Whether you're moving to the city for the first time or returning for another year, our fresher's guide to Leicester student nightlife will help you gain the knowledge you need to navigate the bustling midlands city and find the best spots for entertainment with ease. Covering the best venues, clubs and student areas to visit once you arrive, our Student night Leicester guide will turn you into a local before you know it.
Below, you'll find our comprehensive guide to Leicester events and the excellent student nightlife the city offers, consisting of student-friendly bars and places to eat, as well as places to catch live music, an FAQ section to answer some of those niggling questions you might have about your new home, and more on Freshers Week.
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Best areas for Leicester student nightlife
City Centre
Leicesters city centre easily tops the list of best student areas for nightlife. It's where the vast majority of all the pubs, bars, classy cocktail joints, restaurants, and the excellent array of clubs to dance the night away are located. It's the obvious go-to for late-night escapades after a deadline and has something for everyone.
Westcotes
Affectionately known as the ‘West End’ amongst De Montfort students, Westcotes is a bustling student hub where you will be surrounded by friendly and familiar faces as you walk about. Plus, being a short walk from the city centre and having the vibrant Narborough Road and Braunstone Gate running through, the area is bursting with culture conveyed through the many bars and restaurants you’ll encounter walking through.
Claredon Park
An area brimming with students and a short walk from the University of Leicester, Clarendon Park is a place many studying in the city will become very familiar with. Its got all the ingredients needed for a great time, with an array of restaurants, bars and cafes situated on the vibrant Queens Road intersecting the area. Plus, the student-friendly pub The Clarendon is buzzing most evenings for all those all-important social gatherings.
Highfields
With the perfect mix of students from both the city's universities, Highfields is the best place to get the best of both worlds. It features a huge array of diverse restaurants lining its main street London Road, so you’ll never be without some top scran. Also, for those special nights out, Highfields is very close to De Montfort Hall, which has an array of different events throughout the year – from comedy nights to pantos!
Leicester Student Bars
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Located slap bang in the city centre, Firebug triples as a restaurant, bar, and music venue and is a firm favourite when it comes to Leicester student nightlife. With a variety of student-focused nights as well as some cool unique events such as movie nights and themed quizzes, it serves up a great time for any and all who walk through its doors. There's a huge range of craft beer and cocktails, but we would definitely recommend one of their A&E shots (the name says all you need to know.)
A great spot, particularly for the Uni of students, The Counting House offers amazingly priced bevs so you can make that loan stretch, alongside immaculate vibes and an extensive drinks selection. But, amongst students, it's the pub quizzes that make this place a legendary student night in Leicester. So grab some of your newfound pals, make up a funny team name and get down to The Counting House.
33 Cank Street
Tucked cosily away in Leicester's old town is the wonderful 33 Cank Street. One of the city's best cocktail bars, and proclaims to have the biggest cocktail menu in all of the Midlands. What we can say is that they put an interesting little twist on each cocktail they serve up and some of the traditional cocktails have been given a breath of fresh air, definitely one for a celebration than a regular haunt, but a great night nonetheless.
This versatile bar is the perfect blend of nostalgia and good vibes, from its Nintendo 64s by the bar to its copious size with a basement, outdoor area, and attic bar; it’s unashamedly retro and truly a jack of all trades. Whether you want to pop in for a midday coffee or want a place to chew each other's ear off until the clock strikes 12, you won’t regret frequenting The Cookie.
Leicester Student Clubs
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Renowned as one of Leicester's most affordable clubs, The Fan Club is the go-to for many of Leicester’s students looking to enjoy a night out on the cheap. With constant student offer on drinks, a sprawling dance floor and a DJ that only plays bangers, this 1,000-capacity club will be one you’ll undoubtedly spend a lot of time in as a student in the city.
This one is possibly the hottest hangout when it comes to Leicester student nightlife, so if you’re planning on getting there late you can expect to queue. But, once you get inside, you’ll be treated to a futuristic club setting that supplies a playlist full of RnB and hip-hop bangers and fancy cocktails. It’s a right of passage for any Leicester student.
MOSH
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A big hit for the indie heads amongst you, MOSH is Leicester's most popular alternative club. Offering up a mashup of classic indie hits, pop-punk throwbacks and a range of other alternative beats, the three-floors of the student favourite will have you singing your heart out until the early hours.
Whilst the name conjures up cold Scandinavian nights, the reality couldn’t be further from it. In fact, Club Helsinki is one of Leicester’s hottest gay clubs and it’s absolutely teeming with amazing vibes. With a neon dancefloor and a DJ that plays all the hits, you’ll always have a great time here (plus it's open until 5 am on a Saturday!)
Fresher’s FAQs
When does Freshers Week Take Place in Leicester?
Freshers Week 2022 in Leicester is set to run from Monday 26th September to Sunday 2nd October for University of Leicester Students and Monday 3rd October to Monday 11th October for De Montfort students.
Do I need to provide ID at events?
Yes, as a requirement of law all bars, pubs, clubs and venues will require some form of a valid ID that proves you are at least 18 years of age. Accepted forms of ID include a driver’s license or passport.
More about Leicester
Irrespective of whether you're a first time visitor to the city, a frequently returning guest or a lifelong inhabitant, our guides are essential reading for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Leicester.
nightlife
Whether you're moving to the city for the first time or returning for another year, our fresher's guide to Leicester student nightlife will help you gain the knowledge you need to navigate the bustling midlands city and find the best spots for entertainment with ease. Covering the best venues, clubs…
