Money matters

Living at DMU is a fun, social and fulfilling experience. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and diverse place to study, based in one of the most vibrant cities in the UK (as outlined in the CGA Top Cities report 2022).

However, we do understand that for many this will be the first time leaving home and the current economic climate may make this experience seem even more intimidating. That’s why we’ve pulled together some advice and helpful resources to make sure you’re fully prepared to start university life, as well as letting you know about the range of financial support available to you here at DMU.

If you are interested in finding out more about what life at DMU is like, book on to one of our Open Days – you can receive 30 per cent off coach travel through National Express when travelling to one of our Open Days.

Our campus and accommodation are ideally located right in the heart of Leicester’s city centre, so getting around the city is easy. Everything you need, from supermarkets to bars, independent cafes to our discounted gym, is right on your doorstep – eliminating a need for a car. If you do need to use public transport, a free bus service, running between Leicester Royal Infirmary and Jubilee Square, runs every 30 minutes for DMU students.

If you’re interested in working part-time while you study, then DMU may be for you. In NatWest’s latest Student Living Index, students working during term-time in Leicester make the second-highest amount of money in the country. The annual report showed that the average Leicester-based student’s monthly income is £2,508 – more than £700 greater than the UK average.

Two students in a bright, clean room, looking slightly hesitant about the pizza between them.

We offer a variety of self-catered halls of residence ranging in price from £95 to £154.50 a week. Each hall is already fully furnished and has staff on duty either around-the-clock or accessible on call. In our halls, all of your bills - including your electricity, heating, WiFi and gas - are included in the rent you pay, meaning there will be no hidden surprises.

When you join DMU your halls will be less than a 10-minute walk to campus no matter which accommodation you choose.

See DMU accommodation

Preparation is key when managing your money, it’s never too early to start. Managing your money can be tricky when you first come to university, so we have outlined money-saving tips and advice for you, including budgeting guides and a finance calendar to help get applicants ready for life at DMU. UCAS has also devised a downloadable budget tracker to help you plan your monthly outgoings.

You can also use Blackbullion, a handy online platform that we have teamed up with, which offers interactive courses and support to help students manage their money.

Managing your money – DMU applicants

Our Student Finance team is on hand for confidential advice or support regarding money issues. Students are able to get in touch both remotely and in person, with appointments offered for things such as money management, financial welfare issues and much more. Support funds are available for students who require additional financial support.

Unitemps offers a variety of roles throughout the year, including student ambassador work. We also have a strong reputation in supporting students starting up on their own and our Innovation Centre is here to support student start-ups too.

DMU has ranked in the top 10 British universities with the most student and graduate start-ups, and was nominated for the Outstanding Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the 2022 Times Higher Education Awards.

DMU students can also take advantage of a range of offers and discounts, in local shops, restaurants and online.

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We’re particularly proud that our students have secured placements at the likes of Disney, Microsoft, and Rolls-Royce. Those industry connections were one of the core reasons that DMU was named as the best university in the UK for helping students build their careers in 2021.

Our award-winning careers advice team, DMU Works, guarantees paid work experience opportunities for every DMU student with tailored CV and application advice on offer throughout the academic year and across all four of the university’s faculties.

For those undecided on attending university, it is worth noting that graduates earn £10,000 a year more than those who don’t attend university, and the average annual salary for a graduate straight out of university in the UK is also £24,000 compared to £16,622 for school leavers, as outlined in a Total Jobs survey.

Money matters

Find your new home at DMU