Student Accommodation near Addict Dance Academy

Founded in 2012 by professional performer Gareth Chown, Addict Dance Academy has established itself as one of the UK's recognised specialist colleges for dance and musical theatre training. Rather than operating as a conventional university, the academy focuses entirely on preparing students for careers in the performing arts through intensive practical teaching, industry-led coaching and regular stage experience.

The academy is based at Imperial House on St Nicholas Circle in Leicester city centre. The campus houses twelve fully equipped dance and performance studios, rehearsal spaces and teaching facilities designed specifically for vocational performing arts education. Students spend much of their week moving between practical classes, rehearsals and performance projects, making location an important factor when choosing Addict Dance Academy accommodation.

Programmes include BTEC Extended Diplomas alongside Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) courses in Dance Performance and Musical Theatre Performance. These qualifications are delivered through partnerships with recognised awarding organisations including VLUK, SCL and the University of West London, giving students qualifications that combine vocational training with academic recognition.

With a student community of more than 600, the academy maintains an environment that feels considerably smaller than many traditional universities. Classes are practical by nature, and students often spend extended hours together preparing productions, refining technique and working on collaborative performances. That close-knit atmosphere is one of the reasons many students prefer living within walking distance of campus.

One feature that distinguishes Addict Dance Academy from many performing arts providers is the Addict Agency. Graduates receive career support for up to a year after completing their studies, helping them prepare for auditions, connect with employers and begin building professional careers within the dance and musical theatre industries.

Life at Addict Dance Academy looks quite different from the typical university experience. Timetables are built around rehearsals, practical sessions and performance work, so students spend much of their day in the studio rather than lecture theatres. That routine naturally creates a close-knit community, with classmates working together on performances, assessments and creative projects throughout the year.

Living in Addict Dance Academy student accommodation close to Imperial House makes those long training days easier to manage. A shorter commute leaves more time for stretching, recovery, coursework and part-time work instead of travelling across the city.

Student Community

As a specialist performing arts college, Addict Dance Academy doesn't operate on the same scale as Leicester's larger universities. Instead of hundreds of societies and multiple faculties, students become part of a smaller creative community where collaboration is part of everyday life.

Classes often involve group choreography, rehearsals and live performances, meaning students naturally spend a great deal of time together both inside and outside the studio. Many friendships develop through productions, workshops and showcase events rather than formal student societies.

The academy's links with the Addict Agency also allow students to begin building professional networks before graduation, giving them valuable exposure to the performing arts industry.

Cafés, Restaurants and Everyday Living

Imperial House is well located adjacent to some of Leicester’s main streets.

Cafés are just a few steps away for brief breaks between rehearsals, and the surrounding restaurants offer a wide range of options, from cheap takeaways to foreign cuisine. Independent coffee cafes and casual meeting spots after lessons are particularly popular in St Martin's Square & the Cultural Quarter.

The Highcross Shopping Centre and Leicester Market are both within easy reach for your groceries and everyday supplies. Leicester Market has traditionally been one of the greatest venues in the city for fresh produce at student-friendly pricing, so no wonder it’s a hit with students cooking for themselves.

Shopping and Entertainment

Living near the city centre means most shopping can be done without needing public transport.

Highcross remains Leicester's main retail destination, housing popular fashion brands, supermarkets, restaurants and a cinema. Students looking for independent retailers often head towards the Lanes and St Martin's Square, where local businesses, bookshops and cafés create a different atmosphere from larger shopping centres.

During weekends, Leicester Market continues to attract students looking to keep grocery costs down while supporting local traders.

Arts and Culture

Creative students rarely have to travel far to find inspiration.

Curve Theatre is one of Leicester's best-known cultural venues, presenting touring productions, musicals and contemporary theatre throughout the year. Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre combines independent film screenings with exhibitions and creative workshops, while the Cultural Quarter regularly hosts live performances, festivals and community events.

Students training in dance and musical theatre often attend local productions outside their course, both for enjoyment and to observe different styles of performance.

Leicester's creative calendar remains active throughout the year, meaning there is usually something happening beyond the academy itself.

Healthcare and Wellbeing

Students moving to Leicester should register with a local NHS GP soon after arriving.

