Best Areas To Live In Leicester For Students In 2025

Leicester shines as one of the modern cities that is rooted in Roman history. It is a fantastic city in England’s East Midlands, with walkable areas and green parks, showing a strong cultural spirit and youthful vibe.

Leicester is home to the two top universities - the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. Both these universities are globally recognised and are located in a central location, attracting students and youth in large numbers. The city has a strong student community, a great history, like the King Richard III Visitor Centre, National Space Centre, year-round festivals, diverse food options, and lively urban life, making it one of the best places to live in England.

Leicester is renowned for diverse markets and global cuisine (especially along the Belgrave Road’s Golden Mile). There are festivals like Diwali, Caribbean Carnival, live performances at Curve Theatre, and comic festivals. Students can enjoy Abbey Park, Victoria Park, Aylestone Meadows, and beautiful riverside walks for outdoor leisure.

12 Best Places in Leicester

The energetic city life and peaceful suburb make Leicester the most welcoming and one of the best parts of England to live in. Let's explore the best areas to live in Leicester, where culture and the neighbourhoods have something to offer for every lifestyle. 

1. Clarendon Park

Clarendon Park, one of the popular neighbourhoods and posh areas in Leicester, is located in the southern part of the city centre. The calm atmosphere, cafes, shopping facilities, live music venues, nightlife, and city culture attract students and young professionals. Frequent bus connections make transport easy for students. It's just a convenient 12-minute walk from the University of Leicester. The houses include Victorian terraces, and the rent is above average because of the high demand.  

2. Highfields

Highfields lies in the east of Leicester, England. Students prefer this neighbourhood, considering the availability of shops all the time, good restaurants, affordable facilities, and cultural richness. Buses, trains, and walkable areas make transport convenient and easy. There are diverse housing options with affordable areas around, as compared to Clarendon Park. Highfields is popular for its ethnic food markets, local festivals, and scenic Spinney Hill Park, highlighting it as one of the good places in Leicester.

3. City Centre

The City Centre is called the heart of Leicester, a unique and wonderful place filled with street art, attractions, and leisure experiences. Often considered among the best areas in Leicester, transport is simple and easy with bus connections, and it takes just a walkable distance to De Montfort University and the University of Leicester. Housing options are modern, including modern flats, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSAs), and hotel-style apartments with higher rents and great facilities. The city attraction boasts of the Highcross shopping mall, the Curve Theatre, and amazing nightlife. Important museums like Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, The Guildhall Museum , Leicester market, and the King Richard III Visitor Centre make the city a blend of history and urban life.

4. Oadby

Oadby, located south of the city centre, is famous for its quiet environment, easy transport facilities like buses, and is preferred by families, professionals, and students. The housing features spacious homes with ample parking, which is rare in the central locations. The rent is higher as the city is famous for its residential vibe and upmarket features. Those who wish to be outdoors have green spaces, Brockhill Park, the Botanic Garden, and golf courses to explore and enjoy. Overall, Oadby is known as one of the posh and good areas to live in Leicester.

5. West End (Narborough Road)

The West End lies around Narborough Road and stands out for its dynamic and affordable lifestyle. Excellent bus services and cycling routes are easily accessible, making transport good. The area offers a mix of Victorian terraces and newly built homes at moderate prices, making it one of the best areas to live in Leicester for students and young professionals. Westcotes Gardens, indie food spots, lively bars, and student pubs improve the social scene of the area. Narborough Road itself has a multicultural identity, festivals, and nightlife, making it the most preferred.

6. Stoneygate

Stoneygate is a posh and safe area located in the southeast of Leicester. Elegant villas and leafy streets make the housing cost expensive due to the nature around, but they offer a quiet and decent lifestyle. Facilities like high-end restaurants, cafes, boutiques, markets, and diverse food options attract families and professionals.  Frequent bus services highlight the good transport in the city. The chic vibe of Stoneygate makes it one of the best areas to live in Leicester for people from all walks of life seeking prestige and comfort.  

7. Evington

Evington is a neighbourhood in Leicester that is more comfortable to live in. It is about three miles east of the city centre, offering a suburban lifestyle. Spacious homes with lower prices make housing cheaper, convenient, and affordable. There are frequent buses available to the central location and the universities. Evington boasts shops, local supermarkets like Spar, attractions like Arboretum, and medieval buildings, appealingly blending history and nature. Overall, for families and renters, Evington is known as one of the best areas to live in Leicester.

8. Bede Park

Bede Park, a neighbourhood near De Montfort University, combines urban comfort and calm views. Considered as one of the student hubs, there are valued housing options for students as well as families. There are modern apartments with beautiful river views, affordable at medium prices.  Buses are available frequently to the university and around the city, and there are walkable areas convenient for locals and students. Parks, sports courts, and riverside walks make Bede Park one of the best areas to live in Leicester. 

9. Knighton

Knighton is a peaceful and village-like neighbourhood located in the south of the city. Housing is cheap and affordable with low rental prices, making it favourable for students and families. The area stands out for its excellent schools and green spaces, making it attractive for students who are seeking a quiet environment. Overall, Knighton provides a peaceful life with top-notch facilities. It is one of the best places in Leicester for those who wish to live in a village-like atmosphere.

10. Westcotes

Westcotes is in the central-west area of Leicester, within walking and bus distance of the city centre and universities. There are various housing options like flats, traditional houses, at a lower price, making it preferable for students and renters. The area is known for its growing food scene and has plenty of budget-friendly dining spots, cafes, and restaurants. With cultural spots and creative hubs, Westcotes is a posh area and brings new energy to Leicester’s western part, thus becoming one of the best areas to live in Leicester.

Student Life In Leicester

Students choose Leicester for its budget-friendly and exciting life, making it popular among UK and international students. The city hosts cultural festivals like Diwali and Holi, the Leicester Caribbean Carnival, the Cosmopolitan Arts Festival and so on enhancing the diversity. The city has a welcoming atmosphere, great nightlife, a strong community sense, and the cost of living in Leicester is low compared to other UK cities. Hence, it is one of the best affordable places to live in England. 

There are budget-friendly shops, restaurants, and amazing student deals. Public transport is good, and many areas are walkable, saving money and time. Universities in Leicester provide students with support services, career guidance, and mental health services. Sports lovers have access to gyms, clubs, and other fitness activities. Great social life, excellent facilities, and many interesting things to do make Leicester one of the good areas to live in Leicester.

Why Choose Leicester’s Neighbourhoods?

One will find many good areas to live in Leicester that have something to offer for everyone. There are affordable and easy ways to travel to universities, saving time and costs, academic excellence, city excitement, and much more. Places like Clarendon Park and Highfields offer a student-friendly atmosphere, and Stoneygate and Oadby provide security. 

Cultural hubs filled with restaurants, shops, parks, schools, and peaceful suburbs balance the city’s energy with comfort. Whether you wish for a leafy suburb area, peaceful parks, or great nightlife in the city, you will surely find the best areas to live in Leicester, the most welcoming and amazing city. 

Student Accommodation in Leicester

Planning to move to Leicester? Then wait no more! Amber is the right platform where you can book your next Leicester adventure. Amber provides a wide range of student housing options in Leicester, like shared apartments and modern, comfortable apartments. Check out amber for securing on-campus and off-campus student housing apartments in Leicester, UK.