Leicester

QS Best Student Cities ranking: 118th

Known for its rich history and green surroundings, Leicester is new to the Best Student Cities ranking, coming in at 118th overall, and 14th in the UK. Leicester boasts two leading universities; University of Leicester and De Montford University, with both featuring in the most recent QS World University Rankings® Leicester ranks highest for the ‘Student Mix’ indicator at 23rd, which reflects the wide diversity of the student population.

Leicester has excellent public transport links, making travel easy when you want to explore the surrounding areas, or even travel further afield, with direct trains to London St Pancras taking just over an hour.

If you’re looking for something to do after lectures have finished, there is always plenty to entertain you in Leicester. Those interested in history will be able to enjoy the King Richard III visitor center, built around the former car park where his remains were found in 2012, as well as Leicester Castle (which is only a few minutes’ walk from the town center). Those who are more into sports will be able to study in close proximity to The Walker’s Stadium - home to both the world-renowned Leicester City FC and the Leicester Tigers Rugby Union.

Anyone who likes a bit of retail therapy in their spare time will love Leicester’s Highcross shopping center, with over 120 shops, plenty of restaurants and even a large Cinema de Lux where you can unwind with your friends. Leicester also has an excellent nightlife, teeming with a large variety of bars and nightclubs, making it a popular hit with students.

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Internationally ranked universities in Leicester

More about Leicester

• To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.*