Leicester is the United Kingdom’s tenth-largest city. It is home to many prestigious educational institutions and an excellent choice for students. It has affordable housing systems with many amenities, a comfortable lifestyle, and a rich culture.
Studying here is also advantageous due to the accommodation facilities and the overall educational infrastructure in the UK. With so many students studying in this area, Leicester boasts a variety of lodging options and provides a decent lifestyle.
This means that if you study in Leicester, you will be studying in one of the most affordable cities in terms of student housing, food, and other living expenses. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Leicester.
Why is Leicester so Well-liked?
The Leicester student accommodation system is quite affordable, which is one of the main reasons for its popularity. Living here is significantly less expensive than in the neighbouring city of Nottingham.
However, how cost-effective is this? According to the latest data, the average rent in Leicester is £342/month. Other cities with similar prices include Sheffield (£383), Nottingham (£436), and Birmingham (£469). The low cost does not imply a low standard of living. They are practically on the same footing with the housing service, making this city incredibly cost-effective.
Leicester students are more focused on their schoolwork. Because they go out and socialize less, the neighbourhood is particularly student-friendly. Leicester’s transportation and other services are also far less expensive than other cities. All of this adds up to make Leicester a demanding location for students.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Leicester as a Student?
Leicester’s cost of living is close to the national average, attracting a large number of students from all over the world. Leicester’s attraction is enhanced by world-class universities such as the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. To live comfortably in Leicester, we recommend a monthly budget of roughly £1,000 (excluding tuition).
Leicester Has Two Universities
De Montfort University (DMU) – has nearly 17,000 full-time students from all over the world spread over four faculties: Art, Design and Humanities, Business and Law, Health and Life Sciences, and Technology. DMU places a high focus on career-relevant abilities; professional groups accredit many courses, and instruction is in line with current industry standards. With its vast commercial connections, DMU provides many students with the option to complete a work placement with a range of organizations. Among them are the BBC, the NHS, HP, and Deloitte. The tuition fee for full-time home students is £9,250 for the current academic year.
The University of Leicester – has about 14,500 full-time students and provides over 350-degree programs divided into three academic colleges: medical, biological sciences and psychology, science and engineering, and arts and humanities. From the discovery of King Richard III to the creation of genetic fingerprinting, the University of Leicester is known for pioneering research and drawing world-class professors.
Leicester University has received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education three times, the highest form of national distinction available to a UK academic or vocational institution. The tuition fee for full-time home students is £9,250 for the current academic year.
Leicester Housing Options
Now, there are primarily two types of housing systems in all of Leicester’s major neighbourhoods. The first is halls of residence, and the second is private student residences.
Residence Halls
Many universities in Leicester provide residence halls where students can live. Students dwell in these resident halls and are required to pay rent to do so. There are various services in the halls, such as a leasing café, Wi-Fi, a laundry, a lounge, a common room, and so on.
Private Student Residences
Students who do not want to live in university-provided dorms and halls will need to hunt for and reside in a private house. Occasionally, a group of students will share a room and split the rent. This lowers the cost of living, but it does not come with high-quality amenities. These utilities must be obtained by the students on their own.
What Is Leicester’s Average Rent?
According to Expatistan, the monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished student houses Leicester in a premium location is £714 per month, while the price for a similar room in a regular area is £655. Larger studio units will be much more expensive.
Then there are the overheads such as heating, electricity, water, gas, and so on, which will cost you £134 every month. You’ve undoubtedly figured by now that the cost of student housing in Leicester will be a significant portion of your student budget (along with tuition fees).
Leicester’s Most Popular Living Areas
In Leicester, there are a variety of popular options for student housing. Here is a list of them and the reasons why a student would wish to reside here.
- Clarendon Park/Knighton Neighborhood
The renowned University of Leicester is only a short distance away. It also features a diverse range of religious institutions. Sikhs have Guru Amar Das Gurdwara, Hindus have Geetha Bhawan Hindu Temple, Jews have Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation and Messianic Jewish Synagogue, while Christians have a variety of churches. There are also several locations for social events.
- The City Center
The City Center, as the core business district, offers excellent transit. It also has a lot of shops and malls, as well as a lot of restaurants. These can be great recreational areas for students to spend their leisure time. It also contains historical structures such as the Victoria Park war memorial, St Nicholas’ Church, The Newark Magazine Gateway, and many others.
- The Highfields
The Highfields is a fairly varied neighbourhood, with people of all ethnicities living there. There are various cultures represented at this location, including Irish, Polish, Pakistani, Indian, and African. This allows pupils to learn more about various countries and their cultures.
- Evington
Evington has several open spaces, and Evington Park is an excellent spot to spend time relaxing. Because of the Masjid Umar Mosque, this location is very popular among Muslim students.
- Aylestone
Aylestone has retained much of its original village-like character, so it cannot be considered entirely urban. This is a popular destination for students who want to study while staying in a rural setting.
- Stoneygate
Stoneygate is a pleasant town, and the kindness of the surrounding area makes it feel like home. There is also a direct train connection to London; therefore, many students desire to reside here. Stoneygate’s transportation system is also safe.
How Much Does Transportation Cost in Leicester?
Leicester offers great public transportation, making it simple to get to university or anyplace else in the city. Trains and buses are the most popular types of transportation, the latter being the less expensive choice. A monthly public transportation pass should cost about £58. If you prefer to travel by taxi, expect to pay £11 for an 8-kilometre excursion (5 miles).
How Much Does Food and Other Necessities Cost in Leicester?
Making your own meals will save you a significant amount of money. Leicester’s food prices are so low that you can cook a whole day’s worth of food for less than £10. On the other hand, supper for two in an Italian restaurant will set you back £50. Aside from meals, you’ll have to pay for clothing, a gym membership, a doctor’s appointment, toiletries, and so on. Be prepared to spend around £150 per month on all of these other requirements.
Highcross Leicester and the Haymarket Retail Centre are Leicester’s two main shopping centres. St Martin’s Square and the Leicester Lanes also have a plethora of designer and specialty businesses. There are also many restaurants, clubs, and taverns in the surrounding area and along the city’s Victorian arcades.
Last Thoughts
Most students are on a tight budget and need to find a low-cost apartment that offers comfort and a nice lifestyle. Leicester provides pupils with a nice and welcoming environment. It contains all of the basics. As a result, if students are seeking a place to live, Leicester should be their first choice.
