University life can be expensive, but making memories with friends doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night in or an affordable day out in the city, there are plenty of ways to enjoy student life on a budget.
From hosting your own games night to discovering free attractions around the city, here are 10 fun and budget-friendly things to do with your university friends in Leeds.
Budget-friendly things to do at home
1. Movie marathon
Pick a film, grab some snacks and settle in for a cosy, relaxed evening with your friends.
Take turns choosing the film or work your way through a new TV series together. At The Store House, residents can book out the Screening Room for a proper movie night experience without needing to head to the cinema.
Students can also enjoy complimentary access to a number of popular streaming platforms in the Screening Room.
Settle in for a movie night with your friends.
2. Cook a meal together
Cooking with friends is a fantastic way to spend time together without having to spend a lot of money.
Instead of everyone making their own dinner, choose a recipe, split the ingredients and cook together. You could try homemade pizza, make your favourite comfort food or try something completely new.
Residents at The Store House also have access to the Private Dining Room, which has full cooking facilities and plenty of room to host your friends.
Cooking with your friends is a great low-cost way to spend time together.
Host your friends in the Private Dining Room.
3. Craft night
Looking for something different to do? Try a creative activity with your friends and make an evening of it. Whether that's crocheting, painting or even making friendship bracelets.
You don't need to be particularly artistic to try a new craft. Pick a beginner friendly tutorial, put some music on and see what everyone comes up with. Start with materials you may already have and share supplies to save on costs.
Try a new creative activity.
4. Organise a games night
Bring out your competitive side with a games night. Whether you’re into board games, video games or pool, it’s a simple way to get everyone together and have some fun.
The Games Room at The Store House gives you a space to play, challenge your friends and see who takes the win. Complete with shuffleboard, a pool table, PS5 and a cupboard full of board games to choose from.
Challenge your friends to a games night.
5. Host your own quiz
Get your friends together for a quiz night and see who really knows their stuff. Split into teams and create rounds covering everything from music, films, general knowledge or even how well you know each other.
You could also add a picture round or guess the song challenge to make things more interesting.
Create your own quiz.
Budget friendly things to do around Leeds
6. Explore Kirkgate Market
Spend an afternoon browsing Kirkgate Market, one of Leeds’ best known shopping and food destinations. Explore the stalls, discover independent traders and check out the range of food options at Market Kitchen.
It’s a good place to wander with friends, with plenty of budget-friendly eats and finds to discover.
Wander around Kirkgate Market.
7. Visit a free museum or art gallery
Explore Leeds’ free museums and art galleries, such as Leeds City Museum and Leeds Art Gallery to discover local history and culture.
It’s a great way spend a day out with friends without spending a penny.
Free entry at Leeds City Museum.
Have a browse in Leeds art gallery.
8. Go for a walk around Leeds Dock
Sometimes, getting out for some fresh air is all you need. Leeds Dock is a great spot for a walk with friends, with waterside views and paths to explore away from the busiest parts of the city centre.
Take a break from studying, catch up as you walk and grab a few photos along the way. It’s an easy way to get out of your accommodation, discover another side of Leeds and spend time together without stretching your student budget.
Walk around Leeds Dock.
9. Try a charity shop challenge
Make a trip to Leeds’ charity shops a fun afternoon out with friends by setting each other a challenge. Pick out an outfit for each other based on a theme or see who can find the best bargain. You could even set a small spending limit such as £5 per person to keep things affordable.
It’s a great way to discover pre-loved finds whilst getting creative with your friends.
Check out charity shops in Leeds.
10. Find your new favourite coffee shop
Leeds has plenty of independent coffee shops and cafés to discover, so why not make a list of places you’ve been meaning to try and work your way through it with friends? Take turns choosing the next spot, sample a new drink or find your favourite place to catch up between lectures.
You could even turn it into a mini coffee shop crawl, visiting a few different places and comparing your favourite drinks.
Go on a coffee shop crawl.
Try out new drinks.
FAQs: Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Leeds as a Student
There are plenty of free things to do in Leeds, including visiting Leeds Art Gallery, exploring Leeds City Museum, walking around Leeds Dock and discovering the city's historic streets. You can also spend time with friends in the shared spaces at The Store House.
Our amenity spaces at The Store House are great for hanging out with friends without having to leave home or spend money. We have a screening room, games room, private dining room, first floor terrace and rooftop terrace.
Leeds offers a mix of free attractions, parks and affordable places to eat giving students plenty of ways to enjoy the city on a budget. Choosing free activities, making use of student discounts and balancing days out with low cost activities at home can help make student life more affordable.
Make the most of student life in Leeds
One of the best things about student life in Leeds is having so much to explore, without needing to spend much to have fun.
At The Store House, you get the best of both worlds: a range of resident amenities, including the Screening Room and Games Room, for fun nights in, alongside a city centre location that puts shops, cafés, markets and local attractions within easy reach.
Book a viewing with us today to discover life at The Store House.
