Student Accommodation in Leicester

Book Student Accommodation in Leicester

Leicester consistently ranks as one of the best-value student cities in the UK. Rents are substantially lower than in London or Bristol, the city centre is compact and walkable, and both the University of Leicester and De Montfort University sit within easy reach of most student neighbourhoods. For students at Loughborough University, Leicester city centre is just 11 miles away by train - many choose to live here for the lower rents and broader range of accommodation options.

Gradding Homes lists a wide range of student accommodation in Leicester, from budget shared houses starting at £98 per week to modern en-suite rooms and self-contained studios. Our accommodation experts will help you compare options, check availability, and arrange a virtual tour before you commit - so you can make a confident decision from wherever you are in the world.

Choosing Gradding Homes to Book Student Accommodation in Leicester

• 304 Verified Properties - Every listing on Gradding Homes is verified before it goes live. The property details, photos, and amenities you see are accurate — no surprises when you arrive.
• Expert Guidance, Not Just a Search Tool - Our accommodation consultants are available to help you shortlist properties, compare room types, and understand lease terms. You're not navigating this alone.
• Properties Near Your University - All Leicester listings are mapped to the University of Leicester, De Montfort University, and Loughborough University. You can filter by university from the search bar above.
• Monthly Payment Options - Rather than one large upfront payment, many properties on Gradding Homes allow rent to be paid in monthly instalments, which is easier to manage alongside a student budget.

Book Your Student Accommodation with Gradding Homes

Securing an accommodation abroad feels easy with Graddinghomes.com. You just need to follow these easy steps to find your perfect home overseas.

Step 1 - Share Your Requirements Tell us your university, preferred area, room type, and budget. Whether you're looking for a shared house near Clarendon Park or an en-suite studio near De Montfort University, our team will put together a shortlist that matches your needs.

Step 2 - Explore and Compare Browse 300+ verified listings on the Gradding Homes Leicester page. Filter by room type, price, location, or distance from the University of Leicester or DMU. Each listing shows accurate photos, weekly rent, and included amenities.

Step 3 - Schedule a Call and Virtual Tour Once you've shortlisted a property, speak with one of our accommodation experts. They'll confirm current availability, walk you through lease terms, and arrange a virtual tour of the property so you can see exactly what you're booking before you commit.

Step 4 - Complete Documentation and Secure Your Room To finalise your booking, you'll typically need a valid passport or ID, your university offer or enrolment letter, and a visa copy if applicable. A deposit is required to secure the room, with monthly rent payments arranged from your move-in date.

Top Areas for Student accommodation in Leicester

Leicester is a compact city — most student areas are within 20 minutes of both universities by foot, bus, or bike. The choice of area comes down to your budget, your preferred atmosphere, and which university you attend. Here are the five most popular areas with the practical details that actually matter.

1. Stoneygate

Stoneygate is a quiet, leafy residential area popular with postgraduate students and those who prefer a calmer environment. It sits about 1.5 miles south of the city centre, and the University of Leicester's main campus is reachable in around 15 minutes on foot or 8 minutes by bus (routes 48 and 84 run regularly through Stoneygate). Queens Road has a good selection of independent cafes and local shops within walking distance.

Weekly rents in Stoneygate typically range from £110 to £170 for a room in a shared house. It's one of the more affordable areas relative to its quality and quietness.

Best for: University of Leicester students, postgraduates, students who prefer a residential environment.

2. Clarendon Park

Clarendon Park is arguably the most popular student area in Leicester — well-located for the University of Leicester, with a lively high street on Queens Road full of independent restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. It's a 10–15 minute walk to the university campus and about 20 minutes by bus to De Montfort University.

Weekly rents here range from £120 to £200 for shared and en-suite rooms. It's busier and slightly pricier than Stoneygate, but the convenience and social atmosphere make it consistently the first choice for first and second year students.

Best for: University of Leicester students, those who want to be near other students.

3. Knighton

Knighton is a green, residential neighbourhood to the southeast of the city centre, bordering Clarendon Park. It tends to attract students who want quieter surroundings without being too far from campus — the University of Leicester is about a 20-minute walk or 10-minute cycle. Victoria Park, which sits between Knighton and the university, is a popular open space for students.

Shared house rents in Knighton typically run £100 to £160 per week, making it one of the more affordable options near the University of Leicester.

Best for: University of Leicester students, cyclists, those wanting more space for less rent.

4. Highfields

Highfields is one of Leicester's most diverse and affordable inner-city neighbourhoods, situated between the city centre and the University of Leicester. It's one of the closest residential areas to both universities — De Montfort University's campus is about a 10-minute walk, and the University of Leicester campus is around 15 minutes on foot. The area has excellent bus links and a wide range of shops, markets, and eateries.

