'Find out why so many students choose to study or visit this bustling city'
With a diverse population of around half a million people, a fifth of whom are students, Leeds has a long history of welcoming visitors from around the globe.
Though the city is one of the largest in the UK, it is still possible to walk around the centre on foot and there are excellent transport links available too. Leeds' location in West Yorkshire in the north of England makes it an ideal base to explore the region.
A cultural hub
The bustling city centre of Leeds has a great range of galleries, restaurants and shops. For creative minds, a trip to Leeds Art Gallery is a must: John Russell Taylor from The Times described it as having 'the best collection of 20th century art outside of London.' The gallery exhibits the work of several world-famous regional artists, including Anthony Gormley, Barbara Hepworth and Francis Bacon.
Another famous ex-resident, the sculptor Henry Moore, is celebrated throughout Leeds. The Henry Moore Institute (part of a foundation set up in honour of the great artist) is now a world-famous exhibition space, research facility and library. Leeds is also home to several theatres, including the West Yorkshire Playhouse, the Carriageworks and Leeds Opera North, which all often offer student discounts.
Whether you are a fan of rich industrial heritage or ultra-modern redevelopments, Leeds architecture has something for everyone. The main shopping street, the Headrow, is full of large department stores, while pedestrianised Briggate – complete with Victorian arcades – is ideal for relaxed retail therapy. As you stroll through the city, you'll enjoy a blend of old and new, with ancient churches and traditional streets, such as Call Lane, nestled alongside sleek modern areas, like Millennium Square and the new Leeds Trinity Centre.
Northern Soul, Punk Rock and Dubstep
Over the past 40 years, Leeds nightlife has undergone a radical change. It all began in the 1970s when Punk Rock, Electronic and Motown ruled the music scene. Hundreds of bands emerged from these eras including Gang of Four and Soft Cell.
Northern Soul has always enjoyed popularity in Leeds and today, fans can enjoy regular Soul and Motown nights at clubs such as Hi-Fi and Chilli Whites. Leeds is extremely proud of its musical roots – hardly surprising considering previous musical residents include the Kaiser Chiefs, Sunshine Underground and Corinne Bailey Rae.
As the student population has evolved, so too has the music scene. In recent years, Leeds has become popular with Dubstep fans, with club nights regularly held in the O2 Academy Leeds, The Faversham and Leeds University Refectory (where The Who recorded their 1970 album, Live at Leeds). Another exciting new venture is the Leeds Arena, a groundbreaking new 13,000 capacity music venue due for completion in 2013.
Out and about
Whether you are looking for a a place to grab a bite with friends, a grassy spot for a game of football or somewhere to buy local gifts and produce, Leeds has got it all. Leafy green Hyde Park, just north of the city centre, is a popular summer hotspot, complete with tennis courts. Close to many of the colleges and universities, this idyllic area is the ideal place to hang out with friends - it even has an award-winning Indian restaurant in the middle!
For quirky gift ideas or to save some pennies, head to the vintage quarter of Leeds. Home to popular retro shops such as Blue Rinse, it is also the location of the Corn Exchange, a Victorian building which houses independent shops and events. While you are there, pop to nearby Kirkgate food market for budget-friendly, seasonal produce, which is sourced by local traders.
The largest student areas of Leeds are Headingley and Hyde Park. Here, you'll find pop-up shops, cosy delis and dozens of restaurants. Offering everything from milkshake cafes to tapas bars, these areas remain firm student favourites year after year.
Further afield – history, scenery and sport
Leeds is the gateway to many of Yorkshire's most popular destinations, including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Both of these are great for day trips and offer breathtaking scenery plus great photo opportunities. Historic villages such as Haworth (home to the literary Brontë family) are close by, as are beautiful cities such as York.
For rugby and cricket fans the main draw is Headingley Stadium, which often hosts crucial league matches. If you love the great outdoors you'll find ample climbing, hiking and walking opportunities in nearby national parks and protected natural areas. History enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the beautiful 18th-century Harewood House, which is set in over 1500 acres of countryside.
