Why Leeds Is a Student-Friendly City

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!

Choosing where you’ll live and study for the next few years can be a challenging decision. Weighing in factors such as cost of living, its location, the social scene as well as the university itself are highly important as the place will become your second home during your uni years.

Fortunately for me, Leeds was a no-brainer – from its vibrant and diverse culture to its affordable living, Leeds should definitely be a top choice for students. Below is a summary of all the things Leeds has to offer for students.

Top universities

Leeds is a well-known student city, home to its five different universities: the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Arts University and Leeds Conservatoire. Here, the possibilities are endless for students when it comes to the type of course they wish to study, with each institution offering distinct specialisms fit for every student's passion and academic interests.

Affordable housing

As the city is filled with a diverse range of universities, it offers an extensive selection of accommodation at a fair price. On UniHomes, the weekly rent in Leeds can range from £90-£549 per person*. Compared to other student cities, it is a lot more affordable and, with most properties listed on the Unihomes website including bills, it's a great choice for students who want to manage their budgets with ease, saving more money for their studies and enjoying the city.

*Weekly price range of properties advertised on UniHomes (June 2025).

City adventures

Leeds is said to be one of the capitals of the north due to its lively urban area – there’s always something to do. It boasts an extensive shopping hub with a variety of vintage shops, popular retail stores at Trinity Leeds, and luxury brands at Victoria Leeds. The city also has a large number of independent shops located in Kirkgate Market and The Corn Exchange.

The vibrant city also offers many fun activities to do when not at uni. The Leeds City Museum is free for all to explore its exhibitions including the Leeds archive. The newly refurbished Tenpin in the Merrion Centre offers a range of indoor activities such as bowling, escape rooms, karaoke and more. If you're looking for a more relaxing activity, why not have a stroll along the docks? It also offers a scenic ride on its water taxis and even open water swimming!

Nature explorations

If city life is not for you, there are many green places around Leeds. Close to the University of Leeds campus is Woodhouse Moor, right next to the student area of Hyde Park. It offers plenty of green spaces, a skate park and tennis courts.

Right on campus is St George’s fields which is a smaller more secluded area perfect for picnics and taking a short break in between lectures. The fields are also inhabited by a range of wildlife – home to many rabbits and squirrels.

Nightlife

Leeds is widely popular for its busy nightlife scene, with its lively atmosphere filled with pubs, clubs, bars and music venues. The most popular among students is The Hedley Verity Wetherspoons on Woodhouse Lane, as it transforms into a nightclub on weekends.

The city is also home to a variety of music venues. First Direct Arena presents live entertainment such as music, comedy, sports and more. The O2 Academy is also popular for live music and club nights. Belgrave Music Hall features a mix of live gigs, comedy performances, film and art with a choice of independent food stalls and a rooftop terrace.

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.