Settle in Fast: University of Leicester Arrival Guide 2026
Your step-by-step guide to airport pickup, university registration, and navigating Leicester during your first week.
Updated 6 min readUniversity of Leicester
Welcome to the University of Leicester: Your Journey Starts Here
Congratulations on securing your place at the University of Leicester! Renowned for its world-changing research—from the discovery of genetic fingerprinting to the search for King Richard III—and its incredibly diverse, welcoming community, Leicester is an outstanding city for student life. Sitting right next to the beautiful, sprawling Victoria Park, the campus offers a perfect blend of historic architecture and cutting-edge facilities like the Percy Gee Students' Union.
Relocating to a new city or country can feel overwhelming, but preparation is key. This complete University of Leicester arrival guide will walk you through everything you need to know about your arrival, from coordinating your airport pickup and completing university registration, to surviving orientation week and settling in UK student life with confidence.
"Moving to Leicester from overseas was a huge step, but the airport pickup bus dropped me right outside my accommodation in Oadby. By the time orientation week finished, I already felt like a local." - Aditi, MSc International Business StudentArriving in the UK: Port of Entry & Airport Pickup
Before you pack your bags, you need to map out your journey to Leicester. The city is centrally located in the East Midlands, making it highly accessible, but it does not have its own major commercial international airport. Most international students land at one of the following hubs:
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR): The most common port of entry. The University of Leicester typically runs a dedicated, pre-bookable airport pickup coach service from Heathrow directly to campus and Oadby Student Village during key arrival weekends in September.
- Birmingham Airport (BHX): The closest international airport to Leicester. Trains run directly from Birmingham International Station to Leicester Station, taking just under an hour.
- London Luton or East Midlands Airport (EMA): Great options if you are flying with budget European carriers, with direct bus links (National Express or Skylink) available.
Your Step-by-Step University Registration Guide
Completing your university registration is essential to officially activate your student status, release your maintenance loan (for UK students), and secure your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and student ID card (for international students).
Step 1: Online Pre-Registration
Before leaving home, you must complete your online registration via the university's student portal, MyStudentRecord. Here, you will upload your photo for your student card, verify your personal details, pay or arrange your tuition fee payments, and agree to the university regulations.
Step 2: In-Person Document Checks
Once you arrive on campus, you will need to attend an in-person registration event. This usually takes place in the Charles Wilson Building or the Percy Gee Building during the start of orientation week. You must bring:
- Your passport and valid UK visa/vignette.
- Your original academic qualification certificates.
- Your University Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter (if applicable).
- Your BRP collection letter (if you did not choose to collect your BRP directly from the university campus).
Settling into Your New Home: Oadby vs. City Living
University of Leicester accommodation is broadly split into two distinct areas, each offering a unique lifestyle:
Oadby Student Village
Located about 2.5 miles from the main campus, Oadby is a beautiful, green residential suburb. It features historic Edwardian houses mixed with modern halls (such as John Foster and Bowder Court). It has a fantastic community feel, complete with its own social spaces, sports facilities, and the Harold Martin Botanic Garden.
City Living (Freemen's Common & Nixon Court)
If you prefer to be right next to your lectures, City Living options like the newly developed Freemen's Common or Nixon Court are ideal. They are a mere 5-to-10-minute walk from the main campus libraries and the city center, offering urban conveniences right on your doorstep.
| Item / Expense Category | Average Cost (GBP) | Frequency / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Arriva Student Bus Pass (Oadby to Campus) | £340 | Annual pass (highly recommended for Oadby residents) |
| Bedding & Kitchen Starter Pack | £35 - £50 | One-off purchase (available to pre-order to room) |
| Weekly Grocery Shop (Lidl / Tesco / local markets) | £30 - £45 | Weekly estimate |
| LSU Freshers Wristband / Event Pass | £40 - £60 | One-off seasonal ticket for club nights and events |
Conquering Orientation Week (Freshers' Week)
Your first official week at the University of Leicester is all about making friends, discovering the campus, and adjusting to university-level study. The Leicester Students' Union (LSU) hosts an incredible line-up of events during orientation week.
The Freshers' Fair
Held on campus, the Freshers' Fair is an absolute must-visit. It is your opportunity to sign up for societies—ranging from academic associations and cultural groups to quirky interests like the Harry Potter Society—and join competitive or recreational sports clubs. Plus, you will walk away with bags of free merchandise, pizza vouchers, and student discounts.
Exploring the City of Leicester
Take some time during your first week to venture off campus. Leicester is famous for its vibrant culture, incredible food scene, and history. Check out:
- Queens Road: Located right next to campus, this bohemian street is packed with independent cafes, vintage boutiques, and bars.
- The Golden Mile (Belgrave Road): Famous worldwide for its authentic Indian restaurants, sweet shops, and spectacular Diwali celebrations.
- Highcross Shopping Centre: Located in the heart of the city center, offering major retail stores, dining, and a cinema.
Your Essential First Week Checklist
- Complete both online and in-person university registration to collect your student ID card.
- Register with a local GP at the Victoria Park Health Centre (located adjacent to the campus).
- Open a UK student bank account (traditional high-street banks like Barclays and HSBC are located on Granby Street, or you can opt for digital banks like Monzo or Revolut).
- Pick up your pre-ordered bedding and kitchen packs or head to the local Wilko, Dunelm, or supermarkets to stock up.
- Purchase your Arriva bus pass if you are living in Oadby Student Village.
- Attend your mandatory academic department induction sessions to meet your personal tutor.
Practical Tips for Settling in the UK
For international students, settling in UK culture can take some time. Here are a few vital administrative tasks to sort out in your first 48 hours:
Get a UK SIM Card
Staying connected is vital. You can pick up a free prepaid SIM card (such as giffgaff, VOXI, or EE) from the Students' Union during arrivals week, or order one online to be delivered straight to your UK address. This will give you access to cheap mobile data for navigating the city.
Set Up Student Bank Account
To avoid hefty foreign transaction fees, open a UK bank account as soon as you have your university status letter (which you can download from MyStudentRecord after completing registration). Many students find app-based banks like Monzo or Starling the fastest to set up, while high-street branches require an in-person appointment.
Registering with the NHS
Do not wait until you get sick to register with a doctor. The Victoria Park Health Centre is highly experienced in dealing with student health requirements and is located right on the edge of the campus, making it the most convenient option for most Leicester students.
"The Freshers' Fair was brilliant! I joined the hiking society and the student radio station, LUSH Radio, on my third day. It's the quickest way to make friends who share your interests." - Liam, BA History Student