15 Fun Things To Do In Leeds As A Student

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Home to over 60,000 students, Leeds is THE student city.  

There’s no shortage of things for students to do in Leeds. The city is full of trendy bars, cosy cafes, live music venues, old-school pubs, indie shops, sprawling markets, foodie spots and more. With so much on offer, a simple decision like choosing the right bar for a night out can feel impossible!  

We’ve put together this list of the best student things to do in Leeds to make those decisions a little easier. Here are 15 things you HAVE to try if you’re studying in Leeds.  

1. Get lunch from Kirkgate Market 

Kirkgate Market is a Leeds institution that has been around since 1857. If you can think of a type of food, chances are it’ll be here! From tasty chicken shawarma to giant Yorkshire pudding wraps, you’re guaranteed to find something you fancy for a budget-friendly lunchtime treat! 

Once you’re full, check out the rest of the market stalls. One of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Kirgate has almost everything you could think of - flowers, clothes, local produce, everyday ingredients, world foods, and everything in between. This is a place you simply must visit if you’re studying in the city.  

2. Go wild at Headingley’s charity shops 

Leeds is home to a tonne of charity shops and if you’re on a tight student budget, Headingley is your best bet. Even if you’re not on a strict budget, vintage clothes are very in at the moment, so you can’t go wrong with a good charity shop bargain! 

From clothes and accessories to furniture and homeware, you can find everything you need to look your best on your next night out or spruce up your student house. Popular student options include the British Heart Foundation and the huge Oxfam on Otley Road.  

3. Throw an axe at Whistle Punks 

Being a student can be pretty stressful - from worrying about looming deadlines to making sure your housemates pay their household bills on time (unless you’ve chosen the stress-free option and opted for all bills included)... Axe throwing could be just the thing you need to let off some steam.  

Whistle Punks describes itself as ‘urban axe throwing’, which pretty much sums it up. Every session is led by an instructor who’ll take you from an axe-throwing newbie to slinging axes like a pro. Wednesday night is student night featuring reduced prices (£15 for a 70 min session plus a house drink)! 

4. Watch a gig at the Brudenell Social Club 

Leeds is famous for its live music scene, and Brudenell Social Club is THE place to be. This vibrant venue is home to all things related to art and music, with events on most nights of the week spanning almost every genre you can think of! From upcoming local bands to hosting secret gigs by the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, the Brudenell Social Club has seen it all.  

A transformed working men’s club, the Brudenall is popular with students due to its reasonably priced local cask ales, tasty Pieminister pies and pool tables.  

5. Relax at Roundhay Park 

Covering over 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland, Roundhay Park is absolutely massive. A beloved part of the city, this is one of the best green spaces you must visit if you’re studying in Leeds.  

There’s everything you could possibly want from a park, from perfectly maintained and manicured gardens to sports pitches, a golf course, and even a skate park. Roundhay is the perfect place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy a picnic during the warm summer months.  

6. Hike the Meanwood Valley Trail 

This seven-mile trail nicknamed the ‘green artery’ of Leeds, stretches through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Starting in Woodhouse Moor (Hyde Park), just around the corner from the University of Leeds, the trail meanders through Adel Woods before finishing at Golden Acre Park. There’s no need to worry about getting lost as the entire route is signposted - just look for the blue circular badge with a white owl on wooden posts. 

l is seven miles - but you can always just complete a short section of it if you don’t think you can complete the whole thing! 

7. Visit Leeds Light Night 2024 

Light Night Leeds is the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival and is back again in 2024. First started in 2005, this festival has been running for 19 years, making it an unmissable event if you’re studying in the city.  

Stunning light projections, performances, and artwork by talented local, national and international artists transform Leeds’ most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces over two nights. Completely free and with a different focus each year, Leeds Light Night should be on every student’s calendar! In 2023, the theme was ‘Future Dreaming’ and included 3D optical illusions, creating a light-based firework display on the Leeds Civic Hall.  

8. Get a drink at The Dry Dock 

You can’t really miss the Dry Dock, especially if you’re a student at Leeds Beckett University. It’s literally a boat ‘anchored’ on the grass across from the uni!  

This unique experience sticks to the nautical theme with its range of tasty food, reasonably priced drinks, and entertainment until 2 a.m. some nights of the week. Enjoy a refreshing cold drink in their beer garden with the boat in the background, or sing your heart out on Tuesday night at the biggest karaoke night in Leeds!  

