HEADINGLEY

Although not bang in the centre of Leeds, Headingley has a lot to offer (and I’m not just talking about the Arndale Centre). Whether you’re going to be a long-term resident in Lupton or fancy a break from tripping over fallen wheelie bins, come on down to Headingley.

Headingley Heart

A community space that sells coffee and plants, there’s not much more a student needs. With regular events such as live music, poetry readings and yoga workshops- the wholesome atmosphere of Heart will offset any guilt or hangxiety from last night’s antics and provide a perfect morning after the night before.

Kirkstall Abbey

Although not strictly in Headingley, its close enough on Google Maps to make the walk seem worth it. So, why not walk around the beautiful grounds of Kirkstall Abbey with your new flatmates and fill the awkward silences with gasps of amazement. You could even pop into Abbey House Museum and find out what life was like in Victorian Leeds by walking through fake Victorian streets!

HYDE PARK Left Bank

Left Bank is a creative and progressive space where you can escape your cramped accommodation and relax in a beautiful former church. With frequent events all year such as clay-modelling, drag tea and art markets- Left Bank puts even more of a shift in during freshers week to make sure there’s always something to drag your hungover friends to.

City Centre

Old Bar, Common Ground, Pyramid, Stylus and Terrace- they may sound like fake names for places but they’re very real! Take a trip to these places for some cheap food and drink in-between or instead of lectures! The Union also offers a wide range of try-out events for societies alongside fairs and regularly-scheduled events. Give Old Bar’s Pub Quiz a go and be satisfied that its £9,250 well spent.

Leeds Art Gallery

Free and quiet, two things fresher might crave from time to time. In the centre of Leeds, only a short distance from the ornate Victorian arcades and a few Greggs’ lies the Leeds Art Gallery. Its exhibitions are engaging and modern and, alongside Leeds City Museum, has a lot of volunteer opportunities for students with some time to kill!

Sinead O‘Riordan