International Student Accommodation in Leicester: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Leicester is one of the UK’s most diverse and affordable student cities. Known for its rich cultural heritage, world-class universities, and welcoming atmosphere, Leicester has been home to people from around the globe for over 2,000 years. Today, it stands as a true multicultural city where over 70 languages are spoken, and communities from every continent thrive.
With over 50,000 students across two major universities, Leicester has the feel of a modern student feel. The University of Leicester ranks among the top 30 in the UK and was awarded Gold in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework, while De Montfort University is renowned for its career-focused education and was ranked 1st in the world for international student satisfaction in the 2024 International Student Barometer. Together, they create a diverse, international community from over 150 countries.
Student accommodation in Leicester is among the cheapest in the UK. Weekly rents typically range from £85 to £160 for shared houses, making it significantly more affordable than Birmingham, Nottingham, or London. The city ranks as one of the top three most affordable student cities in the UK, with average monthly accommodation costs lower than many similar-sized cities.
What truly sets Leicester apart is its extraordinary cultural diversity. The city hosts the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India, and its famous Golden Mile showcases authentic South Asian culture, food, and shopping. Add in fascinating history, the National Space Centre, and excellent transport links to London, and you have a city that offers exceptional value and a truly unique experience.
The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students
Leicester’s student areas are well-connected and conveniently located near both universities. The city is compact and walkable, with most student neighbourhoods within easy reach of campus by foot, bus, or bicycle.
Clarendon Park
Clarendon Park is the most popular area for University of Leicester students. Located just south of the main campus, it offers unbeatable convenience combined with a vibrant community atmosphere. The neighbourhood is known for its tree-lined streets, independent cafes, charity shops, and a strong student presence.
Queens Road runs through the heart of Clarendon Park and is packed with coffee shops, takeaways, and local amenities. Victoria Park, one of Leicester’s most beautiful green spaces, is right on your doorstep. The area strikes the perfect balance between lively student life and residential calm. Average weekly rent ranges from £100 to £140.
Highfields
Highfields is one of Leicester’s most multicultural neighbourhoods and a favourite among budget-conscious students. Located close to both universities, the area offers excellent value accommodation with a strong community feel. It is particularly popular with international students who appreciate its cultural diversity and affordable living.
The neighbourhood has a wide range of local shops, international supermarkets, and diverse food options. Spinney Hill Park provides green space nearby. Highfields appeals to students seeking affordable accommodation with good transport links and a welcoming, diverse community. Average weekly rent ranges from £85 to £120.
City Centre
Leicester city centre offers purpose-built student accommodation within walking distance of both De Montfort University and the University of Leicester. Living centrally puts you at the heart of the action, with shops, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment all on your doorstep.
The Highcross Shopping Centre, Curve Theatre, and Leicester Market are all within easy reach. The city centre suits students who want urban living with maximum convenience. Transport links are excellent, with the train station and bus station both centrally located. Average weekly rent for PBSA ranges from £120 to £250.
Westcotes
Westcotes is a vibrant, student-friendly area located to the west of the city centre. Popular with De Montfort University students, the neighbourhood is known for its affordability and proximity to campus. Narborough Road, which runs through the area, was named the most diverse street in the UK by the Economic and Social Research Council.
The area has excellent local amenities, diverse restaurants and takeaways, and a strong community atmosphere. Westcotes appeals to students who want affordable accommodation close to DMU with great local character. Average weekly rent ranges from £90 to £130.
Stoneygate
Stoneygate sits between Clarendon Park and the city centre, offering a slightly more upmarket feel while remaining accessible to both universities. The neighbourhood has leafy streets, attractive Victorian houses, and a peaceful residential atmosphere.
The area benefits from good transport links, including direct rail connections to London. Local amenities include quality shops and restaurants. Stoneygate suits students who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing accessibility. Average weekly rent ranges from £110 to £150.
Oadby
Oadby is a pleasant market town located about ten minutes south of Leicester city centre. It offers a more mature living experience with quiet streets and a family-friendly atmosphere. The University of Leicester’s botanical gardens and student village are located here.
Regular buses connect Oadby to both universities, making the commute straightforward. The area appeals to postgraduate students and those seeking a quieter environment for focused study. Average weekly rent ranges from £95 to £140.
Getting to Leicester as an International Student
Leicester is conveniently located in central England and is well served by several major airports with excellent onward connections.
East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport is the closest airport to Leicester, located approximately 20 miles away. It primarily operates flights to European destinations and is well served by budget airlines.
The Skylink bus service connects the airport to Leicester, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. Tickets cost around £4 to £5. Alternatively, you can take a train from East Midlands Parkway station to Leicester, requiring one change.