Rents in Highfields are among the lowest in the inner city — typically £90 to £150 per week for shared rooms and en-suites. It's the most affordable option within walking distance of both campuses.

Best for: De Montfort University students, University of Leicester students, students on tighter budgets.

5. Leicester City Centre

Living in the city centre puts you within walking distance of De Montfort University (5–10 minutes) and the University of Leicester (15–20 minutes). The centre has the widest range of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in Leicester, including en-suites and studios with bills included. Shopping, restaurants, and nightlife are all on the doorstep.

City centre PBSA rents typically range from £140 to £250 per week, with bills usually included. Private rentals in the centre are less common but available at the lower end of that range.

Best for: De Montfort University students, international students arriving for the first time, those who want bills-inclusive accommodation.

What to Know Before Renting in Leicester

Leicester has no tram or underground - buses and cycling are the primary options. Unlike London, Leicester has no tube or metro system. The city is served entirely by buses, with Arriva and First Leicester operating the main routes. The most useful routes for students are the 48 and 84 (Clarendon Park and Stoneygate to city centre) and routes serving Highfields and the university campuses. Single fares start from around £1.80 with a contactless card. A weekly bus pass costs approximately £14–£16 and covers unlimited travel within the city. Cycling is also a realistic option — both campuses are within cycling distance of all major student areas, and Leicester has a reasonable network of cycle lanes.

Both main universities have competitive halls — apply early. University of Leicester and De Montfort University both offer university-managed halls of residence, primarily for first-year students. Demand typically exceeds supply, and applications usually open in spring for September entry. If you miss out on university halls, private PBSA and shared houses in Clarendon Park, Highfields, and the city centre are the next most practical options.

Most private rentals in Leicester do not include bills. Unlike purpose-built student accommodation, private shared houses through landlords typically exclude gas, electricity, water, and broadband. You'll need to set these up and split them between housemates. Budget an additional £60–£100 per month per person on top of your rent for a shared house. PBSA and many en-suite properties in the city centre do include bills — check the listing details carefully when comparing.

Clarendon Park fills up fast. Because it's the closest student-friendly neighbourhood to the University of Leicester, properties in Clarendon Park typically get taken from January onwards for the following September. If you want to live here, start your search early — ideally before March.

Leicester is one of the safest student cities in the UK. The city consistently ranks well in student safety surveys. Areas like Stoneygate, Clarendon Park, and Knighton are considered low-risk residential neighbourhoods. Highfields has higher footfall and is well-served by transport but is worth researching specific streets before committing to a property. Our accommodation experts can advise on specific streets and postcodes if you have concerns.

Affordable Student Accommodation in Leicester

Being home to two prestigious universities, Leicester has a notable student population of over 40,000+. It increases the demand of student accommodation and Leicester comprehend this requirement of students very well. Not only this the city ensures each scholar get a comfortable living space that matches with their budget and needs. Hence, the cheapest accommodation areas often provide top-notch facilities like on-site gym, study spaces, modern kitchenettes and common lounges. Here are a few affordable areas where you can find high-quality accommodation under budget:

Westcotes

Westcotes offers relatively affordable student housing in Leicester and is particularly well-suited to students at De Montfort University, which is about a 10–15 minute walk away. Students will find a range of accommodation types here, including shared houses, en-suites, and purpose-built units. Weekly rent in Westcotes typically ranges from £130 to £250, making it a solid mid-range option with good proximity to DMU.

Upperton Road

Upperton Road is known for its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), offering modern studios and en-suite rooms with utilities and Wi-Fi typically included in the rent. It's well-positioned for De Montfort University and within reasonable distance of the city centre. Weekly rents here range from £170 to £250, reflecting the higher standard of PBSA facilities.

Eastern Boulevard

Situated near De Montfort University, Eastern Boulevard offers private student accommodation at some of the most competitive prices in Leicester. Shared rooms start from around £90 to £160 per week, and most properties include standard amenities such as Wi-Fi and secure entry. It's a practical, no-frills option for students prioritising proximity to DMU and low rent over premium facilities.

Birstall

Birstall is a suburban area north of Leicester city centre, about 4 miles from the university campuses. It offers a quieter residential environment with a mix of traditional houses and newer properties, and is well-connected to the city centre by bus. Weekly rents typically range from £100 to £200, slightly lower than inner-city areas. It suits students who prefer a calmer, more suburban setting and don't mind a 20–25 minute commute.