Several medical practices operate close to the city centre, while Leicester Royal Infirmary provides major hospital services only a short distance from Imperial House. Pharmacies are also widely available throughout the central area for everyday healthcare needs.

Because performing arts training is physically demanding, maintaining recovery routines becomes just as important as academic study. Easy access to healthcare and sports injury support can make a real difference during busy performance periods.

Leicester is one of the easier student cities to navigate. Most popular student neighbourhoods sit within a relatively compact area, so travelling across the city rarely becomes a major part of the day. That gives students flexibility when choosing student accommodation near Addict Dance Academy, whether the priority is keeping costs down, living close to classes or enjoying a busier city-centre lifestyle.

Leicester City Centre, Highcross & Cultural Quarter

Distance to campus: 5–15 minute walk

Average weekly rent: £99–£195

For many students, the city centre remains the most practical place to live. Imperial House sits within walking distance of Highcross Shopping Centre, the Cultural Quarter, restaurants, supermarkets and Leicester's main transport links. Living here means rehearsals, grocery shopping and evenings out can all be managed without relying on public transport.

Students looking for Addict Dance Academy student accommodation with the shortest daily commute often begin their search here. Properties including The Tannery Leicester and 41 Castle Street place residents within comfortable walking distance of the academy while offering modern purpose-built accommodation.

This area works particularly well for first-year students, international students and anyone expecting long rehearsal schedules throughout the week.

West End & Narborough Road

Distance to campus: 15–20 minute walk

Average weekly rent: £90–£130

West End offers a noticeably different atmosphere from the city centre. Narborough Road is known for its independent cafés, international restaurants and local businesses, giving the neighbourhood a more residential character while remaining close enough to walk into central Leicester.

Students often choose this area because private shared housing is generally more affordable than city-centre accommodation. It suits those who don't mind a slightly longer walk in exchange for lower weekly rent and a neighbourhood that feels less commercial.

Clarendon Park

Distance to campus: Around 25 minutes on foot or approximately 13 minutes by bus

Clarendon Park has remained popular with Leicester students for years thanks to its quieter streets, local cafés and easy access to Victoria Park.

Rather than large student apartment buildings, the area contains more traditional shared houses and smaller residential properties. Students who prefer studying away from the busiest parts of the city often find this neighbourhood a better fit, particularly during later years of study.

Victoria Park Area

Distance to campus: Short bus journey or around 20–25 minutes on foot

Victoria Park attracts students from several Leicester institutions, creating a well-established student community throughout the year.

The area combines green open spaces with convenient transport links into the city centre, making it suitable for students looking for a balance between residential surroundings and easy access to classes. Properties such as Ben Russell Court are popular choices for students who want that combination.

Leicester South

Distance to campus: Approximately 1.5 miles

Average weekly rent: £78–£110

Students searching for lower weekly rents often look towards Leicester South, including Grasmere Street and the Sage Road area.

Former industrial buildings converted into student accommodation sit alongside traditional shared houses, giving students a wider range of price points than many central locations. Properties such as The Shoe & Boot Factory and The Hosiery regularly appeal to students who are happy to spend a little longer travelling in return for noticeable savings over the course of an academic year.

For anyone comparing Addict Dance Academy accommodation, Leicester South frequently represents the strongest value for money without placing students too far from Imperial House.

Which Area Offers the Best Value?

Each neighbourhood serves a different type of student.

Area	Best For	Typical Weekly Rent
City Centre & Cultural Quarter	Walking to campus and city convenience	£99–£195
West End	Affordable shared housing	£90–£130
Clarendon Park	Residential atmosphere	Mid-range
Victoria Park	Balanced lifestyle	Mid-range
Leicester South	Lowest accommodation costs	£78–£110

One point worth remembering is that Leicester's student population is spread across several higher education institutions. Commute estimates should always be measured from Imperial House rather than the University of Leicester or De Montfort University campuses, as journey times can differ considerably depending on where you're studying.

Accommodation is only one part of a student's budget. Day-to-day spending on food, transport and course-related costs also deserves consideration before deciding where to live.

Most students in Leicester spend approximately £100–£140 per week, excluding rent. Compared with many other UK student cities, Leicester continues to offer relatively good value, particularly for students who can walk to classes.

