University of Leicester

We think a university should be about empowering people to explore; through passionate, dedicated teaching and innovative, world-changing research. By embracing the fact that every journey is personal, the University has achieved some remarkable results. At Leicester we think that high quality research and excellent teaching are not only complementary, they're inseparable. We are constantly finding new ways of being a leading university, and have done so since we were founded as a University College in 1921.

Oadby Student Village

Set in a residential location, adjacent to the Botanic Garden and University Sports Facilities, the Oadby Student Village is one of the most impressive student accommodation sites in the UK. There is an excellent social programme with music, dance and drama lessons.

The village is a mixture of properties, from Edwardian houses to our newest purpose-built accommodation blocks. These three sites are very popular with undergraduates, especially those just beginning their university career. High levels of pastoral support are provided to reflect the younger population.

At Oadby Student Village there are three sites consisting of

• John Foster Hall: the newest and largest hall in Oadby Student Village.
• Gilbert Murray and Stamford: a mix of catered and self-catered residences in ensuite, standard and shared rooms.
• Beaumont and Digby Hall: a mix of self-catered and catered residences situated in the University Botanic Garden.

The very compact campus contains a wide range of twentieth century architecture, though the oldest building, the Fielding Johnson building, dates from 1837. The central building, now known as the Fielding Johnson Building and housing the University's administration offices and Faculty of Law and was formerly the Leicestershire and Rutland Lunatic Asylum. Opposite the Fielding Johnson Building are the Astley Clarke Building, home to the School of Economics, and the University Sports Centre.

The skyline of Leicester University is punctuated by three distinctive, towering, buildings from the 1960s: the Department of Engineering, the Attenborough tower and the Charles Wilson building. The University's Engineering Building was the first major building by important British architect James Sterling. It comprises workshops and laboratories at ground level, and a tower containing offices and lecture theatres. It was completed in 1963 and is notable for the way in which its external form reflects its internal functions.

The 18-storey Attenborough Tower, home to the College of Social Sciences houses the tallest working paternoster in the UK. The Ken Edwards building, built in 1995, lies adjacent to the Fielding Johnson Building and is home to the School of Management. Built in 1957, the Percy Gee building is home to Leicester University's students' union. The David Wilson Library was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in December 2008, following an extensive refurbishment.

The main campus is a mile south of the city centre, adjacent to Victoria Park and Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College.