Life during the Holidays in Leeds
Posted 5 days ago
Thu 20 Aug, 2026 12:08 AM
Staying at University during Christmas, Easter, or the summer can feel unfamiliar at first, especially when campus becomes quieter and routines change.
The good news is that there’s still plenty happening in Leeds, along with support, activities, and opportunities to stay connected.
What Leeds offers during the holidays
One of the best things about Leeds is that the city never fully stops. Even outside term time, there are still places to explore, events to attend, and ways to meet people.
During winter, Leeds transforms with festive lights, seasonal food markets, cosy cafés, and ice skating across the city centre. Spring and Easter often bring lighter evenings, outdoor events, and opportunities to explore Yorkshire. In summer, parks, festivals, museums, cinemas, cafés, and day trips become great ways to enjoy your free time.
Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire
Campus may feel quieter, but many facilities remain open throughout the holidays. Study spaces, libraries, gyms, cafés, and support services may continue operating with adjusted hours, so it’s always worth checking ahead before making plans.
The University also regularly shares updates about holiday opening times and available support services so make sure to follow them on TikTok, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Leeds is also a city with a large student population, meaning there are usually plenty of people around who are in a similar position so you won't need to worry about being alone.
Planning ahead if you’re staying in Leeds
If you know you’ll be staying during the holidays, planning ahead can make a huge difference to how comfortable and enjoyable the break feels.
Check your accommodation arrangements
Some accommodation contracts cover the full holiday period, while others may have specific conditions during vacation dates.
Make sure you know:
- What reception or security support is available
- What services may operate differently during the break
If you’re unsure, contact your site team before the holidays begin.
Plan food and essentials
Holiday opening hours can vary significantly, especially around Christmas and bank holidays.
Shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, and transport services may close earlier or operate reduced hours.
- Stock up on basics like rice, pasta, milk and toilet roll before major closure dates
- Batch cook meals if you’re staying over quieter periods
- Arrange grocery deliveries in advance if needed
- Keep emergency contacts and important numbers saved
Cooking with flatmates or friends can also turn an ordinary evening into something social and comforting.
Create structure for yourself
One of the hardest parts of staying during holidays can be losing your usual routine.
Without lectures, deadlines, or busy campus activity, days can start to blur together.
- Setting a regular sleep and wake up schedule Planning small activities each day such as going to the gym or for a walk
- Exploring new parts of Leeds
- Scheduling calls with family or friends
- Joining events or socials where possible
- Setting goals for rest, hobbies, or personal projects
Even simple routines like going for a walk, visiting a café, or attending the gym can make a big difference to your wellbeing.
Coping with holiday loneliness
Holiday loneliness is more common than many students realise.
Social media can sometimes make it feel like everyone else is surrounded by family or celebrating with huge groups of friends, but the reality is often much more mixed.
You may miss home, traditions, familiar food, language, or the comfort of being around people who know you well. You may also feel isolated if your flat becomes quieter during the break.
If you’re struggling, try not to ignore those feelings or deal with everything alone.
- Reaching out to friends, even casually
- Attending Residence Life or Students’ Union events
- Spending time in shared spaces instead of staying isolated in your room
- Keeping connected to your routines and hobbies
- Limiting unhelpful social media comparison
- Talking openly with someone you trust
The University and Residence Life teams also recognise that holidays can be a difficult time for some students.
Support is available through Residence Life Wardens, Residence Life Assistants, Wellbeing Services, counselling, wider University support teams.
Staying social during the holidays
Even during quieter periods, there are still opportunities to stay connected.
Residence Life run activities, events, and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year, helping students meet others and build community. This also happens during holidays so you will have fun things to do then too!
If organised events feel overwhelming, smaller social moments can matter just as much such as exploring Leeds with a friend, joining a gym class or volunteering in Leeds.
You don’t need a packed social calendar to feel connected, sometimes a few meaningful interactions can make all the difference.
Looking after your wellbeing
The holidays can be restful, but they can also bring stress, uncertainty, financial pressure, homesickness, or low mood.
Looking after yourself physically and mentally is important, especially during quieter periods. Reach out for support and prioritise your sleep, food and exercise during this time of the year.
Remember: you’re not the only one staying
It can sometimes feel like everyone disappears during university holidays, but many students stay in Leeds every year for all kinds of reasons.
Whether you spend the holidays relaxing, working, exploring the city, celebrating traditions, or simply taking things one day at a time, there are still people, places, and support networks around you.
And if this is your first holiday staying in Leeds, it may not feel easy immediately but it can still become a meaningful, memorable part of your university experience.
