Posted 1 day ago
Tue 12 May, 2026 12:05 AM
Leeds is an incredible city, but don’t just take our word for it!
We asked students what they wish they’d known before moving here - from choosing the right location, to building friendships and settling into everyday life.
Here’s what they want you to know.
You’ll end up bringing more than you need – so move smart
Once at University you will likely find yourself buying more items you and your housemates need. Instead of everyone buying multiple toasters, kettles and so on before you arrive, wait until you move in to purchase items with your new flatmates to avoid unnecessary duplications.
– CitySide resident
If you’re arriving in the semester especially, it may pay to wait before buying everything brand new. Many students finishing earlier semesters leave behind perfectly usable kitchen equipment, lamps, storage and cleaning supplies.
– Montague Burton resident
Top tip: Buy the essentials first, then see what’s already available before purchasing the rest.
Location matters, but campus living isn’t everything
Students consistently highlight how important location is - not just because of the distance to lectures, but access to green space, shops, and social life.
Accommodation slightly off campus can still feel incredibly ‘studenty’ – its about embracing the opportunities available to you.
- Leodis resident
Some favourite features students mention again and again include:
- Being able to walk to campus in 10–15 minutes
- Quick access to the city centre and universities
- CitySide resident
- Living between or near parks
- Having supermarkets and cafés just around the corner
If you plan to rely on public transport because you live off campus, students strongly recommend getting an all-term bus pass, which is far cheaper and more convenient than buying daily tickets.
Community in all varieties
Social life in Leeds doesn’t come in one shape. Whether you're outgoing, quiet, or somewhere in between, there’s space to find your people.
Many students describe hall life and shared housing as unexpectedly welcoming.
Even quieter or less ‘party‑heavy’ accommodations often foster strong friendships thanks to shared kitchens, bathrooms or events organised by staff.
- Central Village resident
Highlights students mention include:
- Feeling part of a tight‑knit, supportive community
- Montague Burton resident
- Getting to know people beyond just your flat
– Lupton resident
– Charles Morris resident
Residence Life teams that organise trips, dinners and social events
– Royal Park Flats resident
One piece of standout advice: Go to formal dinners and events… even on your own.
Turning up solo is more common than you think, and it’s often how friendships begin!
– James Baillie Park Resident
– Leodis resident
Facilities can shape your experience
Facilities end up being a big part of daily life, so making sure to consider what you need in your accommodation is important.
Popular features include:
- On‑site gyms
- Cinema or social rooms
- Well‑maintained study spaces
Students also highlight that some facilities that might not seem like something you would enjoy at first can be a great opportunity to grow.
– Henry Price resident
And sometimes, it’s the unexpected extras - like friendly staff or even a resident cat that make somewhere feel like home!
– Leodis resident
Think about noise
Noise levels can vary a lot depending on location. Some students near major roads or motorways recommend bringing earplugs or sleep earbuds, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
Other accommodations are praised specifically for being calm and peaceful, with more nature and space around them, ideal if you value quiet evenings after a busy day.
– Devonshire Hall resident
Even the louder accommodations can give you a positive experience as long as you are prepared!
Catered accommodation
For catered accommodation, students emphasise how much time it saves.
Having food provided can:
- Reduce daily stress
- Free up time for studying and socialising
- Make early starts and busy weeks far easier
Students living in catered halls often highlight the quality and variety of meals and how reassuring it is to know you’ll always have something waiting for you.
– Devonshire Hall resident
Everyday advice students vouch for
Finally, here’s the practical stuff students really wish someone had spelled out sooner:
– Leodis resident
– Carlton Hill resident
– Lupton resident
– Carlton Hill resident
– CitySide resident
A final word from our students
Above all, students describe living in Leeds as welcoming, diverse and full of opportunities to grow.
From friendly reception teams and communities made up of students from all over the world, it’s a wonderful opportunity to grow and make new experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
Leeds isn’t just a place to study for many, it's where they found independence, lifelong friends, and a genuine sense of home… and soon it will be your home too.
