Why I love Leicester

This past weekend I had a flying visit to Leicester to catch up with one of my best friends from University before she graduates and leaves me for good and to check out my house for next year with my housemates. Being back in the city that was my home for two of the three years I’ve been in Leicester has made me both nostalgic and eager to get back in August so I decided my blog for this week will be a little love letter for the city I’ve come to consider a home away from home.

Curry

It’s a curse of mine that every curry house I’ve truly loved in Leicester has either permanently shut down or changed hands since I’ve been studying at the University. However, each time this tragedy befalls me I can always find another fantastic curry house that will deliver at student friendly prices. The vibrant curry scene is one of the things I love most about Leicester, I’ve even done a stint on the committee of the curry society I’m so dedicated to the stuff.

Highcross

Slap-bang in the middle of the city is a fantastic shopping centre with basically every shop your heart could desire plus a big cinema (that does student discount) and loads of great places to eat. I was pleasantly surprised T.G.I Friday’s and Five Guys has come to Leicester since I’ve been away, and strolling around Highcross and the area surrounding it I was reminded this weekend how much variety is packed into the small area of Leicester. From high street staples to independent and niche retailers Leicester has a range of shops and entertainment to rival much bigger cities.

Transport Links

Leicester is just over an hour on the train to London, and Paris in three if you’re a really adventurous student. Leicester being in the heart of England means it’s been super easy for me to get around, from Leeds for the Slam Dunk festival to the capital on the numerous occasions I’ve needed to. Getting home from my brief trip back to Leicester reminded me how fortunate I am to be so close to almost anywhere in the United Kingdom.

New Walk

If you live in the popular student areas of Clarendon Park, Knighton or Evington it’s inevitable you’ll have to walk down New Walk to get into town. Even if you don’t live in these areas, you’ll probably end up at Revs at least once while at University. New Walk is a beautiful area of the city rain or shine, and the New Walk Museum is free and pretty interesting if you’re a museum fan like I am.

Friends

Ok it’s sappy but the people I’ve met while at University are really what’s made my experience for me. There are so many student groups and such a diverse range of students that you’re guaranteed to make friends for life. You might spend some of first year a little lonelier while you try and find your feet, but once you find your friends you’ll fall in love with Leicester even more.

Next time I’m going to try and not do a listicle, but no promises dear readers! If you’re a current student, please comment what you love most about Leicester! If you’re an incoming fresher, let me know what you’re most excited about or ask any question you’d like in the comments!