Student life in Leicester
We understand that choosing where to study is about more than just a degree - it’s about finding your home away from home. With the University of Leicester being crowned University of the Year 2025, you’re in the ideal place to thrive both academically and socially.
With our campuses located near to the vibrant city centre and peaceful outskirts, Leicester provides a safe, welcoming environment to live, learn, and grow into Citizens of Change. Whether it’s shopping and socialising, enjoying art and culture, cheering on top sports teams, or escaping to the tranquil countryside, Leicester offers it all.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel a strong sense of belonging and have endless opportunities to explore, learn, and embrace new experiences. Welcome to Leicester - your journey starts here.
Discover city life in Leicester
Leicester is more than just a city; it’s an exciting place full of opportunity. With a selection of fantastic shops, bars, and restaurants just minutes from campus, you’ll always find something to enjoy. The city hosts a thriving cultural scene, featuring theatres, art galleries, and live music venues (including the O2 Academy on our campus), offering endless entertainment. As well as its bustling atmosphere, Leicester provides easy access to tranquil parks and nature reserves throughout Leicestershire, giving you the perfect escape when needed. Whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, Leicester provides the perfect balance, making it an ideal place to live, study, and explore.
Kick-start your career in Leicester
As the best place to live and work in the East Midlands (Demos-PwC Good Growth Index 2023), Leicester is a big hub for career opportunities, and the University of Leicester is dedicated to helping you succeed. Our award-winning Careers and Employability Service offers expert guidance and hands-on support, navigating the path for your dream job. With Leicester being ranked in the top 20 by Uni Compare Best Universities for Employability 2025, you'll be joining a community shaping your future to success.
Celebrate culture, diversity and community in Leicester
Leicester is renowned for its diverse and welcoming community, where people from all ethnic and religious backgrounds come together. You’ll experience this first-hand during the city’s many cultural celebrations, including one of the largest Diwali festivals outside India (taking place at the Golden Mile) and the Caribbean Carnival. Our inclusive campus reflects this diversity, with 52.9% of our students coming from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, making Leicester a place to call home.
On campus, our Global Lounge is the perfect place for all of our students to come together to socialise, meet new people from a range of backgrounds and share cultures.
Experience a sport loving city
If you're passionate about sports, Leicester has plenty to offer. Home to Premier League team Leicester City, Premiership Rugby team Leicester Tigers, British Basketball League team Leicester Riders, Leicestershire County Cricket Club and elite teams such as Leicester City Hockey Club, the city is a fantastic place for sports enthusiasts.
Whether you’re supporting from the side-lines, looking for a bit of fun with friends, joining one of our 200+ student-run sports teams and societies, or taking on local rivals De Montfort University in Varsity, you’ll have every opportunity to get involved, stay active, and find your community.
Explore near and far with well-connected transport links
Leicester’s central location makes it easy to travel across the UK and beyond. With major cities like Birmingham, Nottingham and London just a short train ride away, and direct access to national and international airports within easy reach, you can get anywhere from Leicester. Whether you’re heading home or planning a weekend getaway, it's easy to get out and uncover new places across Leicestershire.
Living in The Village? Don’t worry campus is easy to get to with our free campus shuttle running between The Village, Brookfield (home to our School of Business) and central Campus.
Discover Leicester’s arts, culture, and history
Leicester is a cultural hotspot, hosting 270 days of festivals every year, including the UK’s largest comedy festival. Whether you’re exploring the Cultural Quarter’s galleries and theatres, enjoying a show at the Curve Theatre, exploring the mix of modern street art and historic landmarks, or visiting the King Richard III Visitor Centre, there’s always something new to discover around the city.
Affordable student living
Leicester is consistently ranked among the most affordable student cities in the UK, with SI-UK (2024) listing Leicester in the top 10 as the cheapest places for students to live in the UK. With plenty of part-time job opportunities (including the University’s own ambassador scheme), shops, services, and nightlife leaning towards student budgets, you’ll enjoy everything the city has to offer without worrying about your budget.
Save with student discounts and deals
As a student, you’ll have access to a range of discounts and offers to make life even sweeter. Take advantage of student platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans, get free access to Microsoft Office, and enjoy a discounted Spotify membership at just £5.99 per month, to name just a few.
Additional resources
Whether you’re looking for more information on local attractions, events, or how to get involved in the community, the following websites will provide you with further information to discover all that Leicester has to offer.
This is just the start of what Leicester has to offer. Dive in and explore your new home!