How to Nail Your Next Student Housing in Leicester
(Without Losing Your Deposit or Your Mind)
If you’re at the University of Leicester, you’ll know the November and January Housing Fairs are when next year’s house hunt begins. But while it’s tempting to lock something down fast (especially when your mates are all signing contracts), there’s more to moving than just picking a place.
When searching for student housing in Leicester, make safety, proximity to university, and amenities a priority to ensure a comfortable and secure living environment.
This brief guide covers student housing in Leicester, a top UK student city known for its vibrant universities and student lifestyle.
Here’s your guide to finding your next student home in Leicester — and what to do with all your stuff when there’s a gap between moving out and moving in.
Welcome to Leicester: What Makes Student Housing Here Unique?
Leicester isn’t just another university city—it’s a place where history, culture, and student life collide in the best way possible. With two top universities—De Montfort University and the University of Leicester—this city buzzes with energy all year round. Whether you’re after purpose built student accommodation, a classic student house, or a modern studio, Leicester has a huge range of student accommodation options to suit every budget and lifestyle.
What sets student housing in Leicester apart? For starters, you’ll find everything from spacious houses and stylish flats to affordable studios, all designed with students in mind. The city’s diverse student population means you’ll meet people from all over the world, and there’s always something happening—whether it’s a festival, a gig, or a pop-up food market. Plus, with so many accommodation options located close to campus, you’ll never be far from your lectures, the city’s best hangouts, or your next adventure. In short: Leicester is the perfect place to find your next student home.
Location, Location, Location: Where Should You Live?
When it comes to student accommodation in Leicester, where you live can make all the difference. The city centre is a favourite for students who want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to shops, nightlife, and public transport. If you’re studying at De Montfort University, living in the city centre or nearby areas means you’re just a short walk from campus and all the amenities you could need.
Looking for a more laid-back vibe? Clarendon Park is a top pick, known for its leafy streets, independent cafes, and friendly student community. Victoria Park is another hotspot, especially for University of Leicester students who want green space on their doorstep. Aylestone Park and Highfields also offer a great mix of student flats, shared houses, and affordable accommodation options, all with easy access to public transport and the city’s main attractions.
No matter your budget or lifestyle, Leicester has a neighbourhood to suit you—whether you want to live close to campus, enjoy the buzz of the city centre, or find a quiet spot to call your own.
Halls, Houses, or Something in Between?
Choosing your student accommodation in Leicester is all about finding what works for you. University halls are a popular choice for first-year students, offering a ready-made social scene, communal areas, and en suite rooms for extra comfort. If you’re after a bit more independence, purpose built student accommodation gives you modern amenities and your own space, often right in the heart of the city.
Prefer a more homely feel? Private student houses and house shares are everywhere in Leicester, from classic Victorian terraces to newly renovated properties. These are perfect if you want to live with friends or meet new people, and they often come with spacious communal areas for movie nights and group dinners. If you’re someone who values privacy, student studios and flats let you enjoy your own space while still being close to university life.
With so many accommodation options—halls, houses, studios, and more—Leicester makes it easy to find a student home that fits your budget, lifestyle, and study needs.
1. Don’t Rush — But Don’t Leave It Too Late
The housing fair is designed to give you access to a wide selection of Leicester student accommodation, offering a variety of options for students to choose from. Leicester has plenty of student housing, with choices ranging from modern apartments to shared houses in popular areas close to city landmarks. View a few places, ask questions about bills, rent, and check for the boring-but-important stuff like mould, heating, and water pressure.
Pro tip: Some landlords drop prices in the spring if they still have rooms left, so if you’re flexible, you could save.
2. Housemates Can Make or Break Your Year
Your best friend might be great for nights out, but do they do their washing up? Many students choose to live in a group or with friends, often opting for a shared house or house share to benefit from lower costs, flexibility, and a vibrant social life. Shared houses are a popular choice for groups of friends looking for affordable and sociable student accommodation. Think about how you live before committing.
