Ultimate Guide to Freshers' Week in Leeds

About the author: Hi! My name is Jarisse Nunez, a Business Management with Marketing student at the University of Leeds. I am an aspiring marketer who loves all things creative. Outside of my studies, I enjoy keeping memories in my scrapbook, staying active through yoga and going to concerts!

It's official, you’ve just been accepted into a university in Leeds – congratulations! Well known for some of its top UK universities and a buzzing student scene, you’re sure to enjoy your next few years here. Now it's time for you to prepare for Freshers’ Week, but what really is it? Also known as Welcome Week, Freshers’ is a jam-packed week filled with various events and socials designed to help newcomers settle into the next chapter of their life at uni.

Here at Leeds, there are hundreds of events during Freshers’ suited for every student. Whether you're a party animal or enjoy more chill, laidback events – this city has got you covered. Our guide below will cover some of the key Freshers’ events in Leeds so you’ll be feeling at home in no time.

🍒 Fruity Fridays: Leeds University Union

Many of the universities in Leeds host lots of different club nights during Freshers and also throughout the semester. At the University of Leeds, Fruity Fridays is a flagship event hosted every Friday night at the Leeds University Union.

Fruity is the union's longest-running student club night with three rooms that offer different music experiences. They often feature pop music in Stylus, indie in Function and R&B and hip-hop in Pyramid.

The event is designed to be a cheap, convenient and enjoyable night out with it located right on campus – great for students living on campus who don't want to travel too far into the city. It's a classic club event that all students need to visit at least once to get the full Leeds uni experience.

📍 Lifton Place, LS2 9JZ

🤖 Bobby’s Disco: The Warehouse

Another popular club event is Bobby’s Disco located at The Warehouse. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, mix of disco tunes and colourful confetti, it’s a classic for Leeds students. Relaunching during Fresher’s week and open all year round every Monday, it's an event that can’t be missed.

📍 19-21 Somers Street, LS1 2RG

👭 Speedfriending events

Many Leeds student unions offer speedfriending events. Leeds Beckett University offers a “Meet a Global Buddy” event where students can make friends with people from all over the world. This offers a space for students to connect and share cultural experiences with new people and is great for those who want to socialise in a more relaxed and alcohol-free setting.

👥 Society GIAGs

During Freshers’ Week, societies will offer free Give-It-A-Go (GIAG) events for Freshers to get a taster into their society. These are a great way to meet new people who share common interests and if you're sold, you can buy a membership to use throughout the year with the society. GIAGs are also ideal if you’re looking for more sober socials if clubbing isn’t your thing. For some societies (especially sports societies) you may have to pay a small membership fee; however, there are also many clubs that offer free memberships.

🏙️ City and campus tours

Great for international students or those new to Leeds, unis offer various city and campus tours. The best way to settle into Leeds is by exploring all it has to offer and visiting its key landmarks. Whether you’re going on a uni guided tour or wandering on your own, make sure to visit the local markets, coffee shops and don’t forget exploring your own campus. You can even ask your flatmates to roam around the city together to break the ice.

🎉 Freshers’ Fairs

Last but not least, it can’t be Freshers’ Week if you don't visit your uni’s Freshers’ Fair.

The fair offers pop-up stalls from a range of societies with Leeds University Union offering more than 350 clubs and societies fit for every student's interests and niche.

Make sure to visit all the different pop-up stands from various brands and companies offering all kinds of freebies – from tote bags to Domino’s pizza, you’ll be coming back to your accom with a bag full of goodies.

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