Cost Of Living In Leicester For Students [Updated Prices 2024]

Coming to the UK to study is a great idea because of the superior education infrastructure here. But this costs money, and depending on where in the UK you choose to study; there can be a substantial difference in the costs you bear. A significant advantage of studying and living in Leicester is that your money will go a long way. Leicester has consistently been regarded as one of the UK’s most affordable student destinations. This means that by studying in Leicester, you will be studying in one of the best value cities for student accommodation, food, and other living costs. Let’s learn more about the cost of living in Leicester for students.

According to Numbeo, Leicester ranks among the top 5 most affordable cities in the UK. This indicates that it is 26% cheaper to live in Leicester than in the UK capital of London. For international students who are looking to move to Leicester for their higher education, it is ideal to maintain a monthly budget of £1,500 to £1,900 as part of their living expenses. Privately rented accommodation in this area typically ranges from £75 to £200 per week. This article further details various expenses that international students often come across in the city.

What is The Cost of Living In Leicester for Students?

The cost of living in Leicester is close to the national average and, therefore, attracts a good number of students from all over the world. The presence of world-class universities such as the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, add to the overall allure of Leicester. 

Here is a rough estimate of the monthly costs in Leicester –

Below is a breakdown of the cost of living in the Leicester for Indian Students

*The accommodation costs are dynamic in nature and are based on property availability

Factors Influencing Cost of Living in Leicester

The cost of living in Leicester as a student is defined by a variety of factors which contribute to the overall expenses. The key aspects that determine the cost of living for students in Leicester include:

Accommodation

Accommodation costs are generally higher in the city centre and close to the universities, and lower in the suburbs. You can go for purpose-built student accommodations as the property pricing are inclusive of the utility bills for convenience. 

Transportation

The mode of transportation (public transport, bike, or car) and the frequency of travel can impact overall expenses. 

Food and Groceries

The cost of food, groceries, and dining out can vary based on individual preferences and dietary habits. The proximity of supermarkets and grocery stores can also affect prices.

Lifestyle Choices

Personal spending habits, lifestyle choices, and individual preferences can vary, affecting the overall cost of living. This includes the budget you want to allocate for your personal care, grooming and well-being.

Leicester Accommodation

Note – Student housing is budget-friendly as it covers utilities, which is priced at £240 to £290 per month. That is around 10-15% of total living costs.

What Is The Average Rent In Leicester?

As per Expatistan, the monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished student houses Leicester in an expensive area works up to £714 per month whereas the rent of a similar room in a normal area would cost you £655 every month. Larger studio apartments will cost you even more. Then there are also overheads like heating, electricity, water, gas, etc. that will set you back £134 per month. You’ve probably already guessed by now that the cost of student accommodation Leicester will form a huge part of your student budget (along with tuition fees). 

But we’ve partnered with some amazing Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA’s) companies who provide a stunning range of rooms at really affordable prices. What’s more, the cost of utilities will be included in the rent so bid adieu to those expensive utility bills. Check out our website to browse through thousands of properties spread across 71 cities across the UK.

The Best Student Accommodation In Leicester

Premium Housing Option

1. iQ Grosvenor House

Where?

21-33 Newarke St, Leicester LE1 5SP, United Kingdom

About iQ Grosvenor House

If the Queen can live an uber-luxurious life in London, then there’s no reason you can’t do the same in Leicester. There’s no better place in Leicester to live like royalty than iQ Grosvenor House. This student accommodation Leicester offers en-suite rooms, studio rooms and also one-bed apartments. Irrespective of your room choice, expect a WiFi connection, a bed and a study desk & chair in every room. Another great part about iQ Grosvenor House is the fact De Montfort University, Leicester is only a minute away! Residents can choose to unwind by playing pool or simply relax in the communal lounge. Other amenities include a garden, parcel receipt service, contents insurance, social events, bike storage and a games room. 

Price Range

£141 – £237/week

Mid-Range Housing Option

2. The Summit

Where?

The Summit, Eastern Blvd, Leicester LE2 7JD, UK

About The Summit

The Summit offers luxurious Leicester student lettings at an affordable price. Over here, you will find fully furnished studio rooms and one bedroom apartments. Expect to find in every room a super-fast WiFi connection, a comfortable double bed and a decked-out kitchen. Residents can even make use of the communal amenities that include bike storage, a garden, 24/7 dedicated support, an on-site gym, social events, car parking, a communal area, a study area and contents insurance. What’s more, De Montfort University, Leicester is a 4-minute drive away.

Price Range

£149 – £199/week

Value For Money Housing Option

3. Brookland Road

Where?

Brookland Rd, Leicester LE2 6BH, United Kingdom

About Brookland Road

If you’re on a tight budget, Brookland Road is your best option for student accommodation Leicester. You can find a fully furnished en-suite room for only £99 per week. The en-suite rooms and studio rooms up for grabs have all the latest facilities and amenities. Residents can also use the communal amenities like all-inclusive utility bills, contents insurance, an on-site gym, study rooms, a games room, a cinema, on-site laundry facilities and ANUK accreditation. 

