Leeds is widely known as a student-friendly city; there is reportedly around 48,000 students in the city every year. Choosing student accommodation is an important step when moving to a new city. Popular student areas in Leeds city includes Hyde Park, Headingley and Woodhouse.
This guide will look at these popular student areas and the local amenities that are close by in each.
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What are the amenities in Hyde Park?
The area of Hyde Park covers Hyde Park Road, which is next to Woodhouse Moor, to Cardigan Road. Located in the northeast of Leeds city centre, Hyde Park is highly popular with students primarily because of how close it is to the universities and other local amenities.
- University of Leeds: 15-minute walk
- Leeds Beckett University: 25-minute walk
- Leeds Train Station: 45-minute walk
Although Hyde Park is close by to the two universities, it is almost a 45-minute walk to the train station, which is not ideal for students who frequently travel home or commute. There is Burley Park railway station a mere 10-minute walk away which is beneficial for local transport links in Leeds, West Yorkshire and York.
Supermarkets
In Hyde Park, there are two Sainsbury’s Locals in the centre that are both within walking distance. As it is a supermarket main chain, students frequent these for their big shop and for the non-essentials during the week.
There are also two independent supermarkets and a Coop which is next to Burley Park. For more cost-effective groceries, there is an Aldi in Kirkstall that is a 20-minute walk from Hyde Park.
Places of worship
One of the advantages of living in Hyde Park is that it is a diverse community. In the area, there is Leeds Grand Mosque, which is the largest in Leeds city, a Hindi temple, two Christian churches and one Catholic.
Other places of interest
As Leeds city centre is about a 30-minute walk, students may want somewhere closer to the area for their free time outside of studying.
In Hyde Park, there is the Hyde Park Picture House, which is an art-house cinema showing modern and classic films. Due to its historic importance, Leeds City Council have preserved the cinema, it has been a Grade II listed building since 1996 and hosts the Leeds International Film Festival.
There are also independent bars, vintage and antique shops that are regularly visited by Leeds students. Notably, Brudenell Social Club is a popular bar that doubles as a live music venue; with notable past performers Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand.
Discover more about whether you should live in Hyde Park as a student here.
What is there to do in Headingley?
Next to Hyde Park, there is the larger area of Headingley. This is populated by students because of the size of the area, the cost of student housing, and the number of amenities within.
- University of Leeds: 29-minute walk
- Leeds Beckett University: 18-minute walk (to Headingley Campus)
- Leeds Train Station: 49-minute walk
Although Headingley is popular, it is one of the furthest away from the main university campuses and Leeds Train Station; this may result in large expenses on taxis and other forms of transport. Despite this, Headingley has its own amenities for students and others living in the community.
Supermarkets
Within Headingley, there is Headingley Central (formerly known as the Arndale Centre), that has 35 units populated by independent and mainstream retailers. These include; a Sainsbury’s supermarket; a Superdrug and Boots; a Wilko’s; and food chains such as KFC, Greggs and Pizza Express. There is also a gym attached (The Gym Group) that offers student membership.
Other places of interest
For sports fans, Headingley Stadium contains two separate grounds for cricket and Rugby. It is the home of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos Rugby Club.
Amongst students, Headingley is also famous for being the starting point of the iconic Leeds pub crawl “Otley Run”. Starting in Woodies Ale House, the pub crawl finishes at the Dry Dock in Leeds city centre and is typically done in fancy dress.
Find out more about the nightlife in Leeds here.
What are the local amenities in Woodhouse?
Another popular place to live as a student is Woodhouse, sitting between Hyde Park and Leeds city centre. The area surrounds the University of Leeds and Woodhouse Moor, residing next door to the First Direct Arena and Leeds Beckett University.
- University of Leeds: 5-minute walk
- Leeds Beckett University: 10-minute walk
- Leeds Train Station: 23-minute walk
Also in Woodhouse is the Student Union for University of Leeds, which doubles as a music venue and is a great place to socialise with other students. In the middle of the area, there is a Tesco Express and other independent off licenses.
Find out more about the benefits of living in Woodhouse here.
Woodhouse Moor
The second most popular urban park in Leeds, Woodhouse Moor is the perfect location for meeting up with other students and friends. Within the grounds, there are parks, monuments and open areas that hold events and sporting matches.
Woodhouse Moor is ideal for regular exercise, such as for walking/running and other activities hosted on the grasslands. The Woodhouse Moor parkrun is held every Saturday morning and is free for all runners. It is important to maintain a good physical health and mental wellbeing, especially for students who are living on their own for the first time and rely on themselves rather than parents.
Find out more about the best ways to improve your wellbeing as a student here.
Other places of interest
Students living in Woodhouse may be interested in frequenting Blackwell’s Bookshop, a student-friendly bookshop that sells the classics, alongside useful textbooks. Throughout the year, Blackwell’s hosts a variety of events, including game nights, book groups and talks with popular authors. They also offer student discount with a valid NUS card.
Leeds student accommodation: Woodhouse Flats
At Mansion Student, we provide student accommodation within the Woodhouse area. Our privately rented accommodations are minutes away from Woodhouse Moor, the University of Leeds and a seven-minute walk to the nearest Tesco.
Complete with modern ensuites and a communal kitchen area, these newly renovated flats are perfectly located and just a short walk from the Leeds city centre.
Discover more about our Woodhouse flats in Leeds here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places for shopping in Leeds?
In Leeds city centre, there are various shopping centres that contain mainstream retailers and food places. One of the most popular choices for a shopping day is Trinity Leeds in the city centre.
When should you book Leeds student accommodation?
At Mansion Student, we recommend booking your student accommodation as soon as possible; preferably, when you first receive your offer. It is important before then, that you have viewed the accommodation, considered your budget and requirements, before booking.
Find out more about the student accommodation booking process here.