Starting university is about much more than attending lectures and completing assignments. It gives you the chance to experience a new city, meet people from different backgrounds, discover new interests and create memories that you will look back on long after you graduate. If you are studying in Leicester, you will find plenty to keep you busy both on and off campus, whether you enjoy exploring new places, trying different food, getting involved in events or simply spending time with friends.

If you are new to the city, it can take a little while to find your feet. Getting out and exploring your surroundings can help you settle in and start feeling at home. From discovering your favourite coffee shop to finding somewhere you enjoy going for dinner, exploring more of Leicester will help you build your own routine and discover the places you want to return to.

Explore beyond your university campus

When you first start university, you might find yourself falling into a routine of travelling between your accommodation and campus, particularly while you get used to a new timetable. Although your university will naturally become a big part of your everyday life, Leicester has plenty to offer beyond the campus.

Take some time to walk around the city centre and see what catches your attention. Browse the shops, find a new café or take a different route home and see where it leads you. You can also use TikTok and Instagram to discover local restaurants, independent businesses and things happening around the city. You never know, you might find your new favourite spot simply because you decided to explore somewhere different.

Find your favourite places to eat

Exploring Leicester also gives you plenty of opportunities to try somewhere new with your friends. The city has a wide range of restaurants, cafés, takeaways and independent food spots, so whether you want a quick coffee between lectures or somewhere to celebrate after handing in an assignment, you will have plenty of choice.

Why not make it a regular plan with your flatmates and try somewhere different each week? You could create a list of places you want to visit throughout the year and work your way through it. Not only will you discover more of Leicester, but you will also create an easy way to spend time together without having to plan anything complicated.

Get involved in Leicester’s culture

Once you have explored the city centre, take some time to discover Leicester’s history and culture. Visit the city’s museums and galleries, explore its historic landmarks or see what is happening in the Cultural Quarter.

Leicester also hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, from its famous Diwali celebrations to music, theatre, comedy and arts events. Keep an eye on local event pages, university social media accounts and what’s happening around the city so you can find something that interests you.

Getting involved in local events can also introduce you to people outside your course and help you experience a different side of student life.

Make plans with your flatmates

You do not need to attend a big event every weekend to enjoy university life. Some of your favourite memories might come from simple plans with the people you live with, whether you cook dinner together, have a movie night, play games or head into the city for a coffee.

Living in student accommodation makes it easier to spend time with other students because you have a community around you. At St George’s Tower, you can use the student common room, which includes a large TV and gaming facilities, as well as the dedicated games room and quiet study space. The accommodation also hosts regular social events, giving you plenty of opportunities to meet other residents and get to know the people who live around you.

Find the right balance

Although getting out and making the most of Leicester plays an important part in university life, you also need to find time to study, relax and recharge. University can become particularly busy around deadlines and exams, so creating a routine that gives you time for both work and your social life can help you make the most of your experience.

St George’s Tower gives you different options when you need to focus. You can work at the study space in your own studio or head to one of the dedicated study areas when you want a change of scenery. Once you finish your work, you can close your laptop and enjoy your own private space, making it easier to switch off at the end of the day.

Make the most of living in the city centre

Living in a central location means you can spend less time travelling and more time enjoying Leicester. St George’s Tower sits within walking distance of both De Montfort University and the University of Leicester, while the city centre, shops, restaurants, cafés and entertainment are all close by.

You can also reach Leicester train station easily, which makes travelling further afield simple when you fancy a change of scenery. Whether you want to visit friends in another city, head home for the weekend or explore more of the local area, good transport links give you plenty of flexibility.

Make your accommodation feel like home

With so much happening outside your accommodation, it can be easy to forget how important your living space is to your university experience. After a busy day of lectures, socialising and exploring Leicester, you need somewhere comfortable where you can relax and switch off.

At St George’s Tower, you get your own private studio with a kitchen, en-suite bathroom and study space, giving you everything you need in one place. Your rent also includes bills and broadband, while facilities such as laundry, bike storage and 24-hour security help take care of the practical side of student life.

When you want to socialise, you can make use of the communal spaces and join events with other residents. When you want some peace and quiet, you can return to your own studio and have your own space to unwind.

Make Leicester your home

Everyone experiences university differently. You might spend your weekends exploring every corner of Leicester, or you might find a few favourite places and enjoy spending time there with a close group of friends. You might love going to events every week, or prefer quiet evenings in with your flatmates.

Whatever your student lifestyle looks like, give yourself the opportunity to experience what Leicester has to offer. Try somewhere new, explore the city, get involved in something you have never done before and make time for yourself along the way. The small experiences you have outside of your studies can become some of the best parts of your university years.

Find your home in Leicester

If you are looking for student accommodation close to both De Montfort University and the University of Leicester, St George’s Tower offers premium and deluxe student studios in a central Leicester location.

With private studios, dedicated study spaces, communal facilities and the city centre right on your doorstep, St George’s Tower gives you a comfortable base from which to make the most of student life in Leicester.

Find out more about St George’s Tower and discover your student studio today.