The city of Leicester

At the very heart of the UK, Leicester is a vibrant city

The City of Leicester is an exciting and diverse place to be a student. 300,000 people live in Leicester, making it one of the UK’s largest cities.

The vibrant city centre offers a huge range of independent and mainstream shops. For designer labels and original ideas the small independent shops in St Martin’s Square and the Leicester Lanes are just the solution. The new Highcross Leicester will offer all of the mainstream brands, alongside cafes, restaurants and a multi-screen cinema.

A student city

From spacious conversions of former factories to cosy and kitsch cafés, Leicester’s bars, pubs and restaurants provide something for everyone. Outside of the city the county offers fantastic scenery and facilities for a wide range of activities. Through and through Leicester is the perfect student city.

Students make up over 12% of the population in term time, giving the city a youthful feel. This is reflected in a wide choice of social and leisure facilities.

Reputation for culture

Leicester’s new £60million cultural quarter - due to open in 2008 - will help to cement Leicester’s reputation for cultural creativity. Alongside a £31million performing arts centre, the cultural quarter will include galleries, restaurants, bars and city-living apartments. This cultural development will complement Leicester’s wealth of museums and galleries.

International community

Leicester is one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse cities with a truly international flavour. The city's Diwali celebrations are the biggest outside India and everyone enjoys the fireworks and festivities. The ‘Golden Mile’ of Belgrave Road is packed with South Asian style shops, selling clothes, jewellery and food and gives you a real sense of the other cultures within the city.

There is also a wealth of restaurants and takeaways serving the world’s cuisine such as Italian, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Creole, French and Arabic.

Ideally placed

Located at the very heart of England, Leicester is easily accessible by train - it takes just 75 minutes to get to central London. See maps and transport information.