A top 10 student experience at the University of Leicester
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The University of Leicester is widely recognised for providing an exceptional student experience, earning its place as a top 10 UK university for student experience in both the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and the Daily Mail University Guide 2026. This acknowledgement reflects our commitment to creating an environment where students feel supported, inspired and fully engaged, both academically and socially.
Accommodation: Life in The City and The Village
As a first-year student, you’re guaranteed accommodation*, giving you peace of mind as you begin your university journey. You can choose between The City, which offers the ultimate in convenience with easy access to campus and the buzz of central Leicester nearby, and The Village, which combines a strong student community with a peaceful, scenic environment in the nearby suburb of Oadby.
No matter where you live, you’ll be supported by our Residence Life Team who play a major role in creating a welcoming and lively community through an impressive range of events. Most activities are free, and they include everything from on-campus events such as craft workshops, sports sessions and movie nights. For a small fee you can also take day trips across the UK, including visits to cities, attractions and cultural landmarks. These events help you make friends, explore the UK and settle into university life with confidence.
Scholarships and discounts
The University of Leicester is delighted to announce our brand new international undergraduate tuition fee waivers. There are 150 awards available over the next five years for international students only, offering a full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of an undergraduate degree*.
The University is also offering the Chancellor’s International Scholarship which guarantees £3,000 GBP per year to all international students and is automatically awarded. High achieving international students are eligible for the International Merit Scholarship of £5,000 GBP per year which is also automatically awarded.
A student-friendly city
Making Leicester your new home means settling into a vibrant, diverse and student-friendly city. You’ll find escape rooms, cinemas, restaurants, cafés, live music venues and shopping centres, as well as a variety of cultural attractions. The city’s museums, including the National Space Centre and the King Richard III Visitor Centre, offer fascinating experiences, while Leicester’s many parks, such as Victoria Park next to campus and Bradgate Park, give you plenty of green space to relax, play sport or meet friends.
Leicester is also known for its vibrant cultural celebrations. You’ll have the chance to experience the city’s world-famous Diwali celebrations, one of the largest outside India, along with a wide range of cultural festivals throughout the year.
Travel and study abroad opportunities
With excellent transport links, you can easily explore the rest of the UK; London is just over an hour away by train. If you’re keen to travel further, Leicester’s proximity to East Midlands and Birmingham airports makes European travel affordable and accessible. Many courses also offer the option to study abroad, giving you the chance to spend a semester or year at a partner university overseas.
Studying at Leicester gives you the chance to build academic excellence, lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories, all within a supportive and inspiring environment designed for you.
*Terms and conditions apply