Student City Guide: Leicester 2025

Leicester, located on the River Soar, is noted for its culturally diversified scene, world-class universities, and the football team Leicester City F.C., A fun fact about the city, is that it gave birth to modern tourism and DNA fingerprinting. Many students travel to Leicester for their studies, and many are bewildered about the city and what to do there; if you are one of them, don't worry, we have you covered. In Leicester, there is a lot to discover and enjoy. As a result, we created a Leicester City guide for students who plan to remain and study and explore Leicester.

About Leicester

Leicester is a city, unitary government, and county town of Leicestershire in England's East Midlands. It is the most populous town in the East Midlands. It is also the 11th most populated county in England and the 13th most populous county in the United Kingdom. The city is located on the Soar River, on the eastern end of the National Forest. It is located north of Birmingham and Coventry, south of Nottingham, and west of Peterborough.

Leicester Geography

We cannot start off with a Leicester city guide without talking about the city! Leicester city is located on the River Soar in Leicestershire, East Midlands. Leicester had a significant Roman settlement at the spot where the Fosse Way crossed the River Soar. The Jewry Wall, a Roman bath house and palaestra ruins. The Clock Tower serves as the town's focal point, from which shopping streets radiate. It lies 68.72 kilometres (42.7 miles) northeast of Birmingham and 44.10 kilometres (27.4 miles) south of Nottingham. Leicester is located 66.47 kilometres (41.3 miles) east of Peterborough.

Population Of Leicester

Another significant aspect of the Leicester city guide is the population. The population of Leicester City in 2023 is 566,000, making it the most populous city in the East Midlands, the 11th most populous in England, and the 13th most populous in the United Kingdom. In 2022 the population recorded was 562,000. Leicester also has a substantial transient population of the University of Leicester and De Montfort University students. The student population in Leicester is also good, with over 35,000 students in the city! 

Weather in Leicester

A Leicester city guide would be incomplete without addressing the city's infamous weather. Leicester has a marine climate with temperatures of warm summers and cool winters, year-round rain, and low levels of sunshine. Here is the temperature estimate that you might see while living in Leicester.

• From June 15 to September 10, the warm season lasts 2.8 months, with an average daily high temperature exceeding 65°F (18.3°C). 
• July is the hottest month in Leicester, with average highs of 70°F (21.1 °C) and lows of 54°F (12.2 °C).
• The cool season lasts four months, from November 16 to March 16, with an average daily high temperature of less than 49°F (9.4°C). 
• January is the coldest month in Leicester, with an average low of 36°F (2.2 °C) and a high of 44°F (6.67 °C).

Safety and security in Leicester

In recent years, Leicester has reported several crimes. For every 1000 people, Leicester reports around 111 crimes. However, if you compare this to other major cities, you could determine, say, Leicester's crime rate is lower compared to other major cities, like London and Manchester!  

Study in Leicester

The educational environment is essential for students in any community. The Leicester city guide is no different. Leicester can be classified as a student city due to the many students living there. It is a famous student city because it is home to prominent colleges and takes pride in having a healthy student population.

Why Study In Leicester

Every year, hundreds of international students flock to Leicester to pursue high-quality education and skills that will help them advance in their professions. As a result, to assist our readers, we have compiled a list of the best universities in Leicester, which will give you a better sense of the city and may help you choose your study destination more wisely. The following are some of the best universities in Leicester that we provide in this Leicester city guide.

Best Universities in Leicester

There is a reason why Leicester is regarded so highly by students in higher education is due to world-class universities and we have mentioned a few in this Leicester city guide. 

1. University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is a well-known name in Leicester. They are one of the city's two central universities, the other being De Montfort University. The University of Leicester is renowned for developing genetic fingerprinting and discovering and identifying the remains of King Richard III. They are ranked #217 globally and #4 in the United Kingdom.

2. De Montfort University

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is one of the city's two leading universities. It has over 27,000 full-time and part-time students. De Montfort University is a leading art and design university in the United Kingdom. It has a global ranking of #1261 and is ranked #15 in the United Kingdom.

Top Courses To Study In Leicester

The city's universities provide a wide range of programmes leading to Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees. Become one of the few students to earn a distinguished PhD or Master's degree in the United Kingdom. Some popular courses we would like to mention in this Leicester city guide are:

• Business & Management Studies.
• Engineering.
• Humanities & Social Sciences.
• I.T. & Software.
• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Science

Best Student Accommodation In Leicester

The Leicester city guide would be incomplete without the most vital part of student life and living in Leicester. Student housing. Finding the best student accommodation in Leicester might be time-consuming, but it is not difficult. Amber offers a selection of warm, inexpensive, and affordable Leicester student accommodation options. Reputable universities are close to these student housing options.

There are various luxury, comfortable, and reasonably priced housing alternatives, with rents ranging from £79/week to £200/week. These student accommodation alternatives in Leicester are advantageous to the students. So, do your research before deciding on one student accommodation. 

