Leslie Duan
New Member
Hi everyone!
I've been active on here lately, talking about the UK travel scene, but I've had a few DMs asking specifically about Leeds since I mentioned I studied there.
First off—huge congrats if you (or your kids) just got an offer! I spent three years there, and it was honestly the best time of my life. But looking back, there were so many things I figured out too late.
To help you hit the ground running, here is my "Uncensored Survival Guide" for new students:
1. The "Otley Run" is legendary (and unavoidable)
You will hear about this on Day 1. It is essentially a 2-mile pub crawl that starts in Headingley and ends in the city center. It’s not just about drinking; it’s practically a costume parade. You’ll see Smurfs, traffic cones, and superheroes walking down Otley Road every weekend. Even if you don't drink, go for the social vibe—it's the quickest way to bond with your course mates.
2. Lunch at "Bakery 164" is a religion
Forget the meal deals at the supermarket. If you are on campus near the Parkinson Building, you have to go to Bakery 164. Their focaccia sandwiches are legendary among students. There’s usually a queue out the door at lunchtime, but it moves fast. Trust me on this one.
3. Don't panic about where to live
This is the biggest stress for freshers. Everyone rushes to get into specific campus halls, thinking it's the "be-all and end-all." It really isn't. The private sector in Leeds is massive and often higher quality.
When you are searching for University of Leeds accommodation, don't limit yourself to just the university-managed blocks. I actually moved into a private hall in the city center for my second year and preferred it—it was closer to the nightlife, had a free gym downstairs, and all the bills were included (which saves a massive headache in winter).
4. Get a Railcard immediately
Leeds is perfectly positioned to explore the UK. You are 20 minutes from York and 50 minutes from Manchester. Buy a "16-25 Railcard" immediately. It costs £30 but saves you 1/3 on all train tickets. I saved hundreds of pounds using it for weekend trips to the Peak District.
5. Join a Society (Even a weird one)
Leeds has some of the best student unions in the country. Don't just join the academic society for your major. Join something random like the "Coffee Society" or "Hiking Club." It’s the best way to break out of your bubble and see more of the Yorkshire countryside.
Enjoy Freshers' Week! It goes by way too fast.
Has anyone else studied in Leeds recently? I'm curious if the library cafes are still open 24/7 during exam season? That saved my degree!
Cheers!
I've been active on here lately, talking about the UK travel scene, but I've had a few DMs asking specifically about Leeds since I mentioned I studied there.
First off—huge congrats if you (or your kids) just got an offer! I spent three years there, and it was honestly the best time of my life. But looking back, there were so many things I figured out too late.
To help you hit the ground running, here is my "Uncensored Survival Guide" for new students:
1. The "Otley Run" is legendary (and unavoidable)
You will hear about this on Day 1. It is essentially a 2-mile pub crawl that starts in Headingley and ends in the city center. It’s not just about drinking; it’s practically a costume parade. You’ll see Smurfs, traffic cones, and superheroes walking down Otley Road every weekend. Even if you don't drink, go for the social vibe—it's the quickest way to bond with your course mates.
2. Lunch at "Bakery 164" is a religion
Forget the meal deals at the supermarket. If you are on campus near the Parkinson Building, you have to go to Bakery 164. Their focaccia sandwiches are legendary among students. There’s usually a queue out the door at lunchtime, but it moves fast. Trust me on this one.
3. Don't panic about where to live
This is the biggest stress for freshers. Everyone rushes to get into specific campus halls, thinking it's the "be-all and end-all." It really isn't. The private sector in Leeds is massive and often higher quality.
When you are searching for University of Leeds accommodation, don't limit yourself to just the university-managed blocks. I actually moved into a private hall in the city center for my second year and preferred it—it was closer to the nightlife, had a free gym downstairs, and all the bills were included (which saves a massive headache in winter).
4. Get a Railcard immediately
Leeds is perfectly positioned to explore the UK. You are 20 minutes from York and 50 minutes from Manchester. Buy a "16-25 Railcard" immediately. It costs £30 but saves you 1/3 on all train tickets. I saved hundreds of pounds using it for weekend trips to the Peak District.
5. Join a Society (Even a weird one)
Leeds has some of the best student unions in the country. Don't just join the academic society for your major. Join something random like the "Coffee Society" or "Hiking Club." It’s the best way to break out of your bubble and see more of the Yorkshire countryside.
Enjoy Freshers' Week! It goes by way too fast.
Has anyone else studied in Leeds recently? I'm curious if the library cafes are still open 24/7 during exam season? That saved my degree!
Cheers!