Erasmus Experience in Leeds, United Kingdom by Olatz

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Leeds?

To find accommodation through the university, look at Unipol and University of Leeds Accommodation websites. It's essential to match it up with your terms, however, it's a lot harder to find a place in halls. The halls are expensive in any case, and there are always a lot of student flats with rooms available between 200 and 300 pounds per month, sometimes with bills included. They are all located nearby the university, in Hyde Park (I live here and although I really like it, be careful walking through the park at night if you are female) or even in Headingley, a student area a couple of minutes away by bus.

If you are struggling to find a flat, get in contact with a letting agent. They might charge you for the service, but they are also trustworthy and really help you with the process, to the point where they'll even show you the flat on Skype before you arrive in England.

How much does it cost to live in Leeds?

In Hyde Park, Chapletown and Headlingley, it costs around 200 - 300 pounds a month (300-400 euros a month). A room in the centre or if you rent a one person studio flat would be more expensive, around 350-500 pounds.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the university?

I had an advanced level of English before I arrived, so speaking wasn't too difficult. Here, they speak in conjunctions and very quickly, but it's doable.

What is the cheapest way to get to Leeds from your city?

From Bilbao, I bought a flight to Manchester and then a train ticket to Leeds. If you book way in advance the train tickets are a lot cheaper!

If not, there is Megabus, which is incredibly cheap, from Manchester, London...

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Leeds?

I really like Angel Inn, a small pub tucked away in the city centre, really authentic and cheap. The Hop and Shed are two bars nearby the centre which I really like, they are quite alternative.

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Is it good to eat out in Leeds? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Mc Noodles King, near the Corn Exchange, where there's also a nice restaurant called Humpit. Colazione, opposite the club Tiger Tiger, which is an Italian restaurant with really generous portions, which is open until 2 am in the morning on Fridays, In the University Union there are really good places to eat and drink, as well as in the Library Pub, which is definite must to visit.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are soooo many concerts, museums, as well as transport to travel to York and other pretty places, I have to say that it's really good.