Top Localities in Leicester

This Leicester city guide also provides you with a few of the best localities in Leicester where you can find student accommodations.

1.  Stoneygate

It is located outside of Leicester city centre and connects to Oadby. Although not always within walking distance, it is around the same distance from university campuses via car and bus. Allandale and Francis Street also flank the houses. Stoneygate is densely packed with restaurants, cafes, and recreational opportunities, which makes it one of the best areas to live in Leicester.

2. Evington

Evington is a lovely outlying suburb with a few tiny local shops and green spaces. If you're looking for Leicester student accommodation, go no further than Evington housing. It's an excellent choice for students who want conveniences, activity centres, and green spaces.

3. Claredon Park

Claredon Park is an excellent central location for Leicester student housing. It is an ideal location for commuters.  The city centre is easily accessible thanks to regular bus services. Local independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and green spaces are available to students.

4. Oadby

Oadby, located south of the city centre, provides students with the ideal balance of a busy and harmonious city lifestyle. Transportation links make commuting more manageable and accessible. Various supermarkets, small stores, vibrant streets, and friendly people exist.

5. Leicester City Centre

Leicester's city centre is a vibrant neighbourhood rich in history and student life. All the accommodation, including the university, is within walking distance of the city centre. Leicester student accommodation is luxurious yet inexpensive in this region.

Suppose you are unsure about where to get student housing. You may use our Leicester student housing guide to help you choose the best student accommodation for you and explore the city at its fullest.

Top 5 Student Accommodations In Leicester

Leicester has diverse student housing alternatives close to major universities, bus and train connections, and significant markets. We have compiled a selection of the top Leicester student accommodation in this Leicester city guide that is well-maintained and reasonably priced to assist you in your search. Before swooping around, read our blog about things to look out for when choosing student housing to remember when booking your ideal student housing.

1. Upperton Road

Upperton is a popular student accommodation in Leicester that offers a variety of contemporary flats with fully equipped kitchens. De Montfort University is only a 3-minute drive away, while the University of Leicester is nearby for £105/week, which makes it one of the best places to live in Leicester.

2.  IQ Opal Court

IQ Opal Court is a modern student accommodation in Leicester that offers a broad choice of private en-suites, studios, and apartments. It is located within a 5-minute walk of the University of Leicester and a 12-minute walk of De Montfort University at a starting price of £132/week.

3. Filbert Village

Filbert Village is an excellent option for student housing in Leicester. It has en-suite and studio accommodations and is conveniently placed in the city centre and helps you explore Leicester like never before. You can reach De Montfort University and the University of Leicester in less than 30 minutes. The accommodation has a price of £115/week.

4. Ben Russel Court

Ben Russell Court is a popular student residence in Leicester City Centre, offering students a remarkable experience. The property, located close to River Soar on 2 Eastern Boulevard, provides a variety of large studios and bedroom-shared student flats. Furthermore, Ben Russell Court student housing is directly across the street from De Montfort University and only ten minutes from the University of Leicester at the cost of £79/week, which makes living in Leicester a bit less expensive! 

5. Nimi Halls

Nimi Halls is a comfortable and economical student residence in Leicester that offers 1, 4, 3, 5, and 6-bedroom private halls. The apartment, which is located on London Rd, is a 17-minute walk from De Montfort University and a 5-minute drive from the University of Leicester. It costs £80/per week.

Jobs In Leicester

Living in Leicester away from home can be costly if your expenses are not adequately managed. Part-time occupations are common among students to pay their bills. We have selected the best part-time job opportunities in Leicester to help our users who read this Leicester city guide. These occupations are suggested to improve your work ethic and make you a more reasonable person, regardless of whether they become your full-time employment. So, here are some part-time jobs in Leicester that you might be interested in.

Part-Time Jobs In Leicester

Activities Development Coordinator

This position is ideal for students who enjoy volunteering. Join the Activities and Volunteering department at the University of Leicester to be in charge of the coordination and management of student groups and societies.

Tutoring

Teaching young brains is one of the most enjoyable side occupations one could dream of. Students can tutor other students while earning a living wage because the work requirements are basic and do not necessitate more schooling or courses. If you are curious about how to become a tutor as a student, let us help you with that!

Barista

This position is for all coffee enthusiasts! Work as a barista in a cafe and make the most delicious coffee you've ever made! Use your talents to provide customers with first-rate service and expertly crafted coffees and earn a reasonable wage simultaneously!

Web Writer

People are utilising smartphones more than ever before. As a result, the content writing industry has seen a rise in workload. As a result, you can strengthen your communication skills by writing guest blogs or working as a ghostwriter while earning fair compensation for each piece.

Read our blog for more information on how to make extra money as a student!

Living in Leicester

Not to mention living in this Leicester city guide would be a sin. Leicester is one of the top student cities in the U.K., so you can be confident that your time there as a student will be nothing short of spectacular with so many things to do in the city. Now that you know, your time in Leicester will be memorable. Consider how much these experiences would cost compared to the expense of living in Leicester as a student.

