What makes Leeds an affordable student city

Getting around

Leeds is super well connected, whether you’re traveling by bus or train — it’s so easy to get around!

Here’s a little hack I wish I’d known earlier in my first year: student tickets!

For trains, you can grab a railcard to save loads on travel, and for buses, you can just ask the driver for a student ticket. Just make sure you’ve got a physical student ID with you (UniDays won’t cut it!). If you want to make life even easier, I’d recommend downloading the ‘First Bus’ app — it’s a game-changer for buying student tickets quickly!

Treating yourself

One of the things I love about living in Leeds is how great it is for shopping! The city is packed with big brand names, sustainable local shops, and amazing shopping centres, so there’s always somewhere new to explore. My personal favourite has to be Trinity — it’s right in the heart of the city, has pretty much everything you could need, and it’s super convenient.

Here’s a tip I learned pretty early on: always ask if a shop does student discounts!

You’d be surprised how many stores offer 10% or more just for showing your student ID. I’ve saved quite a bit this way, and it definitely makes those little shopping splurges feel less guilty. From grabbing new clothes to treating myself to a coffee or lunch, student discounts have come in handy so many times!

Going out-out or just out?

Leeds is absolutely amazing for a night out, especially because it’s so student-focused — you’ll never run out of things to do! There are always events and themed nights specifically designed for students, so it’s easy to find something fun (and affordable!) every night of the week.

If you’re up for a big night out, there are some absolute classics you’ve got to try. My personal go-tos are Bobby’s Disco on a Monday (seriously, who doesn’t love cheesy tunes?), Antics on a Wednesday for the ultimate midweek party vibe, and Disco Spoons at the weekend — it’s perfect for when you want to let loose on a Friday or Saturday night. Most of the clubs in Leeds have dedicated student nights with cheap entry and drinks deals, so it won’t break the bank.

If clubbing isn’t really your thing or you prefer something more lowkey, there are lots of nice bars near both campuses that are on the quieter side and super affordable too. I’d definitely recommend Taps — it’s always fun and has some great deals, especially on a Wednesday or Friday. Whether you’re catching up with friends over a casual drink or having a chilled night out, Leeds has something for everyone!

If drinking isn't your vibe

Not into drinking or just want a different kind of night out? Leeds has so much to offer!

For something chilled, the Everyman Cinema in Trinity is a great choice for a cosy film night with comfy seats and delicious snacks. If you’re into games, Roxy Ballroom is an amazing spot where you can play ping pong, bowling, or shuffleboard — it’s always such a laugh with friends. Another favourite of mine is Junkyard Golf, a quirky, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course with funky themes.

If you’re looking for something outdoorsy, Leeds has some fantastic options. Roundhay Park is a beautiful spot for an evening walk, especially around the lake or in the woodlands — it’s so peaceful, and you can even catch the sunset on a clear day. For something a bit more adventurous, Hyde Park Picture House sometimes hosts outdoor film screenings, which is such a great experience.

You can visit Leeds Art Gallery, which often has free exhibitions and events showcasing everything from contemporary art to classic pieces. Another gem is the Leeds Playhouse, where you can catch live performances ranging from dramas to comedies — it’s a really fun way to mix things up and they offer student tickets. I also like to visit Kirkstall Abbey — it’s especially magical in the evening, and sometimes they even host markets or events there!

Food shopping hacks

I’ll be honest — I had no idea how expensive groceries could be until I came to uni!

Back in my first year, I used to shop exclusively at Sainsbury’s without even using their Nectar card (big mistake, I know). It didn’t take long for me to realise that I needed to be a bit smarter about where I shopped to save money.

For me, Aldi and Morrisons have been lifesavers — they’re incredibly affordable for everyday essentials. If you’re looking for frozen food or snacks, Iceland and Food Warehouse are brilliant for finding cheap options and stocking up.

I’ve learned to mix it up a bit too — sometimes I’ll pop into Sainsbury’s or Tesco for specific things, but for the big food shops, I try to stick to the more budget-friendly places. And honestly, having a store loyalty card, like a Nectar card or Clubcard, can make such a difference —it’s free and you’ll rack up points for future discounts. Little changes like that have really helped me manage my grocery budget better!

Eating out

There’s honestly nothing better than treating yourself to a nice meal out or takeaway with friends — it’s such a great way to take a break and enjoy some good food together! That said, it can get pricey pretty quickly if you’re not careful. I’ve definitely learned to be a bit more mindful about where I go and to keep an eye out for student discounts.

Some of my favorite places that won’t break the bank include Toby Carvery (you can’t go wrong with an all you can eat breakfast or roast!), BOX (perfect for a fun vibe and great food), and even Deliveroo if you fancy a cosy night in but still want to treat yourself. The student discounts they offer make it so much more affordable, so don’t forget to ask when you’re out or check online before you order — it’s saved me so much over time!

Leeds has honestly been the perfect place for me as a student — it’s not just vibrant and full of life, but it’s also surprisingly affordable, which has been a huge relief when managing my budget. From the cheap transport options and student-focused nightlife to the great grocery and shopping deals, it feels like this city is built to make student life as easy (and fun!) as possible.

For me, the mix of affordability, culture, and a buzzing student atmosphere has made Leeds feel like a second home. It’s a city that really understands students and makes it easy to strike a balance between studying, socialising, and sticking to a budget. If you’re looking for a city that gives you the best student experience, in my opinion Leeds truly has it all!