Price Range

£99 – £149/week

Cost of Studying in Leicester

Tuition fees can differ between different universities in Leicester. The University of Leicester and De Montfort University are the two main options, and they may have different pricing structures. Tuition fees in Leicester normally range from around £9,250 to £22,950 on average per year. You should factor in expenses for transportation, groceries, personal well-being, and other miscellaneous costs when calculating your overall study expenses in Leicester. The exact amount will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.

Cost Of Transportation In Leicester

Leicester has excellent transport links that make it easy to travel to the university, or anywhere else in the city. Trains and buses are the preferred modes of transportation, with the latter being the cheaper option. For students in Leicester, transport costs are manageable with student tickets for unlimited travel. Monthly passes are £58.10, and a three-month pass is £166.40, both available through the First Bus App. For those you prefer travelling around by cab, be prepared to shell out £11 per taxi trip on an 8 km journey (5 miles). This reflects the cost of transport for students in Leicester.

Cost Of Food And Other Necessities In Leicester

It goes without saying that preparing your own food will save you a lot of money. The cost of food in Leicester is so affordable that you can prepare an entire day’s meal for under £10. In contrast, a dinner for two at an Italian restaurant will cost you £50. Here is a rough breakdown of the cost of basic food in Leicester – 

• Milk (regular), (1 litre) – £0.90
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) – £1.00
• Rice (white), (1kg) – £0.66
• Eggs (regular) (12) – £1.84
• Local Cheese (1kg) – £3.96
• Chicken Fillets (1kg) – £5.08
• Apples (1kg) – £1.62
• Banana (1kg) – £1.25
• Oranges (1kg) – £2.00
• Tomato (1kg) – £1.66
• Potato (1kg) – £1.26
• Onion (1kg) – £0.96
• Water (1.5-litre bottle) – £1.04
• Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) – £6.00
• Domestic Beer (0.5-litre bottle) – £1.91
• Imported Beer (0.33-litre bottle) – £1.83

Besides food, you will also have to spend on clothing, gym membership, doctor’s visit, toiletries, etc. In Leicester, students should expect the cost of food to be close to £400 monthly, as part of their essential expenses.

Cost of Personal Care

The cost of personal care for students in Leicester can vary from person to person. This is dependent on personal choices, preferences and lifestyles. Some might prefer to go for high-end luxury labels for apparel and accessories while others might prefer thrift store shopping. Prices for personal care services, such as haircuts, salon services, and other related expenses, can vary widely based on factors such as the specific service, the location within the city, and the establishment offering the service. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and beauty salons in different areas of Leicester might have different price points. Basic self-care products will cost you around £5 – £10 per month. Skincare and beauty products will normally range from £15 – £30 monthly.

Cost Of Entertainment And Recreation In Leicester

Leicester has two main shopping centres Highcross Leicester and the Haymarket Shopping Centre. You can also find numerous designer and specialist shops on St Martin’s Square and the Leicester Lanes. There are also various restaurants, clubs and pubs in the area and along the city’s Victorian arcades. Here is a list of basic prices for entertainment and recreation in Leicester – 

• Basic dinner out for two in a neighbourhood pub – £22
• Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the ex-pat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert – £50
• 2 tickets to the movies – £16
• 1 cocktail drink in a downtown club – £10
• Cappuccino in the ex-pat area of the city – £3.42
• 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) – £3.03

Some Money-Saving Tips In Leicester

Make separate accounts – One account for your direct payment obligations such as rent and bills, and another for day-to-day expenses. This will ensure you don’t accidentally spend your rent money.

Stay away from credit cards – Credit cards are always a bad idea because as a student, you will inevitably fall behind on your payments. Credit card companies charge a high rate of interest and defaulting on these payments will have an adverse effect on your credit history.

Part-time and summer jobs – There’s no harm in earning a bit of money. Apply for jobs around your campus. You can also apply for paid internships.

Discounts – Apply for the NUS Extra Card to get discounts at your favourite shops. Be vigilant for any deals or discounts when you’re shopping. 

Speak to the locals – They will tell you the cheapest local places to shop in the city. You can also ask them for the best time to visit these shops so that you can avoid large crowds.

Buy Second-hand books – If you try to purchase all the books on your reading list, you will go broke. Check websites that sell used textbooks, but make sure you’re getting the right edition. Second-hand books are not only cheap but also come with useful notes and tips written by the previous owner. 

Sources: UniAcco data, Numbeo, Expatistan.

Job Opportunities in Leicester

Leicester, like many cities, offers a variety of job opportunities for students. The availability of part-time jobs can depend on factors such as the student’s skills, interests, and the time they have available. Here are some popular job opportunities for students in Leicester:

Retail Jobs

Working in shops, supermarkets, or malls as a sales assistant, cashier, or customer service representative.

Hospitality and Catering

Jobs in restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels as waitstaff, baristas, kitchen assistants, or front-of-house staff.

Administrative and Office Support

Part-time positions in offices or administrative roles, including data entry, receptionist, or office assistant.

Event Staff

Temporary positions in event management, including roles as event staff for concerts, sports events, and conferences.

Sales and Marketing

Part-time roles in sales or marketing, including promoting products or services both online and offline.

FAQs on Cost of Living in Leicester