Getting out of your house or flat is really important, and so is having fun with your friends. However, there’s a perception that having fun as a student is all about going out and drinking – which is definitely not the case. So, I’ve put some ideas together to give you some inspiration when choosing what to do on your next sober day, or night out:

  • Royal Armouries, Leeds Dock
    This is a huge, free museum in Leeds which is on the waterside. You may not think that a museum full of armour is your thing but trust me – it’s really interesting! There’re some very unusual items, such as a full suit of armour for an Elephant, made in India in the 1600s. There’s also re-enactments and other free events happening all the time. After your visit, you could explore the docks and all of the quirky cafes and restaurants that are based there.
  • Leeds Town Hall
    They offer regular tours that will take you down into the cells beneath and up to the clock tower – or why not put the acoustics to the test at one of their exceptional classical concerts?
  • Kirkstall Abbey
    There are 24 hectares of parkland here, so pack a picnic and find a spot next to the scenic River Aire. Visit on the last weekend of the month and you can also make the most of Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market, which offers a delectable mix of street food and fresh local produce.
  • Northern Ballet
    The Northern Ballet is widely considered to be one of the best in the world. They offer classics like Swan Lake alongside new ballets like Casanova, The Little Mermaid and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.
  • Opera North
    Opera North is one of Europe’s leading arts organisations, producing a constant stream of world-class operas that tour the UK and Europe. They’re based at Leeds Grand Theatre – just a 2 minute walk up from Leeds’ central shopping street, Briggate. You could easily make a whole day of your visit to the Opera by shopping first, followed by a meal in one of the many restaurants nearby.
  • First Direct Arena
    It’s one of the best attractions in Leeds, bringing huge names to the city. First Direct Arena hosts an array of comedy, dance and sporting events to keep you entertained – often attracting the most famous of stars. Upcoming shows include Elton John, Khalid, Rita Ora and Little Mix.
  • Elland Road
    Go and support our local football team Leeds United at this famous ground!
  • Leeds art gallery
    This FREE gallery in the centre of Leeds often hosts amazing exhibitions, such as the recent Leonardo da Vinci ‘a life in drawing’. There’s also plenty of events happening in there, so keep an eye out for those.
  • West Yorkshire Playhouse
    Since opening in 1990, West Yorkshire Playhouse has become one of the city’s most cherished cultural institutions. They have a well-deserved reputation as one of the best repertory theatre companies in the UK. Keep an eye on their listings, as they often have really cool plays, such as ‘The Girl on the Train’ and ‘Into the woods’.
  • O2 Academy Leeds
    It attracts some of the biggest names in music and tickets are usually cheap, so it’s perfect for a night out. Go and see a famous act, and you definitely won’t need any alcohol to have fun and sing along.

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