Thinking of studying in Leicester? With a rich past that honours its history and a cultural mosaic that celebrates its present, the city is also one of the UK’s most affordable destinations for students. Located in the heart of England, Leicester is a thriving city that buzzes with diversity and is already home to students from more than 100 different countries. 

From cafes and international cuisine to award-winning universities and green spaces, Leicester delivers the UK student experience without London’s hefty price tag. If you’re an international student aiming to study in the UK, then Leicester could be the perfect fit for you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through student life in the city: from the top universities, best neighbourhoods and student accommodation in Leicester, and part-time jobs, so that you can settle in with peace of mind.

Why International Students Choose Leicester?

What makes Leicester stand out to international students and locals alike is that it offers a complete student experience: high-quality education, affordable accommodation, a vibrant social scene, great spots for hangouts, and an inclusive atmosphere.

Moving to Leicester is a good idea if you want:

Central Location

Getting around Leicester is easy and affordable. Centrally located in England, the city is the perfect base for exploring the UK, whether by train to visit London, Birmingham, or Nottingham, or by plane, as it’s close to East Midlands Airport. Within Leicester, you can benefit from reliable local buses, student discounts, and a compact, walkable layout that makes everyday life simple and cost-effective.

Top Universities in Leicester for International Students

Students choose to study in Leicester since it’s a student-centric city where everything is within reach, including universities, parks, shops, and cafes. Among the best universities in Leicester for international students are the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. 

Both universities provide high-quality education on a global scale, and students from all over the world enrol there. 

University of Leicester

Renowned for its academic and space research, the university has developed over 90 instruments for space missions and pioneered genetic fingerprinting, earning it fame in its own right. It also offers globally recognised degrees in various specialisations, including:

• Law

• Natural Sciences

• Archaeology and history

• Medicine and Health Sciences

• Psychology

• Computer Science and Engineering

Ranked 25th in the UK in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the Daily Mail University of the Year 2025, the university has proved its academic excellence.

De Montfort University (DMU) 

De Montfort University (DMU) is also a top university in Leicester, and one of the few universities that offer the block teaching approach, where students focus on one subject at a time, receiving frequent feedback and assessments rather than a flood of exams at once. This approach helps reduce academic pressure and supports better performance. Its specialisations include:

• Business and Marketing 

• Cyber Security 

• Accounting and Finance

• Computer Science

As stated on the DMU website, the university was rated as having the best work placement in the UK, according to RateMyPlacement Awards 2024 and 2025, which demonstrates its strong graduate prospects. 

A Diverse Community

The city’s community is welcoming of different ethnicities, making it one of the UK’s most culturally and spiritually diverse cities. The Story of Leicester notes that more than 70 languages are spoken, and over 240 faith groups representing 14 different beliefs are based there.

For instance, the Diwali celebration in Leicester, which is celebrated on a grand scale, solidifies the city’s title as the host of the largest Diwali festival outside India. Moreover, in everyday life, you can see mosques, churches, gurdwaras, and temples throughout the city and explore Narbrough Road, which is one of the UK’s most diverse streets, or just have a bite at international restaurants that reflect Leicester’s global cuisine.

Student Life in Leicester

Not only is there so much to look forward to in Leicester, but there’s always something to celebrate. Leicester’s cultural calendar marks exciting events, including Diwali, the Caribbean Carnival, Chinese New Year parades, and Eid festivities, which are also embraced across the city.

Leicester student-led initiatives are thriving and inclusive. The University of Leicester Students’ Union has over 200 societies, including numerous arts, cultural, and faith-based groups, which provide opportunities for multicultural student involvement. While at DMU, societies like the African & Caribbean Society host student-led cultural events like “Take Me Out”, showcasing active multicultural participation.

Best Student Accommodation and Areas in Leicester

There are many options for where to live in Leicester as a student, as the city has numerous student-friendly neighbourhoods. Here are some of the best neighbourhoods to explore in Leicester and some accommodation recommendations:

Clarendon Park

Clarendon Park is among the most popular neighbourhoods for students and young professionals. Its charming Victorian houses, various shops, cosy cafes, and diverse restaurants all contribute to its appeal. 

Within walking distance of the University of Leicester and just a quick bus ride from De Montfort University, it’s a highly convenient location. It also features Victoria Park, which is a great place for relaxation, peaceful strolls, or study breaks.

Here are options near Clarendon Park:

• Salisbury Road is a student accommodation in Leicester that offers a comfortable stay with facilities such as Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, an on-site gym, laundry, a social area, and a communal games room. 