Typical weekly costs include:

Expense	Estimated Weekly Cost
Groceries & Food	£25–£40
Local Transport	£12–£15
Household Bills*	Around £16
Social Spending	£15–£25
Mobile Plan	£3–£5

Bills generally apply only to private rentals. Most purpose-built student accommodation in Leicester includes utilities within the rent.

Students on dance and musical theatre programmes should also allow for expenses that aren't always part of a typical university budget. Performance footwear, rehearsal clothing, costumes and production-related costs can add up across the academic year, so setting aside money for course requirements is worthwhile from the beginning.

International students should also be aware that UK Student visa financial requirements are separate from actual living costs. The current maintenance requirement for students studying outside London is intended for immigration purposes and shouldn't be treated as a reflection of average weekly spending in Leicester.

One of Leicester's biggest advantages remains its affordability. Choosing student accommodation near Addict Dance Academy within walking distance of Imperial House can reduce transport costs considerably, making it easier to keep overall living expenses under control throughout the year.

Finding the right Addict Dance Academy accommodation starts with deciding how you want to live. Some students want complete privacy after long rehearsal days, while others would rather save money and enjoy living with flatmates. Leicester offers accommodation across every budget, from traditional shared houses to fully self-contained studios.

Shared Rooms

Typical weekly rent: Usually the lowest-priced option where available.

Shared rooms are relatively uncommon in modern purpose-built student accommodation but still exist within some private properties. Two students share the same bedroom while using communal facilities together.

This option appeals mainly to students looking to minimise living costs. Although it offers the greatest savings, it provides the least privacy, which may not suit students balancing rehearsals, coursework and independent practice.

Private Rooms (Shared House)

Typical weekly rent: £78–£120

Private rooms give you your own bedroom while sharing the kitchen, bathroom and living areas with other students.

This remains one of the most popular choices for students looking for student accommodation near Addict Dance Academy, particularly those in their second or third year. It offers a good compromise between affordability and independence, while still providing opportunities to live in a social environment.

Before signing a tenancy, check whether utility bills are included, as many private houses charge separately for gas, electricity, broadband and water.

En-suite Rooms

Typical weekly rent: £100–£150

En-suite accommodation gives you a private bedroom together with your own bathroom, while the kitchen and communal lounge are shared with other residents.

Many students choose this option because it combines personal privacy with shared living. Having your own bathroom is especially useful after intensive dance training, while communal kitchens make it easy to meet other students living in the building.

Studio Apartments

Typical weekly rent: £135–£190

Studios are whole residences with a private kitchen, bathroom, study area and sleeping space.

This room type is perfect for postgraduate students, senior students or anyone who wants complete independence. Studios rent for the highest weekly fee, but also give the most flexibility and privacy.

When students compare Addict Dance Academy student accommodation, they usually weigh up the added expense of a studio against the convenience of having their own dedicated room to live.

Entire Houses

Groups of friends sometimes rent an entire property together instead of booking individual rooms.

This option provides more living space and greater independence, although tenants become responsible for managing bills, household maintenance and dealing directly with landlords. It's generally more common among returning students than first-years.

Room Type	Typical Weekly Rent	Privacy	Best Suited For
Shared Room	Lowest available	Low	Students prioritising the lowest possible rent
Private Room	£78–£120	Medium	Students wanting affordability with personal space
En-suite	£100–£150	High	Students wanting privacy while living socially
Studio	£135–£190	Very High	Students wanting complete independence
Entire House	Varies	High	Groups of friends renting together

Students looking for student accommodation near Addict Dance Academy usually want three things: a practical commute, comfortable living spaces and good value over the course of the academic year. The properties below consistently stand out because they keep students close to Imperial House while offering a range of room types and facilities.

Applegate Place

Applegate Place is one of the closest options available for students studying at Addict Dance Academy. The short walk to Imperial House makes it particularly appealing for those with early morning practical classes or evening rehearsals. Alongside its location, students also benefit from easy access to Leicester city centre, supermarkets and everyday essentials.

41 Castle Street

Located within easy walking distance of the academy, 41 Castle Street combines a central address with modern student living. It's a good option for students who want restaurants, cafés and shopping within a few minutes of their accommodation while keeping their daily commute straightforward.

