If you’re thinking of studying or living in Leeds, then here are some of the reasons why it’s one of the most awesome places in the UK to live. Read on for more info….

Student life is great!

First of all, we all know students thrive on a good night out. So, if you love going for a cocktail and a dance then look no further than Leeds. The city has a vast choice of bars, clubs and cocktail venues that will tickle anyone’s taste buds. From 5am shutdowns in HiFi to a sophisticated cocktail on the rooftop bar at Alchemist, there’s’ something for everyone.

Visit Leeds-List.com for more night out ideas.

Whether you're just popping in for the weekend, or you're planning on sticking around for the long term, Leeds List has the lowdown on some of the best bars and clubs in town to make your stay that bit more enjoyable.

Alongside the nights out, there is actually studying involved when you're a student! Leeds Beckett University is the best university to study at in my opinion - it has more than 28,000 students. It offers foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, research and distance learning programmes. It also ranks top ten in the world for employability and work experience, meaning the university will help you to become more employable after you leave (which is something to boast about).

Shopping in Leeds is insane... if anything, there's TOO much choice!

Everything is closely compact in Leeds, so your never more than a 30 second walk from each store. Leeds Trinity offers an array of stores from Urban Outfitters to Pandora with plenty of restaurants and bars to relax in after a big day of shopping. Victoria Gate is a recent and beautiful shopping district recognised as the premium shopping area in the North of England. Offering big name brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, this is the perfect place to spend your Student Loan!

The vintage shopping is also so good in Leeds (if that’s your type of thing). It’s definitely mine. There's a vast selection of thrift and vintage stores in the heart of the city centre with bargains you just can't miss.

Always something going on

You’ll never have a lazy weekend again. There’s always something going on in Leeds, especially for students who have that little bit more time to spare. If you're sticking around for the summer then you’re in luck. Leeds Festival runs every August with some of the best acts and artists performing every year. Here’s the link to leedsfestival.com (get your tickets quick though because they sell out quickly!)

Kirkstall Festival is also be a big event that happens mid-July, on the grounds of the historic Kirkstall Abbey, not too far from Leeds city centre. With around 25,000 people attending and activities like food and drinks, a fairground and bands, you'll have to make sure you get down for some local ales and gins and maybe even a bit of face paint.

The music scene is big in Leeds with live music being a huge driving force in any big city. The 02 Academy is located about 10 yards from Leeds Beckett Rose Bowl building at City Campus, and it plays host to some big names in the music industry. There's live gigs all year round. The First Direct Arena with a capacity of 13,000 is a major entertainment venue located in the vibrant city centre of Leeds where you can go let your hair down and sing along to huge acts like Taylor Swift with your besties.

Visit: visitleeds.co.uk for a full list of student friendly events that run all year round (some might even be free).

Overall, Leeds is a modern, quirky and energetic city, perfect for anyone but especially for students. From £1 pints to the incredible universities and student-friendly culture, it feels just like London, but crammed into a 551.7 km² space. If you’re thinking of moving to Leeds and to study at the Leeds Beckett then you’d be making a marvellous choice. Everyone I know who works / studies and lives here doesn’t want to move anywhere else. It’s student friendly and has everything you could possibly need, all within walking distance...

Visit next weekend, and first pint is on me! :-)

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