As a student, moving to a different city comes with a unique set of opportunities, and Leeds is perhaps one of the best places to experience the vibrant student life, academic excellence, and cultural diversity. You probably already know about the high-street cafés and popular nightclubs, but there is so much more to discover, including your luxurious student accommodation in Leeds. Whether it’s spending time with friends or discovering new study corners, Leeds has so many quirky places that will surely transform your life as a student.
1. Hyde Park Picture House
This cinema in Hyde Park is a true gem and a getaway for any Indie film lover. The building itself is an architectural space of Edwardian splendour, featuring the last remaining gas-lit cinema in the world. The best part of it is the breathtaking vintage-inspired furnishing. The shimmering beauty of the building, combined with its nostalgic atmosphere, creates the most picturesque place for true cinephiles and architecture aficionados. The cinema hosts foreign films, cult classics, and insightful documentaries, amongst other movies. It is one of the perfect ways to refresh mid-week.
2. Outlaws Yacht Club
Located in the northern part of the city center, Outlaws Yacht Club offers an all-in-one experience, ranging from a café to an art bar. The café has a menu to cater for different tastes, with fresh dishes made from local ingredients, while the atmosphere is as casual as one can imagine, right from the hanging plants to the mismatched furniture. Outlaws Yacht Club is just not a café; it has DJ nights, live drawing sessions and numerous other creative events, making it perfect for people who want to socialise or even get some reading done.
3. The Library Pub
Despite its name, ‘The Library’ on Woodhouse Lane is not an actual library but a popular pub among students. It offers affordable food and drinks, along with weekly quiz nights for entertainment. It is a favourite among students of neighbouring universities as it offers a great space for students to unwind after classes, which is not too far from their hostels.
4. The Tiled Hall Café
When walking through Leeds Art Gallery, be sure not to miss The Tiled Hall, where you can admire its stunning and vibrant stone-clad walls and elegant marble pillars adorned with emblems, all contributing to its serene and inviting atmosphere. In the past, the Tiled Hall Cafe served as a sculpture gallery flooring, and has now transformed into a place where students can catch a break from their busy schedules. Go ahead and grab a slice of delicious cake to go with the best cappuccino in town, arguably the best in the city.
5. Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
More than just a performance venue, Belgrave Music Hall serves as an epicentre for both students and creative works. Spanning over three floors, the building features a street food kitchen and bar alongside a rooftop terrace which captures some of the finest sunsets in Leeds. Each week, their schedule includes live music, exhibitions, and comedy shows. With the best in town pizza served on the terrace, it’s clear why students are looking to escape the nightlife and flock to this location.
6. Kirkgate Market
One of the largest covered markets in Europe, Leeds Kirkgate Market boasts a wide selection of international cuisine, vintage clothing, and local produce. For students on a budget, it’s the perfect place to grab groceries or a hearty meal from one of the many street food vendors. In addition to freshly made bao buns, Kirkgate has endless surprises around every corner. The lively atmosphere also allows students to have fun browsing even when they are not looking to make a purchase.
7. Sheaf Street
One of the city’s best-kept secrets, Sheaf Street serves as a coffee shop, event venue, and co-working space all in one. This place has an industrial chic design paired with a welcoming vibe, making it a hub for students, especially those working on creative or entrepreneurial endeavours. It seems there’s always something interesting happening on Sheaf Street, be it community gatherings, regular workshops, or art installations. Sheaf Street is an impressive venue that lets students work on assignments and feel like they are part of a wider community ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
At every corner, Leeds has something interesting and creative to offer. Student life is not only limited to lectures and nights out, but also includes actively exploring the city and claiming it as one’s own. These hidden gems do offer something that’s uniquely Leeds, whether it’s sipping coffee in a Victorian reading room or dancing on the rooftop with friends.
If you get the chance to live in IconInc Glassworks student accommodation, Leeds, you are in for a treat because many of these great places are just a walking distance away from this student accommodation. So, the next time you have a free afternoon or need a break from studying, go ahead and take the unconventional route to uncover the lesser-seen side of Leeds.
