Choosing Between Shared and Ensuite Student Living in Leicester: The Real-Life Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed
When you're preparing to move to Leicester for uni, there’s this big decision no one really warns you about:
Are you going to live in a shared flat, or should you go all-in on an ensuite room?
At first, it feels like a small thing. But once you're actually there, living it? It impacts everything your daily routine, your privacy, your budget, your mental space.
You've probably already typed student accommodation Leicester into a dozen search engines and been bombarded with options. And sure, on paper it looks like it's just about price. But it really isn’t just about price.
Let’s break down what it actually feels like to live in both.
Shared Living in Leicester: Built-In Friends or Built-In Stress?
Shared flats or houses are everywhere in student-heavy Leicester from Clarendon Park to Narborough Road. They're generally house shares or cluster flats where you get your own bedroom, but you’ll be sharing the bathroom and kitchen with 2 to 6 others.
Why this might work for you:
- You’re new to uni, and want to meet people fast
- You’re on a tighter budget and want to save money for other things
- You don’t plan to spend much time in your flat anyway just a place to crash after a long day
But be aware:
Not all shared flats are automatically social heavens. Sometimes your flatmates have different schedules… or energy levels… or standards for washing dishes. Things can get awkward real fast if expectations aren’t clear, especially when it comes to bathrooms.
A Quick Story: The “Toothbrush Incident”
My friend Ben lived in a 5-person shared flat in his first year. One day, he came home to find one of his flatmates had borrowed his toothbrush during a weekend kitchen party… as a bottle scrubber.
That night, Ben started looking for ensuite rooms for second year.
Ensuite Living: Worth It for the Privacy?
Now let’s talk ensuites. You still might share the kitchen, but you get your very own bathroom. No toothbrush drama, delayed morning routines, or cleaning rotas for the toilet.
These are mostly found in:
- Newer university halls (like Freemen’s Common)
- Private student accommodations (like The Summit or iQ Grosvenor House)
Why it feels like a win:
You get to control your space door closes, peace begins. And if you’re someone who needs time alone to function, it makes a huge difference.
But yes, there are drawbacks:
- They usually cost more (sometimes £30–£60 more weekly)
- You might still feel isolated if you aren’t super outgoing or don't have built-in social settings
When an Ensuite Was Totally Worth It
My flatmate in second year, Jasmine, chose an ensuite room in a private hall off London Road. She said it helped her stay mentally focused especially during exam season. “I needed a clean space that stayed mine, and not worrying about sharing it helped cut my anxiety in half,” she told me.
Worth the extra? For her absolutely.
It’s Not Just About the Room It’s About Who You Are
Accommodation only works if it works for your lifestyle, so here’s a breakdown to help you figure it out.
You might prefer a shared flat if:
- You thrive with people around
- You’re trying to save as much money as possible
- You’re okay with flexibility when it comes to tidiness and personal space
An ensuite might be better if:
- You value peace and privacy above all
- You have a stricter daily routine (especially useful for postgrads)
- You’ve had a bad shared-housing experience before and know you need your own corner of quiet
What to Ask Before Booking Either Option
I’ve spoken to dozens of students who said they wished they’d asked more questions before confirming their housing. So, here’s what you should always check first:
✔ Is the rent weekly or monthly, and are bills included?
✔ Can I get a video tour of the place? (If you’re booking from abroad)
✔ What’s included in the common spaces fridge space, utensils?
✔ Who will I be living with, and can I request mixed or same-gender flats?
✔ What happens if something breaks (Wi-Fi, shower, heating)?
Why I Now Only Trust Verified Listings
Look, I won't lie. I’ve made the mistake of renting from a private landlord without doing proper checks, and I ended up with a blocked shower, zero heating, and a “landlord” who disappeared after two emails.
When third-year came around, I switched to Student Accommodation Guide to compare actual, verified listings.
Here’s what worked for me:
- I could search by price, location, AND filter for ensuite vs. shared
- All the photos matched the reality no nasty surprises when I moved in
- There wasn’t any pressure or sneaky hard-sell tactics just useful info
One less thing to stress over, and when you’ve got three deadlines and laundry piling up, that's a gift.
Cost Comparison: What Are You Actually Paying For?
If you’re unsure whether an ensuite is worth the extra money, here’s a side-by-side I wish I had back then.
| What You're Booking | Avg. Weekly Rent | Bills Included? | Privacy Level | Social Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Room (Basic) | £85–£110 | Usually not | Low | High |
| Ensuite Room | £130–£160 | Usually yes | High | Medium |
| Studio Flat | £170–£210+ | Yes | Very High | Low |
Tip: Don’t assume bills are always in the price always double check.
So... What’s Right for You?
Only you can answer that.
But here’s what I’ll say after trying both setups:
In first year, I wanted people. I didn’t want to feel alone in a brand-new city. Shared worked.
By second year, I’d found my people and realised I needed quiet more than company. Ensuite saved my sanity.
There’s no wrong answer just what’s right for you, right now.
Final Thought
Look, I won’t sugarcoat this moving to a new city (or country) and picking the right student accommodation Leicester option is overwhelming. Shared flat? Ensuite? That decision isn’t just about pictures on a website. It’s about how it actually supports your everyday life, your studies, and your peace of mind.
If I could give you one starting point… think about how you recharge. Is it around people, or in your own bubble? Start from there.
You’ll figure out the rest.