Brookland Road

Close to the University of Leicester, Brookland Road offers shared flats, studios, and en-suite rooms with weekly rents typically between £120 and £200. Many properties on this road include utilities — heating, water, electricity, Wi-Fi — within the rent, which simplifies budgeting. It's a consistently popular choice for University of Leicester students who want a short commute and bills-inclusive pricing.

Types of Student Accommodation in Leicester

Leicester offers numerous accommodation options to cater to diverse preference of students. These include private rooms, shared student flats, university halls and private halls. However, for precise details the below information includes room types that are available in Leicester. Students can expect to spend around £350 to £700 per month on their accommodation expense, which is usually varies based on their housing type.

Private Rooms

A private room gives you your own furnished bedroom — typically with a single or small double bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and shelving. Bathrooms and kitchen facilities are shared with housemates. Private rooms are available in both shared houses (through private landlords) and PBSA buildings. They're the most common room type in Leicester, and the most affordable way to live independently. Weekly rents for private rooms in Leicester start from around £80 per week in shared houses, rising to £150+ per week in managed PBSA buildings.

Ensuite Rooms

An en-suite room gives you a private bedroom with your own attached bathroom, while the kitchen and communal lounge are shared with a small number of other students (usually 4–8 per flat). This is the most popular room type in purpose-built student accommodation in Leicester. Bills — including Wi-Fi, water, electricity, and heating — are typically included in the weekly rent. En-suite rooms in Leicester range from approximately £90 to £180 per week depending on the building, location, and provider. Browse available en-suite accommodation near De Montfort University or en-suite rooms near University of Leicester.

Non-Ensuite Rooms

Non-ensuite rooms are private bedrooms with a shared bathroom — the most affordable option in PBSA buildings. You'll share a bathroom, kitchen, and communal areas with a small group of flatmates. The lower weekly rent makes these rooms popular with students who are happy to share a bathroom in exchange for savings. Non-ensuite rooms in Leicester typically start from around £90 per week in managed student buildings, with bills usually included.

Studio Apartments

A studio apartment is a fully self-contained living space — your private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette are all in one unit, with no shared facilities. Studios offer the most independence and privacy of any room type, making them popular with postgraduate students, mature students, and those who simply prefer to live alone. In Leicester, studio apartments are primarily available in purpose-built student buildings in and around the city centre. Weekly rents for studios in Leicester typically range from £150 to £250 per week, with bills usually included. If privacy is your priority, browse student studios near Leicester city centre using the room type filter above.

Top Universities in Leicester

Leicester boasts a strong academic culture through its top institutions, offering world-class educational prospects to students. From qualifications in law to data science and humanities to medicines, the city offers everything to meet diverse needs of scholars. Below is a list of top universities situated in Leicester that attracts students from the globe.

University of Leicester

It is one of the highly-regarded UK university known for its international outlook, strong research and certain subjects, such as Medicine, Space Science and Archaeology. Also, the institute secure 26th position globally for its research quality based on the rankings of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Besides, it offers affordable courses that are usually ranges between £22,200 to £26,550 per year. Plus, university of Leicester student accommodation is also affordable and a great choice for international scholars.

Leicester College 

Leicester College offers diverse vocational, technical and apprenticeship courses across diverse campuses emphasising on skills development of students. It serves more than 28000 students, offering excellent learning in substantial fields like digital, engineering, law and health. These courses are available in different learning models, including distance learning, on-campus and in the workplace. Moreover, the annual fees to pursue a graduation degree from Leicester College ranges from £17,450 to £21,515.

De Montfort University

Ranked #1 universally for student satisfaction as per the records for International Student Barometer (ISB) DMU is considered among the top Leicester universities. With top-notch teaching quality and a range of diverse courses, De Montfort University focuses on offering practical learnings to its students. It prepares the graduates to deal with the real world problems through creative solutions. In addition, international students can easily complete their graduation by paying an annual fee between £16,250 and £19,250.

Cost of Living in Leicester as Student

Leicester is considered an affordable city of UK, making it more appealing for students to pursue their graduation. The city is known for its diverse culture and vibrant community that usually include students. Hence, it offers many amenities at an affordable price. Student can easily spend one month within a budget of £1800.

Here, is a detailed breakdown of this cost, including accommodation, entertainment, shopping, food, leisure and transportation expenses.

Now that you are aware about the types of housing facilities and their expected rents you can start finding an ideal accommodation in Leicester. However, if you are still struggling to find a perfect living space, then feel free to connect with experts of Graddinghomes. We ensure you stay comfortably by offering best housing options.