Cost Of Living in Leicester

Understanding living costs is an essential but sometimes overlooked component of academic life. On the other hand, Leicester is one of the most reasonably priced cities in the U.K. You must still manage your expenses properly; thus, we have conducted a brief analysis of the typical monthly costs associated with students living in the city in this Leicester city guide. If you want a detailed breakdown of your cost of living in Leicester, we got you covered!

Travelling In Leicester

Our Leicester city guide would have been incomplete if we hadn't included how to get into and out of the city. As a member of the renowned U.K. transportation system, the city of Leicester has not deviated from its commitment to providing a cost-effective and efficient transportation system. These well-equipped systems connect all local and significant locations of this city.

Bus

Buses run between the city centre and most other regions, including the University campus. Buses are operated by several firms, the two largest of which are Arriva and First Leicester. The typical bus price is roughly £3 per day. The Students' Union sells annual Arriva City Student Tickets, which can provide savings to students who often use Arriva bus services. The bus services also help you explore Leicester.

Cycling

Cycling is enjoyable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. Many students choose to ride their bikes to and from university. It is an excellent alternative for students travelling to nearby areas and helps them explore Leicester.

Best Clubs In Leicester

This Leicester city guide has got you covered in all situations, from the clubs to restaurants to where to go in the city; there is a lot you can do to enjoy your stay in the lovely city!

Club Republic 

Club Republic Leicester is the type of club where you may easily get lost. This club offers everything from interesting art to an exciting environment and terrific music to get you dancing.

The Basement

It is a basement venue nightclub with a great vibe. It gives out a vibe of a chilled-out dive bar with fancy cocktails, a great roster of D.J.s, a spacious dance floor and exceptional happy hours on cocktails for just £6. The basement is among the best nightclubs in Leicester and is a must-visit for any student during the weekends.

The Fan Club

With beer specials and top-notch music, it's no surprise that The Fan Club Leicester has a strong following among locals and tourists in the city. You won't be bored here, with a terrific assortment of cocktail lessons and 1980s-themed parties.

MOSH

MOSH, the home of alternative nightlife, is a wonderland of first-rate beats, indie jives, and pop-punk. Make your way to this three-floor refuge to savour its budget-friendly drinks, ranging from mixers to cocktails, while getting your riff feed on its roaring dance floors.

Quarter 25

Quarter 25 is a boisterous nightclub that combines the city's love for street art and underground music. It is Leicester's newest nightclub that entertains music lovers and fashionistas. It is spread across two equally sized dance floors with world-class sound, lighting and interior artwork.

If you want to know more clubs in Leicester, we have something that will help you!

Best Restaurants in Leicester

The best restaurants in Leicester make a concerted effort to avoid going out for an expensive supper every night of the week, even if you're staying here, so you're unlikely to go hungry. Our Leicester city guide also includes information on some of the most excellent restaurants in Leicester. Among the most well-known restaurants 

Lighthouse

Lighthouse is, first and foremost, a seafood restaurant with a constantly changing special menu incorporating the catch of the day and the best of seasonal, sustainable fishing from around the British Isles. Lighthouse features a small yet compelling assortment of meat dishes, including superb fillet steak and seafood.

OGGI Simply Italian

OGGI Simply Italian is an excellent restaurant with a menu that reflects its head chef's nearly quarter-century of experience and research into Italian cuisine. Italian food is a million leagues beyond the standard pizza and pasta fare given by so many inferior eateries.

The Joiners

The Joiners is a sophisticated rural gastropub from the same team that brought you The Boot Room. On the other hand, their petite but wonderfully crafted cuisine and wine list are worth the trip out of town. Only two restaurants in Leicestershire have the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand rating. It is awarded to good food at moderate rates.

Turtle Bay

Find the best Caribbean food at Turtle Bay in Leicester. It is a modern Caribbean restaurant; the place is all about finding the vibe of the Caribbean. You can relax with your friends and order the bottomless brunch and cocktails! The restaurant will truly leave you mesmerised.

Think you will need more places to eat? Our blog on the best restaurants in Leicester will be your guide!

Tourist Attractions in Leicester

Leicester's music and sports cultures will calm individuals who desire a peaceful community. Leicester is fortunate for premier football, hockey, basketball, and cricket teams. Not only are sporting arenas making news in this sector. In this Leicester city guide, we have mentioned ground-breaking architectural masterpieces which attract many to explore Leicester. Some of the most popular Leicester attractions are

1. National Space Centre

2. Twinlakes Family Theme Parks

3. Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

4. King Power Stadium

5. Curve Theatre

Check out our blog, which has more information about places to visit in Leicester.

We hope our Leicester city guide has provided you with helpful information on the city. Leicester is a welcoming city with much to offer both residents and visitors. The city is a popular tourist destination because of its intriguing history, diverse culture, and beautiful surroundings which make many explore Leicester. If you are a student looking for student accommodations in Leicester, let us help you out!