A cultural hub
The bustling city centre of Leeds has a great range of galleries, restaurants and shops. For creative minds, a trip to Leeds Art Gallery is a must: John Russell Taylor from The Times described it as having 'the best collection of 20th century art outside of London.' The gallery exhibits the work of several world-famous regional artists, including Anthony Gormley, Barbara Hepworth and Francis Bacon.
Another famous ex-resident, the sculptor Henry Moore, is celebrated throughout Leeds. The Henry Moore Institute (part of a foundation set up in honour of the great artist) is now a world-famous exhibition space, research facility and library. Leeds is also home to several theatres, including the West Yorkshire Playhouse, the Carriageworks and Leeds Opera North, which all often offer student discounts.
Whether you are a fan of rich industrial heritage or ultra-modern redevelopments, Leeds architecture has something for everyone. The main shopping street, the Headrow, is full of large department stores, while pedestrianised Briggate – complete with Victorian arcades – is ideal for relaxed retail therapy. As you stroll through the city, you'll enjoy a blend of old and new, with ancient churches and traditional streets, such as Call Lane, nestled alongside sleek modern areas, like Millennium Square and the new Leeds Trinity Centre.
Northern Soul, Punk Rock and Dubstep
Over the past 40 years, Leeds nightlife has undergone a radical change. It all began in the 1970s when Punk Rock, Electronic and Motown ruled the music scene. Hundreds of bands emerged from these eras including Gang of Four and Soft Cell.
Northern Soul has always enjoyed popularity in Leeds and today, fans can enjoy regular Soul and Motown nights at clubs such as Hi-Fi and Chilli Whites. Leeds is extremely proud of its musical roots – hardly surprising considering previous musical residents include the Kaiser Chiefs, Sunshine Underground and Corinne Bailey Rae.
As the student population has evolved, so too has the music scene. In recent years, Leeds has become popular with Dubstep fans, with club nights regularly held in the O2 Academy Leeds, The Faversham and Leeds University Refectory (where The Who recorded their 1970 album, Live at Leeds). Another exciting new venture is the Leeds Arena, a groundbreaking new 13,000 capacity music venue due for completion in 2013.
Out and about
Whether you are looking for a a place to grab a bite with friends, a grassy spot for a game of football or somewhere to buy local gifts and produce, Leeds has got it all. Leafy green Hyde Park, just north of the city centre, is a popular summer hotspot, complete with tennis courts. Close to many of the colleges and universities, this idyllic area is the ideal place to hang out with friends - it even has an award-winning Indian restaurant in the middle!
For quirky gift ideas or to save some pennies, head to the vintage quarter of Leeds. Home to popular retro shops such as Blue Rinse, it is also the location of the Corn Exchange, a Victorian building which houses independent shops and events. While you are there, pop to nearby Kirkgate food market for budget-friendly, seasonal produce, which is sourced by local traders.
The largest student areas of Leeds are Headingley and Hyde Park. Here, you'll find pop-up shops, cosy delis and dozens of restaurants. Offering everything from milkshake cafes to tapas bars, these areas remain firm student favourites year after year.
Further afield – history, scenery and sport
Leeds is the gateway to many of Yorkshire's most popular destinations, including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Both of these are great for day trips and offer breathtaking scenery plus great photo opportunities. Historic villages such as Haworth (home to the literary Brontë family) are close by, as are beautiful cities such as York.
For rugby and cricket fans the main draw is Headingley Stadium, which often hosts crucial league matches. If you love the great outdoors you'll find ample climbing, hiking and walking opportunities in nearby national parks and protected natural areas. History enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the beautiful 18th-century Harewood House, which is set in over 1500 acres of countryside.
You can use the Education UK Search tool - to the top-right of the Education UK website - to find a place to study in this region that interests you.
And take a look at our own interactive map of the UK to explore the area.
You can find out more about different regions in the UK on Visit Britain.
And take a look at our own interactive map of the UK to explore the area.
You can find out more about different regions in the UK on Visit Britain.
