University of Leicester

Located in the heart of England, Leicester is one of the UK’s oldest and most diverse cities. Fun fact: it is home to the largest Diwali festival outside of India! Leicester is known for its affordability relative to other cities in the UK and has been ranked among the top happiest cities in England. With successful rugby and football (soccer) teams-- it is an exciting place for sports fans. A true student city, you will also find plenty of affordable pubs, clubs, and restaurants to enjoy in your spare time. Leicester has the geographic advantage of being located less than two hours by train from London. Study abroad students at the University of Leicester love the easy access to London and other parts of the UK.

At the University of Leicester, students have studied Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, and offers many opportunities in the Sciences. The institution is especially famous for its research in Genetics and Ancient History.

Current Sophomores can apply to study abroad during their Junior year at sa.holycross.edu

Fall 2025 PROGRAM DATES

Fall 2025 is known as "Semester 1."

Arrival Date: To be announced

Orientation/Welcome Week: 22 - 26 September 2025

Semester 1 teaching begins: 29 September 2025

Semester 1 teaching ends: 13 December 2025

Semester 1 examinations: 5 - 10 January 2026

Spring 2025 PROGRAM DATES

Spring 2025 is known as "Semester 2."

Arrival Date: 4 or 5 January 2025

Orientation/Welcome Week: 6 - 10 January 2025

Semester 2 teaching begins: 13 January 2025

Semester 2 teaching ends: 6 June 2025

Semester 2 examinations: 6 - 23 May 2025

All study abroad students must plan to stay until the end of the exam period, as they cannot arrange to take exams at a time other than the one assigned for the class. See the Student Contract for the policy.

Please note that students taking classes in some scientific subjects, including Biological Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, Informatics, and Mathematics, will be required to stay for the full examination period in the Summer as applicable.

Downtown Leicester

Check out Holy Cross Study Abroad Blogs

Getting There

You will purchase a flight to Heathrow from your 'home airport' - wherever that may be! Once you land, we recommend using the University coaches that you can book in advance that run during "Arrivals Weekend."

Learn More about Packing & Travel Day

Discover Leicester

Leicester has a varied selection of attractions. The 2012 unearthing and identification of the remains of King Richard III in a council car park has sparked a revival of interest in the city’s heritage, where there are numerous historical treasures waiting to be discovered – where else can you cover 2,000 years of history in a day? Check out the magnificent Roman Jewry wall, the King’s tomb in Leicester Cathedral and the out-of-this world National Space Centre for a journey through time.

Art lovers will be pleased to learn that amongst the city’s impressive galleries is the largest collection of German Expressionist artwork in the UK. You can also find the well-known dinosaur gallery at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery – complete with the 15-meter-long Rutland dinosaur.

And it’s not just the sports that are grabbing the headlines in this city. The ground-breaking architectural masterpiece Curve Theatre is just one of the city's fantastic theatrical venues, attracting national shows as well as creating sell-out productions.

Learn More