Aerial shot of the city of Leeds

City of Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant and multicultural city

Something for everyone

Leeds is a vibrant, affordable and multicultural city, known for its arts, sports, leisure, entertainment and nightlife. With over 60,000 students living within the city boundaries, there’s a vibrant student community, making it an exciting place to live and learn. There are plenty of great things to do in Leeds.

Shopping

Need a new outfit to wear at one of the many university social events? Leeds is one of the UK’s top shopping destinations, with over 1,000 shops in the city. Trinity Leeds shopping centre has over 120 shops, bars and restaurants under one roof. The city is also home to the elegant 18th century Victoria Quarter, the stunning Corn Exchange and Kirkgate Market, one of the biggest indoor markets in Europe.

Two students sitting at a cafe

Great food

Leeds is home to hundreds of cafés and restaurants that serve delicious food and drink from UK around the world, including Italy, Mexico, South Asia and Japan.

Whether you are looking for a caffè latte to start your day, or a special meal to share with friends at the weekend, you will find what you are looking for in Leeds.

Arts and culture

If you like plays, musicals and dance performances, this is the city for you. Leeds has a strong reputation for performing arts, and it is one of only two cities in the UK with its own opera and ballet companies. You will find many theatres in the city, including the Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, the Carriageworks and Leeds Playhouse.

There are many galleries and museums too, including the Leeds Art Gallery, Henry Moore Institute and the Leeds City Museum where you can come face-to-face with Nesyamun – a real Egyptian mummy.

World-class sport

You can enjoy world-class sport in your new hometown too. Leeds hosts some of the UK’s best sporting teams, from Leeds United Football Club to the Leeds Rhinos. You can also watch live Test Match cricket at the Emerald Headingley Stadium, so you will have plenty of opportunities to cheer!

Festivals and events

Ready to explore new sights and sounds? On top of all the great things to do in Leeds, the city also hosts many wonderful festivals throughout the year, such as the Leeds Festival, one of the biggest live music events in the UK, the West Indian Carnival and the Leeds International Film Festival.

Yorkshire countryside

When you need a study break, you won’t have far to travel. The Yorkshire countryside is home to beautiful landscapes with many historic villages and market towns that you can visit. You can also get involved with outdoor activities such as horse riding, rock climbing or mountain biking. Places to visit include Otley Chevin Forest, Nostell Priory, Eccup Reservoir and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

University of Leeds ISC student Ivy

‘‘There is so much to do in Leeds. I have been here almost two years and I am still discovering new places. When I go home, I want to come back to Leeds. That is how much Leeds means to me.’’

Ivy from Kenya

Studied International Foundation Year in Business, Law and Social Studies
Now studying BSc (Hons) International Business and Marketing at the University of Leeds