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Study in Leicester

Diverse, friendly, and fun – there's a lot to love about Leicester. For starters it's one of the UK's 'most affordable student destinations'.

[Leicester] has loads of green spaces and friendly people, that made me feel at home. The city is really culturally diverse, hosting the largest Diwali outside of India, and has great connections to London, Nottingham, and Birmingham, so there is certainly a lot to do. The National Space Centre is a must visit at some point! (Second year student, University of Leicester)

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  • Jacqui

    University of Northampton
    Bsc Psychology
    I am 50 years of age, originally from Glasgow in Scotland and left school in 1989, with 8 O' Grades (GCSE’s) and 5 Higher (A Levels). Desperate for a new adventure and to start working and earning, I applied for a job in Television Production in London. I successfully worked for an independent company in Soho, initially as a Production Runner, progressing finally to Production Manager. I returned to Glasgow for a year, to work for BBC Scotland as Production Manager, before taking time out to travel in 1999. I travelled throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and America for 2 years. On return, I moved to Brighton, East Sussex where I worked for American Express, a lifestyle magazine called Venus, and as a volunteer for the Brighton Unemployed Family project, between 2001 and 2012. Brighton is where I met my husband and went on to have two children, a girl, and a boy. Ava who is now 15 years old and Lochlan who is 13. 8 years ago, my Husbands job transferred to their other site near Leamington, bringing the family to the midlands. We now live in the village of Weedon, a half-hour drive, west of Northampton. Since living in Weedon I have completed 7 years working in primary education. I began working in Special Needs as a 1:1 and in my 5th year at Weedon Primary, I completed an HLTA course through Northampton University, qualifying me to teach years 1 to 6 in primary school. I have trained in Autism, Attachment Disorder, Dyslexia, Speech, and language among others. I ran nurture groups and introduced a kinaesthetic approach to a lot of my teaching, after researching its efficacy in primary schools. During my school career, I have been fascinated by how children learn. Some by doing, others by seeing. I have come to love the continual questions from children and the challenge and adventure of not always knowing the answers. Throughout my working life, I have loved interacting with people, obsessing over human behaviour and how the mind works and influences decisions. My favourite literature often tackles aspects of psychology and I find it an extremely exciting and alluring subject. Throughout the lockdown period, it became apparent that I was not fully satisfied with my career and felt I was ready to learn and take on a new challenge. My initial thought was to go into Educational Psychology but with more investigation, I decided it was time to move away from education and start something new. My next thought was counselling, which I am still very much keen on exploring and could see a possible future career. As a volunteer in Brighton Unemployed Centre Family Project, I assisted low-income families and homeless people, realising my ability to listen sensitively and offer solace. Completing a course for the British College of Journalism a few years ago, I gained skills in reporting and analysing as well as fuelling my curiosity in psychology. I wrote articles on social, biological, and cognitive psychology. From a piece on music and memory to another on psychology in pain management. Having completed a year of the single honours psychology course I now feel the career direction I want to go into is counselling psychology. I have recently secured a part-time job locally with the group of Northampton psychiatric hospitals (NHFT) and ideally, would love to complete my master's within the NHS but if not I will probably stay at the University of Northampton to complete my master's in counselling.

  • Sean

    University of Northampton
    Beng Computing (Computer Network Engineering)
    Hi everyone! I'm Sean and I'm in my 2nd year studying BSc Computer Network Engineering. Originally from Birmingham, I decided to attend the University of Northampton as they have a course specific to what I want to get into once I graduate and promote an inclusive environment where everyone can be who they want to be. Once I graduate university, I'd love to work as a Network / Systems Administrator at a large company or work at companies providing internet services such as web hosting or home / business internet connections. In my spare time, I like to play games, watch anime, socialise with friends and spend time in the societies I'm a part of at university.

  • Katy

    University of Northampton
    Ba Business Management
    Hi, my name is Katy and I’m studying business management specialising in Human Resources. In the future I look to be working as a managing director. I have travelled all over the UK for work purposes and love the atmosphere of Northampton - although I’ll always have my northern roots! I’ve worked at the university in a variety of roles and I look forward to sharing my knowledge with prospective students.

