Why DMU Students Are Getting the Best Deal in UK Student Housing
Here's something most people don't realize: De Montfort University students are sitting on one of the best value propositions in UK higher education.
I looked at every property near DMU. The numbers are wild.
The Data That Surprised Me
- Properties near DMU: 42
- Cheapest room: £79/week
- Average rent: £139/week
- Leicester overall: 64 properties
Now look at this comparison:
| City | Average Rent | Savings vs London | |------|--------------|-------------------| | Leicester | £148/week | £203/week | | Sheffield | £104/week | £243/week | | Nottingham | £150/week | £197/week | | Manchester | £241/week | £106/week | | London | £347/week | - |
A London student paying average rent spends £17,697 over 51 weeks. A Leicester student? £7,344. That's over £10,000 difference PER YEAR.
Why Leicester Works for Students
I'll be honest. Leicester doesn't have the reputation of Manchester or Edinburgh. But here's what it does have:
Location: You're 1 hour from London, 30 mins from Birmingham, 45 mins from Nottingham. Everything's accessible.
Cost of living: It's not just rent. Pints are £3.50, not £6. A curry costs £8, not £15. Everything's cheaper.
Growing city: Leicester has been regenerating for years. The city centre is genuinely improving. New restaurants, bars, and cultural venues are opening constantly.
Diverse population: One of the most diverse cities in the UK. The food scene is incredible - especially if you like Indian cuisine.
My Top Picks for DMU Students
The Budget Kings
1. Ben Russell Court - £79/week View Property →
This is literally the cheapest I found. Homes for Students property, basic but functional.
What you're getting: A clean room, shared kitchen, bills included. Nothing fancy, but at £79/week, what do you expect?
2. Nimi Halls - £80/week View Property →
Just a quid more. Similar setup, worth comparing both.
The Sweet Spot
3. Regents Court - £95/week View Property →
Student Roost (2.4★). Reviews are mixed, but the price is good and the location works.
My take: At this price point, you're getting decent value. Just document everything at move-in.
4. Liberty Park - £123/week View Property →
Unite Students. Mid-range, better facilities than budget options.
If Money's Not Tight
5. True Leicester - £165/week View Property →
Premium option. Modern building, good amenities, but you're paying almost double the budget options.
My take: Only worth it if the facilities really matter to you. The extra £80/week is £4,000+ over the year.
The DMU Campus Advantage
Here's something most people don't mention: DMU's campus is RIGHT in the city centre.
Unlike universities with out-of-town campuses, almost every Leicester property is walking distance from your lectures. You don't need to factor in bus passes or cycle costs.
Best areas to live:
- Near the station: Handy for trips home
- Highfields: Budget-friendly, diverse neighbourhood
- City centre: Most properties, most choice
- Clarendon Park: Slightly further, slightly posher
What DMU Students Actually Say
From Reddit and student forums:
"I was embarrassed to say I went to DMU at first. Now I'm graduating with half the debt of my mates who went to 'better' unis. Who's laughing?"
"Leicester surprised me. Night life is decent, people are friendly, and I'm not broke constantly."
"The city centre campus is actually great. Everything's walkable. No waiting for buses in the rain."
The Real Question: Is DMU Worth It?
Let's do some maths.
Leicester student (3 years):
- Rent: £7,344 x 3 = £22,032
- Lower living costs: Save maybe £2,000/year = £6,000
London student (3 years):
- Rent: £17,697 x 3 = £53,091
- Higher living costs: Extra £3,000/year = £9,000
Total difference: ~£40,000
That's not nothing. That's a house deposit. That's travelling the world. That's starting a business.
Obviously, some careers require London connections. Some courses are only available at certain unis. But if you're choosing purely on value? Leicester is hard to beat.
My Bottom Line
DMU gets overlooked because it's not a "glamorous" choice. But the students I spoke to are quietly getting excellent value:
- Cheap rent (£79-150/week)
- Central campus (everything walkable)
- Decent city (ignore the stereotypes)
- Lower debt (the thing that actually matters after graduation)
If you're budget-conscious and career-focused, DMU makes a lot of sense.
See all Leicester properties →
Prices verified December 2025