Life in Leicester
We know the location is as important as the university when choosing where to study and Leicester has everything you’re looking for and more. Its city-centre location means you’ll get the best of both worlds with the hub of activity right on your doorstep.
On this page you will find:
Background of Leicester
Leicester has been named the sixth most vibrant city in the UK, putting it ahead of the likes of Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds. Along with all the shopping and dining options you’d expect from a big city, it’s a great place to enjoy student life.
Leicester is renowned for arts and culture, including the famous annual , theatre, and colourful street art that brings the city to life.
Love letter to Leicester
A city for sport
Sport plays an integral part of life at 51Âþ» and we're proud to be partnered with some of the city's greatest sporting clubs including , providing students with exclusive opportunities and offers.
During our annual Varsity seasons, our students also have the opportunity to play against fierce rivals from the University of Leicester at the famous Welford Road stadium, home of the Leicester Tigers.
Discounts and offers
As a 51Âþ» student, you will have access to a range of discounts, offers and opportunities to help make the most of your experience.
Offers include:
- Access to tickets for Leicester Tigers home matches
- 10% student discount in store at
- Opportunity to attend exclusive 51Âþ» student events and behind-the-scenes activities throughout the year at
- 25% off at
- Discounts when you shop locally with the
Career opportunities
Leicester is an excellent place to kickstart your career. It’s home to major employers such as Caterpillar UK, Dunelm, E.ON, Europcar Group, IBM, Joules, Mattioli Woods, Next and PepsiCo.
Our specialist careers team can help plan your career path and explore opportunities in Leicester, the UK and across the world. You’ll have access to guaranteed work experience opportunities, flexible and personalised career support including placement years unlimited access to digital tools and so much more.
Diversity and culture
Famed for diversity, it feels like you’ve got the world on your doorstep, with Leicester being named the third most ‘progressive’ city in the UK. Leicester is 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.
It’s an inclusive place where you can always feel at home, with a long history of welcoming a variety of ethnic communities and religious faiths. Eating in Leicester can feel like travelling the globe. Narborough Road in Leicester’s West End has been called ‘the most multicultural street in the country’, offering bars, shops and restaurants influenced by tastes around the world, including Turkish, Indian and Polish cuisines.