Leeds is a vibrant and exciting city, and we have 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 (LUU) is a space to make friends, fuel your passions, gain new skills and experiences, and have fun. Led by student-elected Executive Officers and with student voice at the heart of every decision, your Union is an independent institution, here to represent you and ensure that you love your time at Leeds.
With various study spaces, cafes and bars, a wide range of events from workshops to gigs, and more than 300 clubs and societies to choose from, you’re sure to find something to do at LUU. You’ll always feel celebrated, empowered and supported, with their cultural and liberation campaigns, feedback and discussion forums, and student-led projects. There is independent and confidential advice available from the LUU Help and Support team, and plenty of part-time jobs to pick up some skills for your CV at the LUU shops, cafes, events and offices.
So, come on in, and find your community at LUU.
Global Community
Joining the University of Leeds means you’re 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. It’s 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. You can apply for a buddy when you’re new to Leeds or join later if you want to meet new people.
Sport and fitness
If you’re staying in University accommodation, you’ll get discounted access to The Edge, our sports centre on campus. It has a gym with a wide range of equipment, spin studio, 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 Edge.
Careers
Our Careers Service can help you with 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 might need to work during your studies to support yourself. 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. Check out the latest job opportunities from Joblink.
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.
Sustainability
Whether it’s living sustainably as a student, learning about sustainability in your studies, or making a positive impact through activities on campus and in the wider community, a great place to start is the University’s Sustainability Service.
The service has a huge range of opportunities for students to get involved in throughout the year, from events through to paid project roles known as Student Sustainability Architects. You can keep up to date on social media: follow the Sustainability Service on Instagram or follow the Sustainability Service on X.
Virtual campus tour
Take 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 it’s 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.
Travelling around Leeds
Leeds is a compact city and it’s relatively easy to find your way around, whether that’s by active travel or public transport. We are committed to supporting sustainable travel, and have facilities across campus to help with this, including our Bike Hub.
Please refer to our transport information page to learn more.
Things to do
You’ve got plenty to look forward to in Leeds, and you won’t be disappointed.
The city is known for its thriving music and arts scene with some iconic venues for you to visit. There are also countless festivals, concerts and events that take place throughout the year.
Leeds is one of the UK’s biggest shopping destinations. It also has a reputation for being the foodie capital of the North with street food from around the world and lots independent eateries across the city.
Check out our top 10 things to do in Leeds and explore the Welcome to Yorkshire website for more places to visit in the region.
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.