Castle Court

Castle Court offers a practical balance between location and value. Students can comfortably walk to classes while remaining close to Leicester's transport links and city-centre facilities, making it suitable for those who expect to spend most of their time around the academy.

The Tannery Leicester

The Tannery Leicester remains popular due to its well-equipped shared facilities and convenient location. Students can walk to Imperial House without the need for public transit and still have convenient access to the Cultural Quarter and Highcross.

Merlin Heights Collegiate

For students looking for more modern apartments with contemporary community areas, Merlin Heights is perfect. Location-wise, it is close enough to be convenient but pleasant enough to offer a great base for both study and downtime.

Newarke Street Leicester

Newarke Street Leicester is great for students who want to be in the city centre, but not in the thick of it. The apartment is well located for classes, local transport and Leicester’s retail sector.

Mintworks

Mintworks offers one of the strongest combinations of affordability and location among central Leicester properties. Students can still walk to the academy while benefiting from comparatively lower starting rents than many nearby residences.

The Orchard

The Orchard appeals to students looking for upgraded accommodation with modern interiors and a convenient city-centre location. Although it sits at the higher end of the price range, the short journey to Imperial House makes it attractive for students prioritising comfort.

True Leicester

True Leicester is one of the premium accommodation options near the academy. Students choosing this property benefit from contemporary facilities, well-designed communal areas and quick access to both classes and the wider city.

The Grange Leicester

The Grange Leicester rounds out the list by offering strong overall value. Although the walk to campus is slightly longer than some alternatives, its competitive weekly rent continues to make it one of the more popular choices among budget-conscious students.

Property	Distance	Walk	Transit	Drive	Starting Price
Applegate Place	0.94 Miles	9 Min	9 Min	5 Min	£120/week
41 Castle Street	0.88 Miles	13 Min	12 Min	5 Min	£167/week
Castle Court	0.94 Miles	12 Min	11 Min	6 Min	£131/week
The Tannery Leicester	0.85 Miles	14 Min	11 Min	6 Min	£135/week
Collegiate Merlin Heights	0.98 Miles	14 Min	10 Min	6 Min	£139/week
Newarke Street Leicester	0.97 Miles	14 Min	12 Min	6 Min	£135/week
Mintworks	1.03 Miles	15 Min	13 Min	6 Min	£100/week
The Orchard	1.13 Miles	10 Min	10 Min	5 Min	£170/week
True Leicester	1.11 Miles	9 Min	9 Min	5 Min	£191/week
The Grange Leicester	1.14 Miles	18 Min	16 Min	6 Min	£99/week

Finding affordable accommodation in Leicester is considerably easier than in many larger UK student cities. If you're trying to keep weekly expenses under control, there are several properties that combine reasonable rents with manageable travel times to Imperial House. Most require nothing more than a short walk or a quick bus journey, making them practical choices for students who want to reduce accommodation costs without making daily commuting difficult.

The Shoe & Boot Factory

The Shoe & Boot Factory is one of the lowest-priced student residences available near the academy. Housed in a converted industrial building, it offers character alongside affordability. Students willing to spend a little longer travelling each day often find the lower weekly rent makes a noticeable difference across the academic year.

Ben Russell Court

Ben Russell Court appeals to students looking for quieter surroundings without moving too far away from the city centre. Located close to Victoria Park, it offers good value while maintaining straightforward access to Addict Dance Academy by bus or on foot.

Pennine House Leicester

Pennine House Leicester strikes a good balance between price and convenience. Students can reach Imperial House without a lengthy commute while benefiting from accommodation costs that remain below many central Leicester properties.

The Hosiery

Like The Shoe & Boot Factory, The Hosiery occupies a converted heritage building that has been adapted for student living. It remains one of the stronger value options for students who prioritise lower rent but still want purpose-built accommodation rather than a traditional shared house.

The Grange Leicester

The Grange Leicester appears in both the best-value and affordable categories for good reason. Its combination of competitive pricing, practical location and comfortable facilities makes it a consistent choice for students comparing accommodation across Leicester.

