If Leicester’s on your list, you’re probably wondering what it’s actually like to live here as a student. Whether you’re heading to De Montfort University, the University of Leicester, or the Addict Dance Academy, you’ve picked a city that genuinely delivers on student life.
The University of Leicester was ranked top 15 in the UK for student satisfaction in the 2025 National Student Survey and it’s not hard to see why. Leicester has the buzz of a big city without the price tag to match; in fact, it’s been ranked the cheapest city in the UK for students to live in (Unifresher’s 2025 listing). That’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
But what’s it actually like to live here? Here’s your honest guide to everything student life in Leicester has to offer.
Best Areas to Live in Leicester as a Student
Finding the right area to live in makes a huge difference to your university experience and Leicester has some brilliant options depending on your vibe.
Clarendon Park is probably the most popular choice for students, sitting just 15 minutes’ walk from the University of Leicester. It’s full of independent coffee shops, vintage stores and a strong community feel and right next to the beautiful Victoria Park, which is perfect for revision sessions when the sun finally shows up. If Clarendon Park feels a little crowded, Knighton is right next door and offers a quieter, more village-like feel with spacious housing, particularly popular with medical students.
Highfields sits perfectly between both universities and is one of Leicester’s most diverse and vibrant areas, with over 25 nationalities represented in the community. It’s ideal if you want that real sense of belonging. And if you want to be right in the thick of it, Leicester City Centre puts you within a 15–20 minute walk of campus with everything you could possibly need on your doorstep, including the nightlife.
Good student accommodation moves fast in Leicester, so don’t hang around. Browse the Student Digs Leicester properties sooner rather than later.
Best Bars and Clubs in Leicester for Students
Leicester’s nightlife punches well above its weight. Whether you’re after a chilled drink with friends or a proper big night out, the city has something going on every night of the week.
For bars, The Tree is a long-standing student favourite known for its laid-back atmosphere and themed nights, while Firebug on Millstone Lane blends cocktails with live music and comedy nights, a brilliant all-rounder. If you want something a little more hidden gem, 33 Cank Street is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar just off the city centre and The Gadabout brings travel-inspired drinks and quirky décor to the mix.
On the club side, Mosh is a true Leicester institution, multiple floors covering indie, pop and rock and always busy on student nights. Club Republic is one of the city’s biggest venues, hosting weekly student nights with guest DJs and big production shows. Helsinki is an LGBTQ+ friendly space with a stylish crowd and a great atmosphere and Sophy gives you that premium night-out feel without leaving the city centre.
To keep up with the latest events and student nights, platforms like Fixr, Fatsoma and Skiddle are your best friends, they update constantly and list everything from freshers’ events to themed nights and live shows.
Top Student Discounts in Leicester
Student life and tight budgets go hand in hand, but Leicester is one of the most affordable student cities in the country and there are plenty of ways to stretch things even further.
Start by signing up to UNiDAYS, Student Beans and the TOTUM Card, these three between them will unlock hundreds of discounts across fashion, food, tech and travel. Always carry your student ID too; plenty of independent spots around Leicester will offer informal discounts if you just ask.
For food and drink, highlights include 30% off at Bella Italia (Sunday–Thursday via UNiDAYS), 40% off food and drink at Las Iguanas, 25% off at Pho and 2-for-1 cocktails at Turtle Bay. For shopping, the Highcross Shopping Centre runs regular Student Shopping Nights where major retailers offer exclusive discounts, worth bookmarking. On travel, Arriva’s Student Saver ticket saves you up to 30% on bus travel and a 16–25 Railcard unlocks up to 50% off East Midlands Railway fares.
Things to Do in Leicester to Relax as a Student
University life is brilliant, but it can also be a lot. Deadlines, social pressure and new responsibilities stack up quickly, so knowing how to reset is just as important as knowing where to go on a Friday night.
Leicester is full of ways to decompress. Castle Gardens is a couple of minutes from De Montfort and offers a genuinely peaceful escape along the canal and through the greenery. Abbey Park is a bit further but well worth the trip. It’s a large, open Victorian park ideal for a proper walk, a run or just sitting somewhere green when the walls of your house start closing in.
If museums and galleries are your thing, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery is free and about 11–16 minutes’ walk from either university. It’s a great way to feel inspired without spending anything. For something more immersive, the Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit near the Highcross is stunning, tickets are discounted for students at £11.
For a cosy afternoon, Prana Café on Horsefair Street offers vegan food with a 20% student discount and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Reroll Gaming Café on Granby Street is perfect if you want to unplug with board games and good company. And if you need to move your body to clear your head, both Pure Gym and Everlast Gym offer around 20% off for students, physical activity is one of the most effective stress-busters going.
It’s also worth checking out this piece on student wellbeing from the University of Leicester, which highlights just how highly students rate their experience in the city including wellbeing support.
Why Leicester is a Great City for Students
What makes Leicester genuinely great for students isn’t any single thing, it’s how everything fits together. Affordable living, a lively city centre, strong transport links, a diverse and welcoming community and two excellent universities. You can be in the library in the morning, watching live music in the evening and exploring a new corner of the city at the weekend.
The key is making the most of it from day one and that starts with having the right base. At Student Digs, we know Leicester inside out. Take a look at our Leicester student properties and find somewhere that feels like home.
