Leicester named UK's best value student city

Leicester has been named the most affordable city in the UK for students’ must-have buys in a new survey.



The latest report, by student lifestyle app Unidays, found Leicester was cheapest when it came to “student essentials”.

 UNiDAYS asked 3,000 student members in their network what they spent their money on to find their top 10 purchases outside of rent, tuition and transport. They then worked out how much those cost across the UK’s biggest towns and cities.

It found students had cited pizza, wine, spin classes, Uber journeys, latte and curry among their top 10 purchases. Buying these items in Leicester cost £50.11 compared to £80.65 in Bath and £60.35 in Cardiff. London was the most expensive with the cost of all 10 items coming in at £91.90.  

Alex Gallagher, chief marketing officer at UNiDAYS, said: “We know that for students, value for money has never been more important and it’s one of the biggest concerns for those studying away from home.

“Tuition fees and rent is just one part of this equation, and based on what they are actually buying, we can see how the costs can stack up across different parts of the country.”

It was the third survey this year that rated the city in the top 10 for affordability. The Student Living Index identified Leicester as the eighth most affordable city and insurance company Marbles.com placed it fifth in its survey.  


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A De Montfort University spokesman said: “Our students love having the city centre on their doorstep. Leicester is famous for being one of the UK’s friendliest and most diverse cities and our students tell us how much they feel at home here, with a thriving local music scene to support, as well as top-notch bars, restaurants, cinemas and shopping.

“Our students are also plugged into a brilliant network of global organisations and businesses, more of which are choosing Leicester drawn by the excellent cost of living.”

UNiDAYS offers exclusive discounts to students on its lifestyle app.