9. Watch a film at the Hyde Park Picture House 

One of the oldest cinemas in the country, Hyde Park Picture House is a must-visit for film students and cinema lovers. Built in 1914, it’s survived two world wars, and its stunning period interiors make it the perfect spot for a cosy first date! 

Screening the best films from around the world, this Grade II-listed cinema has only recently reopened after an extensive redevelopment project to preserve the building's heritage and make it more accessible for the people of Leeds. Whether you want to check out the latest blockbuster or an independent film, the Hyde Park Picture House is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some quality cinema.  

10. Dance the night away on Call Lane 

Home to a vibrant and eclectic mix of upmarket cocktail bars, trendy restaurants and jam-packed nightclubs, Call Lane is the destination for students looking for a quality night out. Spanning the area along the River Aire, this street has everything from upmarket cocktail bars to tiki-inspired hideaways, making it a truly unforgettable night out! 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for a first date or somewhere to dance the night away to some quality live music, this legendary street has you covered. 

11. Browse the vinyl at Tribe Records  

One of the only remaining independent record shops in the city, Tribe Records is the place to browse for records, clothing and art supplies. It’s also a hub for Leeds’ live music scene and sells tickets for most major events in the city.  

Tribe Records specialises in house and garage, techno, breaks, electro, dub, reggae, global beats, leftfield, and almost every other genre of music you can imagine. Whether you’re a music student or just a music fan, this record shop makes the perfect day out - just make sure you’ve got some money to spend because this place is almost impossible to leave empty-handed! 

12. Grab a pint at Whitelock’s 

A Leeds institution, Whitelock’s claims to be the oldest pub in the city - pints have been pulled here since 1715! Although there’s no shortage of excellent pubs in Leeds, this is one you have to visit if you’re studying in the city.  

Walk down a little alley, and you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Inside this landmark is an old wooden bar, beautiful stained glass windows to admire, and, of course, a huge range of craft ales and beer at affordable prices. If you want a drink while experiencing some of Leeds's authentic history, this is the place for you! 

13. Explore Kirkstall Abbey 

One of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country, Kirkstall Abbey, is somewhere you have to visit if you’re studying in the city - even if you only go when your parents are visiting and you need somewhere to take them!  

Founded over 800 years ago, the abbey was home to monks until the mid-16th century when Henry VIII infamously disestablished all the monasteries. The abbey is completely free to visit, but you can also pay a small fee to visit the museum in the former gatehouse to learn more about the building.  

14. Enjoy Leeds’ skyline at a rooftop bar 

Leeds has an awesome skyline, and the best place to truly admire it is at one of the city’s many rooftop bars. If you’re looking for chill vibes and cheap drinks, check out Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen and its unique rooftop garden. While you’re there, grab one of Patty Smith’s mouth-watering burgers or Dough Boys’ yummy pizza. 

For a 360-degree view of the city’s breathtaking skyline, IF Rooftop should be at the top of your list. Enjoy their heated rooftop terrace all year round while sipping expertly crafted cocktails - you’ll just need their access code (#1997) to get in! 

15. Find one of Leeds' secret bars  

Hidden down narrow alleyways or behind a nondescript door, finding the entrance to one of Leeds' secret bars is half the fun!  

Located on the well-known Call Lane, The Maven is easy to miss. This prohibition-style speakeasy has its own secret staircase, and the entrance is behind an unassuming hidden door. Once you’re inside, you’re greeted by unique 1920s decor and a menu offering award-winning cocktails. The Maven is something you can’t miss if you’re studying in Leeds. 

How UniHomes can help 

Whether you’re just finishing your first year or starting at one of Leeds’ universities in September, we can all agree that Leeds is a fab student city. There are a tonne of fun things to do in the city centre of Leeds - there are tasty places to eat, parks to relax in, and endless bars, pubs and clubs. 

With so many students, there’s also a lot of student accommodation in the city, but not all student accommodation is created equal… 

UniHomes has an extensive landlord and letting agent network with hundreds of all-inclusive student properties in Leeds. From large student houses to share with friends to studio flats in the city centre, our site has something for every student. 

The best part? All the properties on our site come with all bills included to keep things as stress-free as possible! 

Check out a full range of student properties to find your dream student home today.