Think

At University of Leicester we’re proud to call ourselves Citizens of Change, an identity which extends right through our values, teaching and full student experience. This outlook and commitment to our students has allowed us to achieve more and become one of the top universities in the country for course satisfaction, teaching quality, and excellence scores. As a result, we are proud to offer our students the opportunity to develop their thoughts and practices through action and events, be it through studies, societies you join or volunteering opportunities you take.

Highlights

As a Citizen of Change we welcome you to get involved in causes that spark your personal passions and beliefs.

Be sustainable

Bus stop with a grass top. Sustainability is an intrinsic part of all of our daily activities. We are committed to promoting social impact and sustainability through every aspect of our curriculum and providing our students with ways to involve themselves in projects for the benefit of communities or society as a whole.

As a city, Leicester itself is committed to being a UK leader of environmental progress. One recent project has seen 30 city bus shelters transformed into bee sanctuaries with grass and wildflowers on the roof to encourage pollination. The shelters contribute positively towards biodiversity and help make the city a greener place.

Be vocal

Person talking at a podium for the Student Voice Awards Throughout your time at the University there are opportunities for you to get involved and help shape the experience of other students at the University. You can be a voice of change within our community. Student societies offer opportunities to meet other likeminded individuals and we encourage all students to be champions of equality. Past student campaigns include FearLEICS Womxn, the LGBT Plus Handbook and Alcohol Awareness, among others. The Students' Union recognises individuals making positive changes through the annual Student Voice Awards.

Take part

Cartoon of people of colour holding up black power fists Whatever your hobbies you're sure to find a society to suit your interests. From Anime and Manga to Women in STEM, societies offer wonderful communities for you to explore your passions, develop skills and make new friends. For those with a keen interest in campaigning societies including Amnesty International, Plan-It Change and Sexpression, play an important role in the development of University policies and practise.

Outside of the University, you can join groups and activities across the city, from social groups at the LGBT+ Centre to finding opportunities on stage with the Leicester Drama Society.

Volunteer

Person wearing a t-shirt which says volunteer Volunteering gives you the opportunity to contribute towards positive change, develop your skills and find a new social circle. Within the University you may choose to volunteer as part of a University research project. Across Leicester there are wider opportunities to volunteer across many causes. Join the UOcean movement at one of their regular meet-ups to remove plastics and waste from our waterways, or sign up with Voluntary Action Leicester to be updated with opportunities across the city.

Getting involved in the societies at university gave me the opportunity to find a whole new social circle who I knew I'd share common interests and beliefs with.

Did you know...

Sir David Attenborough grew up here on our campus. His father Frederick Attenborough was appointed as Principal of University College, Leicester in 1932 and Sir David Attenborough lived here in Leicester until going to Cambridge University in 1945.