A student's guide to Leicester

Male and female student sat eating outside Leicester Cathedral

When choosing where to study, we understand the location is just as important as the university. What you learn in books is just the start, so when you’re not busy learning, you want life. Shopping and socialising in a safe place, soaking up art and culture, revelling in high-profile sports, or enjoying a bit of respite from the city in beautiful countryside locations – Leicester has everything you’re looking for and more.

We’re a campus-based uni situated in the city centre, with the hub of activity in Leicester right on your doorstep – and we’re one of the few unis in the UK where you’re getting the best of both worlds. Our award-winning campus offers a safe space to live and study with convenient access to accommodation, shopping, nightlife and all that’s on offer in the city centre.

Leicester offers everything you expect from a city and more – all on your doorstep. Not only are there great shops, bars and restaurants just a short distance from campus, Leicester is a great place to be a student, with the latest Student Living Index (compiled by NatWest) ranking Leicester in the top ten ‘most affordable student cities’, based on the cost to students of food, rent and fun.

A photo of a male student in front of a flip board

Our award-winning careers support and employability service, DMU Works, is here to open doors for you and to help you find your dream career. Leicester was also named best place in the country for tech start-ups (Tech Nation 2018 report), while a Capital on Tap study positions Leicester among the country’s start-up hotspots.

Leicester is rich in culture and diversity, making it feel like the world is on your doorstep. It’s home to one of the biggest celebrations of Diwali, the festival of light, outside of India – centred on the city’s Golden Mile, named by the vast number of traditional Indian jewellery shops, boutiques and restaurants.

A photo of The Lanes in Leicester city centre

Leicester is the third most ‘progressive’ city in the UK, according to Bankrate UK, which ranked cities on how they addressed issues including recycling and the gender pay gap while promoting positive change.

A photo of a Leicester City Football Club supporter

Leicester is a true sporting city. High-performing sports teams and partners including 2021 FA Cup winners Leicester City Football Club, Leicester Tigers Rugby Union Club, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, and Leicester Riders.

A photo of a performance at Curve theatre

Arts and culture are abundant across the city, with the annual Leicester Comedy Festival, Curve theatre, Phoenix or Showcase cinemas, King Richard III Visitor Centre, National Space Centre, colourful street art by GraffWerk.

A photo of a female student working with young children

Leicester provides so many opportunities to make a difference. Students can make the most of a variety of volunteering opportunities across the city through DMU Local, including supporting vulnerable communities or working with school children.

Hear from students who made Leicester their home

Kadafi’s friends, tutors and societies became a new family who pushed him to succeed at every turn

DMU graduate Aminata tells us how Leicester shaped her future

DMU graduate Léonie discusses how she coped with moving from Guernsey in the Channel Islands to Leicester.

Join Alice as she lists some of the best activities and venues Leicester has to offer

Leicester

Find your new home

A top ten student city

A city to develop your career

A city rich in cutural diversity

A city always moving forwards

A city for sport lovers

A city to enjoy the arts

A city to make a difference

Hear from students who made Leicester their home

I found a new home: Kadafi's story

Swapping London for Leicester

How to cope with the big move

Top things to do in Leicester

Offers and discounts for students