Student life in Leeds

Where is Leeds? 

Leeds is located in Yorkshire, in the north of England. It is nearby to other cities such as Manchester, Sheffield and York – as well as beautiful countryside. It is a vibrant and lively city with something for everyone; from arts, sports and leisure to entertainment and nightlife. With around 60,000 students living in the city, it is a diverse, welcoming and fun place to live and learn.

What to do in Leeds? 

Delicious world food 

There are hundreds of cafes and restaurants around the city that serve cuisine from Italy, Mexico, South Asia, Japan and beyond, so if you want to eat tasty food that reminds you of home or try completely new, exotic flavours, you'll be able to do so in Leeds. 

Fantastic shopping 

With over 1,000 shops in the city, Leeds is considered to be one of the best shopping destinations in the UK. There are many independent boutiques, vintage shops, high street stores and designer labels in the city and you can easily spend a day at Trinity Leeds where you'll find 120 shops, bars and restaurants all under one roof. 

Other popular shopping attractions include the Victoria Quarter, a beautiful 18th century shopping arcade with marble interiors and upmarket shops, the Corn Exchange, home to independent boutiques and cafés and Kirkgate Market, the biggest indoor market in Europe with fresh food, drink, fashion, flowers, jewellery and more. 

Music for your mood 

Leeds has a buzzing music scene, with venues and nightclubs around the city playing music to suit all tastes. Each year, the three-day Leeds Festival attracts up to 200,000 music fans as of 2019 (LeedsLive), while the First Direct Arena in the Leeds city centre is the venue of choice for top music acts. 

Parks and countryside 

If you need a break from your studies you can head over to Roundhay Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world with its own Tropical World. If you want to escape the city for the day, beautiful countryside is only 20 minutes away by car. 

Cost of living 

Even with all these fun things to see and do, Leeds isn’t a very expensive place to live. Cities in the north are typically cheaper than those in and around London. Social activities, rent and food all cost less than they would elsewhere. As a student, you will also be able to access exclusive student discounts in a range of local and nationwide establishments. Consumer prices in Leeds are 21.5% lower than in London (Numbeo, March 2024).

What to do on campus? 

Relax with friends 

The Student Union bars at City and Headingley campuses have a relaxed atmosphere. They are perfect places to meet up with friends, grab a bite to eat, play a game of pool, listen to a talk or take part in a weekly quiz. The bars have free Wi-Fi, giving you the option to both study and socialise.  

Get involved with clubs 

Joining a university society is a great way to meet new people, develop your skills and have fun. Whether you are interested in movies or sport, there’s a society for you to try. You can also start your own society if you want to. 

Listen to music 

If you like live music, you won't be disappointed. The Stage, based at City Campus, has hosted many famous bands over the years – including Nirvana, Blur, Foo Fighters, Coldplay and Radiohead.

Enjoy sports 

Whether you love competing or simply want to have fun, Leeds Beckett has sports clubs to suit all tastes and abilities. You can join a sports team or try a fitness class. The Leeds Beckett Athletic Union has 38 clubs and more than 80 teams.

Ready to join us?

Our student enrolment advisors are here to help with your application and answer your questions about living and learning in Leeds.