DE MONTFORT University prides itself on providing the most affordable accommodation in Leicester for its students – and much cheaper than the UK average.
The university owned and managed halls of residence at Bede Hall and New Wharf, both close to its city centre campus, are nearly £40 a week less than the cheapest private providers and more than £60 a week less than the most expensive.
All first-years starting at DMU are also guaranteed a place in the university owned and cheaper Bede Hall or New Wharf accommodation when accepting an offer to studying in Leicester.
The university-owned halls at DMU also work out much cheaper than the national average.
University-owned accommodation
Bede Hall £95 per week (£3,908 a year)
New Wharf £115 (£4,731)
Private providers
Glassworks £161 (£6,923 a year)
Castle Court £145 (£6,235)
Newarke Point £145 (£6,235)
Liberty Park £137 (£5,891)
The Grange £132.30 (£5,688)
The difference between Bede Hall and the most expensive private provider at the Glassworks is £3,015 a year, and still £1,780 a year cheaper than the least expensive halls at The Grange.
The national average across the UK, according to the latest National Student Accommodation 2025 survey, is around £6,756 a year, which is £2,838 a year higher than the DMU owned and managed halls at Bede.
A spokesman for DMU stated: “We aim to provide affordable housing for our students and don’t want accommodation to be a barrier to higher education.
“We are constantly evaluating our costs in terms of affordability to keep the prices in university-owned accommodation as low as possible.”
The spokesman also added: “You do not need a guarantor for DMU owned/managed halls, but private providers will request one. If you do not have a guarantor you could have to pay the full annual rent upfront (as well as things like booking payments and damage deposits) before you can move in.”
Both Bede Hall and New Wharf Hall are close to the main campus and within a short walk of the city centre.
Financial support and help
Financial support is also available for students struggling with the cost of housing. The DMU Support Fund is designed to assist with general living costs and aimed at those students suffering from 'genuine and unavoidable hardship'. There are details available here.
If you are in financial crisis, you can book a 'Quick Query' appointment with DMU advisers to discuss your situation.
The Welfare Centre within the DMU Students’ Union operates to give students financial and practical advice on housing, both in university halls of residence and private accommodation.
The DSU say: “Common queries we deal with are problems getting a damage deposit refunded from a previous landlord, students being threatened with eviction, the state of repair of a property and harassment by landlords.
“We are experienced in seeking the return of deposits if kept unfairly by landlords by using the court procedures to do this and we can represent you in court if need be.”
The Welfare Centre also offers a contract checking service all year round and students are advised to seek help BEFORE signing any contract.
DMU also offers financial advice on housing through the Mental Health and Money Advice website and students can get in touch for help.
A bedroom at New Wharf Hall, DMU-owned accommodation