You’ve accepted your offer to uni in Leicester congrats! Now let’s talk about where you’re going to live.
Sorting out student accommodation Leicester may not be the most glamorous part of starting university, but it’s 100% one of the most important. Your housing will shape everything from how well you sleep to how many 9am lectures you actually show up to.
And let’s be honest searching for the right student flat (or hall, or house share…) can easily turn into a full-time job. There are loads of places out there, but not all of them deliver what they promise.
So, before you sign a contract or send over your deposit, here are 10 practical (and often overlooked) things to double-check before locking down your accommodation in Leicester.
1. Travel Time to Campus Is About More than Just Distance
That £95/week ensuite in "walking distance" looks good until you realise it actually takes 35 minutes with uphill streets and two bus changes. Trust me, “nearby” can mean very different things depending on who wrote the listing.
Here’s how to check it properly:
- Use Google Maps and put in your campus building, not just “De Montfort University” or “Uni of Leicester” in general
- Choose weekday arrival times, set to 8:30–9:00 AM, to see real commute estimates
- Bonus points if it’s close to food shops and bus stops too
2. Is “All Bills Included” Actually… All?
Lots of listings say “bills included,” but then you find out that only covers water and electricity—and that heating and Wi-Fi are separate.
Ask these questions before committing:
- Is Wi-Fi part of the monthly rent?
- Are gas and energy capped under a set limit (“fair usage” policies)?
- Is there a clause for a possible bills increase during winter?
A group I knew in first year split a house assuming they’d have heat all day every day. Turns out they hit their usage cap before December. Not fun.
3. Always Get a Tour Or at the Very Least a Video Walkthrough
Even if the images look clean and modern, make sure you get to see the place you’re renting. Some landlords reuse images from years ago or even copy/paste photos from similar flats.
Here’s the minimum you should ask for:
- A walkthrough video of your exact room and shared areas
- Photos taken recently (not when the place was new)
- An in-person viewing if you’re already in Leicester or a trusted friend to view on your behalf
4. Check the Street During the Day AND Night
Some neighbourhoods in Leicester feel totally fine at midday, but less safe after dark especially for students walking alone.
What worked for me:
- Asking current students which streets they recommend (or avoid)
- Checking Google Street View to explore the vibe around the building
- Looking for bus stops, street lights, and corner shops nearby it makes a big difference when getting home late
5. Think About Who You’re Sharing With (If It’s a House or Flat)
If you’re going for a house share or a private student flat, ask who else is living there. Ideally, the people you're with will be fellow students or at least around the same stage in life.
A few check-ins:
- Are the housemates undergrads or postgrads?
- Is the flat mixed-gender?
- Are you meeting your housemates before move-in?
I once moved into a house with people I didn’t meet until day one and it worked out okay. But a friend of mine? Stuck for 12 months with someone who “didn't believe in cleaning.” Enough said.
6. Go Through the Contract With a Fine-Tooth Comb
Yes, it’s boring. But reading your rental agreement can save you stress (and cash) later.
What to look out for:
- Clear move-in and move-out dates
- Deposit amount, refund terms, and when you’ll get it back
- What happens if you change your mind or drop out
- Who to contact for urgent maintenance issues
If anything seems off or confusing? Ask your university’s housing team to take a second look. That’s literally what they’re there for.
7. Don’t Rely Solely on Facebook Listings
There’s nothing wrong with checking student groups or Marketplace for options but these aren’t always reliable. Scam listings exist, and so do landlords who ghost you after sharing your deposit.
What I now swear by: Using a platform like Student Accommodation Guide, which only lists verified properties from trusted providers. I used it in my second year and actually got what was promised including a working heating system (finally).
You can compare different types of student accommodation Leicester offers shared houses vs private halls, ensuite vs studio with real photos and actual student reviews, not just glowing marketing blurbs.
8. Ask About the Deposit How Much, and Is It Protected?
In the UK, landlords are legally required to place your deposit in a government-backed protection scheme.
That means:
- Your deposit can’t be unfairly withheld
- You’re entitled to a full breakdown if any amount is deducted
- You’ll get your money back (usually within 10 days of your move-out)
If you ask and they don't mention the scheme by name (like TDS, MyDeposits, or DPS)? Don’t hand over a single pound.
9. Plan Ahead Financially Rent Isn’t Your Only Expense
When budgeting, don’t forget stuff like transport, takeaways, cleaning supplies, printing, club nights… it adds up.
A rough guide for monthly Leicester living:
| Expense | Monthly Average |
|---|---|
| Shared flat rent | £350–£550 |
| Ensuite room | £550–£750 |
| Transport (bus pass) | £40–£60 |
| Groceries | £120–£180 |
| Laundry & extras | £30–£60 |
Make sure rent doesn’t eat your whole budget and leave you surviving on instant noodles (unless that’s your vibe, of course).
10. Trust Your Gut and Don’t Rush
If something in your gut feels off (whether it's the listing, the landlord’s tone, or just a weird lack of info)... listen to it. I once almost paid for a room in a flat that didn’t have a working toilet because I really wanted to sort things quickly.
Glad I waited. A better option came along three days later.
Final Thoughts
Sorting out student accommodation Leicester is a big deal no pressure. But seriously, if you plan ahead, ask the right questions, and don’t settle for the first room you see, you’ll be fine.
Remember: your room is more than just four walls. It’s your sleep space, study zone, social escape, and the place you come back to after the longest days.
Figure out your priorities first: affordability, location, peace, flatmate vibes then match your search around that.
Need help getting started?
- I’ve put together a pre-move checklist (just ask!)
- Want a comparison table between shared houses and ensuite rooms? I’ve got one
- Or check out Student Accommodation Guide it seriously made my second-year housing search smooth, quick, and drama-free
You’re already on the right track. Now go find the place that makes Leicester feel like home