Leicester is already the ideal place to live and study for thousands of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) students, and it has now been rated one of the finest student cities in the UK.
Based on interviews with more than 2,800 students in June this year, the NatWest Student Living Index 2020 ranks Leicester in the top three student cities, just behind Manchester and Cambridge. In this article we will be exploring the student accommodation options that exist in Leicester and how you can get one.
Is Getting Student Accommodation in Leicester A Great Idea?
Leicester is a stunning city! It has a lot of wonderful people and a lovely river. It features beautiful parks with grass and several large trees! Leicester’s nightlife is fantastic, and the nightclubs are fantastic. The city does not slumber. There’s always a motive going on around Leicester, whether it’s a dreary Monday or a hectic Tuesday.
The meal is out of this world. Shopping… we have a variety of shopping centers to suit everyone’s needs. There is so much to do with your loved ones over the Christmas season. Leicester’s nightlife is fantastic, with a wide range of venues to choose from, including Club Republic and Mosh! However, the locker area has a wonderful vibe and would strongly recommend it for a drink or primos beforehand.
What is the Cost of Students Accommodation in Leicester?
The location is one of the most important variables in determining the cost of student housing. The cost of living in Leicester can range from as little as 90 pounds per week to as much as 300 pounds per week. On average, a nice room will cost between $150 and $200 a week. Aside from the location, the rent is determined by the accommodation’s numerous services and facilities, as well as the room’s configuration.
As you go further out from the city center, the cost of living will fall. The amount you pay will be determined by the type of student accommodation you select. In Leicester, a shared house will set you back £115 per week. The average cost of halls of residence is £131 per week.
Types of Student Accommodation in Leicester
In Leicester, you can find student rooms, hostels, dormitories, studio apartments, and other types of excellent student housing. The trick is determining which one is right for you. The city’s bus routes are within walking distance of many of Leicester’s student residences.
However, the two main options that distinguish Leicester from other student locations is the availability of Village and City Accommodations.
Any of these two options will satisfy your needs.
Village Accommodations
Freshers love The Village because of its vibrant social scene and diverse lodging options. It’s a great location to get acclimated to university life and meet new people.In The Village, there are eight halls of residence, each with its own unique features and range of room types/prices. We also have a selection of magnificent converted houses, most of which are Edwardian villas and lodges built before WWI. Each house is different, as are the rooms, with extraordinary features such as wood-paneled walls and secret gardens.
The Village halls are appealing not only because of the buildings but also because of the vast quantity of green space surrounding them, which includes the University’s own exquisite Botanic Garden. You’ll have access to all of The Village’s amenities regardless of where you stay. Each property is self-contained.
The Village Environment
The Accommodation Team can be reached by email or phone 24 hours a day, or you can visit either The Village or The City’s 24-hour reception. The team is always there to assist you, whether you’ve misplaced your key, have a question regarding your accommodation, or simply want a cup of tea and a chat.
Residential Advisers (RAs) are existing students who assist you in settling in as part of the Residence Life Team. The RAs can be identified by their distinctive green hoodies, and they are all available to offer assistance, advice, or guidance, or simply to stop and speak. They also organize The Village’s social calendar.Is there a light bulb in the bathroom? Is there a dripping faucet in the kitchen? You’ve locked yourself out of your room by accident (again!). Any issues should be reported to the maintenance team, who will resolve them.
You are in charge of your own room as well as the kitchen that you share with other pupils. However, Housekeepers and Domestic Assistants clean communal areas such as shared bathrooms, entrance lobbies, stairwells, and hallways. Your regular cleaner is a crucial member of the Village’s ‘family,’ and you’ll get along swimmingly with them in no time.
Looking for some fresh air and exercise, as well as some fun, socializing, and the promise of delicious cuisine at the end of the day?
You may grow your own fruit and vegetables on the Village’s award-winning allotment. Don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before; our Residential Advisers (RAs) will show you how to do it twice a week, all year.
We organize events such as creating chilli jam, cider, and Christmas wreaths using vegetables grown on the allotment. It’s a lot of fun to get dug in and learn new skills with our wonderful RAs, who will be at the allotment every week, weather or shine!
The City Accommodation
In The City, all of our properties are purpose-built blocks within a ten-minute walk of campus. They’re also close to the city center and railway station, as well as amenities like the Danielle Brown Sports Centre and the Library.
