A prominent Yorkshire city with a vastly growing economy, Leeds is a city that can offer it all.
However, for students, is Leeds all it’s cracked up to be?
In this post, we look at what Leeds has to offer the student population and why it is what we believe a great all-round city!
Living in Leeds as a student
Leeds might boast about its size yet compared to Manchester and even Liverpool, for example, it is still relatively small. This can be nice and, in some way, a comfort to those who are moving away for the first time and looking to get to grips with a big city.
However, Leeds is big! It is home to not one but five universities, with the University of Leeds, being the biggest university in the city and currently ranking within the top 15 of main UK university league tables.
Well known as a research university, the focus here is primarily on academic subjects with entry levels set quite high.
With over 30,000 students studying at the University of Leeds, it is quite competitive when it comes to being accepted onto certain courses.
What’s more, it also boasts excellent Student Unions as well as clubs, societies, cafes, bars, music venues, and more!
Leeds Beckett University is the University of Leeds’s main rival, with over 10,000 undergrads and 5,000 postgrads every year.
Leeds Beckett is big on sport and has a healthy rivalry with the University of Leeds.
With two main campuses, one in the city centre, and the other in 100-acres park in Headingway, Leeds Beckett sports some superb facilities.
Leeds Trinity University is a uni that was one of the first to incorporate work placements as part of every degree! This university is on the small side, however, with less than 5,000 undergrads annually.
Oh, and it’s actually not located in Leeds but rather a town called Horsforth, 15 minutes from Leeds centre.
You’ll also find Leeds Arts University, one of only a few specialist arts universities in the UK, and Leeds College of Music, one of 11 music conservatories in the UK.
Cost of Living in Leeds for Students
The average student rent in Leeds is £463 per month, which is a little higher than the national average and also dependant on if you live in halls (where in some cases you can rent a room for £70 per week) or private housing.
However, when compared to London, Leeds is still much cheaper. A whole 16.98% less expensive, in fact!
Getting out and about
Everything in and around Leeds is pretty much within walking distance from each other; however, if not, there are plenty of buses and trains to get you to where you need to be.
Leeds train station is a hive of activity and provides regular train services up and down the UK.
There are also such things as the £ 1-night bus service to help make sure students get home safely during term time, as well as student travel tickets and 16-25 railcards.
Employment is high
Leeds currently has a £64.6 billion economy, which is continuing to grow, providing a wealth of opportunity when it comes to employment prospects and even the all-important work experience!
Small and medium-sized companies account for 50% of the city’s employment. Companies like Adfab who supply a range of electric gates to residential homeowners and commercial businesses, helping to keep properties safe and secure throughout Leeds. (check here)
A vibrant city with plenty to see and do
The nightlife in Leeds is impressive. Whether you’re looking for a local bar crawl or a trendy cocktail bar or even the cheesy sounds coming from the student union bars – Leeds can offer it all.
Otley Run is also a once in a lifetime, must try the event, which sees students attempt the 16-pub bar crawl in fancy dress!
If you’re looking to spend your student loan as soon as it hits your bank account, then trust us when we say shopping in Leeds is incredible.
With a host of designer stores and boutiques (maybe for when the relatives come to visit), you’ll also find the Trinity Centre where every year the Trinity Leeds Student Night offers students up to 50% discount in-store. Briggate is, however, the best place for student shopping with stores such as Zara, Topshop, and Debenhams.
If you’re looking for a bit of culture, Leeds can also offer The Royal Armouries Museum, Tropical World, the Emmerdale Studio Experience, Leeds Art Gallery, O2 Academy, Leeds Festival, and much, much more.
Where to live?
Students are spread throughout Leeds, located in 3 main student living areas:
Headingley – moderately priced, a mix of property types on offer, 15-20 minutes from the City Centre.
Hyde Park – located between Headingley and the City Centre, most popular, you can reach Leeds university within 5-10 minutes on the bus, and 15 minutes if you walk, it also has a range of cafes, pubs, and shops.
Woodhouse – one of the nicest places to live, close to the city centre, cheapest out of the three locations, a short walk from universities and town, however, doesn’t boast the greatest facilities or amenities.
This is only a brief insight into what Leeds has to offer students; trust us, there is so much more!
If you want a warm and friendly place to study, look no further than the opportunities that Leeds can provide you!