s one of those places you visit “just to try it,” then end up going back every other week.


Crafty

Burgers, but make them fancy. Crafty’s got a chilled vibe, cool interiors, and some of the best burgers in town. Perfect for a casual lunch or catching up with mates in St Martin’s Square. Don’t skip the sides; they’re worth it.


Bru Coffee & Gelato

Open till late, Bru is the student spot for study breaks and sugar cravings. Their waffles, gelato, and coffee are all solid, and it’s the kind of place where you can show up in your comfiest hoodie and still feel right at home.


Oscar & Rosie’s

Massive pizzas. Loads of toppings. Good vibes. Oscar & Rosie’s is your go-to when you’re too tired to cook but still want something decent (and filling). It's made for sharing, or not; no judgement.


Manhattan34

Need a chill spot to unwind after a long day? Manhattan34 is a laid-back cocktail bar close to everything. It’s ideal for birthdays, casual nights out, or when someone suggests “just one drink” that turns into three.


Culture & Festivals in Leicester

Leicester isn’t just diverse; it thrives on it. The city has one of the largest South Asian communities in the UK, so if you're into real-deal curries, samosas, or street chai that actually slaps, you're in the right place. But it’s not just South Asian culture that shapes the vibe. Leicester is a full-on cultural mashup, and the food, festivals, and everyday energy reflect that.


Here’s where to head when you’re hungry or just want to soak up the city:

  • Narborough Road: One of the most diverse streets in the UK. It's home to food spots from literally every continent. Street food stalls, family-run cafés, shawarma joints, and Turkish bakeries, all on one long, chaotic, beautiful road.

  • Golden Mile: Famous for its Indian restaurants, mithai (sweets), saris, and gold jewellery shops. This is the place to be during Diwali, when the whole street lights up (literally).

  • Welford Road: Student-fave for late-night eats. Think kebabs at 2 am, loaded fries, and budget-friendly takeaways that actually taste good.

And it's not just about the food. Leicester goes hard on festivals:

  • Diwali Lights Festival: One of the biggest outside India. The switch-on event in Golden Mile draws crowds from all over the UK, with fireworks, street performances, and food stalls everywhere.

  • Caribbean Carnival: Bright costumes, sound systems, steel drums, and vibes all day long.

  • Leicester Comedy Festival: The biggest in the UK, with over 800 shows across the city every February. A great way to catch rising talent (and some big names) for cheap.


The city also has regular street markets, student-run pop-ups, and late-night events all year round. So yeah, Leicester student life? Anything but boring.


Leicester Cost of Living for Students

Good news: Leicester is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. Here’s what your monthly budget might look like in 2025:

Expense

Avg. Cost (Monthly)

Student Rent

£500 - £750

Groceries

£100 - £150

Transport (if needed)

£30 - £40

Eating out / Takeaway

£50 - £80

Fun and other stuff

£70 - £100


You can also check out Cost of Living in Leicester: An International Student Guide for detailed information.


Where to Live: Student Accommodation in Leicester

Leicester’s housing scene is pretty straightforward. You’ve got:

  • Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)

  • Private lets and house shares

  • Studio apartments and ensuite rooms


If you’re looking to skip the housing drama, Casita can help you find verified student accommodation in Leicester near both DMU and UoL. Here are a few options to check out:


All of these come with bills included, fast Wi-Fi, laundry, and some even have gym access.


For more options and tips on how to choose the best student accommodation for you, check out Best Areas to Find Student Accommodation in Leicester.


Travel & Transport

Getting around Leicester and out of it is super easy, which is perfect if you’re planning weekend trips or just need to make it to your 9am without sprinting.


  • Leicester Railway Station: Right in the city centre and super well-connected. You can get to London St. Pancras in just over an hour, making day trips to the capital totally doable. Trains also run frequently to Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, and even Manchester, so you’re never stuck for adventure. East Midlands Airport is about 30 minutes away by car or airport shuttle if you're flying in or out.

  • Inside Leicester: Most uni campuses, city attractions, and shopping areas are all walkable, and that’s great news for your budget. But when the weather’s giving "British winter" or you’re just not up for walking? First Bus runs most of the public transport in the city, and student bus passes give you unlimited travel at a decent discount.

  • Student Passes: With a student ID, you can grab:

    • Flexi tickets for daily and weekly travel

    • Term passes for unlimited bus rides during the semester

    • Discounts on National Express and rail cards for long-distance travel

  • Cycling: Leicester is also trying to become more cycle-friendly, with new bike lanes and rentals popping up around campus and the city centre. DMU and Uni of Leicester both have secure cycle parking and shower facilities.


If you're hopping between classes, going out with mates, or planning your next city break, Leicester’s got your travel plans sorted: cheap, quick, and pretty chill.


Why Leicester Works

Whether you’re just starting your uni journey or already deep into second or third year, Leicester makes student life pretty easy. It’s got solid universities, a super diverse vibe, and enough food joints to keep your cravings in check. Plus, getting around is a breeze; trains, buses, and everything in between just work!


Need to get to London? You’ll be there in just over an hour. Need a cheap bite? Narborough Road’s got options for days. Whether you’re looking for a quiet study spot, a cool place to hang out, or just somewhere to chill between lectures, you’ll find it all within reach.


And when it comes to finding a place to live, don’t stress it. Casita makes it simple to find student housing in Leicester that actually suits your vibe, close to campus, within budget, and without all the hassle.


Easy.



Tips and Advice

Student Finance

Travel Preparation

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By Nour Shehata

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Add to Favourite Blog
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Tips and Advice

Student Finance

Travel Preparation

Updated at:

Published at:

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By Nour Shehata

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leicester a good city for international students?

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Yes, Leicester is a top student city with diverse communities, two major universities, and a student-friendly cost of living.

What are the top universities in Leicester?

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The University of Leicester and De Montfort University are the top choices, offering strong programs in science, arts, business, and law.

Is Leicester affordable for students?

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Compared to London, Leicester is much more budget-friendly. You’ll find cheaper rent, transport, and food options.