• Regent Road offers studio and one-bed flat options. It features Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, laundry facilities, parking, a social area, and a communal games room.
  
  

City Centre

Student accommodation near the city centre is in high demand, and many international students are drawn to it due to its proximity to shops, cafes, markets, and various shopping centres, such as Highcross Leicester, at affordable prices. 

Attractions and landmarks include Leicester Cathedral and the Clock Tower. It's a popular choice for many students who prefer accessibility, as it's within walking distance of DMU and also a short bus ride away from the University of Leicester.

Below are two of our options near the City Centre:

• Castle Court offers en-suite rooms, as well as facilities including Wi-Fi, an on-site cinema room, study rooms, all-inclusive bills, laundry facilities, and central heating. 

• Unite Students St Martins House is also an accommodation featuring en-suite and studio options, with Wi-Fi, a social area, laundry facilities, on-site maintenance, parking, and all-inclusive bills.
  
  

Westcotes (also known as West End)

As one of the most popular yet affordable neighbourhoods among students, the West End is complete with green spaces, well-connected transport links, and the Narbrough Road, which has a wide range of quirky cafes, international grocers, and vintage collectables.

The neighbourhood is a short walk to DMU, which is convenient for students who don’t mind a morning walk. Green spaces include Bede Park, which is ideal for study breaks.

This student accommodation is close to the West End:

• Albion Court offers en-suite and one-bedroom flats, and its facilities include Wi-Fi, central heating, a cleaning service, laundry facilities, CCTV, and parking.
  
  

Oadby

The leafy suburb of Oadby, in Leicester, offers a suburban feel while ensuring convenient student amenities. The amenities at The Parade, Oadby’s high street, include major supermarkets such as Lidl, Asda, and Sainsbury’s, as well as shops and restaurants.

Oadby is a great choice for the University of Leicester students, thanks to its dedicated student village and regular bus links to the main campus. You can also unwind at Coombe Park or explore the Brocks Hill Country Park for football games or walks.

More Student Accommodation in Leicester 

More accommodations near the Leicester City Centre include: 

• Newarke Point is a student accommodation that provides en-suite rooms with Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, central heating, laundry facilities, parking, and study rooms. 

• Edge Apartments offers studio options with Wi-Fi, on-site maintenance, all-inclusive bills, laundry facilities, on-site management, and insurance.  

• The Summit also has studios that feature all-inclusive bills, Wi-Fi, a social area, a garden, free contents insurance, and laundry facilities.
  
  

Part-Time Jobs for Students in Leicester 

Balancing your studies with part-time jobs is an opportunity to broaden your horizons even more while getting involved in university life. Whether you want to gain work experience and new skills, support your education, boost your CV, or just stay active outside the classroom, Leicester’s in full support.

On-Campus Jobs 

The University of Leicester’s Career and Development Service hosts Unitemps, while DMU’s Unitemps service is based within the Careers department at the Campus Centre. Unitemps is a recruitment service platform that provides students with job opportunities, suitable for those who are working full-time and want to balance their work with their student life. 

Both the University of Leicester and DMU have branches in Unitemps.

The part-time jobs include:

• Library assistants

• Research Participants

• Student ambassadors

• Student union roles (event coordinators, receptionists)

Off-Campus Jobs

Employment options for students in Leicester are varied, such as:

• Retail and supermarkets

• Restaurants and cafes

• Tutoring and admin jobs

• Staff for events like festivals and concerts
  
  

Tips for Working While Studying

1. Prioritise a job with flexible working hours that won’t clash with your lectures and assignments.

2. To reduce commute time, consider searching for employers in your neighbourhood or near your campus.

3. Keep track of payslips and contracts, and stay informed about the UK minimum wage, which varies according to your age. 

4. A part-time job is an opportunity to build your CV and develop transferable skills, such as teamwork, time management, and customer service.

Work Rights for International Students

Under Student visa regulations, you can:

• Work up to 20 hours per week during term time

• Work full-time during official university holidays.

• Not to engage in self-employment or freelance work. 

To conclude, Leicester is a student city of culture, with many neighbourhoods to choose from. That said, the city has a great deal to offer in terms of education, culture, and accommodation. It’s a great choice to experience what the UK is like, without going to expensive cities such as London.

Ready to make your move? 

Start your search with Casita to compare verified Leicester student accommodation, book with no visa/no pay protection, and get 24/7 multilingual support.