Is it expensive to live in Leeds as a student?

Living in Leeds comes with plenty of perks — friendly northern vibes, top notch comfort food, and some pretty decent weather. With students making up over 30% of the city’s population, you’re in good company when it comes to finding budget-friendly spots. So, let’s dive into some student favourites that won’t break the bank!

Food

Aldi and Lidl — no contest. They’re the go-to for budget-friendly, fresh food with plenty of options for all diets. Even with my pricier vegan shop, I still keep my weekly spend between £30-£40.

If you’ve got the time (and the phone storage), taking advantage of Clubcards, Nectar points, and other reward schemes is an easy way to save. I always do a quick scroll through StudentBeans while making my shopping list  —it’s a game-changer for catching daily deals and avoiding unnecessary splurges!

Travel costs

One of the best things about Leeds? You can pretty much walk everywhere. When I first came to Beckett, I thought I’d be spending loads of money on buses, but it turns out if you’re living nearby you don’t really need them. That said, on those days when the walk just isn’t happening (we’ve all been there), Leeds Beckett has you covered with a free student bus running between City and Headingley Campus on weekdays during term time.

And if you do need to hop on public transport, it won’t break the bank. I think Leeds has a really affordable public transport system, with student discounts available on buses and trains. A monthly travel pass can cost less than a few takeaway coffees, and if you book train tickets in advance or grab a 16-25 Railcard, you can save even more.

Unless you’re off to Tropical World or Elland Road, everything you need is right in the city centre. On a tight budget? Trust me  —your trainers will be your best investment.

Leeds is packed with free (or ridiculously cheap) things to do between lectures — you just need to know where to look. I took a quick scroll through my banking app and last month I spent £20 on a haircut, £35 on books, and £25 on football tickets. But you know what didn’t show up? The afternoon I played tennis at Headingley Campus, the time I spotted a tiger at Leeds City Museum, or the peaceful walk I took to feed the ducks at Yeadon Tarn.

Why? Because they didn’t cost me a penny.

And that’s just the start—Leeds is full of hidden gems that won’t drain your student budget. You can explore Leeds Art Gallery for free, wander through the Victorian arcades (window shopping counts, right?), or head up to Roundhay Park for a scenic study break. Need to clear your head? Take a hike up to Otley Chevin for some of the best views of the city.

From pop-up markets to live music in Hyde Park Book Club, there’s always something going on, and often, it’s free. So, if you're worried about finding things to do on a budget — Leeds has you covered.

Tips and tricks

• Lunch is the ultimate money saver - I’m in my third year, and — embarrassingly — it’s taken me this long to realise the easiest way to save money: bring your own lunch. Your timetable will give you breaks, and let’s be honest, your seminar tutors won’t mind if you sneak in a sandwich. Skip the £3.75 meal deal, throw together a sandwich while the kettle’s boiling, and you’re already winning at student budgeting.
• Shop smart, shop together - Some things just aren’t practical (or affordable) to buy solo. Living in a tiny flat, I don’t have the space for 18 rolls of toilet paper, and I definitely don’t have the budget to buy them in smaller, overpriced packs. The solution? Team up with your housemates. Bulk-buy essentials, split the cost, and save money for the things that actually matter. Also, one golden rule  —make a shopping list and stick to it. Tempting as it is, the Lidl bakery will still be there next time.
• Budget, but don’t forget to live - Yes, student life means keeping an eye on your spending, but don’t let it stop you from enjoying yourself. Missing one night out because you’re a little skint isn’t the end of the world — everyone’s in the same boat. As long as you’re happy, healthy, and making memories, no one expects you to have a stacked savings account just yet.
• Accept help when you need it - I get it — moving away means you want to prove you’re independent. But let’s be real: managing money is a learning curve, and no one gets it right straight away. If family or student support services offer a helping hand, take it. It doesn’t mean you’re failing; it just means you’re figuring things out. And that’s exactly what uni is for. It’s understandable that the last thing we want to do is tell our already teary loved ones is that we’re out of money after the first week. Don’t worry though, this is all new and you’re not going to be perfect at it straight away. If the help’s there, take it with a smile and a hug!

So, is it expensive to be a student in Leeds? Ultimately, if you’re smart with your money and take advantage of the discounts and free activities on offer, living as a student in Leeds can be both affordable and enjoyable.