Universities in Leeds (2024)

CONTENTS

1. Why study in Leeds?

2. About Leeds

3. University of Leeds

4. Leeds Beckett University

5. Leeds Trinity University

6. Leeds Arts University

7. Living in Leeds 

8. Entry requirements 

9. Transport links 

10. Getting around Leeds

11. Things to do in Leeds

Why study in Leeds?

Leeds is a multicultural city and home to four universities. With a lively nightlife, plenty of cultural activities, pubs, restaurants and convenient transport links, Leeds is a city with a lot to get excited about. 

About Leeds

A bustling city, 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 isone of the biggest and most popular universities in the country with an impressive campus and a student population of over 35,000. 

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. 

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.

See the University of Leeds profile page for an interactive map and more information. 

Leeds Beckett University

In terms of student population, Leeds Beckett is next in size. Many courses at LBU are accredited by industry bodies, and students get the chance to gain real-world experience during their studies, helping them to stand out as graduates.

Location

Leeds Beckett University has two campuses in the city. City Campus is found right in the centre of Leeds so it’s the perfect location to enjoy everything the city has to offer. With great food, shopping and entertainment on your doorstep, there’s plenty to do.

Headingley Campus is three miles from the city centre in the picturesque suburbs, easily reached by public transport with regular direct buses into the city. It has its own vibrant community and a campus full of green spaces, wildlife and historical buildings.

Facilities

Modern course facilities include business, finance, law, marketing and PR suites, well-equipped studios for art and design courses, plus music studios and performance spaces. Libraries are open 24/7 and staff help students to develop their study and reserach skills. Sports facilities include a gym and swimming pool, and there are plenty of food outlets on both sites.

SeeLeeds Beckett University profile pagefor an interactive map and more information

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 that's just a 12-minute train ride to Leeds city centre, Leeds ​Trinity University has everything you need for student life – including your accommodation.

Facilities

There’s a range of food, drink and entertainment available on campus and fully equipped sports and fitness facilities. The Andrew Kean Learning Centre open 24-hours a day at peak study periods – here you'll find the library and IT services and a range of study areas.

SeeLeeds Trinity University profile pagefor an interactive map and more information.

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, film-makers and writers as well as dedicated arts resources.

Location

Thissmall and friendly campusis a ten-minute walk from the city centre and 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.

Facilities

Students have access to two specialist arts libraries and can borrow a range of technical equipment including photography and film-making kit. Workspaces are designed to encourage creative collaboration, and Mac suites feature computers running industry software.

See theLeeds Arts University profile pagefor an interactive map and more information.

Living in Leeds

You’ll typically live in student halls during your first year. First-year students may be 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 your 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

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.

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.

Bus

Buses on the First Bus network run either directly to or near campuses, as well as around the city and suburbs. Use the First Bus app to not only buy tickets but get a student discount when doing so.

Train

You won’t use trains to travel within Leeds, but you will if travelling to other parts of the UK. Leeds Train Station is the main train station, just a few minutes’ walk from the main shopping area and with many buses stopping outside or nearby.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 what cycling support your uni might have to offer, for example Leeds Beckett University operates a low-cost bike hire scheme. 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 close to 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 to ensure students have a safe route home after a night out.

Things to do in Leeds

There’s a lot on offer for students in Leeds. Being the cultural hub that it is, with such a significant student community, there are enough places to go, things to do and events to pencil in no matter what your taste is.

Food and drink

Trinity Kitchen and Leeds Dock is where you’ll find street food and independent eateries. Headingley and Otley are known for their nice cafes, while Belgrave has cheap food, drinks and places to relax with friends. Kirkgate Market’s where you’ll pick up cheap fruit and veg, and the city centre won’t leave you short of pubs and beer gardens.

Arts and culture

There’s a prominent arts scene in Leeds, with exhibitions, performances and festivals year-long. You’ll find art at Leeds Art Gallery and Tetley Gallery, while Leeds City Museum is worth visiting. Hyde Park Picture House or Everyman is where you’ll catch the latest films, and an evening of art and music can be had at Hyde Park Book Club.

Events

Notable festivals throughout the year include Leeds Festival, Live at Leeds and North Leeds Food Festival. You’ll find live music at O2 Academy, Beaver Works or Headrow House, while the Leeds Grand Theatre hosts musicals and theatre. Make the trip to Elland Road too to watch Premier League football side Leeds United, or to Headingley for the Leeds Rhinos rugby league team.

Outdoors

Getting outdoors promotes positive wellbeing and focus. You’ll have access to lots of parks and green spaces in Leeds, such as Roundhay Park, the Pompocali Earthworks, or Golden Acre Park. Explore further out from the city too, with scenic walks around Post Hill, Kirkstall Abbey, Meanwood Park and The Hollies.