Leeds is one of the UK’s most vibrant, culturally diverse and student-friendly cities in the UK, combining great food, a lively nightlife and rich culture. Whether you’re studying at the University of Leeds or Leeds Beckett University – both a short walk from The Store House, by Enclave Student – this Yorkshire city has plenty to offer. Here’s our ultimate guide to living your best student life in Leeds.
Best neighbourhoods for students
City Centre: No time for breakfast? Living in the city centre means there are plenty of cafés and coffee shops on your doorstep to grab a bite on your way to campus, just a short walk away. From food to fashion, Leeds is a shoppers’ paradise. Head to Trinity Leeds for more than 120 shops, bars and restaurants, or the Corn Exchange for independents aplenty.
Hyde Park: Around 20 minutes’ walk from the city centre, this buzzing neighbourhood is home to some great pubs, as well as the famous live music venue Brudenell Social Club.
Headingley: Slightly further away from the city centre – about a 20-minute bus ride –Headingly offers a quieter community feel, with independent shops, bars and restaurants.
Woodhouse: Just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre, this popular residential district offers a quieter alternative to student living, without too much of a commute.
Getting around
Leeds is a pretty compact city, with most areas easily reached on foot, by bike or just a short bus or train ride away.
Bus: Travelling by bus is a quick, easy and affordable way to get around the city, with frequent services connecting the main student neighbourhoods with the city centre. Use the First Bus App to buy mobile tickets, check live travel updates and plan your journey.
Train: Leeds railway station is a short walk or cycle away from the University of Leeds campus – perfect for day trips to York or Manchester – or a short hop to Burley Park or Headingley.
At night: Leeds University also runs a free night bus service for students from the Student Union building straight to their front door – so long as they’re within the Leeds Outer Ring Road.
Top tip: Save up to 44% on weekly and monthly travel – by train or bus – with the MCard 19-25 or student tickets, offering unlimited bus travel for less than £3 a day.
Best study spots
Leeds is bursting with cosy cafes and cool lunch spots where you can hit the books while getting your caffeine fix.
Grab a seat at the counter at Stage Espresso for first class coffee a stone’s throw from campus with views of the Grade I hospital buildings of Leeds General Infirmary.
While away an afternoon in Leeds favourite Kapow!, nestled in the historic Thornton’s Arcade – they even hold tasting events for those who are serious about their coffee.
Much-loved neighbourhood café Coffee on the Crescent in Hyde Park is the perfect place for a study group, fuelled by their delicious pastries or brunch menu.
For those days when you really need to focus, head to one of the many university libraries or study spaces dotted around campus. For a more historic setting, choose Leeds Central Library, complete with ornate staircases, wood panelling and stained glass.
Work up a sweat
With a range of gyms and sporting facilities available across Leeds, staying active couldn’t be easier.
The Edge: University of Leeds’ flagship fitness centre boasts a state-of-the-art gym, pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, sports halls and more than 130 exercise classes.
Bodington Playing Fields: Home to The Brownlee Centre – the UK’s first purpose-built triathlon training centre – and a mile-long cycle circuit, this is the place to train for your next big event.
PureGym Leeds City Centre South: For no frills cardio or strength workouts, this budget-friendly gym is open 24/7 so you can always fit in a session.
The Storehouse: Residents at this exclusive student accommodation won’t have far to go for their fitness fix, thanks to the state-of-the-art on-site gym and fitness studio.
Going out-out?
Leeds is famed for its buzzing nightlife, with everything from bar crawls and club nights to classy bars to help you blow off steam between deadlines. For big-name DJs, converted warehouse venues Beaver Works and Mint Warehouse always draw a crowd.
If pubs are more your scene, give the Otley Run a go – the infamous pub crawl from Headlingley to the Dry Dock near the city centre takes in no fewer than 19 pubs. Know your Old Fashioned from your Cosmo? Call Lane and Merrion Street will be more your scene, with a host of cool cocktail bars to whet your appetite.
How to stay safe
The best way to enjoy your time as a student in Leeds is to keep yourself safe – day and
night. Here’s how:
Plan your journey before you head on a night out so you know which bus or train will get you home safely. And when things don’t go to plan, the University of Leeds has partnered with Veezu to offer a Safe Rides Scheme for students unable to pay for a taxi home.
Tell a friend where you’re going and with who so they can check in if your plans take an unexpected or spontaneous turn.
Download the free SafeZone app, which instantly connects you to campus security for help if you need it.
For the ultimate student accommodation, rent an apartment at The Storehouse.
Complete with private study rooms, gym, a rooftop terrace, cinema room and communal lounge – all in the heart of Leeds city centre – it really does have it all. Life your student life to the full, explore our apartments.
