Leicester (pronounced Less-ter) is one of Britain’s most historic university cities. With traditional British architecture and green, leafy parks, this multicultural study destination is both picturesque and fascinating. Packed with history, culture, and all-important venues to ensure unbeatable student nightlife, Leicester is a great option for anyone hoping to study in the UK.
What is Leicester like?
Location and demographics
Positioned right in the heart of England, Leicester is in the East Midlands. This historic city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, much more typical of rural England than you’d expect from living in such an active city. Less than 30 miles from Birmingham, you’ll find Leicester ideally placed to quickly access most areas of the UK.
With a population of 370,000, Leicester is a city that will give you a vibrant student experience without the feeling of being lost in huge crowds. Proudly one of the most multicultural destinations in the UK, it is a young and diverse city with residents of all nationalities and faiths.
Culture and history
Leicester is a city renowned for its history. In 2015, the long-lost 500-year-old skeleton of King Richard III was found by archaeologists in a car park. But, Leicester’s heritage is more than just the burial place of a king: at over 2,000 years old, this is one of the oldest cities in England. From its quaint architecture to its mention in countless historic sources, if you love history, studying in Leicester should be top of your list.
These days, the city has a real old-meets-new vibe. Welcoming 35,000 students and nearly four million tourists a year, Leicester is a city packed with culture. From museums and galleries to theatres and opera, you won’t be disappointed.
Moreover, did you know that Leicester has been the home city to naturalist Sir David Attenborough, footballer Gary Lineker and rock band Kasabian?
Find out if the UK would be a good study destination for you.
What universities are in Leicester?
The University of Leicester is ranked number 279 in the QS World University Rankings 2023. This is one of the UK’s fastest-growing universities, with global research teams across several fields. Leicester is also home to De Montfort University, a growing institution known for its faculty of art and design.
Other universities of note in the surrounding area include:
- Loughborough University – ranked number 256 by QS 2023
- Coventry University – ranked in the top 700 worldwide by QS 2023
Make sure that you also have a look at the Complete University Guide League Tables 2023, which can help you review and compare universities.
What does Leicester offer students?
What is transport like in Leicester?
Leicester is an easy city to navigate on foot or by bicycle, but there will inevitably be times in your student life when you’ll want to use public transport. In Leicester, this typically means catching the bus. These run from 5 am to 11 pm Monday to Saturday and from 7 am to 11 pm on Sundays.
For travelling longer distances, Leicester is well-positioned in the country to have quick and easy access via coach and rail to several UK cities. London is only an hour away by train. Leicester also benefits from two nearby airports, namely East Midlands and Birmingham.
What about entertainment and food?
Leicester is a great spot if you enjoy good food. As such a multicultural city, it is packed with eateries serving all sorts of global cuisines. Head to the Golden Mile to try some mouth-watering curries. For some local flavour, try some Red Leicester, a mild, orange cheese.
The city is full of pubs where you can relax with a drink and traditional meal, using the cosy beer gardens in summer.
But eating isn’t the only thing to do in the city. Party the time away in a club or visit a themed bar for an unusual night out. This is also a city famed for its festivals. From its Caribbean Carnival celebrations to its annual comedy festival, there’s always something big going on.
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What is the accommodation like in Leicester?
Studying in the UK, you’ll have a range of accommodation options available to you. Typically, in their first year, students choose to live in university-owned accommodation before moving out into a private house or flat with friends in their second year.
In Leicester, you’ll likely have the choice of living in halls of residence or a university-owned house in your first year. You can opt for catered or self-catered accommodation.
Depending on where you live in the city and the type of room you choose, the University of Leicester’s accommodation costs between GBP 65 and GBP 175 a week.
There are also lots of options available if you choose to rent privately, whether in a house share or living alone. Just be sure to research carefully to get the best deals. Speak to your university to understand your options.
Are there public services for students in Leicester?
Your university will offer resources and services specifically for its overseas students. Speak to their international office to learn more. Staff will be able to assist you with all sorts of queries, from immigration issues to settling into Leicester.
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How much does it cost to live in Leicester?
The general cost of Leicester
Recent surveys have placed Leicester well within the top 10 most affordable student cities in the UK. So, if you’re looking to live in the UK but are concerned about the financial impact, this could be a great option for you.
Discover more about the cost of living in the UK.
Student budget
International students living in Leicester can expect to pay some upfront costs, for example, a down payment on their accommodation and visa fees. The University of Leicester suggests a weekly budget of around GBP 180 to GBP 280.
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What are Leicester’s main attractions?
Leicester is packed with things for students to do. Pass an easy day walking through the streets, browsing boutique shops and eateries, and admiring the local street art. Pop into the city’s 800-year-old market, or for a more modern feel, visit the famous Highcross shopping centre.
If you’re after a day of culture, visit one of Leicester’s captivating museums. As a city so proud of its heritage, there’s a lot to see and learn about. Or perhaps you’d prefer an art gallery – there are several to choose from. If you’re just looking for somewhere to read up on your studies in the sunshine, there are plenty of parks and green spaces to get you inspired.
Leicester is a proud sporting city, home to a Premier League football club, teams in both rugby union and rugby league, and it even hosts motorsports events. The city has plenty of sports infrastructure, meaning you can quickly pick up your sporting pastimes or even find a new passion.
As for Leicester’s nightlife scene, it can be described as both energetic and varied. This is a city packed with truly unique venues. You can even play late-night crazy golf here. From cosy traditional pubs to sophisticated cocktail bars to packed nightclubs, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your tastes.
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