Student accommodation in Leeds at a glance
For luxury Leeds student accommodation, check out Symons House. This contemporary development is located right in the city centre and offers single-occupancy student studios in Leeds through to four-bedroom apartments. It boasts an outdoor cinema, a gym, a trendy roof terrace and lots of communal spaces to chill with your friends. Symons House is less than a 10-minute walk to Leeds Beckett University and only a 17-minute walk to the University of Leeds.
If more modern private student accommodation in Leeds is what you’re looking for, head to iQ Altus House. This student accommodation in Leeds city centre is a short walk to the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University. This contemporary accommodation offers stylish private living, a cinema room, on-site gym and plenty of study spaces for when you need to hit the books.
When looking for student flats in Leeds, it’s worth checking out iQ Marsden House. Just a 15-minute walk to the city centre, iQ Marsden House offers en-suite rooms with shared kitchen and living areas, as well as self-contained studios that have everything you need. You’ll also have access to modern study and social spaces as well as a games room, outdoor courtyard and 24-hour gym. Worried you won’t like your room? Check out our 6 cheap and easy ways to brighten up your room in student halls for some decorating tips.
Leeds at a glance
- Being a large city, Leeds is home to many higher educational institutions such as the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Arts University as well as Leeds Trinity University, all close to great private student accommodation in Leeds.
- It’s known for its popular street culture hospitality, where it’s not uncommon for bars and restaurants to fill the streets with people socialising the time away. The most popular are Call Lane, Merrion Street, and Greek Street. For some great late-night eats inspiration, check out our Drunk Food Index.
- If small and independent businesses are your thing, Kirkgate Market is your place. The biggest closed market in all of Europe, this mega-complex plays host to over 800 stalls selling everything from delicious fresh food to fashion and accessories.
- Leeds is home to some stunning green space when you need to step away from your student flats in Leeds. Chill in the afternoon sun at Roundhay Park or head to Meanwood Valley Trail and explore its seven-mile nature walk.
- With such a complex and eventful history, Leeds has you spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries with over 18 to choose from. It also boasts several historical landmarks such as the first-ever Marks & Spencers store.
- For those who love some live music, Leeds will not leave you wanting. With numerous live music events scattered around the city (Belgrave Music Hall being one of the most popular), you’ll always find somewhere to dance the night away.
Don’t miss out – check out our top 10 things to do in Leeds for students for more inspiration!
Student travel in Leeds
Compared to other UK cities of a similar size, Leeds has fewer public transport options, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get around fairly easily. Your best options include buses and trains, which are run by Metro. It’s also worth noting the government is investing significant funds to improve the public transport system with improvements scheduled.
By Train
Leeds might offer fewer station options, but it more than compensates with the size of its central station in the city center, ranking as the fourth-busiest railway station in the UK outside London. This bustling station provides a multitude of trains and connections. Leeds is exceptionally well-connected by train to a wide range of cities and regions, with direct train links that simplify travel to cities like Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. Additionally, it’s conveniently located close to some student accommodation in Leeds.
By Bus
The bus is another great option for transport in Leeds. There are several bus operators which means you have extensive route options, especially between campuses and Leeds student halls.
Where do students live in Leeds?
Headingley
Known for being one of the most “laid back” suburbs, it’s no wonder it’s a popular place to find student accommodation in Leeds. With an amazing mix of restaurants featuring all different cuisines, you have all the pubs and hangout spots you need right on your doorstep. Not to mention a wide range of charity shops for those amazing fashion finds, as well as Headingley Stadium just down the road for all the sports fans.
Hyde Park
Another popular haunt for Leeds student halls, Hyde Park has everything you may need in one place. Close to Leeds University campus, Hyde Park has you spoilt for choice for cool bars and restaurants, shops and cinemas (check out Hyde Park Picture House, one of the oldest cinemas in Yorkshire), as well as parks and green space for those wanting some sunshine when they need to have a break from the books.
Woodhouse
For those of you wanting to live close to everything but want a quiet space to retreat to, Woodhouse is for you. Close to Headingley and Hyde Park, this area is right near two major universities, as well as all the bars, restaurants, and shops of the surrounding suburbs, but just out of the mix. It’s known for its leafy streets and has The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery for a little culture in between study breaks.
Holbeck Urban Village
South of the city centre, Holbeck Urban Village is a new area of urban renewal. It’s further afield from the main university campuses but is a thriving new area for those looking to explore. What’s cool about this area is the shops and restaurants are all in ex-locomotive engineering and manufacturing buildings, some dating back to the 18th century, we’re talking industrial-chic heaven.
Student accommodation in Leeds FAQs
How much does it cost to live in Leeds as a student?
Student lets in Leeds range from £90 per week to £240 per week. According to the University of Leeds, with the cost of rent plus food, drink, entertainment and travel expenses; the average cost of living for Leeds students is between £134 and £217+. For a peek at student life in Leeds, check out student vloggers on TikTok.
When is the best time to look for student accommodation in Leeds?
The best time of year to search for your accommodation is from the end of July onwards, as most providers will start to advertise their availability around then. However, most students start their search for student accommodation in Leeds six months before they plan to move in.
What is the best way to search for student accommodation in Leeds?
Searching with Mystudenthalls.com is the easiest way to find student accommodation in Leeds – simply sort by budget or university, shortlist your favourites and contact them all at once. Our contact form also allows you to add in any questions you might have about the accommodation and will send those questions to all your shortlisted accommodations.
Is Leeds a good place to live for students?
Leeds is a fantastic city for students, with some of the best student nightlife in the country, plenty of green spaces and a fairly low cost of living. There is plenty to do and see, and all the main universities are located within or very close to the city centre for easy access around.
Can I view student lets in Leeds before renting them?
In many cases yes, you can! There are two easy ways to see in and around student accommodation in Leeds – you can visit your university at an open day and see inside for yourself, or you can look for the eye icon next to each place to see a virtual tour of that accommodation.
Some accommodations may be willing to arrange other viewings – when you contact your shortlisted student accommodation, you can ask if they’d be willing to let you come by.
Is Leeds a safe city for students?
Living in any city has its risks but as a city well-populated by students, Leeds has many measures in place to ensure its students’ safety.
Many pubs and clubs operate the ‘Ask for Angela’ policy, where you can ask a staff member for Angela to indicate that you feel unsafe and would like their help in getting out of your situation discreetly. Additionally, students of Leeds University and Leeds Beckett University can access the Amber Taxis Safe Taxi Scheme, where you can supply your student card in lieu of fare to ensure you get home safely even if you have no money on you.
Are there different types of accommodation available in Leeds?
Every student accommodation is different and will offer different amenities and types of room. There’s something for every student and every budget – you can share a flat with communal kitchen, living room and bathrooms, or you can opt for a private apartment in the city centre with a gym and TV included.
Learn more about the different types of accommodation on our blog.