Student Life

Leicester is very much at the heart of the country, with a cosmopolitan population. The cultural diversity of Leicester today sits within the surroundings of a city that is one of the oldest settlements in the UK – sparking into existence nearly 2000 years ago, before the Romans invaded Britain.

Now, Leicester is the biggest city in the East Midlands, and 13th largest overall in Britain. It has a lot to offer, and Leicester’s future generates just as much excitement.

As Leicester College changes and evolves, so does the city itself. Projects such as the modernisation and redesign of Leicester’s pedestrianised city centre gives the city a sharper, more style-conscious feel.

The Highcross retail complex which opened in September 2008 has dramatically invigorated this area of Leicester, creating an outstanding shopping environment, cafes and restaurants, a Cinema de Lux multiplex cinema and luxurious residential apartments.

Whatever your hopes for the future, Leicester can match your ambitions, no matter how high.

Entertainment

A thriving city like Leicester has a varied range of places to visit and things to do. The National Space Centre for instance, offers an award-winning experience for anyone fascinated by all things space and is the only one of its kind in the country.

If you want to hit the streets for some retail therapy, then Leicester's shopping offering is impressive. On the outskirts there’s Fosse Park, a retail park that has all the facilities and major brands you would expect and serves as a busy shopping hub to the East Midlands.

In the centre of the city, the redeveloped new Highcross at a cost of some £350m, has brought with it further high street names such as Next, River Island and Hugo Boss. While John Lewis’ four-level flagship store, is one of the largest in the UK.

Of course, one of the great things is that if the hustle and bustle of the city is not your preference, then you’ll be pleased to know that the delights of rural Leicestershire are only a ten-minute drive away.

Going out

You won’t be short of options eating out in Leicester either. The city boasts French, Caribbean, Chinese and a raft of high quality curry houses to keep your palate happy.

There’s also a good selection of price ranges, appealing to the constraints of any pocket. Leicester has an eclectic range of drinking establishments to meet just about every taste.

There’s small independent pubs, champagne bars, large chain pubs and locally-run bars, while a variety of clubs specialise in the full spectrum of musical standpoint, be it dance, indie or rock.

The home of popular mainstream band Kasabian, Leicester is very proud of its local music scene. There’s a hotbed of talent out there and you can see fresh, upcoming acts from Leicester and the Midlands area get to hone their skills, championed at venues such as The Shed, Musician and The Charlotte.

Established bands also regularly play at larger Leicester venues such as the Walkers Stadium, home of Leicester City FC; De Montfort Hall and the new Performing Arts centre, Curve.

Sport

Leicester has a proud history as a sporting city, with many achievements over the years, but just as equally it has an exciting sporting future.

In 2008 Leicester was the European City of Sport with a wide array of grass roots sporting events happening across the city. This sits alongside the city’s sports teams in football, basketball, hockey, cricket, ice hockey and of course the multi-title winning rugby team the Leicester Tigers. There are also a wide range of sporting facilities across the city, giving you the chance to move out of the stands and onto the pitch, field or court and join in.

As we look forward to the future, Leicester will continue to cement its place as a great sporting city. In 2009 the Leicester Tigers completed work to improve and upgrade its stadium, creating one of the best rugby union grounds in all of Europe. In July 2009, Leicester captured the sporting eye of the world as it hosted the 2009 Special Olympics. With over 400 people and 21 different sporting events the Special Olympics 2009 kept Leicester in the sporting spotlight.

Living away from home

Living away from home can throw up a lot of new situations. At this time, it’s good to have reliable advice and know where you stand. We can give advice about where to look for accommodation. We are here to listen and help, please call 0116 224 2240
Remember

• Always check paperwork and understand what you are signing.
• Ask for everything in writing.
• Take care of the property and pay all bills you are liable for.
• Be aware of notice periods.
• Ask for a receipt for your deposit.
• Insure your possessions.

Full-time learners may be able to receive a Council Tax reduction, You will need proof of enrolment when you apply. (See below in Useful websites for address)

Useful Contacts