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New research from HSBC shows that the Â鶹ÊÓƵ is the most affordable destination in Britain for first-year students for the second year in a row - and the second most affordable for second-year students.

The research – which looks at the cost of studying at universities in the top 20 British towns and cities with the largest student populations – shows that first-year students in Leicester can expect to spend £192 on average per week. This includes rent in halls, weekly essentials (such as food, activities and university supplies), a weekly bus pass and beer and wine.

Leicester is cost effective thanks to relatively low living and accommodation costs, and beat its costs per week on last year: £192.07 vs £196.47 in 2014.

Second-year students in Leicester also have something to smile about and can expect to spend £178.87 on average per week including similar expenses.

Leicester also has the most affordable self-catered accommodation costs at an average of £81 per week.

Nuna Syeda, head of current accounts at HSBC, said: "Preparing for university is very exciting but for many teenagers it may be the first time they have to pay for their living costs. Setting a weekly budget early on can help manage these costs and enable students to enjoy all that university life can offer."