3. Mind the Gap
Here’s the catch: most halls contracts end in June, but private rentals often don’t start until August or even September. That can leave you with a storage gap and a lot of stuff to deal with.
4. Storage That Fits Student Life
Instead of dragging your bedding, pots, and PS5 back to your parents’ house, consider student storage in Leicester.
Smartbox Self Storage offers:
- Short-term rentals from just a week
- Small units and lockers for just a few boxes
- Organised pick up and drop-off if necessary
- Discounts for Uni of Leicester students during housing fair season
5. The Tenancy Trap: What to Know Before You Sign
Signing up for your next student accommodation in Leicester can feel like a big win—until you realise you’ve missed the small print. Before you get swept up in the excitement of a new student home, take a moment to get clued up on your tenancy agreement. This contract is the rulebook for your stay, so understanding it is key to avoiding headaches (and surprise costs) down the line.
If you have any questions or concerns about your tenancy agreement, contact your landlord or property manager for clarification and support.
6. Budget Like a Boss: The Real Costs of Student Living
Let’s talk money—because managing your budget is just as important as finding the right student accommodation in Leicester. The cost of living here can vary, but there’s something for every budget. Shared houses are a great way to save money, with weekly rent often between £80 and £120 per person, usually with bills included. If you’re eyeing up purpose built student accommodation, expect to pay a bit more—anywhere from £100 to £200 per week, depending on location and amenities.
Don’t forget to factor in the extras: food, transport, and those all-important nights out. Cooking at home, sharing a house with friends, and making the most of student discounts can help you stretch your budget further. The key is to know what you’re paying for—check if bills are included, and always read the small print before you sign anything. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy everything Leicester has to offer without breaking the bank.
7. Making the Most of Your Student Experience in Leicester
Leicester is more than just a place to study—it’s a city packed with opportunities to make your student years unforgettable. From the bustling stalls of Leicester Market to the green open spaces of Victoria Park, there’s always something to explore. The city’s diverse food scene, buzzing nightlife, and endless amenities mean you’ll never be short of things to do with friends.
Getting involved in university life is a must—join a club, try a new sport, or sign up for a society to meet people from all walks of life. Leicester’s friendly student community makes it easy to settle in, whether you’re a local or an international student. And with so many events, festivals, and cultural attractions (hello, King Richard III!), you’ll quickly feel at home.
Make the most of your time here by exploring the city, making new friends, and saying yes to new experiences. Leicester is the perfect place to live, learn, and create memories that’ll last long after graduation.
Your Housing Fair Checklist
Leicester offers a wide variety of student accommodation options, including student houses, student flats, studios, apartments, private student accommodation, and purpose built student accommodation. Most students look for features such as bills included, en suite rooms, communal areas, and a range of amenities to enhance their living experience. Many properties are situated close to De Montfort University and Leicester University, providing easy access to the city centre, public transport, and popular student areas like Victoria Park, Clarendon Park, Aylestone Park, and Upperton Road. Leicester city centre is a vibrant hub with excellent amenities, diverse food options, and convenient access to Leicester market.
The city is a top choice for international students, offering a wide selection of student homes and student studios, and is often more affordable than other cities. Most students choose to live in areas that suit their lifestyle, whether suited for groups, individuals, or couples, with plenty of space and living options to match every need. Both De Montfort and Leicester University are centrally located and surrounded by perfect student accommodation options.
If you decide to stop by the Housing Fair at University of Leicester, here is a handy checklist to make sure you get the most out of the exhibitors and beyond.
- View at least 3 properties before deciding.
- Check if bills are included, if the property has en suite rooms, communal areas, and what amenities are available.
- Consider the cost, your budget, and what you pay per person.
- Check the landlord or property managers’ reputation and legal protections. Look up local listings and citation sites for reviews.
- Consider short term stays if you need flexibility.
- Prioritise location, access to public transport, and proximity to your university campus.
- Agree house rules with future housemates.
- Factor in your move-out and move-in dates.
- Book storage early if there’s a gap in contracts.
- Look for paid part-time work opportunities in Leicester to help cover living expenses.
