Student life in Leicester is fast-paced and tightly packed, with lectures, social spots, parks, and shopping all fitting into one compact city. Home to over 40,000 students across the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, the city comes alive on Friday night with curry houses, Victoria Park kickabouts, and quick Highcross shopping dashes.
Choosing the right neighbourhood matters just as much as student accommodation Leicester itself, as it directly shapes your daily commute, weekly expenses, study environment, and social life. This guide ranks the 10 best areas based on lifestyle fit, budget friendliness, and proximity to campus to help you make smarter housing choices.
A Detailed Look Into Student-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Leicester
1. City Centre
City Centre delivers student accommodation Leicester, steps from De Montfort University’s campus entrance, where Highcross Shopping Centre and Friday markets buzz daily. Rents range £155– £210 weekly with 5-10 minute walks to lectures; Sainsbury’s Local sits 2 minutes away and Highcross just 4 minutes. First-years love grabbing 2 am chips post-pub without taxis.
2. Clarendon Park
Clarendon Park mixes student housing in Leicester with Queens Road’s independent coffee shops and monthly farmers market, plus an 18-minute bus to University of Leicester. Expect £145– £185 weekly rent. Knighton Park offers 12-minute jogs, and the Co-op covers groceries in 6 minutes. Cafe regulars and cycle commuters thrive here.
3. Highfields
Highfields packs student studio flats Leicester around Victoria Park’s cricket pitch and weekly international food market, with 12-minute walks to University of Leicester’s main gate. Rents range from £135– £175 per week. Lidl’s budget stores are 4 minutes away, and the park gates open in 5 minutes. International students and park runners call it home.
4. Westcotes
Westcotes lines student living along Narborough Road, with pound shops, and a 12-minute bus to De Montfort, where the Grand Union Canal towpaths are located. Rent ranges from £140 – £180. Aldi stocks up in 6 minutes, and the canal bridges hit 10 minutes. Part-time retail workers and canal joggers pick it daily.
5. Stoneygate
Stoneygate hosts university of Leicester accommodation near London Road’s PureGym and Waitrose, with the 22-minute bus reaching the University of Leicester. Stoneygate Park’s tennis courts are 12 minutes away. Rent ranges from £150–£190. Gym rats and third-years avoiding Fresher chaos choose it.
6. Knighton
Knighton circles the University of Leicester with Knighton Park’s free gym equipment and weekend farmers market, plus a 20-minute bus from campus gates. Co-op opens 4 minutes away, park trails start in 10 minutes. Rent ranges from £140– £180. Morning runners and exam crammers settle here year-round.
7. Braunstone
Braunstone serves De Montfort students via a 20-minute bus route, with stops along Braunstone Park’s woodland trails and at the Tesco superstore. Park gates open 8 minutes away, and Tesco checkouts hit 10 minutes. Rent ranges from £130– £170. Group housemates and dog-walking commuters target these streets.
8. Belgrave
Belgrave stretches student studio flats Leicester along the Golden Mile’s 100+ Asian supermarkets and sweet shops, a 15-minute walk/bus to University of Leicester. Lidl runs 4 minutes, and the Golden Mile chaos starts at 6 minutes. Rent ranges from £135– £175. Desi food fans and late-night grocery runners dominate.
9. Aylestone
Aylestone corners De Montfort market with the lowest rents of £125– £165, a 15-minute bus ride from Aylestone Meadows’ riverside paths and Tesco Express. Meadows hit 10 minutes, and Tesco opens in 6 minutes. Rent-savers and post-lecture walkers pack the estates.
10. Evington
Evington anchors University of Leicester families with Evington Park’s playgrounds and Aldi bulk buys, a 20-minute bus ride from campus. Rent ranges from £145– £185. Aldi doors open in 6 minutes, and the park benches are 12 minutes away. Couples, postgrads, and car sharers build routines here.
Comparing Key Factors Across the Neighbourhoods in Leicester
|
Popular Student Areas |
Average Rent |
Key Features |
|
City Centre |
£155–210 |
Shops, nightlife, walks |
|
Clarendon Park |
£145–185 |
Cafes, parks, buses |
|
Highfields |
£135–175 |
Food, parks, walks |
|
Westcotes |
£140–180 |
Canals, markets, buses |
|
Stoneygate |
£150–190 |
Gyms, shops, tidy |
|
Knighton |
£140–180 |
Parks, markets, calm |
|
Braunstone |
£130–170 |
Green space, budget |
|
Belgrave |
£135–175 |
Food corridor, community |
|
Aylestone |
£125–165 |
Meadows, lowest rent |
|
Evington |
£145–185 |
Shops, suburban |
Tips for Choosing Your Neighbourhood
Conclusion
Leicester offers a variety of student-friendly neighbourhoods suitable for every budget and lifestyle, from the vibrant City Centre to the more affordable Aylestone. University of Leicester accommodation, together with De Montfort locations, ensures the student lifestyle-commute balance is easily maintained. Wise neighbourhood selection reduces daily stress, which allows one to concentrate more on studies and socialising.
