Student Accommodation in Leicester

Leicester, the county town of Leicestershire, sits along the River Soar in the East Midlands and is known as one of the UK's most diverse and welcoming student cities. The city blends a rich multicultural heritage with a compact, walkable centre, home to landmarks like the King Richard III Visitor Centre and the historic Highcross shopping quarter. Leicester is popular among students because of its affordability and welcoming community, which is one of the reasons why it's home to 42,100 students, including 31,085 domestic students and 11,015 international students, as per HESA student data 2024-25 across two universities: the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.

Leicester has become a sought-after study destination due to its lower living costs, strong university reputations and a genuinely diverse student community. However, with 42,100 students in the city, there simply aren't enough PBSA beds. Hence, it's important to start your search at least 3–4 months before term starts, especially if you have your heart set on a specific area or budget. At UniAcco, you can compare verified student accommodation in Leicester, browse different room types and prices, and get 24/7 support to help you find the right place with confidence.

 

Leicester in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Leicester?

Students choose accommodation in Leicester for its affordability, modern amenities, convenient locations and vibrant student community. With an average rent of around £142 per week, student accommodation Leicester is cheaper than in London, while everyday living and getting around the city are also budget-friendly. Home to 42,100 students across two universities, Leicester offers a sufficient amount of PBSA beds, giving students a good range of options to choose from. Most student accommodation comes fully furnished, with utility bills included, and offers modern amenities such as WiFi, study spaces, communal lounges and other facilities that make everyday student life a little smoother. Popular student areas like Clarendon Park, Highfields, Stoneygate, Evington and Oadby sit just minutes from the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, making settling in easier for first-years and international students who'd rather not spend their early weeks figuring out long commutes. CCTV surveillance, secure entry systems and on-site support teams further provide a safe and comfortable living environment, while areas like Highfields and Evington bring a strong sense of community, with independent cafes, international grocers and a genuinely multicultural feel that helps make Leicester feel like home. 

 

UniAcco Booking Insights 

• Average weekly rent: £142 
• 49% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging £137/week 
• 33% choose studios, averaging £169/week 
• 16% choose non-ensuite rooms, the most affordable option at £100/week 
• Strong balance of affordability and choice across three main room types

 

Accommodation Types Available in Leicester

Leicester has a wide range of student room types that cater to different student needs. Take a look at these room types and understand which suits your students' needs the most.

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Leicester

In the UK, Leicester is one of the most affordable cities. The rent prices here are lower than in the UK capital. These rooms are affordable yet fully furnished, come with modern amenities, and have bills included. Take a look at the top 10 affordable student accommodation Leicester: 

1. Ben Russell Court, Leicester
2. The Hosiery Factory
3. The Shoe & Boot Factory
4. Queens Court
5. Pennine House, Leicester
6. Regents Court
7. Grange Lane Apartments
8. 10 Albion Street
9. York House 
10. Liberty Park

 

Best Student Housing in Leicester

The perfect student stay is all about finding a place that makes everyday university life easier and more enjoyable. Most students look for accommodation with a short commute to campus, affordable rent that fits their budget, nearby supermarkets and food spots, and a lively student atmosphere where they can socialise, study, and feel part of the community. Properties listed here are based on real students who have actually lived in Leicester. Take a look at these top 10 student-approved housing areas on UniAcco. 

1. The Grange, Leicester
2. Liberty Park, Leicester
3. Albion Court
4. Applegate Place
5. CODE Leicester
6. The Summit Leicester
7. Tudor Studios
8. Upperton Road Leicester 
9. Merlin Heights, Leicester
10. The Summit

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Leicester

• Stoneygate 

A safe, quiet neighbourhood popular with students seeking a bit of calm after lectures. This student accommodation area is about a 23-minute walking distance from the University of Leicester, with frequent bus services, and a Tesco Express is a 15–20-minute walk to the southeast for daily essentials. 

• Evington 

This area is set roughly three miles east of the city centre. Evington is one of the more affordable areas of student housing Leicester. The University of Leicester is a bit further on foot, however, just a 15-minute cycle ride away. It has a 24-hour Spar, pharmacies, post offices, and independent shops close by, and UniAcco properties here include studios, ensuites, and non-ensuites, all fully furnished with bills included. 

• Clarendon Park 

Clarendon Park is a safe, welcoming, student-friendly area. The student accommodation here has Victorian terraces. It's just 11 minutes on foot from the University of Leicester. Staying in this area means students are near Sainsbury's and Costa, independent cafes, vintage boutiques, bakeries, and student pubs like The Clarendon.

• Highfields 

A favourite with second- and third-years, Highfields is just a 15-minute walk away from the University of Leicester campus. This area gives students a sense of multicultural community and also has independent international grocers, halal eateries, and takeaways along London Road. 

• Oadby

Students looking for an area with a residential feel and premium surroundings can choose Oadby. The University of Leicester is 10 minutes by car from this area. The rent is slightly higher; however, it is a good area to live in. Student homes in Leicester come fully furnished and have a well-equipped kitchen with an oven, fridge, and microwave, and a living room. There are regular public bus services like the Arriva 80 or 31 that connect Oadby to the city centre. 

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities

 

Getting Around Leicester – Student Travel Guide

Leicester is compact and genuinely student-friendly to get around, with dedicated cycle lanes threading through the city and bus routes linking campuses, accommodation and the centre.

 

Transport options and costs:

Student Life in Leicester

• Parks and Green Spaces: 

A student favourite green space in Leicester is Victoria Park. It is close to the University of Leicester, so students often stop by on their way to or from campus. On weekends, they come here for a jog, a picnic, or just some fresh air before getting back to studying. 

• Culture and Attractions: 

Students can spend their weekends at the National Space Centre, which displays major astronomical events and has giant replica space rockets, exhibitions, galleries, and a planetarium. It gives students a 360-degree cinematic experience exploring the universe. Students studying at De Montfort University are close to this place since it's roughly 2.2 miles (3.5 km) away. 

• Nightlife and Entertainment: 

Students who want to have a different experience than just going to a regular pub must visit the Belvoir Brewery. Grab friends to try their handcrafted local beers, enjoy brewery tours, and get fresh tastings of their beers, all while in a cosy countryside setting. Another student's favourite is this independent live music venue and arts bar called The Cookie. Since it's only 0.5 to 0.7 miles from De Montfort University, it is a popular spot among students. Students don’t only go for live music but also for acoustic performances and stand-up comedy shows. 

• Sports and Fitness: 

For students who enjoy watching football, a live Leicester City FC game at the King Power Stadium is an unforgettable experience. The stadium also hosts events, tours, and big football moments that bring students together and make them feel part of the city’s community spirit.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Leicester?

Booking early beats waiting until the last minute. Here’s when to start looking, based on your course start date:

 

Why Book Student Accommodation in Leicester with UniAcco?

Step 1: Compare prices and properties: First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 106 verified listings, shortlist the accommodation that suits your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details: Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get the confirmation: Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.