Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, Leeds stands as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving economy, and, of course, its bustling student population. In the midst of its historic streets and modern skyscrapers, Leeds houses a cluster of world-class universities, each offering a unique academic experience and an opportunity for personal growth.
Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a journey to uncover the educational treasures that Leeds has to offer. From the cobblestone paths of the city center to the serene campuses nestled in the suburbs, we’ll be your guide through the diverse academic landscape of this Northern English gem. Whether you’re a prospective student seeking the perfect institution, a curious soul intrigued by the city’s academic tapestry, or a local looking to rediscover the educational gems in your own backyard, this blog is your one-stop resource for all things related to universities in Leeds.
Join us as we explore the history, culture, and educational vitality that define Leeds’ universities. In the upcoming articles, we’ll delve into the stories behind each institution, their unique offerings, and the opportunities they provide to students who choose to call Leeds home. So, whether you’re here to satisfy your intellectual curiosity or find guidance on making one of life’s most significant decisions, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey to unlock the doors of knowledge and possibility that Leeds’ universities have in store for you.
About Leeds
A multicultural identity, a thriving arts scene and a rich array of music, food and sport are what you can expect living in Leeds. Tucked in West Yorkshire, Leeds is a mix of urban and rural settings, making it attractive for students from different backgrounds.
Leeds has developed a prominent student culture over the years. This, alongside its affordable reputation, is why over 70,000 students call Leeds home.
University of Leeds
Leeds University is highly respected by employers and is consistently ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK. It’s also one of the biggest and most popular universities in the country with an impressive campus and a student population of over 38,000.
Location
Everything is all on one campus which is only a short walk from the city centre. Leeds University Union is at the heart of the campus and students’ social lives with over 300 clubs and societies to choose from.
See the university profile page for an interactive map and more information.
Facilities
The university campus has a wide range of facilities from cafes and bars to libraries, IT assistance and security services. There’s also access to an app designed specifically to guide students around the campus, pointing out the important and interesting places you’ll want to know about.
For more information on facilities, visit the University of Leeds facilities page and see the sports table for what recreational and elite sports are available.
Leeds Beckett University
With over £200 million recently invested in campus developments, Leeds Beckett has been steadily moving up the league table rankings over the past five years.
This university offers work placements with leading UK and international companies and ranks very highly for its Speech and Language course and Information Technology degree.
Location
The city campus is found right in the centre of Leeds so it’s the perfect location for enjoying everything the city has to offer. With great food, shopping and entertainment on your doorstep, there’s plenty to do.
The Headingley Campus is situated just outside of the city centre in the picturesque suburbs and is easily accessible by public transport with regular direct buses into the city. It has its own vibrant community with bars, shops and restaurants for you to enjoy. This campus is full of green spaces, wildlife and historical buildings.
See the university profile page for an interactive map and more information.
Facilities
There’s a large variety of impressive facilities including ultramodern business, finance, law, marketing and PR suites, modern studios for Fashion, Architecture and Art & Design courses, music studios, performance spaces, and sports facilities such as a gym and swimming pool.
For more information on facilities, visit the Leeds Beckett University facilities page and see the sports table for what recreational and elite sports are available.
Leeds Trinity University
Leeds Trinity is a small university found just six miles from Leeds city centre. Smaller class sizes mean you’ll get plenty of one-to-one support and gives the university a real community feel.
Location
Located on a beautiful green site close to Leeds city centre, Leeds Trinity University has everything you need for student life – including your accommodation.
See the university profile page for an interactive map and more information.
Facilities
There’s a range of food, drink and entertainment available on campus and fully equipped sports and fitness facilities. There’s also the Andrew Kean Learning Centre which is home to the Library and IT services and a range of study areas including a 24-hour study space.
For more information on facilities, visit the Leeds Trinity University facilities page and see the sports table for what recreational and elite sports are available.
Leeds Arts University
This is one of only a few specialist arts universities in the UK and the only one in the North of England. Here you’ll have access to expert tutors who are themselves practising artists, designers, musicians, filmmakers and writers as well as dedicated arts resources on a small and friendly campus.
Location
The campus is a short ten-minute walk from the city centre and is also easily reached by public transport. There is no accommodation on campus itself, but most first-year students live in student housing managed by private providers nearby.
See the university profile page for an interactive map and more information.
Facilities
Students have access to two specialist arts libraries and can borrow a range of technical equipment including photography and filmmaking kit.
For more information on facilities, visit the Leeds Arts University facilities page and see the sports table for what recreational and elite sports are available.
Living in Leeds
You’ll typically live in student halls during your first year. First-year students are either guaranteed a place in halls when they accept an offer of study or are given first priority. Most halls offer a range of rooms, from single to studio, shared, or with an en suite. Perks of living in halls include 24/7 support, communal areas to socialise in, being near campus and having access to a gym and other facilities.
From second year onwards you’ll be living in private accommodation. Most students start looking for second-year accommodation during the second half of first year, as it pays to be ahead of the game. Hyde Park is where many University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett students live, while Headingley, Woodhouse and Roundhay are also popular student areas.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements vary from uni to uni and course to course – the best way to check what you need to get into your preferred course at each university is to use our course chooser and see what each course’s entry requirements are.
Transport links
Average train journey times from Leeds
| Bristol | 3 hours 55 minutes |
| Cardiff | 5 hour 35 minutes |
| London | 3 hours 9 minutes |
| Manchester | 1 hour 11 minutes |
| Nottingham | 1 hour 57 minutes |
| Oxford | 3 hours 26 minutes |
| Southampton | 5 hours 11 minutes |
Leeds has excellent transport links connecting the city to the rest of the UK. Leeds also has an airport (Leeds Bradford Airport) which is extremely useful for international students who want to fly home regularly.
Leeds Train Station is the main train station in Leeds city centre and is just a few minutes’ walk from the main shopping area, with many buses stopping outside or nearby.
Getting around Leeds
Finding your way around Leeds won’t be complicated. Take advantage of student discounts on public transport, see what cycle hire schemes your uni’s offering or simply walk.
Bus
Every day students use the First Bus network, and you can use the First Bus app to not only buy tickets but get a student discount when doing so. Buses will run either directly to or nearby your campus and can be used around the city and suburbs.
Train
You won’t use trains to travel within Leeds, but you will if travelling to other parts of the UK. The main station is Leeds Station, and you’ll get one third off of your train tickets if you buy a 16–25 Railcard.
Cycle
Biking around Leeds is common, cheap and a great way to stay fit. Check with your uni to see what cycle schemes they offer, such as Leeds Beckett University who allow students to hire a bike for £50 for the academic year. Keep an eye out too for any second-hand bike shops if you want to buy your own.
Walk
You can easily navigate Leeds on foot. The University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University campuses aren’t far from the city and should be in close proximity to your first-year accommodation. Travelling on foot is also a way to familiarise yourself with the city.
Other
There are taxi services in Leeds, along with Uber. This can be useful after a night out to get home safely. Your uni may partner with taxi services that you can use on nights out, like the University of Leeds who partner with Amber Cars so students can easily access taxis at night.
