When deciding on which university to apply to, and subsequently, which city to spend your student life in, there are a number of crucial factors to consider. Proximity to home, cost of living and student facilities are usually high up on the list, however, the quality of the local nightlife is also another key aspect that many students look out for.

No matter whether you’re after - from a cheap and cheerful night in the pub to a glamorous night out, Leeds has all of this to offer and much more when it comes to nightlife. Read on to discover some of the key student-friendly pubs and clubs you could enjoy by moving to Leeds!

Why go out in Leeds?

Leeds is renowned for its unforgettable nightlife and atmosphere as it has something for everyone to enjoy.

With the city being heavily populated with students, you won’t have any problems finding a student club night to suit your music tastes. In addition to this, there are a range of up-market bars to choose from if you want to show your friends and family some of the best nightlife that Leeds has to offer.

How much does a night out in Leeds cost?

This will depend on where you want to go, but generally speaking a night out in Leeds is rather cheap! Places like Wetherspoons will offer you the cheaper pints at around £2-£3.50, alternatively, if you fancy something more flavourful you can get a decent cocktail in Leeds for under £7 in most places.

If you’re lucky enough to live close to the centre, you’ll be able to get to most pubs and clubs by walking, thus saving yourself the taxi fare. Alternatively, a taxi shouldn’t cost more than £5-10 each way from Hyde Park/Headingley area (solo), and this will be even cheaper if there’s a group of you sharing a cab.

Sound good? To get you started, I’ve put together a list of key spots to visit if you want to get a taste of what Leeds' nights out really have to offer.

The Dry Dock

If you’re based in Leeds city centre, you’re bound to have strolled by the quirky boat-like structure that houses the Dry Dock - and if you haven’t, it’s definitely worth the trip!

This casual hangout is the perfect spot for a post-lecture bite to eat. It’s also a great place to begin your night out and enjoy some budget-friendly drinks in a chilled out environment. 

Neighbourhood

Neighbourhood is definitely the place to visit if you’re looking for a night full of dancing, R'n'B and cocktails.

The dazzling interior is what sets it apart from other bars in central Leeds, as it’s filled with neon lights, bright colours and funky patterns - all of which make great subjects for a social media pic or two!

Top tip: Neighbourhood also has an extensive food menu of sushi, burgers, desserts and more. So, if you fancy taking a night off from drinking, make sure you book a table so that you can sample their enticing menu for yourself!

Canal Mills

It’s almost impossible to discuss the nightlife in Leeds without giving an honorary mention to Canal Mills. This house-haven lies slightly on the outskirts of Leeds, however, it’s definitely worth making the trip if you want to see some of the country’s best names in music. They also have a regular rotation of quirky nights out such as Bongo's Bingo, food markets and brunches.

Top tip: Make sure you keep a close eye on the Canal Mills website to see if any of your favourite DJs are visiting the venue.

The Stage

The Stage is one of Leeds Becketts’ own music venues, and here you’ll be able to enjoy a range of live events from artists such as Newton Faulkner, NAO and Feeder. As well as this, you’ll be able to hear some of Leeds Becketts’ own music talent perform at the newly announced, Beckett Fest!

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