What You Can Get for Your Money in Leicester vs. Loughborough

Choosing where to live and study is one of the biggest decisions a student will make. Beyond just picking a university, the local lifestyle and cost of living play a vital role in shaping a student’s overall experience. 

In the East Midlands, Leicester and Loughborough are two popular student cities, each offering unique advantages. But how far does your money really go in each place? 

This feature takes a closer look at how Leicester and Loughborough compare in terms of rent, lifestyle, transport, and value for money.

Accommodation: Space, Quality, and Cost

In Leicester, the student accommodation market is extensive, due to the presence of two major universities – University of Leicester and De Montfort University. This competition keeps prices relatively affordable and gives students a wide range of housing types to choose from. 

You can find shared houses for around £90 to £120 per week, with university halls ranging between £100 and £140. Private studio flats are slightly more expensive, typically costing between £150 and £200 per week. 

The city offers various neighbourhoods for students, including Clarendon Park and Evington, which are both within walking distance of the campuses.

Loughborough, being a smaller town, revolves around Loughborough University and has fewer accommodation options. However, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. 

Most student housing is relatively modern and located close to the university campus. Shared housing here costs slightly more on average – between £100 and £130 per week – with private studios often exceeding £200 per week in newer developments. 

Students here benefit from shorter walking distances and campus-centred living, but may find themselves with fewer housing choices overall.

Lifestyle and Social Scene

Leicester offers a vibrant, multicultural city atmosphere with plenty to do outside of lectures. The city is home to a wide range of restaurants, cinemas, shopping centres, cafes, and nightlife venues. 

Whether you’re into live music, art exhibitions, theatre, or sport, there’s usually something happening. With a population of over 300,000, the city doesn’t sleep, and students can easily integrate into the broader community. 

For those who enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle with lots of options for entertainment, Leicester ticks all the boxes.

By contrast, Loughborough provides a more close-knit and community-oriented experience. The entire town is heavily centred around its university, and the student union is the hub of social life. 

While there are some pubs, eateries, and a cinema in town, the nightlife is significantly quieter than in Leicester. Many students enjoy this simplicity, finding it easier to focus on studies and form strong friendship groups in a more intimate setting. 

The campus also hosts regular events, particularly geared toward sports and wellness, which aligns with Loughborough University’s strong athletic reputation.

Transport and Accessibility

Leicester’s size means it has a well-developed transport system. A comprehensive bus network connects the city and surrounding areas, and two train stations offer easy access to cities like Birmingham and London. 

Annual student bus passes are reasonably priced, and cycling is a viable option in many parts of the city. Getting around is rarely a challenge, even for students living slightly outside the city centre.

Loughborough, being more compact, is largely walkable. Most students don’t need to rely on public transport daily, as the university, shops, and amenities are within easy reach. There is a train station nearby, but it’s located on the outskirts of town, requiring a short bus or taxi ride. 

For students who prefer to live close to campus and avoid daily commuting costs, Loughborough offers a convenient setup.

Food, Shopping, and Day-to-Day Spending

Leicester shines when it comes to choice and value in food and shopping. The Highcross Shopping Centre features big-name brands, while smaller independent stores and markets provide affordable everyday goods. 

The city is especially known for its diverse food scene, with cuisines from all over the world available at student-friendly prices. Supermarkets are plentiful and spread throughout the city, making weekly grocery shopping easy and economical.

Loughborough has a smaller town centre, but it covers the essentials. There are a few major supermarkets, local cafes, and high-street retailers, but students may find fewer choices overall. 

That said, the cost of everyday items like groceries, coffees, and takeaways is generally slightly cheaper than in Leicester, and local businesses often offer exclusive student discounts to encourage loyalty.

Part-Time Work and Student Budgeting

Leicester’s economy offers more part-time job opportunities in retail, hospitality, and university services. 

Students often find work in the city’s shops, cafes, or through university schemes, helping to ease financial pressure. The city’s size and diversity mean that those looking to earn while studying usually have several options.

In Loughborough, job opportunities are mostly centred around the university itself. Students can work in the student union, university cafes, or on-campus support roles. 

While this setup suits some students well, others may find it restrictive, especially if they are looking for work experience in specific industries or fields.

Overall Value for Money

When weighing up both cities, Leicester offers a broader range of opportunities, cheaper rents, and a lively urban lifestyle, making it attractive for students who want city living without a London price tag. 

It’s well-suited for students who value independence, variety, and access to jobs and cultural events.

Loughborough, on the other hand, delivers a high-quality student experience in a more controlled and quieter environment, perfect for students who value community, structure, and campus life. 

While slightly more expensive for housing, its simplicity may lead to fewer day-to-day costs, especially for those who prefer to walk and cook at home.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision between Leicester and Loughborough comes down to your personal preferences. 

If you see yourself enjoying the buzz of a multicultural city with lots of social options and diverse food, Leicester is a strong contender. But if you’re looking for a compact, focused student experience with close connections and a strong campus culture, Loughborough may feel more like home.

Either way, both cities offer excellent student living – what matters most is finding the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.