Choosing where to live at university is a big decision. It is not just about finding somewhere with a bed and a desk. Your accommodation can shape your routine, your budget, your social life and how easy it feels to settle into student life.

If you are studying at De Montfort University or the University of Leicester, living in the right part of the city can make a big difference. Leicester is a compact, student-friendly city, which means you do not always have to choose between being close to lectures, close to shops or close to places to go out.

Here is what to look for when choosing student accommodation near University of Leicester and DMU.

Think about your daily routine

Before you choose where to live, think about what your week will actually look like.

You might have early lectures, late library sessions, part-time work, society events or gym classes. You might want to be close enough to campus to walk in, but still near the city centre for food shops, coffee, nights out and transport links.

A good location should make your day easier, not more complicated.

When looking at student accommodation in Leicester, check how long it takes to get to:

• DMU campus
• University of Leicester campus
• Leicester city centre
• The train station
• Supermarkets and everyday shops
• Study spaces, gyms and social areas
• Bus routes and transport links

The best option is usually somewhere that gives you a balance between uni, city life and practical everyday needs.

Should you live near DMU, University of Leicester or the city centre?

Leicester works well for students because the city is easy to get around. DMU is close to the city centre, while the University of Leicester is slightly further south, near Victoria Park.

If you are studying at DMU, living close to the city centre can be a great choice. You can be near campus, shops, food places and nightlife without feeling cut off from the rest of the city.

If you are studying at the University of Leicester, city centre accommodation can still work well, especially if you want more going on around you. It can give you easy access to campus while keeping you close to restaurants, shops, the train station and weekend plans.

If you are not sure where you will spend most of your time, a central location can be a smart middle ground.

Look at the full cost, not just the weekly rent

Rent is important, but it is not the only cost to think about.

When comparing student accommodation, check what is included in the price. Some places include bills, broadband or access to shared facilities. Others may look cheaper at first but leave you paying extra for utilities, Wi-Fi, laundry or travel.

Before you book, ask yourself:

• Are bills included?
• Is Wi-Fi included?
• Do I need to pay a deposit?
• Are there extra fees?
• How far will I need to travel each week?
• Will I need to budget for buses, taxis or trains?
• \Is the contract length right for me?

A slightly higher rent can sometimes offer better value if it includes more of the things you need day to day.

Decide if you want a studio or shared accommodation

One of the biggest choices is whether you want a private studio or shared student accommodation.

Shared houses and flats can be a good option if you already know who you want to live with. They can feel social and familiar, especially if you are moving in with friends.

Private studios give you more independence. You get your own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen area and study space, so you can manage your routine in your own way. This can be helpful if you like quiet space, have a busy course, work part-time or simply want your own place to relax at the end of the day.

A studio can also be a good option if you still want to be social, but do not want to share your everyday living space. You can meet people in communal areas, at university or around the city, then come back to your own space when you need downtime.

Check what is nearby

Student life is much easier when the essentials are close by.

When looking at accommodation, check what is around the building. You will want easy access to food shops, takeaways, coffee spots, public transport and places to meet friends.

It is also worth thinking about your lifestyle. If you like going to the gym, being close to green space or having quick access to the train station for trips home, factor that into your decision.

A good student location should support the way you actually live, not just look good on a map.

Think about safety and support

Feeling comfortable where you live is just as important as location.

Before booking student accommodation, look at what support is available. This could include secure access, on-site staff, maintenance support or clear contact points if something goes wrong.

You should also check whether the accommodation is part of a recognised student accommodation code or scheme. This can give you extra reassurance that the building is managed to student housing standards.

It is easy to focus on the fun parts of moving to uni, but support and safety can make a real difference once you are living there.

Make sure your room works for studying and relaxing

Your accommodation needs to work for more than just sleeping.

You will probably use your room for studying, cooking, getting ready, relaxing and calling home. That means the space needs to be practical, comfortable and easy to live in.

Look for:

• A proper desk and chair
• Good storage
• Natural light where possible
• Reliable Wi-Fi
• A comfortable bed
• Enough kitchen space for simple meals
• A layout that feels easy to use

Good student accommodation should help you get on with uni life without making the basics harder.

Why St George’s Tower is a strong option for Leicester students

St George’s Tower offers student studios in Leicester city centre, making it a practical option for students at both DMU and the University of Leicester.

The location works well if you want to be close to campus while still having the city on your doorstep. DMU is around a 10-minute walk away, while the University of Leicester is around an 18-minute walk away, so you can get to lectures without relying heavily on transport.

You are also close to Leicester train station, shops, food places and city centre amenities, which makes day-to-day student life easier.

The studios are designed for independent student living, giving you your own private space to study, cook, relax and get ready for the day. This makes them a good choice if you want the freedom of living alone, with the convenience of being in a student-focused building.

Questions to ask before booking student accommodation in Leicester

Before you make your decision, ask these questions:

• How close is it to my university?
• Can I walk to campus?
• What is included in the rent?
• Is the accommodation close to shops and transport?
• Do I want a private studio or shared accommodation?
• What support is available if I need help?
• Is the building designed for students?
• Does the contract work for my plans?
• Can I book a viewing before deciding?

Taking time to check these details can help you feel more confident before you book.

Finding the right student accommodation in Leicester

The best student accommodation is not the same for everyone. Some students want to be right next to campus. Others want more space, more independence or easier access to the city centre.

If you are studying at DMU or the University of Leicester, a central Leicester location can give you a good balance of campus access, city life and everyday convenience.

St George’s Tower is well placed for both universities, with private student studios designed to make student living simple, comfortable and easy to manage.

If you are looking for student accommodation in Leicester, it is worth exploring your options early so you can find a space that suits your course, your budget and the way you want to live.