So you’ve accepted your offer to university in Leicester massive congrats!
But while you're still buzzing from the good news, there's one major decision you probably didn’t expect to be this complicated: where are you going to live?
I get it searching for student accommodation Leicester can feel like diving head-first into a maze. Tons of listings, rules you’ve never heard of, and random terms like “guarantor” and “bills included*” that somehow still require clarification.
Whether you're booking from abroad or just moving across the country, choosing accommodation is more than just about ticking the cheapest box it sets the tone for your entire uni experience. So here’s a checklist of the most important things to double-check before you sign anything and a few major mistakes to avoid.
1. Location Means More Than Just “Close to Campus”
It’s easy to get caught up in rent prices and forget about the one thing you can’t change later: location.
Sure, that £95/week room sounds great until you realise it’s a 35-minute bus ride away from your 9 am lecture. And trust me, that daily trek gets old real fast.
Here’s what worked for me:
- I used Google Maps and searched the real-time commute during rush hour.
- Aim for anything within 15–20 minutes walking distance from your campus if possible.
- Stick to popular student areas in Leicester like Clarendon Park, City Centre, or the West End if you want a solid balance between convenience and community.
2. What Exactly Is (and Isn’t) Included in the Rent?
The “bills included” tag can be misleading. Some landlords include everything electricity, water, internet, even contents insurance. Others? Not so much.
Make sure you ask your housing provider this upfront:
- Are all bills included in the rent? If not, which ones aren’t?
- What’s the average cost per month for excluded bills?
- Are there any "fair usage caps" on electricity or heating?
A friend of mine ended up paying an extra £90 a month during winter because heating wasn’t covered and their flat had terrible insulation.
3. Ask for a Virtual (or In-Person) Tour Before You Sign
If you can’t see the place yourself before moving in either because you're still abroad or juggling schedules always ask for a video or virtual tour of the exact room you’re paying for.
Key things to keep an eye out for:
- General cleanliness (especially bathrooms and kitchens)
- Water pressure make sure there's a working shower or bath
- Windows and heating Leicester gets cold in the winter
- Storage you'll thank yourself later for noticing a wardrobe or shelves
Not getting a tour? Huge red flag. Keep searching.
4. Don’t Fall for Pretty Pictures Read Real Reviews Instead
You’d be amazed at how different a room can look in real life compared to the photos. Some listings look stunning online and then… not so much in person.
This is why I always recommend checking reviews before making a decision. Look for honest feedback left by previous tenants especially about things like noise levels, management responsiveness, and general upkeep.
A quick tip: I used Student Accommodation Guide to compare student accommodation Leicester listings in one place with verified reviews, not just staged promo shots. Saved me from making a very expensive mistake in second year.
5. Who Will You Be Living With?
Some students love living alone. Others absolutely thrive in social house shares. The reality is, your housemates will shape your experience more than your room will.
If you’re booking a private flat or shared house, try asking:
- Can I meet (or message) my future housemates before confirming the room?
- Is it an all-undergraduate or mixed flat (undergrad and postgrad)?
- Are they mostly international or home students and do they have a regular cleaning schedule?
Living with randoms might be fine. But if you're super tidy and your flatmates love leaving dishes in the sink for days, you'll feel the tension quick.
6. Be Clear on Your Contract Details
Believe me when I say: read every word of your tenancy agreement.
Things you want to check:
- Start and end date of the tenancy
- Cancellation policy (in case your visa gets delayed or changes happen)
- Deposit amount, how it’s protected, and when it’s refundable
- Who’s responsible for repairs and maintenance
If you're unsure about any of the terms, Leicester universities usually have a student accommodation team or housing officers who can help review the contract with you before signing anything.
7. Look for Verified Listings Avoid Facebook-Only Deals
Let's be real Facebook groups can be useful, but they’re also full of scams or poorly managed listings. I know more than one student who paid a deposit after seeing a listing posted by “Sam Property Finder” on Facebook… and the account disappeared within days.
Here’s what worked better for me:
Using trusted platforms like Student Accommodation Guide, which actually verify properties and landlords before listing them. You can compare providers, room types, prices, and billing info without getting 15 pop-ups or ads tricking you into clicking something sketchy.
Red Flag Summary: When to Walk Away
If you see any of the following, hit that “back” button:
- They ask for payment before a written contract
- No virtual/in-person tour available and no reviews
- The price seems way below average for the area
- “Bills included” but unclear on what exactly that means
- The address or landlord name can’t be verified
It’s better to lose a room than to lose your deposit your peace of mind.
Look, I Won’t Pretend It’s Easy
Finding decent student accommodation in a city you might not know anything about? It’s stressful. Especially if you’re doing it from abroad. You're juggling email replies, providers who take days to respond, and listings that look great... until you realise they're miles from campus.
But once you secure the right spot somewhere warm, walkable, and with solid Wi-Fi you can shift your focus back to what matters most: uni life, making friends, and finally learning how to cook pasta properly.
So, to Wrap This Up…
Booking student accommodation Leicester might be the first big adult thing you do before starting uni. And trust me you want to get it right the first time.
Don't just go with the first listing or the prettiest photo. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t settle if something feels off. Whether you want an ensuite in a quiet hall or a shared house full of social butterflies there’s a good option waiting for you.
Start with this: What’s your top priority? Location? Budget? Privacy?
Once you figure that out, everything else becomes clearer.
Need help comparing options?
- I’ve got a Roommate Vibe Check checklist ready to share
- Or you can browse verified listings on Student Accommodation Guide (it made my flat search way easier)
- Got questions? Drop them in your uni group chat you’ll find someone who’s been through it and can help you out
You’ve already made it this far. The next step? Finding a place that feels like yours. You've got this.