Life in Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant and exciting city, and has one of the largest student populations in the UK. It's a great place to live and study, with something for everyone.

Campus life

Everything is all on one campus, it’s really easy to get around and there are lots of places to meet friends.

Your students’ union  

Located at the heart of campus, Leeds University Union is a space to meet people, make new friends and get involved, with over 300 clubs and societies to choose from, a chance to have a go through free introductory sessions and a vibrant events programme all year round.

Since 1967, Leeds Union Events has been hosting unforgettable music gigs, club nights and even campus-wide festivals and is not-for-profit, so every penny goes back into making sure students love their time at Leeds.

If you’re looking to be a positive force for change and make a difference in society, we’ve got plenty of volunteering and campaigning opportunities for you to lead too.

Global Community

Joining the University of Leeds means you are joining a diverse and culturally rich community, including the wider communities of our city. Get the most out of your time in Leeds by taking part in our range of Global Community activities

Our Global Café events are for everyone from everywhere. A weekly opportunity for students and postgraduate researchers to meet new people, relax with friends, have great conversations, and enjoy free refreshments.

University Buddy Scheme

Apply for the University Buddy Scheme to be matched with a new, returning or continuing Leeds student before you arrive or at any point of your student journey. Some people apply for a buddy when they are new to Leeds or join later if they want to meet new people. 

Sport and fitness  

You’ll get discounted access to our sports centre on campus. The Edge has a 25-metre swimming pool, sports courts and a climbing wall. So whether you want to go to the gym, play badminton or take a yoga class, it’s never been easier to keep active. Take a virtual tour of the facility. 

Careers  

Our Careers Centre can help you find work experience, advice for job applications and interviews, access to events and exclusive job opportunities. You’ll be able to get support from the beginning of your time at Leeds through to after you have graduated. 

Working to support your time at university 

You may need to work during your studies to support yourself and an easy way to do that is to apply for one of the on-campus jobs at Leeds University Union. These range from hospitality jobs in the cafes and bars, retail jobs in the university shop and Co-op to part-time roles in teams such as activities, communications, marketing and help and support. LUU also runs Joblink, an employment agency providing staff for businesses across Leeds. You can check out the latest job opportunities on its dedicated website.  

Libraries  

Our four libraries on campus provide a variety of working environments to suit you, and they’re open seven days a week during term time. 

  • Almost 4,000 study spaces are available, from silent individual study to group work areas with interactive presentation equipment.  
  • All our libraries have high tech study facilities with computers, wi-fi and charging points throughout.  
  • You’ll be able to access all the books and online resources you need for your course.  

Faith, prayer and worship 

If you practise a faith, you’ll find spaces and communities for your faith in Leeds, including campus prayer spaces and support from the chaplaincies and Leeds University Union student faith societies

Take a virtual campus tour  

Have a look around campus before you arrive with our virtual campus tour.

City life

Leeds is a friendly, multicultural city in the centre of the UK. It's one of the country's largest and fastest-growing cities and has a leading reputation in business, culture and sport.  

Our campus is just a 10-minute walk from the vibrant city centre, which offers a wide range of places to visit, eat and shop, but is also compact and easy to get around with regular public transport services.  

Two popular suburbs for students are Headingley and Hyde Park – both of which have plenty of great facilities, eateries and green spaces. 

Transport

Leeds is a compact city and it's relatively easy to find your way around on foot, cycling or by using local transport. Leeds is well connected, nationally and internationally, with excellent transport links. If you are a new student or arriving soon, please refer to the For Students pages for further information. 

Making sustainable travel the norm for staff and students is one of the strategic aims of the University, and whether it’s walking, cycling, car share or public transport, there are several ways to get to and from the University, as well as Leeds, more sustainably. Please visit our sustainable travel page for more information.

Things to do  

There’s plenty to explore, from the thriving arts and culture scene in Leeds to beautiful places to visit in Yorkshire. 

Leeds is a shopper’s paradise. You’ll find Victorian shopping arcades, quirky independent shops in Leeds Corn Exchange and high-street stores.   

There’s a huge selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs around the city. You’ll never go hungry in Leeds, from a traditional pub Sunday roast, to takeaway vegan fish and chips and Indian street food in Kirkgate Market, there’s something to satisfy all your culinary desires.    

Check out our top 10 things to do in Leeds and 8 places to visit in Yorkshire.

Parks and countryside   

Leeds has plenty of green spaces and there are many parks dotted around the city, including Woodhouse Moor right next to campus. Some of the finest English countryside is on our doorstep, including the Yorkshire Dales.   

To find out more about what’s on offer in Leeds and Yorkshire visit the Welcome to Yorkshire website.