My best experiences being part of a community at Leeds Beckett

LBGTQ+ Community

An active and all-around lovable part of LBU is the LGBTQ+ student community, it’s genuinely one of my favourites on campus. With a large, diverse student group and a packed calendar of events, it’s a space I’d recommend to anyone looking to connect, express themselves, and feel at home.

One of the most memorable events was DragDock — a high-energy, game-filled evening hosted by a drag queen. It was there, in all the chaos and glitter, that I met some of my closest friends — people I still hold dear today. While DragDock may no longer be running, its vibrant spirit definitely lives on in the community, which continues to host mixers and events that explore Leeds’ rich LGBTQ+ culture.

One of the most exciting recent collaborations was with the LBU Spoken Word Society — a Pride-themed Open Mic Night. It was an incredible evening full of heartfelt poetry, laughter, and creativity. I even gathered the courage to get up and perform myself! It was nerve-wracking, sure, but being surrounded by a warm, supportive crowd made it one of the most uplifting experiences I’ve had here.

What I love most is how this community is always evolving and reaching out — whether it's teaming up with other societies or even getting involved with Leeds Pride itself. There’s always something happening, and it always feels inclusive and meaningful.

And on the more chilled side of things, the community also hosts cosy craft and games nights — a perfect way to unwind, especially during assignment season. One of the last ones I went to had a brilliant mix of board games, art supplies, and friendly faces. I even (almost) mastered Scrabble — though I still don’t totally get the rules! It was just a really fun, relaxed evening where everyone brought something to the table — literally and figuratively.

So, if you’re ever looking for connection, creativity, or just a safe space to be yourself, I can’t recommend the LGBTQ+ student community enough. It’s more than a group — it’s a place to belong.

The English, History and Media Community

At the beginning of the academic year, the community hosted a mixer — and of course, as a student, I wasn't going to turn down free pizza! As awkward as those initial conversations can be, I’m genuinely grateful for that event. It gave me the opportunity to meet people on my course and connect with others studying related subjects. In fact, a few of those conversations even helped shape the direction of my dissertation research.

These kinds of informal socials are more valuable than they might first seem — they offer a chance to exchange ideas, share academic interests, and discover new perspectives. For me, they sparked some meaningful discussions about my course and helped me reimagine the paths I could take with it.

Although this community doesn’t run frequent events itself, it actively promotes others — from The Spoken Word Society, which hosts regular open mic nights, to The Drunken Thespians, a Shakespeare performance group, and The Communist Society, which holds engaging political discussions and debates. These events are usually shared via email newsletters, and I’ve found them genuinely useful for discovering what’s going on around campus.

Even if not every society is quite my style, I really appreciate the effort behind highlighting them. It shows a real commitment to student engagement and encourages everyone to make the most of their university life, whether through academic exploration, creative expression, or social connection.

To wrap up, the best part of being involved in an LBU community is undoubtedly the sense of camaraderie and connection you build with your peers. When I first arrived in Leeds, I didn’t expect to make many friends, but I’m so glad that the student communities proved me wrong. They’ve truly helped me build lasting friendships and have enriched my experience at Leeds Beckett in ways I didn’t expect. Now, with the end-of-year parties around the corner, I’m looking forward to them more than ever, knowing they’re going to be a great time filled with fun, laughter, and even more unforgettable memories!

You can browse all of LBU's communities here!