University Students Guide to Leeds

The City of Leeds in Yorkshire, thrives on cultural influences and nightlife. Plus, with it being home to already three different top universities, what’s not to love?

Before You Start University

Most Uni students don’t return to the city until the new school year. Re-visiting the university you got into can be beneficial towards re-familiarizing yourself with the Campus layout, talking to current students or professors and getting to know a little bit about Leeds

It’s best to start looking for your student lettings in Leeds early. When viewing the Campus, check out the student halls, houses, and flats to secure the best possible accommodation for the year ahead. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll be left with the leftovers, which are usually on the lower end of the market.

Leeds has one of the largest student unions in the country with a variety of different facilities. This includes cafes, bars, shops, jobs and student digs, you can find out even more about it on the Leeds University Union site: www.luu.org.uk

Exploring Leeds

There are so many fun things to discover in Leeds and of course the practical things to student life in Leeds.

The Otley Run

The Otley Run is known as one of the most popular pub crawls in Leeds, possibly the UK. Plus, it’s a great way for people like you to familiarise yourself with Leeds and surrounding areas. The Run starts in Headingly, where you’ll work your way to Hyde Park University of Leeds, and Leeds Metropolitan before ending up at the city center. There’s usually an Otley Run in the first week or two of the first semester, which poses a great time to make new friends.

24 hour Co-Op

Ask any student and they will tell you all about how great the 24 hour Co-Op is. This is a grocery/convenience store that is open 24 hours a day. It is located centrally between Hyde Park and Headingly. It is the perfect spot to pick up any late night booze or early morning snacks. Anything you might be craving, you can find it at the Co-Op.

Aldi

Aldi may not be your supermarket of choice but if you want to be sensible with your money, then Aldi is the go to for cost effective shopping and the quality is on par with all the other supermarkets. From ice cream to beer and wine, they have anything you may need to make your night a little better. They also offer a selection of cold and ready cooked foods, meaning you can grab a meal to go if you so choose. Basically, prepare to be spending a lot of time here.

Tribe Records

If you are a music lover, Tribe Records is the place to be. This is one of the only independent record shops that remains in Leeds. The shop has been known as the hub of the music scene in the city for over 20 years now. If you want to learn about upcoming music events, head on down to the shop. They can even sell you tickets for upcoming events, too. Don’t forget about all the cool records, art supplies, and clothing that they sell here. Electronic music fans will want to stay on the top floor to browse through their record selection. Everybody else should head downstairs, This is where you will find spray paints and other art supplies. You can also browse through their exclusive collection of street wear. Everything in the collection was designed by local artists from all around Leeds.

Hyde Park Picture House

The picture house dates back to 1914 and is one of the oldest cinemas in the country. Plus, it’s managed to survive years of nearby urban construction, two world wars, and countless uni students.

The Restaurant Bar & Grill

For some great food and cold drinks, look no further than The Restaurant Bar & Grill. This restaurant is located right in the heart of the city, just outside the Leeds train station. This is a great spot for students because of their budget friendly menu options. You should keep your eye out for their special offers and discounts, which they offer frequently throughout the year. Plus, during the warmer months, their terrace is ideal for enjoying a large meal while taking in the sunshine.

Wetherspoons

Wetherspoons is the ultimate budget friendly restaurant chain. Enough Said!

Roundhay Park

Looking to spend a relaxing day enjoying the outdoors? Head on over to Roundhay Park. This is a great spot for having a picnic, strolling through the scenic gardens, and swimming. Yes, there is even a swimming pool here. The park takes up three square miles in the scenic countryside and is home to gardens, fountains, and lakes. If you find yourself in the park, you will not want to miss Tropical World. This section of the park holds the United Kingdom’s biggest collection of tropical plants, aside from Kew Gardens. You can also view a range of tropical creatures from monkeys to lizards. Roundhay Park is a short 20-minute drive from the Leeds city centre. The park is perfect for a romantic date, fun day with your friends, or a spot to take visiting parents.

Call Lane

The Call Lane is a collection of restaurants, cocktail bars, and nightclubs. Known as Leed’s most popular location for night entertainment, it features a wide variety of places great for eating out and clubbing.

Plus, Call Lane also premieres live music, which is perfect for either dinner dates or those looking to do dancing after work. If you’re looking for a place to grab drinks with your friends, check out Jake’s Bar, Brooklyn Bar, and Norman’s. Or, if you’re more into the clubbing scene, we suggest stopping by either the Wire or the Hifi Club.

Pop Boutique

If you are searching for a great place to shop, look no further than the Pop Boutique. This shop sells both alternative style clothing and vintage fashion. The inside is expertly decorated with bright colors and decor from past decades. Whether you are looking for women’s or men’s fashion, you will not be disappointed by the selection. Head downstairs to the basement to be transported to the Summer of Love. Down here, you can also view their vintage accessory selection. If you are constantly on the lookout for your next quirky fashion find, Pop Boutique will be your haven.

Brudenell Social Club

The Brudenell Social Club is a common meet up spot for university students, featuring live bands and affordable drinks. Located in the heart of Hyde Park, it is a very popular spot for students looking forward to hearing live music after a long day of classes.

Although it may look run down from the exterior, inside it is a lively bar with a comfortable atmosphere and cheap drinks. More importantly, it plays a large role in promoting Leeds’ live music scene, featuring talents such as Franz Ferdinand and Kaiser Chiefs.

Leeds is a vibrant city full of great live music, excellent restaurants, bars, and of course universities. With so much to do, your first year will simply fly by! Did we miss any of your favourite attractions in Leeds?