Regents Court

Regents Court offers another cost-effective option for students who don't mind a slightly longer journey to classes. The accommodation provides easy access to local bus routes while keeping weekly rent within reach for students managing tighter budgets.

Mintworks

Mintworks continues to stand out as one of the strongest all-round options. Alongside relatively affordable pricing, students benefit from a central location that keeps shops, cafés and the academy within comfortable walking distance.

Highgate

Highgate suits students who place affordability ahead of proximity. Although slightly further from Imperial House than some city-centre residences, regular public transport makes the daily commute simple while helping students secure lower accommodation costs.

Queens Court Leicester

Queens Court Leicester offers dependable student accommodation at a competitive weekly price. Its location provides convenient access to both Leicester city centre and Addict Dance Academy, making it suitable for students who want value without moving too far from campus.

6 Bedroom House at 15 Sage Road

Students who already know who they'd like to live with often consider shared houses such as 15 Sage Road. Renting a room within a traditional student house creates a different living experience from purpose-built accommodation and can offer better value for groups prepared to share communal responsibilities.

Property	Distance	Walk	Transit	Drive	Starting Price
The Shoe & Boot Factory	1.27 Miles	14 Min	14 Min	6 Min	£78/week
Ben Russell Court	1.57 Miles	22 Min	13 Min	7 Min	£85/week
Pennine House Leicester	1.19 Miles	11 Min	11 Min	5 Min	£95/week
The Hosiery	1.27 Miles	14 Min	15 Min	6 Min	£98/week
The Grange Leicester	1.14 Miles	18 Min	16 Min	6 Min	£99/week
Regents Court	1.41 Miles	16 Min	18 Min	7 Min	£99/week
Mintworks	1.03 Miles	15 Min	13 Min	6 Min	£100/week
Highgate	1.74 Miles	19 Min	13 Min	7 Min	£100/week
Queens Court Leicester	1.36 Miles	22 Min	18 Min	7 Min	£105/week
6 Bedroom House at 15 Sage Road	1.61 Miles	26 Min	16 Min	7 Min	£108.99/week

One advantage of studying at Addict Dance Academy is Leicester's compact layout. Many students find they can comfortably walk to Imperial House every day, reducing both travel costs and journey times.

When comparing student accommodation near Addict Dance Academy, commute time often becomes just as important as weekly rent. Fortunately, even properties outside the immediate city centre remain well connected by public transport.

Walking

Walking is the preferred option for many students.

Accommodation located in the city centre, Highcross, the Cultural Quarter and surrounding neighbourhoods usually places Imperial House within a comfortable 5 to 15-minute walk. Even areas such as the West End can often be reached on foot in around twenty minutes.

For dance students carrying rehearsal equipment or attending multiple sessions throughout the day, living within walking distance offers a noticeable practical advantage.

Bus Services

Students living further from campus benefit from Leicester's extensive bus network, operated primarily by First Leicester and Arriva.

Regular services connect Leicester South, Clarendon Park, Victoria Park and other residential neighbourhoods directly with the city centre. Journey times generally remain short because most student areas sit within only a few miles of Imperial House.

Student travel passes can reduce transport costs further for those using buses every day.

Cycling

Leicester continues to expand its cycling infrastructure, making bicycles an increasingly practical way to travel.

The city is relatively flat compared with many other UK student destinations, and dedicated cycle routes connect several residential districts with the city centre. Many modern student accommodation buildings also include secure bicycle storage.

Rail Connections

Leicester Railway Station is located close to Imperial House and provides excellent connections across the Midlands and beyond.

Regular services include:

Destination	Approximate Journey Time
London St Pancras	1 hr 10 mins
Nottingham	30 mins
Birmingham New Street	50 mins
Sheffield	1 hr

These links are particularly useful for students travelling home during holidays or attending auditions in other cities.

Airport Access

The nearest airport to Leicester is East Midlands Airport.

Most students can get to the airport in around 30-40 minutes by coach or automobile, and domestic and international travel is rather easy during the academic year.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury apartment in the heart of the city or something more economical a little further out, Leicester’s transit network makes it easy to get around every day. When you compare both the travel times and the weekly rent, you will be able to discover lodging for Addict Dance Academy within your budget without making it tougher to get to rehearsals and classes.