Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Why Leeds is the perfect student city
Hey, I’m Chloe, and I’m about to start my second year studying Marketing Management at Leeds Beckett University. I’m excited to share my first-year experiences with you, offering a fun, informative, and concise guide to the amazing city of Leeds. Discover the top places that made my first year so exciting and worthwhile!
Leeds nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, Leeds is a major draw for many students. Coming from a small village in Hertfordshire, I had never experienced clubs and student nights until I moved here, and Leeds did not disappoint! If you love partying, Leeds is the place for you. I’ve made so many great friends just from going out, which helped me feel a strong sense of belonging and community in the city.
My personal recommendations include Tuesday nights at DVOTION at The Warehouse, where you can enjoy house and techno music with occasional guest appearances. The O2 Academy is perfect for classic party tunes on Saturdays and indie nights on Thursdays. Lastly, Fibre boasts an amazing atmosphere, with people dancing on tables and fantastic graphics on the walls.
I also strongly recommend downloading the Fatsoma app, where you can easily explore and buy tickets for a wide range of events at all these venues.
Bars & pubs in Leeds
If all that sounds a bit hectic, Leeds has an abundance of bars and pubs where you can unwind with friends, especially as the nights get lighter towards the end of the academic year. Two of my favourite spots are Belgrave and Headrow House. Both offer a fantastic underground and relaxed vibe, with beautiful rooftop areas that light up at night, creating a cozy atmosphere. Plus, they have great student discounts on drinks, so your wallet won't suffer!
No guide to Leeds would be complete without mentioning the famous Otley Run. This epic pub crawl starts at Hyde Park and winds its way to the city centre, all while you're dressed in fun costumes. It’s a tradition you have to experience. We did a Disney princess theme and, although we only made it to 7 out of 18 pubs, we had an absolute blast. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Parks and greenery in Leeds
Leeds is more than a concrete jungle, it is also home to a variety of beautiful green spaces. One of my favourites is Hyde Park, where I enjoy spending sunny afternoons having a picnic. It’s a fantastic spot with plenty of people enjoying the lush surroundings, which really lifts your spirits. I also had a great time at Lovell Park Green, where I joined in a few football games (mostly as a spectator, though!). Another memorable experience was watching the fireworks with friends on Bonfire Night, which made for an unforgettable evening.
Christmas in Leeds
My favourite season in Leeds is definitely winter. The city transforms into a magical place during Christmas time, with twinkling lights decorating the city centre and creating a breathtaking atmosphere as evening falls. The area near the Corn Exchange is especially charming, featuring festive markets, ice skating, and rides. It adds a cozy and warm touch to the city, making it feel even more inviting and cheerful than usual!
Activities in Leeds
Throughout my time in Leeds, I’ve came to realise that there is always something exciting happening! You can discover something new on nearly every street in Leeds. I’ve loved exploring the city centre, where you’ll find everything from charity shops to high-street brands like Zara and JD, and even a Louis Vuitton if you’re in the mood for something a little more luxurious. The high streets are always buzzing with energy, and there are numerous shopping centres scattered around.
One of my personal favourites is the Trinity Centre. Its stunning architecture stands out, and inside, you’ll find a Primark, H&M, Zara, a cinema, and even a quiet study space. The Victoria Quarter is another fantastic spot, offering a more upscale shopping experience. For groceries, Leeds has every supermarket you could imagine, but I particularly love Aldi for its fantastic value.
When it comes to dining, Leeds offers a diverse range of options, from the upscale Ivy to budget-friendly Wetherspoons, plus countless takeaway choices. There’s no shortage of great places to eat!
If you’re worried there’s not enough to do, consider visiting one of Leeds’ museums. I recently explored the Leeds City Museum and was amazed by the city’s rich history and the fascinating exhibits, including historic animal displays on the bottom floor.
Leeds also boasts numerous libraries and study spaces, which were invaluable for completing my first-year coursework. The Leeds Beckett library is open 24/7, which is incredibly convenient, but the city library is also a great place to relax and study.
For fun activities, I highly recommend visiting Tropical World in Roundhay Park. It’s just a short bus ride from the city centre, and I had so much fun exploring the butterfly sanctuary, meerkat enclosure, and the monkeys—my personal favourite. Additionally, attending the annual Leeds Pride festival is a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant and inclusive spirit.
Leeds is an amazing city which has so much to offer and never fails to disappoint. There are countless opportunities and I truly believe that moving here has helped me in becoming a happier and more confident person. Every day is exciting in Leeds and there is so much going on that I do not have enough space on this page! It is a very diverse and inclusive city that welcomes everyone and has a great sense of community.
