Leeds

The main bastion of Yorkshire, Leeds has it all. Buzzing culture, excellent shopping options, natural beauty in and around the city and an energy only Yorkshire can bring. Whether dressing up and going out is your thing or you’re simply looking for some good food, the world really is your oyster in Leeds.

Food and Drink

Whatever you’re in the mood for, Leeds has it. Whether you’re looking to impress a date or just something cheap to get through the day, there’s no shortage of options.

Morty’s Focacceria - 4.9/5

Some unbelievable American-Italian style pizza with some good student friendly prices for a slice (don’t underestimate the size). Rave reviews from all who go so definitely worth checking out.

**Trinity Kitchen - 4.4/5 **

Found inside Trinity shopping centre, Trinity Kitchen offers a world of choice when it comes to food vendors. From the bold flavours of Egypt to vintage Irish street food, there’s something for everyone here.

Hooyah Burgers - 4.8/5

A real student friendly spot, with the £7.99 burger and chips deal. This is no half-arsed burger and chips though, you really get bang for your buck here.

**White Cloth Hall - 4.3/5 **

Morty’s is actually found within White Cloth Hall and is a standout spot. But it’d be wrong to not mention the place as a whole. If you’re looking to impress, White Cloth Hall has 4 kitchens so you can both leave satisfied.

Kirkgate Market - 4.3/5

Leeds’ Kirkgate Market is THE spot for street food and some interesting market stalls to investigate. From Vietnamese food, to jerk chicken, to vintage Yorkshire wraps, there’s no point leaving hungry once you get here.

In Leeds, portions are big, flavours are bold and the prices are always a little kinder to your wallet than you expect.

Things to Do & Culture

Leeds doesn’t get the credit it deserves when it comes to things to do. Whether you’re trying to be apart of that inner city life or looking to get out into the great outdoors, Leeds is a great spot to be.

**O2 Academy - 4.1/5 **

Now this one might seem obvious, as there’s an academy in most cities, and this one isn’t really better or worse than the others. But it’s made this list because of the inclusivity of bands and artists that get to play here. From massive names such as Dizzee Rascal, underground bands you’ve never heard of, or even just a random Bongo’s Bingo event (if you don’t know about Bongo’s Bingo, get to know), it’s always worth keeping an eye out for what’s on here.

Yorkshire Dales - 4.8/5

If you’re looking to really get a feel for Yorkshire itself, there’s no better place to visit than the Dales. Fresh air, green views and is about as picturesque as the North of England gets. With all sorts of outdoor activities to do, definitely somewhere you can visit several times.

Kirkgate Market - 4.3/5

Now Kirkgate Market was listed as a place to eat in Leeds, but it doubles up as a great place to explore, get up to some fun activities and best of all, won’t put your wallet out of commission.

Headingley Cricket and Rugby Stadiums - 4.6/5

Both the cricket and rugby stadiums (right next door to each other), always have electric atmospheres. Now cricket is not everyone's cup of tea but if you’re going to enjoy the cricket anywhere it’ll be at Headingley. With a huge party stand, Headingley is a great place to catch some sun and have some drinks with your friends.

Hyde Park Picture House - 4.9/5

A gorgeous old cinema that shows everything from the classics, new indie releases and the current big name films too. Student tickets are dead cheap and make it a worthwhile visit, especially for film buffs.

And if you run out of things to do, you know the Otley run is waiting for you…

Going Out & Nightlife

When it comes to going out and the nightlife in Leeds, you know what’s coming. But outside of the run, there’s so much more to see and do to fill your nights when the run’s not an option.

The Otley Run - 4/5

The Otley Run is a behemoth of a pub crawl, with about 18 pubs (officially) and a few more along the way trying to cash into the fun. Typically you’re in fancy dress (bonus points for themes), you head out towards Headingley and then drink your way back towards the city centre. Great for a special event, or if you’re ready to just write off a day or two after. Would recommend trying to find a slightly quieter day to do the run so you can avoid the queues.

**Old Bar - 4.4/5 **

Old Bar is found in Leeds University’s student union and could be up there as one of the best student unions in the country. With pub quizzes, live music and cheap drinks, it’s a go to for anyone in the city. If you’re looking for a quiet spot, this is actually in the back end of the Otley run so keep that in mind when you head over.

