You’ve accepted your spot at a uni in Leicester amazing. Now comes the real-life part.
Getting the offer letter is just step one. Once the excitement fades (a little), you're left asking the big question: Where do I live? What’s it actually going to be like?
If you’re coming from India, moving to the UK especially to a student-focused city like Leicester is both thrilling and slightly confusing. You’ll Google student accommodation Leicester, see a hundred similar options, and somehow feel more lost than when you started.
This post is for anyone making that leap into student life in Leicester from figuring out your housing to fitting in, and everything in between.
1. Accommodation Choices: Shared Flat or Private Ensuite?
Let’s start with what you probably care about right now where you’re going to sleep, cook, study, and occasionally binge-watch Netflix all day.
In Leicester, students typically choose between:
- University halls (managed directly by the uni)
- Private student residences
- Shared rental houses
Most halls offer ensuite and non-ensuite options. Private setups tend to have newer facilities and sometimes more freedom. Shared houses give you space and flexibility, but you’ll be dealing with bills and chores with others.
My first year: I stayed in a uni-managed ensuite in the city centre. It was pricey, but I didn’t have to worry about anything: bills, repairs, security it was all taken care of. For my second year, I moved into a shared house near Clarendon Park with friends. It was noisier (and colder, not gonna lie), but I loved the freedom.
Lesson: Choose based on what you need peace and quiet? Social atmosphere? Budget-friendly living?
2. Adapting to the Food Scene
Let’s talk food because it’s a big deal.
It’s honestly not hard to find Indian groceries or restaurants in Leicester. The city has a strong Indian community, especially around areas like Belgrave and Evington Road, so whether you’re craving biryani, samosa chaat, or Maggi noodles, you won’t have to look far.
Here’s what helped me settle in:
- Found the nearest Asian supermarket and bought all my spices, dals, and masalas on Day 1
- Watched easy 15-min YouTube recipes (because eating out every day = broke by week 3)
- Cooked in batches and stored meals to avoid last-minute spending and hunger panic
If you're living in shared accommodation, it's a good idea to label your things in the fridge and be mindful of smells your paneer tikka might smell heavenly to you, but not every flatmate will agree.
3. Transport Basics: How to Get Around Leicester Without Overthinking It
Compared to cities like London or Manchester, Leicester is pretty compact. You’re rarely more than a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk from anything uni buildings, shopping areas, or student housing.
Getting comfortable with transport:
- Grab a student bus pass with Arriva or First. It’ll save you loads.
- Download apps like “Leicester Buses” or “Moovit” for live tracking
- If your housing is anywhere near Clarendon Park, Evington, or the City Centre—you’re good
A lot of students bike around or even just walk. You’ll figure out within a week if you even need regular public transport.
4. Cultural Differences You'll Probably Notice
When you’re adjusting to life in Leicester, it’s not the huge things that stand out it’s the small daily shifts.
- People are polite... overly so. They’ll say "sorry" even when you stepped in their way.
- “You alright?” is a greeting here not someone checking if you’re okay.
- Tea isn’t always masala chai most of the time it’s a milky English brew (you’ll get used to it)
Also, expect:
- Cold weather that doesn’t match any Delhi winter
- Quiet libraries (and I mean silent-silent)
- Queues for literally everything
Getting used to it won't happen overnight. But trust me you’ll start to feel at home sooner than you expect.
5. Finding Your People & Settling In
Feeling out of place at the beginning is completely normal. Even if you’re an extrovert, being in a new country with different norms and accents can take a toll.
Here’s what helped me feel grounded:
- Joining the Indian Society at my uni (Garba nights, Holi festivals plus affordable Indian snacks!)
- Weekly catch-ups with my people back home
- Finding a desi flatmate made the transition smoother and the cooking, better
A small number of friends who “get it” matter more than trying to fit in everywhere at once.
6. Common Mistakes to Watch Out For
Let’s be real it’s easy to mess up when you’re trying to do everything at once. I did too.
Here are a few common ones to avoid:
- Booking a room without checking if bills are included (bad surprise)
- Not inspecting your room (virtually or in-person) before move-in
- Over-paying for a room in a far-off zone just because it looked modern
- Not asking about who you’ll be living with (flatmate situations can make or break your year)
A friend of mine paid nearly £200 per week for a studio that ended up being in a basement with almost no natural light. Wish he’d double-checked before signing.
7. Verified Listings = Less Stress
The first time I looked at student accommodation Leicester, I used random social media groups. I got ghosted twice by landlords and nearly fell for a scam. Not ideal.
The second time, I used Student Accommodation Guide and it made a huge difference.
Here’s the deal:
- You can filter by room type, price, and distance from uni
- Every listing is verified so you know it’s real
- You can compare 25+ trusted providers in one place
- No spam, fake reviews, or pressure to book immediately
One secure booking = a good night’s sleep before you even move in.
Final Thoughts (That I Wish Someone Told Me)
Adjusting to Leicester as an Indian student doesn’t come with a manual but knowing some basics upfront helps.
Your housing plays a huge role. Pick a flat (or hall) that matches your lifestyle:
- Private ensuite if you like your space
- Shared house if you want more social vibes
- Close to campus if you like sleeping in
- A bit farther if you want to save on rent
There’s no one-size-fits-all. But there is a right fit for you you just have to be smart about looking.
Want Help Making the Move?
- I’ve got a checklist I made for comparing rooms ( based on real red flags )
- Need help understanding contracts or rent breakdowns? Drop me a message
- Or, just head to Student Accommodation Guide you’ll save yourself the stress
You're going to be just fine. Leicester’s welcoming, diverse, and way more affordable than you think.
Once you settle into the rhythm (and find your go-to chai spot), it’ll start to feel like home.