The majority of the rooms have a private bathroom. The rooms are all self-catering. You can take the bus to The Village for all the events and facilities there, in addition to enjoying social events within The City accommodations.
The O2 Academy at the Students’ Union, the adjacent Odeon cinema, our own arts complex Attenborough Arts, and De Montfort Hall are all within walking distance of the City lodgings.
You’ll also be close to the city’s clubs, pubs, bars, and venues, such as the Curve theatre, Showcase De Luxe cinema, and Phoenix Arts.
If you’d prefer to remain in but don’t want to stay in your room, our Residence Life Team organizes social activities, including some extremely popular coffee nights.
You can also go to the Village and participate in any of the activities and events that are being held there.
Opal Court and Nixon Court each have huge common rooms where you may relax with your friends and neighbours. Come to the Nixon Common Room to play pool, watch TV with your friends, or just relax and talk.
Also, in the City, studying does not imply isolating oneself in one’s room. Because you’re close to school, you may use the David Wilson Library, which includes 14 bookable group study rooms and plenty of other specialized study spaces, including silent zones.
On weekdays and during test seasons, the Library is open 24 hours a day, and at other times it is open until midnight (including vacation periods).
The Application Process
If you apply before September 1st of the year in which you begin your degree, you will be guaranteed an offer of University-managed housing.
You can use the online application method to apply:
#1. Visit: https://rooms.le.ac.uk/student_portal/
#2. In the upper right corner, click ‘Search Accommodation.’Select ‘Undergraduate’ first, then ‘New Undergraduate (Home/EU)’ if you are a UK/EU student.
#3. Select ‘Undergraduate’ first, then ‘New Undergraduate (International/Non-EU)’ if you are an international (non-EU) student.
#4. Select ‘Study Abroad & Erasmus’ if you are an Erasmus student or Study Abroad student
#5. Select ‘Global Study Centre’ if you are a Global Study Centre student.
#6. Select ‘ELTU & Study Skills’ if you’re taking an English language course, and then choose the appropriate contract based on your course and the academic year you’re in.
#7. Follow the simple and step by step process of filling in all your information
You’ll need your University of Leicester ID number, which is the 9-digit number printed on your offer letter, to create an account. This is not your UCAS number, so please keep that in mind. Contact the Admissions Office if you do not have a student ID. We recommend that you do not use a school email address when creating an account because it will be used to contact you until you arrive.
You can apply for up to five different room types and locations (for example, ‘Digby Houses – Single bedroom with Washbasin’). You can also specify whether you want to live in a single or mixed-gender flat, as well as any other specific needs. Based on availability, the school will make every effort to assign a room that meets your needs.
You will be requested to pay a £250 early rent payment when you accept your accommodation offer; this will be deducted from your first instalment and is not a deposit. After the term has begun, your first full instalment is required to give you time to settle in.
When you accept your offer, you have the option of paying in full or in three installments in accordance with your student loan payments.You won’t have to worry about any hidden charges if you live in the school accommodations.
Once you make payments, here are all the benefits you enjoy:
-All utility costs, with no cap on how much you can use
-Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and public places at a high speed.
-In most homes, basic room contents insurance is included, with the option to purchase additional coverage to meet your specific needs.
-There are numerous organized events and activities.
-Support services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Village is just for undergraduate students, and it is virtually entirely made up of first-year students. The City is closer to the University campus and is for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, but we’ll put you in separate blocks so you’ll only live with individuals who are taking the same courses as you. You’ll have a fantastic time in the hallways no matter where you go!
There is a dedicated bus service between The Village and the main University campus if you are staying in The Village. Leicester offers excellent bus connections across the city, as well as a big coach terminal and rail networks, making it simple to get around! If you wish to ride your bike to University, there are plenty of bike paths across the city.
First-year students must choose from a minimum of four and a maximum of six different housing options. These will be listed in order of choice so that we can provide you with the best option.
Any new undergraduate student who applies for university housing before September 1st of the academic year in which they begin their studies will be guaranteed a room with us for the academic year.
Conclusion
Accommodation for Students is the most comprehensive selection of student housing in Leicester. Halls of residence, house shares, flats, and apartments all fall under this category. You can contact your chosen accommodation directly or contact our live assistance staff for more information.
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