Headrow House - 4.4/5

A multi-floor venue, with one of the best rooftop terraces in the city if you can catch some good weather. A student staple with affordable drinks, that’ll make do for any type of visit.

Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen - 4.5/5

The slightly more laid back version of Headrow House. If you’re looking to take a date out for some drinks, but you’re not feeling the rooftop terrace of the Headrow, this is the place to go.

The Warehouse - 3.3/5

Probably the best club for a rave in the city. Always packed, always lively, if raving is your scene, there’s nowhere better.

One thing that’s quite unique about Leeds, is the popularity of pub quizzes and how they often replace going out altogether. Massive competition and free drinks to be won. But don’t worry, if that’s not your scene, Leeds has more than enough on offer.

Hidden Gems

The best part about Leeds? You’ll never feel like you’ve done it all. But to get closer to that feeling, here are a few lesser known spots to check out.

Ilkley Moor - 4.7/5

A lesser known spot when compared to the Dales. A cool 30-40 minute train away from the city, but well worth every minute. Natural beauty and walkable spots galore. Plenty of good food spots and pubs to round off the trip out too.

Water Lane Boathouse - 4.3/5

A quiet restaurant/bar found on the riverside. Good location, nice indoor and outdoor seating, and surprisingly good food deals. One thing this place does very well is the size of their portions. You won’t leave wanting here.

The Leeds Library - 4.7/5

If you’ve lived in Leeds at all, you’ve probably walked past this place a 100 times and never even batted an eye in its direction, but this library is the oldest subscription library in the UK, and when you’re in there it sure doesn’t feel like you’re in Leeds city centre anymore. If you’re a book lover, it’s most definitely worth a visit.

Merrion Street - 4/5

At the very bottom of Merrion Street is a small backstreet full of interesting spots worth visiting. From the Grand Arcade - home to several independent businesses, NQ64 - an actual arcade bar, Chance & Counters - a board game bar, and plenty more interesting food spots and bars.

**Meanwood Valley Trail and Urban Farm - 4.2/5 **

A 7-mile walk from the city to the countryside full to the brim with nature and wildlife. When the farm is open, you can throw it back to those school trips and see some farm animals. They've even got some alpacas here. Attached is a nice little farmshop, making it an overall great day out.

Leeds does the big stuff well, but its hidden gems are where you find the real Yorkshire charm.

Study Spots/Student Essentials

Between the Otley run and getting some good food, you might have to study once in a while, here are a few spots to make student life easy for you.

Edward Boyle Library (UOL) - 4.8/5

Open 24 hours, the ideal spot to be for late night cramming sessions when you finally decide to get back on track.

Sheila Silver Library (LBU) - 4.4/5

Leeds Beckett’s main library. Central, reliable and packed with all the study spaces you could need.

Horsforth Campus Library (LTU) - 4.5/5

One of the quieter library options for Trinity students, great for when you really have to lock in.

Student Unions - 4.3/5

You’d be foolish to not make use of your respective student unions. Home of the societies, cheap drinks, events and alternative study spots for when you need a change of scenery. If you’re looking to find your people, get yourself involved here.

Santander Work Cafe - 4.5/5

Now this one might seem really rogue, but if you’re in need of a study or work spot, it’s surprisingly good. WIth a nice selection of food and meeting rooms if you’re looking to really focus or take a call, it could be a good place to mix up where you get some work done.

As much as you like to think you’ll be cracking on with work, we all know that the majority of your thinking will be about how to get everyone out into town.

City Advice

Leeds is a brilliant city for students, but it does come with a couple quirks. Here’s a few bits of advice to get you settled.

Getting Around - Leeds is compact enough to be able to walk around everywhere you need, and if you’re ever in a rush the bus will be your best friend. Leeds is also very well connected, just about every big city is just a train ride away, London even only being about 2 hours away.

Where to Live - Headingley is the classic student hotspot and unsurprisingly the location of the start of the Otley run. Hyde Park is another typical student option, on the cheaper side of the spectrum but it’s probably even more lively and chaotic than Headingley. Woodhouse is cheaper and quieter, maybe to consider in your later years of university.

Local Quirks - Be ready for the city to basically shut down when Leeds are playing. The football spirit around here runs deep.

Leeds has the perfect balance of everything. From nights out you won’t remember, nights out you wish you didn’t remember, an incomparable city life, and enough green space to escape from it all when you need a breather. It’s easy to call Leeds home.