London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow is the UK’s largest airport and the most commonly used arrival point for international students. It offers extensive global connections to Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
There is a direct National Express bus service from Heathrow to Leicester, taking approximately 3 to 4.5 hours. Tickets cost from £19 to £55. Alternatively, you can take the Tube to King’s Cross St Pancras and catch a direct train to Leicester, with the total journey taking just over 2 hours. The University of Leicester has partnered with National Express to offer students a 20% discount on airport coach travel.
Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport is approximately 40 miles from Leicester and offers a wider range of international destinations than East Midlands. There is a direct National Express bus service taking approximately 1.5 hours, with tickets costing around £10. Train connections via Birmingham New Street take approximately 1.5 hours and cost from £9 to £50.
London Stansted Airport
Stansted offers flights to over 140 destinations and has a direct rail service to Leicester. The train journey takes just over 2 hours, and tickets cost between £20 and £30. Coach services are also available, taking approximately 3.5 hours.
London Gatwick Airport
Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport. There is a direct bus service to Leicester, taking 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, take the Thameslink train to St Pancras International and connect to a direct Leicester train. Total journey time is around 2.5 hours.
Getting Around Leicester
Leicester has excellent public transport for a compact city, and many students find they can walk to most places they need to go.
Buses: First Bus, Arriva, and Centrebus operate extensive routes across Leicester. Single fares are capped at £2 under the government bus fare scheme. Weekly student passes cost approximately £15 to £22, depending on the operator. Both universities offer student discount schemes with local bus companies.
Walking and Cycling: Leicester is compact, and many students walk everywhere, particularly those living in Clarendon Park, Highfields, or the city centre. The city has dedicated cycle lanes, and the universities provide secure bicycle storage. Cycling is a popular, cheap, and environmentally friendly way to get around.
Trains: Leicester station connects to London St Pancras in just over 1 hour, Nottingham in 30 minutes, Birmingham in 1 hour 15 minutes, and Sheffield in 1 hour. A 16-25 Railcard (£30 per year) saves one third on most rail fares. Many student bank accounts include a free railcard.
Shuttle Services: Medical students can travel free on the Hospital Hopper shuttle service connecting Leicester’s three hospitals. The University of Leicester also operates a shuttle bus between the campus and The Village accommodation.
Universities in Leicester
Leicester has two major universities with distinct characters and strengths.
University of Leicester
The University of Leicester is a leading research university established in 1921, ranking among the top 30 in the UK and 25th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.
Leicester has approximately 20,000 students, including around 5,000 international learners from over 150 countries. The university is renowned for ground-breaking research, including the development of genetic fingerprinting and the discovery of King Richard III’s remains. It excels in Medicine, Space Science, Museum Studies, Archaeology, and Law.
The main campus is adjacent to Victoria Park, featuring the distinctive Attenborough Tower, the modern David Wilson Library, and excellent research facilities, including Europe’s largest university-based space research centre. Most students live in the southern suburbs, including Clarendon Park, Stoneygate, and Oadby.
De Montfort University
De Montfort University is one of the UK’s most popular universities for international students, welcoming 2,700 students from over 130 countries.
DMU was ranked 1st in the world for overall average satisfaction by international students in the 2024 International Student Barometer. The university has approximately 27,000 students and is known for its innovative block teaching approach, where students focus on one subject at a time for deeper learning.
The university has a single city centre campus located right in the heart of Leicester, adjacent to Leicester Castle and the Magazine Gateway. This central location means shops, restaurants, and entertainment are all within walking distance. Popular courses include Business, Law, Nursing, Computing, Art and Design, and Fashion.
DMU has strong links with major employers, including Leicester City Football Club, the NHS, and Next. The university’s award-winning Careers Team provides guaranteed work experience opportunities for all students.
Cost of Living in Leicester for International Students
Leicester is consistently ranked among the UK’s most affordable student cities. Living costs are approximately 26% below London and significantly lower than nearby Birmingham and Nottingham.
Accommodation (weekly)
Shared house in Highfields: £85 to £120
Shared house in Clarendon Park: £100 to £140
House in Westcotes: £90 to £130
University halls: £100 to £180 En-suite PBSA: £130 to £200
City centre studio: £170 to £280
Both universities offer accommodation at competitive rates, with some options available from under £100 per week with bills included.
Food and Groceries
Budget around £100 to £150 per month for groceries. Aldi and Lidl offer excellent value, with Aldi claiming the top spot for affordability in 2025. Leicester Market in the city centre sells fresh produce, meat, fish, and international ingredients at competitive prices. The Golden Mile on Belgrave Road has specialist South Asian supermarkets and authentic ingredients from around the world.
