Students often seek the most suitable city, especially one that matches their academic goals and budget. Thankfully, Leicester could be the perfect match for you as a student; it has everything you’ll need and maybe even more. In addition to affordable accommodation options, a reasonable cost of living, prestigious universities, and a welcoming environment, the city offers exceptional opportunities for students to thrive. The University of Leicester is probably the main factor that made you consider living in the city; however, we’ll dive deeper into student life in Leicester and give you a vivid picture of what it feels like to live in a place like Leicester.

Affordable Cost of Living

One of the main factors that makes Leicester an attractive place for students to call home for their next academic years is its affordability. Students’ main concern while studying abroad is the cost of living and how they will afford their basic living needs. 

Luckily, Leicester is the answer to such concerns, as students will find that it’s much more affordable compared to London, which is around 25% cheaper. Additionally, the city was ranked among the top ten most affordable cities for students to live in the UK; you’ll find yourself saving great money in your pocket, which is music to a student’s ears. Transportation, accommodation, groceries, and student fees, among other fees, will be much cheaper than living in any other city than Leicester.

Cultural Attractions

From art galleries and museums to festivals and music venues, Leicester has various attractions for students to explore and learn about. The cultural history that this city holds can leave you in awe, and you can learn more about it by visiting the resting place of King Richard III, where several historical treasures can be discovered. To travel back in time and cover 2000 years of history within a day, you can check out the Jewry Wall Museum and the king’s tomb in Leicester Cathedral. You can spend your afternoon at the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery to immerse yourself in history and enjoy the rich collection of aesthetic art.

Top Universities

High educational quality is what makes students choose to leave their homes and travel to a foreign country in the first place and start a life from scratch. Fortunately, Leicester succeeds in alluring students from all corners of the world by offering two of the most sought-after universities in the world: the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. Both universities offer students a fine education, and you can find the perfect courses that will set you up for your career. In addition to that, you’ll have excellent on-campus facilities, from libraries stocked with books to modern classrooms and labs. The universities provide top-notch study spaces for students and student accommodation Leicester to choose from. Whether you want to study in a quiet atmosphere or in a bustling cafe, you’ll find the perfect place on campus to study and stay on top of the game.  

Great Job Opportunities 

The most common service industries in Leicester are hospitality and retail, thanks to the diversity of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars offered. This makes the city an excellent place for students to live, as they can make some extra money on the side, so students can attend lectures in the morning and work a part-time job after school. With the city’s affordable cost of living and working part-time, you will save loads of money that you can use later on to travel to nearby cities or, even better, buy something that you have always wanted.

Even after graduation, you’ll have an amazing opportunity to secure a well-paid job, as the city houses some of the largest international companies in the business sector and many fields. Advanced technology, manufacturing, engineering, and healthcare provide ample career opportunities in Leicester. Not only will you gain pocket money while studying as a student in Leicester, but you can also easily land a job to build your career after graduation. If you asked us, this is one of the motivating reasons why you should study in Leicester.

Easy Transportation Links 

As previously mentioned, Leicester is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students; this is clearly demonstrated by the affordable cost of all transfer methods. Moreover, the city has a large network of transportation links, which makes it extremely accessible for students, as they can easily go anywhere in the city using a bus or a train due to their availability. This is only the tip of the iceberg. If you’re planning to take a break on your weekend and get out of Leicester to explore other nearby cities like London or Birmingham, you can easily do so thanks to all the city's various transportation options. Saving money and exploring other nearby cities—what more fun and perks could you ask for?

Welcoming Community and Diversity 

Students often seek a sense of belonging while living in a new place, let alone a whole new country and city. Luckily, Leicester is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are always happy to lend a helping hand when needed. Additionally, it’s famous for its diversity and inclusive community; in fact, 41% of the city’s residents were born outside of the UK. Students will have the opportunity to meet other classmates from different cultural backgrounds; they’ll feel well-represented, welcomed, and embraced as part of the wider community. That’s why, as an international student in Leicester, you’ll feel comfortable and at home from day one, thanks to the city’s welcoming atmosphere and diversity.

Local Events 

With such a welcoming community come great events and social gatherings. There’s always something happening in Leicester, from music scenes to picnics at a family park. The city creates a chance to host a gathering for people to get to know each other better and socialise. It also celebrates various religious and cultural festivals, so you’ll have a chance to learn more about what is celebrated across the city and take some time off from studying. What a bustling student life in Leicester, right?

Mouth-Watering Food 

When it comes to food, Leicester can excel with its countless food options, reflecting the city’s diverse population. Students can explore and devour tasty food at every corner of the city. There are endless South Asian places to choose from, as well as budget-friendly restaurants serving Caribbean-inspired flavours, including the go-to classic deep dish, Neapolitan pizza. The city is also famously known for stilton and red Leicester cheese and a classic pork pie; in fact, when people think of food in Leicester, those are the first two things that automatically come to mind. From fine dining places to a quick bite at Highcross shopping centre, Leicester has savoury, delicious food to devour wholeheartedly.

Natural Beauty Spots

With a wide variety of greens and lakes, Leicester has great serenity for students seeking some quiet time and taking a break after a long week of studying and attending lectures. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is ideal for some outdoor activities, such as picnics. You can also have some time off without leaving the city at Victoria Park, located near the University of Leicester, where you can read a book, gather some friends for brunch, or skate for a while. Additionally, it’s considered the venue for the city’s major outdoor events, including the Leicester Caribbean Carnival and Summer Sundae, where you can attend with your friends and have some fun.

You can rest assured that not only will you be getting the best education at the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, but you will also gain a lot more than you think—like a welcoming community, cultural history to learn about, new food to try, cities to explore nearby, and money to save in your pocket. Student life in Leicester can be a very exciting and memorable experience that you’ll always feel nostalgic for. It can also be the ladder to your success later on as a graduate, thanks to its limitless career opportunities and various sectors. Take a moment to think about it or, even better, the next plane to begin an exceptional journey in your academic life and grow some personal skills.