Black Students’ Guide launched for Leicester

Leicester and De Montfort University have joined forces to create the ‘Black Students’ Guide to Leicester’.

The new resource has been developed by Black heritage students at both institutions to help new and returning students from Black backgrounds make the most of studying and living in the city.  

The guide brings together a host of recommendations with suggestions on places to go, services and activities to get involved in.

It aims to reduce uncertainty and increase confidence for students unfamiliar with Leicester, making it easier for them to settle in, feel supported and confident in their environment.

The guide has been put together with the help of the University of Leicester’s Institute for Advanced Studies (LIAS) and the University’s Black Student Experience Programme. It is available to view through Leicester’s SU website.

Project manager Claire Ashdown from the University of Leicester said: “The guide forms part of our growing resource pack available at the University, designed to ensure the smoothest starts for our students and make Leicester a place they can really call home. 

“Both universities and the city itself are renowned for their multicultural diversity and warm welcome. We hope this guide will add to that, but we’re always happy to have feedback and add to the guide where necessary. 

“There are lots of useful recommendations including shops and services, hairdressers, places to eat and socialise, as well as useful community groups to join or be part of. If you think there’s something missing, let us know and you could win one of five £20 Amazon gift vouchers!

“We want to ensure that each student feels represented and has access to support to help them succeed - this guide is one part helping to do just that.”

Ebony Harding from the Black Students’ Experience Programme at the University of Leicester said: “We've been hearing from Black students that they’d love clear and easy-to-access info about local opportunities and services that matter to them. And honestly, who better to tell us the best spots than our own students?

“Usually, the best spots come up through friendly chats: a compliment on someone's new style, an invite to grab lunch, or just casually mentioning how you can't find that one specialty at the local shop. We’re all for those valuable word-of-mouth recommendations, but we also don’t want them to stay hidden until you bump into someone who knows.

“That’s why this guide was created by the University of Leicester’s Black Student Experience Programme, funded by the Leicester Institute for Advanced Studies, and developed in partnership with De Montfort University’s Students’ Union. 

“A huge thank you to the students at the University of Leicester and De Montfort University whose recommendations made this possible. We truly appreciate you!”

Dilpreet Kaur, Student Voice Leader for Inclusion and Wellbeing at De Montfort University Students’ Union, added: “A city becomes a home when you know you belong there.

“Leicester is one of the UK's most diverse cities, but it's more than diversity that makes somewhere feel like home. It's the people you meet, the conversations you have in a local grocery store, the hairdresser who understands exactly what your hair needs and the meal that instantly takes you back to home.

“This guide has been created by students, for students. More than a collection of recommendations, it is a celebration of community and culture. We hope this guide helps you find comfort in every corner of the city and reminds you that you belong here.”

Ezra Ford, who runs EZ CUTTZ which features in the guide said: “We’re really proud to be recognised by Black students in Leicester and to feature in a guide that helps students feel more at home in the city. 

“At Ez Cuttz inclusivity has always been at the heart of what we do. Our team is skilled across all hair types and textures, and our doors are open to students from every background, culture and community. Leicester’s diversity is one of its strengths, and we want everyone who walks through our doors to feel welcome.”

To view the guide go to www.leicesterunion.com/community/map/