Eating out is affordable, with Leicester having been named England’s Curry Capital. Student-friendly options abound across the city. Budget £40 to £80 per month for occasional meals out.
Transport
Many Leicester students walk to campus, particularly those living in Clarendon Park, Highfields, or the city centre. For those who need public transport, a monthly bus pass costs around £52 to £60. The £2 government bus fare cap makes individual journeys very affordable.
Other Costs
Mobile phone SIM-only plans cost around £10 to £20 per month. Gym membership (outside university facilities) costs £20 to £35 per month. Entertainment and nights out are affordable, with many clubs offering cheap or free entry on student nights.
Realistic Monthly Budget
Budget-conscious students can live comfortably on £800 to £1,000 per month in Leicester. A typical student spending on mid-range accommodation and moderate social activities should budget £1,200 to £1,600 per month. This makes Leicester one of the best value student cities in the UK.
For visa purposes, you need to show £1,023 per month (outside London rate) in savings.
Leicester Saving Tips
Take advantage of Leicester’s many free attractions, including Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, New Walk Museum, Abbey Park, and Castle Gardens. Use the Too Good To Go app for discounted meals. Shop at Aldi, Lidl, or Leicester Market. Walk rather than using public transport when possible. Join societies at the Students’ Union for free or low-cost social activities. Both universities offer extensive student discount schemes with local businesses.
International Student Community in Leicester
Leicester has one of the UK’s largest and most welcoming international student communities.
Student Societies and Support
The University of Leicester Students’ Union offers over 200 clubs and societies, including cultural groups, nationality-based societies, and international student organisations. The university’s dedicated International Student Experience team provides comprehensive support throughout your studies.
De Montfort Students’ Union similarly offers over 200 clubs and societies, nearly 40 sports clubs, and extensive support services. DMU’s international student support includes visa advice, orientation programmes, and a buddy system to help newcomers settle in.
Where to Socialise
Popular student venues include The 2Funky Street Café, O2 Academy Leicester, and the numerous bars and clubs in the city centre. The Curve Theatre in the Cultural Quarter hosts world-class performances. For quieter socialising, Leicester has excellent coffee shops throughout Clarendon Park and the city centre.
Both universities have active Students’ Unions with regular events, including international nights and cultural celebrations.
What Makes Leicester Special for International Students
Remarkable History
Leicester has a fascinating 2,000-year history. The Jewry Wall is one of the highest surviving pieces of Roman masonry in Britain. But Leicester’s most extraordinary recent discovery was finding the remains of King Richard III under a car park in 2012. The King Richard III Visitor Centre tells this incredible story.
National Space Centre
Leicester is home to the UK’s largest space science centre, reflecting the University of Leicester’s world-leading space research. The National Space Centre features six galleries, the UK’s largest domed planetarium, and fascinating exhibits on rockets, satellites, and space exploration. It is a unique attraction that showcases Leicester’s contribution to astrology.
Football
Leicester City Football Club wrote one of the greatest sporting stories in history by winning the Premier League against odds of 5000-1 in 2016. The King Power Stadium offers stadium tours and match-day experiences. The city is also home to Leicester Tigers, one of England’s most successful rugby clubs.
Green Spaces
Leicester has abundant parks and green spaces. Victoria Park, adjacent to the University of Leicester, hosts major events and provides beautiful grounds for relaxation. Abbey Park offers riverside walks and historic ruins. The University of Leicester Botanic Garden in Oadby has 16 acres of beautiful gardens. Bradgate Park, just outside the city, features ancient deer park woodland and the ruins of Lady Jane Grey’s birthplace.
Leicester FAQs
Is Leicester a good city for international students?
Absolutely. The international student community is large and well-supported, the city is safe and welcoming, and the diverse population means students from every background feel at home. DMU’s ranking as 1st in the world for international student satisfaction reflects the genuine quality of the experience.
Is Leicester safe?
Leicester is generally considered a safe city with crime rates similar to those of comparable UK cities. Student areas like Clarendon Park and Oadby are particularly safe. Both universities have support systems, including safe taxi schemes for late-night travel.
What is the weather like?
Leicester has a temperate climate typical of central England. Winters are cold but rarely severe, with occasional snow. Summers are mild and pleasant. The city is less rainy than western England, but waterproof clothing is still essential.
Is it easy to find part-time work?
Leicester has good part-time job opportunities for students. Both universities have excellent career services that help with job searches. Major employers in the city include Next, Leicester City Football Club, and the NHS. The hospitality, retail, and service sectors regularly employ students.
Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Leicester?
Now that you have seen all that Leicester has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of Leicester student accommodation options.
If you have more questions relating to more general international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.