Experience in Leeds, United Kingdom by lisabritox

What is it like to live in Leeds? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Leeds is a new and vibrant city, which is perfectly adapted to student living. It has a diverse culture due to its diverse population and is hence able to cater to everyone. Full of old buildings who stand out against the new architecture, this is a city full of life where even its citizens have been deemed as the friendliest and most helpful in the whole country.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leeds?

Due to the city of Leeds having 5 universities/colleges, it has adapted perfectly to the requirements of students. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, pubs and night clubs which cater to students all throughout the city. Anywhere you go you are bound to find other students, as well as being able to make use of student discount in most stores and restaurants.

How much does it cost to live in Leeds?

Leeds is quite a cheap city to live in, especially when you compare it to prices in bigger cities such as London. It is also much cheaper than other international cities which I have travelled to. Because of its big student population, the city is very aware of the condition and limitations which accompany a student lifestyle and hence attempt to help with prices in several sectors.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Leeds? Is there any advice you can give?

It isn't exactly difficult to find accommodation in Leeds, it is
in fact quite easy. There are plenty of houses,flats,apartments and residences which are specifically designed for student use. The only thing you need to do when searching for accommodation is make sure that you have all the information you need, which you can do by visiting the specific place/house and also getting in contact with previous owners (there are also plenty of reviews on google and other websites for each residence, etc.. that give details of that particular accommodation). If you are an international or exchange student, the university which you have chosen here will also give you a lot of help when looking for accommodation - most universities also offer a place in their own residences for such students.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Leeds is situated in the country of Yorkshire, known for its northern cuisine. This means that everyone here loves tea, gravy, yorkshire puddings (which obviously derive from this region). They have a very specific taste in food, although this is not to say that there aren't plenty of other choices available. I have found that all supermarkets, restaurants and pubs cater to a variety of people from not only the rest of the country, but also from other countries in the world. Because of its diverse population you will also find a lot of italian, mexican, indian, asian, and american restaurants. Hence, there is plenty of choice when it comes to which type of food you want to eat - furthermore, they also have great delivery service for when you find yourself not wanting to leave the house ;)

What places would you recommend visiting in Leeds?

There are plenty of places to visit in Leeds!! There are many different museums, art galleries, monuments and buildings with great history behind them. There are also plenty of shopping malls with a grand variety of shops and stores - I especially recommend visiting the Trinity shopping mall, as well as the arcades which are scattered around the city centre, offering amazing local and vintage shops.
If you are more nature inclined, then a trip to Roundhay Park or Kirkstall Abbey is perfect. Roundhay Park is an amazing park just 10 minutes by car from the city, which has over 700 acres of parkland and encompasses a beautiful lake and several other amenities which can be used for outdoor sports as well as some major festivals which happen throughout the year.

If you are film/cinema inclined, then you will be glad to know that Leeds is known for its independent film houses, which show an amazing variety of films, including international, which are less frequented than your 'normal/average' money driven cinema.

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

Eating out in Leeds is amazing, since there are plenty of restaurants with food from many different countries. There are many Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Thai, American, Mexican restaurants all throughout the city. You also have your local pubs, which are very famous amongst English people and students, for their homey feeling and their discounts. I personally very much enjoy the Trinity kitchen (located inside the top floor of the Trinity shopping centre) which boasts several restaurants and trucks of food from all over the country : Thai, Mexican, English, American, Vietnamese, Mexican, etc...

Is the nightlife good in Leeds? Where is good to go?

If you ask any student why they chose Leeds, 96% of them will say that it was because of the nightlife. Leeds is one of the most famous cities in the UK for its club and night life. There are many different clubs all throughout the city which are popular amongst students such as: Canal Mills, Tiger, HiFi, Mission, PRYSM, Warehouse, Mint, Beaver Works, Space, etc... These are of course only some of the many clubs which Leeds has to offer, each cater to a different type of music taste, so that you can always find something which you will enjoy. Furthermore, you also have the night clubs within the Universities themselves, which allow you to stay within their own grounds if you don't feel like walking all the way into the city to spend your Friday night.

What advice would you give future students heading to Leeds?

It can be a little bit overwhelming to be in such a big city, especially if you come from a smaller town or community, however the people of Leeds, and Yorkshire in general, are extremely friendly and helpful and will always offer you their help if you ask.
Make sure that you understand all the costs which you will have, and look for extra help if you need it (financially the universities will always help you out.)
Don't forget to bring an umbrella or warm clothes! Leeds isn't exactly a sunny city, with most of its days being quite chilly - in the winter it can get quite cold, with temperatures reaching -5; it also rains quite a bit here, so remember to pack appropriately!

Other than that, it really is a beautiful and vibrant city - somewhere that I have found is perfect for student life or just to settle down after your studies. It very quickly feels like home, and I guess that is all down to the charm of the Yorkshire people and its surroundings.