How to thrive inside The Hive!

In my opinion, The Hive is one of the best places on campus and is full of things to do! From spaces to study, to games and craft, to live music and sports socials, you’ll never be short of entertainment. 

One of my first encounters with The Hive was in Fresher’s week. If you're City Campus-bound, you'll know that The Hive is where all the action goes down during the Fresher’s Fair. Picture this: the entire bar and café, and even downstairs into the Stage, transformed into a buzzing hub of activity, the Fresher’s Fair is a brilliant way to learn what the Student Union is all about.  From society stands tempting you to dive into new hobbies to heaps of freebies up for grabs—it's so much fun. 

The Hive is also dedicated to increase their eco-friendliness. All straws are paper, and the menus, takeaway boxes and food wrappers are made using only recycled paper and compostable materials. It’s great to know that whilst enjoying the space, they’re also doing their part for the world! On a similar note, every Thursday morning, Eco Soup in The Hive have a pay-as-you-feel breakfast. This is a great way to get out of the house in the mornings, and a really great way to have some tasty food on a budget!

So whether you're looking to enhance your student life or just a darn good breakfast, The Hive has got you covered.

The Hive isn't just for socialising—it's also a fantastic spot to hit the books. Sure, it might not be as hushed as the library, but that's what makes it so great for those casual study sessions. With music in the background (and hey, you can even request your favourite tunes!), and the lively buzz of fellow students around you, the Hive offers a relaxed yet productive environment. It's perfect for teaming up with classmates or just catching up with friends while you work. I have particularly enjoyed working on group projects in the Hive, as the space allowed us to work casually and share some food!

And if you're craving a bit more peace and quiet, you can always head upstairs to the Living Room. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it's the ideal spot for some focused studying or just unwinding in a more serene setting. Whether you're all about that communal vibe or prefer a bit of solitude, the Hive has everything you need for some study time.

The Stage, nestled downstairs in the heart of the Hive, is an absolute gem. By day, it is bustling with  vintage clothing sales, poster displays, and all sorts of other treasures to explore if you've got a bit of free time. But when the sun sets, that's when the magic really happens.

The Stage truly comes alive in the evenings, transforming into a hot spot for concerts and gigs. I recently caught Dylan in action here, and let me tell you, it was a night to remember. The atmosphere was brilliant, and it was great to be surrounded by so many students. It's great to see the Students' Union getting recognised for its facilities, and these gigs are a fantastic way to discover new artists—plus, tickets won't break the bank!

And let's not forget about Wednesday evenings, when The Hive becomes the ultimate destination for society socials. As a proud member of the Dance Society here at Leeds Beckett, I've had a blast at these socials, my favourite being an ‘I’m A Celebrity’ themed social with games and jungle themed activities. With wallet-friendly drinks and themed fancy dress, they're the perfect way to dive into university life, meet new people, and have a ton of fun—all in the comfort of somewhere familiar right in the heart of the city.

Overall, The Hive is a central part of my university life here at Leeds Beckett. The opportunities are endless with what The Hive provides, and it is a brilliant place to familiarise yourself with on campus. From food to gigs, games to study, The Hive has everything you need to succeed at university.

To find out more about The Hive, the societies that are available to join, or to even view the menu, click here! The Hive has been an instrumental part of my first-year experience, and somewhere I have always felt comfortable and welcome.