The 5 best student areas in Leeds

Choosing where to live as a student in Leeds can be challenging, particularly if you've never lived in the city before. With five universities in the city, Leeds has a thriving student population. As a result, there are lots of student neighbourhoods to choose from. To help you narrow down your search and pick the perfect place to live, we're breaking down the five best student areas in Leeds.

Burley

Burley is less than a mile from Leeds city centre. The area is very well-connected, with Burley Park train station within walking distance and several bus routes serving the neighbourhood. This makes it a very convenient student area in Leeds. 

Burley Park and Burley Village Green are ideal spots to hang out with friends in the summer months with scenic views. There are also lots of independent restaurants, pubs, and cafes to enjoy in the area. 

Headingley 

With a student population of over 60%, Headingley is one of the most well-known and popular student areas in Leeds. Headingley is a convenient area for students at both Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds, as it is positioned between both institutions. The Leeds Beckett Headingley Campus is also located within the area. 

Headingley is the perfect area for sports-loving students. Headingley Stadium is home to Yorkshire County Cricket Club, the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League, and Leeds Tykes Rugby Union Clubs. If you feel like getting active yourself instead of just spectating, there are also lots of gyms and sports facilities in the area.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a vibrant student area in Leeds, located close to other popular neighbourhoods including Burley and Headingley. It is also just a ten-minute walk away from the University of Leeds, making it the perfect choice for students studying there. 

There's lots to get stuck into in the area, no matter what your interests are. Head to Brudenell Social Club to see live music from up-and-coming bands, or visit the Picture House to catch the latest film releases. You can also enjoy the many pubs and restaurants in the neighbourhood, so you never have to travel too far to have a great night out with friends.

Leeds City Centre

Leeds city centre is an ideal location for students at both the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University. No matter which university you attend, you'll be able to walk to lectures from student houses in Leeds city centre. Plus, with Leeds train station just a few minutes walk away, it'll be easy to pop home for a quick weekend visit or go and stay with friends at neighbouring universities. 

The convenient location isn't all that Leeds city centre has to offer; there are also lots of different activities to get stuck into in the area. You can watch live theatre performances at Leeds Playhouse or The Grand Theatre & Opera House, tour the exhibitions at Leeds Art Gallery, or admire some of the city's landmarks, including Leeds Cathedral. If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, the city centre is packed with shops, with department stores filled with high street stores and streets lined with independent boutiques. Start your shopping spree by heading to the Victoria Quarter where you'll find an abundance of shops. If you feel like having a night out, Leeds city centre also has a buzzing nightlife with plenty of clubs, bars, and pubs to enjoy.

Woodhouse 

Home to the University of Leeds, Woodhouse is also just a fifteen-minute walk away from the city centre. Woodhouse Moor is perhaps the highlight of the area: an expansive and attractive green space which boasts around 3 million visits a year. This is the perfect place to hang out with friends, take a stroll in the summer months, or play sports.

As Woodhouse is such a popular student area, the pubs and bars in the area tend to be extremely student-friendly, offering a range of discounts and deals. If live music is your thing, you can also visit one of the many venues in the neighbourhood, including The Eldon, The Pack Horse, and the First Direct Arena. 

Start your Leeds student accommodation search today

Want to find out more about the best student areas in Leeds? Check out our page on student accommodation in Leeds for more details on the benefits of each area, or to start your housing search today.