What Leicester's famous for...

Cheese

Fancy a slice of Stilton or Red Leicester? Leicestershire is one of the UK's biggest dairy counties.

 

Leicester nightlife, according to students

The University of Leicester has its own student club nights in the O2 on campus – popular with first years. It's definitely worth venturing into the city, to clubs like Club Republic and Mosh. These tend to have more varied music, and also hold student nights. There are also lots of nice bars and pubs in the city. (Second year student, University of Leicester)

King Richard III

The royal remains were excavated from Leicester Council car park, 500 years after his death.

Leicester nightlife, according to students

There are a few good bars on and near Granby Street, such as Fat Cat, Walkabout, The Locker Room, and Mamba, to name a few. This is only a short walk to the centre, where you’ll find most of the big clubs (Mosh and Club Republic specifically). Almost all bars and clubs run student nights with £1 vodka mixers etc. (Second year student, University of Leicester)

Rugby

The city's rugby team, Leicester Tigers, are officially England's most successful rugby club. Ever. 

Football boots

Student life in Leicester

Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Treat yourself
Mowgli is a delicious, authentic Indian restaurant. It's also decorated with fairy lights, so makes [for] awesome pictures. (Third year student, University of Leicester)
Low on cash
The New Walk Museum is free. There are loads of sections, like stuffed animals, fossils, dinosaurs, renaissance paintings, and even a Picasso room. (Second year student, De Montfort University)
Friday feeling
Republic is really popular! It holds lots of different events and is cheap. Sports teams also get to go on the VIP list. (Second year student, De Montfort University)
When family visit
The National Space Centre is in Leicester, and not too far from the city centre. It's great for younger kids. (De Montfort University student)
Grab a bite
Doughnotts are amazing! [They're] known for their unique take on doughnuts, with their crazy fillings and designs. (De Montfort University student)
Sunday chilling
Victoria Park and Abbey Park, plus many walks along the river. Drive a bit further out to Bradgate Park, for an amazing mountain view. (Third year student, University of Leicester)
Feeling cultural
The King Richard III museum is cool if you’re interested in history! (Second year student, University of Leicester)
Catch up with mates
The Loaded Dog is the best pub in Leicester. (Second year student, University of Leicester)

Leicester in pictures

Castle Gardens and Cathedral

(Eduina Henriques, third year student at De Montfort University)

Leicester Castle Gardens and Cathedral

New Walk

Beautiful views along New Walk. Makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside, rather then the middle of the city. (Lauren, second year student at De Montfort University)

Living in Leicester, according to students

Westcotes – I chose to live in this area, as it was a safe and secure area. There's a health centre nearby, and it's close to Narborough Road which hosts a whole range of corner shops and eateries. This was also a good area for me to live, because it had parking. All I had to do was apply for a £25 parking permit from Leicester City Council. It is about a 15 – 20 minute walk to campus. (Third year student, De Montfort University)

Mowgli

The beautiful restaurant Mowgli, with their swing seats and fairy lights. (Third year student, University of Leicester)

Light Up Leicester

Me at the ‘Light Up Leicester’ event, where there were light up statues and features all over Leicester. (Megan, second year student at De Montfort University)

Living in Leicester, according to students

Clarendon Park – really friendly area, lots of students and young families. Great shops and restaurants on Queens Road, and Victoria Park is right next to Clarendon. Only [a] ten-minute walk across the park to campus, and maybe a 40-minute walk or 15-minute cycle into town. Would definitely live here again. (Second year student, University of Leicester)

Living in Leicester

Housing, travel, and budgeting tips. 

Where you'll find students
  • Westcotes
  • Clarendon Park
  • Evington
Local transport
  • £20.50
  • Flexi Week
  • Bus
Find your digs!
Halls on campus, student housing in town, or your own private living space? Discover which accommodation is right for you.

Student money tips

The market in the middle of town is great to get cheap fruit and veg while also being environmentally friendly (bring your own bags and buy loose) and supportive of local farmers. (Third year student, University of Leicester)

The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

​Discover more savings on student life in Leicester with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

Study options

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