Best route to the peak district from Leicester?

I'm currently studying at the university of Leicester, really missing greenery and such since walking in victoria park is becoming extremely repetitive! Trying to go to peak district when I start uni again in september. Or does anyone know of another other large green spaces around the leicester area / in leicestershire with good transport links?

Do you have a car or is it public transport?
Why not go and spend a week there and book into a YH or campsite?
https://www.yha.org.uk/places-to-stay/peak-district
This one is NE of Leicester.
https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/1679871/OS-Recommended-ITV-100-Favourite-Walks-Bradgate-Park
https://www.bradgatepark.org/bradgate-park
https://www.alltrails.com/england/leicestershire/leicester

You are definitely right into putting some research and getting out to explore rather than the same thing.

If you are public transport then depends which discount cards and how long you have. Sometimes I dont mind coach as it just lets you look at the terrain. Sheffield is well situated on the border of the Peak so most likely to Sheffield and then out, where you can catch, bus coach or train.

Have you thought about joining your local walking group as they will know different walks and its a good way to socialise?

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Leicester/Peak-District-National-Park
https://www.countryfile.com/go-outdoors/walks/best-walks-in-the-peak-district/
https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/peak-district-national-park/
https://letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk/category/lets-explore/walks/
https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/things-to-do/activities/walking-and-hiking

How about Nottingham, that would be easier and cheaper to get to.

https://www.alltrails.com/england/nottinghamshire/nottingham
Sherwood Forest?
https://sherwoodforest.org.uk/tourism/walking/

I do notice there's a hiking society at Leicester uni https://www.leicesterunion.com/opportunities/sports/findaclub/hikingsociety/ and a mountaneering society https://www.leicesterunion.com/opportunities/sports/findaclub/7373/

so it might be worthwhile seeing if they're doing anything interesting next academic year...

WRT public transport
Derbyshire County Council publish the printed peak district bus timetable (the PDNP is not just in Derbyshire, but the timetable covers the whole national park) which I find easier to use than jumping around between different bus company websites... and also a handy bedside cure for insomnia. https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport-roads/public-transport/timetables/bus-timetable-publications/bus-timetable-publications.aspx

Off the top of my head I think your main options for public transport would be
White peak - Train to Derby and transpeak bus to Bakewell, Ashford or Buxton
Dark peak - Train to Sheffield and Train down the Hope Valley for Hathersage and Edale