Is Leicester a city for students?

As we gear up for university life, we’re weighing various factors to help us make our final choices. One of them being the city itself. I'm studying in Leicester, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on how student-friendly you find it. Together, we can delve into the details and provide valuable insights for future students 🎓

IS LEICESTER A CITY FOR STUDENTS? 💭 I have to say, it is! Leicester ticks many boxes when it comes to being a student-friendly place. Here’s what I’ve noticed during my three years there.

Well-situated and walkable 🚶*♂️
What I adore most about Leicester is its incredibly convenient location. With well-developed train and bus stations, it offers seamless connections to other major cities and key airports. Whenever I miss home or feel the urge to explore a new destination, the ease of travel and affordable options make it a breeze. As an international student who often travels back home, I’m especially grateful for this convenience ✈️

On a different note, I used to endure a one-and-a-half-hour commute to high school, which I absolutely despised. Living in a medium-sized city like Leicester, where the university campus, student accommodations, and city center are all within close proximity, has been a game-changer. I love having everything I need just a short walk away. No need for public transport, as everything is within a 10–15-minute walk, making life so much easier and more enjoyable 🥳

Abundance of student accommodations 🏠
Another pleasant surprise for me was the sheer number of student accommodations available in Leicester. Most of them are conveniently located right next to the campus and city centre. Within this vast array of options, there’s something to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for studio apartments, shared flats with ensuite options, or private housing, Leicester has it all. With prices starting as low as £80-£90 per week, I’ve never had trouble finding a cosy, affordable place to stay 💸

Affordable 💰
Speaking of affordability, Leicester’s cost of living is another major perk. Beyond budget-friendly accommodations, other expenses such as dining out, socialising with friends, and enjoying leisure activities are all very reasonable. You can indulge in these experiences without worrying about overspending. Even public transport has become more affordable, though, as I mentioned earlier, you might not need it since everything is within walking distance 🚍

Student Job Opportunities 💼
Many of us need to work at least part-time, and I remember feeling quite stressed about finding a job when I first arrived. Fortunately, it only took a few days and handing out a few CVs before I got a call offering me a job. It was a basic position in the hospitality industry, but when you’re in your first year and need money, any role is valuable 💪

Leicester is full of job agencies, restaurants, and coffee shops, so if your student budget needs a boost, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to support it 🧑*💻

Beyond these immediate options, there are also more developmental opportunities if you're not in a rush. De Montfort University (DMU) offers a recruiting agency called Unitemps, which specialises in advertising various roles for students. Through Unitemps, I became a student ambassador and worked as a receptionist and office admin at the university 👩*💼

My personal favorite, however, is the internship schemes. DMU offers Frontrunner Internships annually, which run for six months alongside your studies. These part-time positions are paid and provide professional experience. I was fortunate to be a research assistant in psychology in my second year through one of these. Additionally, DMU advertises summer internships each year, which are part-time and last around ten weeks. For soon-to-be graduates, there’s the Graduate Champions programme, which lasts six weeks and often leads to permanent employment ✨

Vibrant nightlife 🎉
While I’m not the biggest fan of clubbing (don’t worry, there are plenty of great clubs around), I find pubs much more enjoyable. Whatever your evening preferences, Leicester has something for everyone. You can opt for a night study session at the library or have fun with friends in one of the many clubs and pubs. One of the best things about the bars here is the generous student discounts. If you have specific tastes, Leicester has you covered even with a jazz bar! 🎷

One of the most popular and iconic student spots is Soar Point, located right on the DMU campus. During the day, it’s a fantastic place for lunch or snacks, but the real buzz starts in the evening. With daily student deals, bingo nights, quizzes, and more, there’s always something happening. The bar also features consoles and pool tables for added fun. On warm evenings, the terrace overlooking the Soar River is the perfect spot to unwind. It’s definitely one of my favorite places 🎭

Plenty of events 🎟️
I’ll admit, I’m not the best at staying up to date with events, but thankfully, I receive newsletters from the university that keep me informed about what’s happening both on campus and around the city. I’m continually amazed by the sheer number of events in a city that isn’t overwhelmingly large. From bonfire nights, Christmas markets, and festivals to comic cons and immersive exhibitions. There’s always something exciting in the newsletter. It’s great to have these creative options to unwind from studying 🎪

For sports enthusiasts, there’s plenty to enjoy too. Even as someone who isn’t particularly interested in football, I’m aware of Leicester City’s global recognition, and its stadium is a source of pride for the city. If you’re a football fan, visiting the stadium or attending a match is a must-do experience ⚽

Great food spots 🍝
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m always on the lookout for delicious eats. If you’re craving more recommendations, feel free to leave a comment!
My picky palate has been more than satisfied with the diverse range of cuisines available in Leicester, many of which offer student discounts. When I’m on a tight budget, I turn to Too Good To Go, which is well-established in Leicester and offers fantastic deals on surplus food from local eateries 🍴

Of course, I can’t resist leaving you with a recommendation to raise your appetite. If you love authentic Italian cuisine, you have to try Maurizio's Italian Pizza & Pasta. They serve the best pizza and pasta in Leicester, and honestly, it’s as good as anything I’ve had in Naples. With Maurizio being Italian, it’s no surprise that the food is made from top-quality ingredients and simply melts in your mouth 🍕

Entertainment and leisure time 🎮
No matter what your interests are or if you’re looking to discover a new hobby, Leicester offers plenty of opportunities. The city is brimming with vibrant, innovative spots like pilates and yoga studios, music and singing schools, and escape rooms 🧘*♂️🕹️

For those who prefer a more traditional experience, there are cinemas and Lane 7, a fantastic venue that combines a bar, restaurant, and a variety of games. You can enjoy arcade games, bowling, pool, ping-pong, mini golf, shuffleboard, and karaoke, all under the glow of neon lights and unique décor that feels straight out of an American movie 🎳

Another excellent spot is the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre on the DMU campus. With incredibly affordable membership rates for students, it’s open seven days a week and offers a wide range of facilities. These include a swimming pool, climbing wall, sports halls, fitness classes, a gym with personal training options, and a dance studio 🏊*♂️

For those who cherish peace and tranquility, Abbey Park is a must-visit. With its vast green spaces and picturesque riverside views, it’s perfect for a relaxing picnic with friends or engaging in more active pursuits like using the sports facilities or renting a kayak or pedal boat. The park’s pet corner, filled with small, domesticated animals, adds an extra charm 🌳

I come from a big city where everything feels distant and spread out. In Leicester, I’ve found more than I expected with affordability and accessibility. That’s why, in my opinion, LEICESTER IS A CITY FOR STUDENTS. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s a city where you can craft a truly multidimensional university experience. What do you think? 🤔

I hope it will be helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Reply 1

Talkative Toad

Volunteer Team

Nice information. What would you say that you enjoy the most about DMU?

Reply 2

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by Talkative Toad

Nice information. What would you say that you enjoy the most about DMU?

Hiya 😁

Thank you! It has been a pleasant reflection for me 😅

The most delightful surprise and highlight for me was the exceptional career support provided by DMU, along with the numerous international opportunities they offer through DMUGlobal. Their strong focus on both professional and personal development aligned perfectly with my aspirations as I embarked on my university journey.

I am immensely grateful for the various internship programmes, which allowed me to gain practical experience in psychology even before graduating. Additionally, studying abroad in Spain for a year turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime. Beyond the vibrant surroundings, it was an invaluable experience that taught me adaptability, independence, and problem-solving skills.

Thanks for you lovely question! 😍

Take care,

Julia
Psychology Student
De Montfort University