Student accommodation in Leicester at a glance
If recently-built student accommodation in Leicester is important to you, check out The Aspen. This modern accommodation includes smart TVs in both private and shared accommodation, a fully-equipped gym with access to personal trainers, private washer-dryers, and comfortable communal spaces for chilling with friends or studying. It also has a karaoke room, lounge, games room and a courtyard with outside dining. Location-wise, you’re less than an 18-minute walk to both the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.
When looking for student accommodation in Leicester, it’s worth taking a look at YOHO. This warehouse-style accommodation building is right near the city centre and offers a selection of studio rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and fitted kitchenettes. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, you’re only a 20-minute walk to the University of Leicester or an 11-minute walk to De Montfort University. Remember to make your room your own by adding your individual style to create a safe space for you during your time at university.
For industrial-chic student flats in Leicester, check out 41 Castle Street. This new development only recently opened in 2020 and offers eight different types of rooms, ranging from two to eight-bedroom shared suites and private studios. This contemporary accommodation has great communal areas to chill with friends, as well as a games area, an outdoor courtyard, and an impressive social calendar. It’s also a great location, being only an eight-minute walk to De Montfort University or a 26-minute walk to the University of Leicester.
If you’re after student apartments in Leicester that are right near De Montfort University, then The Glassworks is for you. Offering both private and shared accommodation options, these centrally-located student halls in Leicester also boast an onsite gym, cinema room, and plenty of breakout spaces. And don’t worry if you’re a student at the University of Leicester; these fantastic student halls are only a 21-minute walk away.
Leicester at a glance
- Leicester is home to higher educational establishments such as the University of Leicester, Leicester College, and De Montfort University, all with great options for student accommodation in Leicester close to campuses.
- King Richard III’s remains were discovered in a Leicester car park in 2012. It sounds crazy, but his remains were brought back to Leicester after he died at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, and his body was brought back to Leicester, where it subsequently got lost.
- Are you a fan of cheese? Us too! You can thank Leicester for Stilton cheese, Red Leicester cheese, and the Melton Mowbray pork pie.
- Leicester is considered the birthplace of Modern Standard English, which was developed to allow the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings to communicate with each other.
- Visit Leicester’s 800-year-old market which is also the largest outdoor covered market in Europe.
- Leicester has a vibrant multicultural community and hosts one of the biggest celebrations of Diwali, the festival of light, outside of India. Leicester is also home to the Golden Mile, the nickname given to Belgrade Road, where there is a selection of incredible curry houses.
- If museums interest you, check out the King Richard III Visitors Centre, the National Space Centre, or the Leicestershire Museum and Art Gallery.
- Fancy a laugh? The Leicester Comedy Festival is an annual favourite amongst students.
- Step away from your student halls in Leicester and head to Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Amongst the multitude of contemporary art exhibitions and events spaces, you’ll find the world renowned Curve Theatre which showcases a bold and diverse collection of musicals, plays, dance and opera all year round.
- The Fosse Way, a Roman road built in Britain during the first and second centuries AD, runs from Leicester to Cirencester.
Getting around Leicester
Getting around Leicester is easy thanks to their convenient and reliable public transport system. As a student, the easiest way to get about town from your student accommodation in Leicester is by bus, but it’s also a great city to either walk or jump on your bicycle to get around.
By Bus
There are several different operators in Leicester, so it’s rare that you won’t be able to find a stop that is close to where you need to be. For students going to the University of Leicester, you can grab the 31, 48A, or the X6, but there is no dedicated stop for the university, so there will be a short walk to campus at the other end.
By Bicycle
Getting around Leicester by bike is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to travel, and it’s the reason why Leicester made it into our best cycling universities list. The council has invested lots of money over the years into building accessible cycle paths, and there is plenty of bike storage at most university campuses and student halls in Leicester. For those who don’t own your own bike, you can rent one with Santander Cycles Leicester being set up all over the city.
By Train
Trains are a great way to get to and from Leicester, but they’re not the most convenient way to get around town. For links to other parts of the country, there are regular services from Leicester to London St. Pancras, Coventry, Market Harborough, and Loughborough, and are operated by East Midlands Railway.
Featured neighbourhoods around Leicester
Evington
It’s not a surprise that Evington is a popular place for student accommodation in Leicester as it’s known for being affordable and friendly. It can be a bit of a commute to the city centre and all university campuses, but what you lack in proximity you make up for in lifestyle, with Evington offering lots of green space, such as Evington Park, for when you need a break from studying, and local bars and restaurants for when you don’t fancy heading into the city for a night out.
Highfields
Heading a little further into town you’ll find Highfields. This leafy suburb is still a little way out of the buzz of the centre, but a much easier distance when commuting to campus or the city. In Highfields, you’re about a 20-minute walk to the city centre or less than a 25-minute walk to either the University of Leicester or De Montfort University. On your doorstep, you’ve got a great selection of restaurants and takeaways as well as the beautiful Victoria Park, a well-known green space for when you need to take a break from your student halls in Leicester city centre.
City Centre
If being right in the action is for you, then the city centre is the perfect place to look for your Leicester student accommodation. With everything you need on your doorstep, including useful transit links to campuses, as well as the majority of restaurants and bars that offer fun activities (such as The Queen of Bradgate’s Ping Pong), it’s no wonder a lot of students opt to live amongst the buzz of the city.
Student accommodation in Leicester FAQs
Is Leicester expensive for students?
Leicester is considered one of the most affordable cities for students to live and study in the UK. This is due to the great housing options that are affordable compared to other cities, as well as the more affordable price of food and hospitality. For example, student accommodation in Leicester can cost anywhere from around £80 per week to £160 per week, which is much lower than the average.
Is Leicester good for students?
Leicester is a great place for students and has received a high ranking in the 2020 NatWest Student Living Index, thanks to its affordable living costs and range of social activities.
What can a student do in Leicester?
There are plenty of activities for students to do when they need a break from their student halls in Leicester, including catching a game at the King Power Stadium, wandering around the Leicester Markets, or socialising in the Cultural Quarter at Canteen or Curve.
When should I apply for Leicester student accommodation?
Most people start applying for student accommodation in Leicester around September time, but lots of accommodation providers will accept applicants anywhere from January onwards.
What types of accommodation are available in Leicester?
There’s something for everyone, from single rooms in shared student halls to student flats, in Leicester. Happy to share everything but a bathroom? We don’t blame you – there’s plenty of ensuite accommodation. To learn more about the different types of student accommodation available, check out our blog.
What is the best way to search for student accommodation in Leicester?
At Mystudenthalls.com, we’ve made it simple to find student accommodation in Leicester that suits you. You can narrow down the options by budget or university, and as you browse you can add any properties you like into a shortlist.
Once you’re ready, all you have to do is fill out a short contact form with your details and any questions or queries you might have, and you can send it to all of your shortlisted providers with one click. Easy!
How long will my tenancy agreement last?
Most student accommodation in Leicester is aimed at a typical student’s year, so tenancy agreements are usually between 42 and 51 weeks, to ensure that you have accommodation for the entire year. However, some providers are willing to work with students who require a longer or shorter tenancy agreement so if you’re not sure, it’s best to ask the question.
Will I need to pay a deposit for Leicester student halls?
This very much depends on the provider you choose – some providers request a deposit, booking fee or guarantor, and some don’t. If you’re worried about getting your student deposit back at the end of the tenancy, take a look at our previous blog post for advice.