Going to university is not just about gaining a degree and furthering your career. Part of its importance is the experience itself; living away from home and, in some cases, moving to a new city. Leeds is a popular student destination due to its four universities (University of, Leeds Beckett, Leeds Trinity and Leeds Art universities) and the city itself. The West Yorkshire city is multicultural and has an array of things to do with a vibrant nightlife scene; especially for students.
This guide will highlight some of the most popular nightlife student destinations, taking a closer look at places of interest, hidden gems and the LGBT+ scene available.
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Does Leeds have good nightlife?
According to various student rooms, Leeds is said to be renowned for its nightlife. With a population of over 48,000 students, the majority of its nightlife is catered specifically to students; with most of the bars offering student deals and club night events throughout the year.
The HiFi Club is one of the most popular nightclubs for Leeds students. The Leeds nightclub hosts regular live music nights, including rock, hip-hop, soul and jazz; HiFi Club has been voted “Best Nightclub” in Leeds three times. Located on Woodhouse Lane, Halo resides inside a former church; expect student party anthems and impressive sounds and lighting. For fans of rock and alternative music, The Key Club plays a range of pop-punk, emo and indie music, whilst also acting as a live music venue.
Ending the night, why not head over to Mint Warehouse or Pryzm? Known for its late nights, Pryzm nightclub also on Woodhouse Lane has five different floors, hosts a variety of themed nights during the week, and has £1 and £1.50 drinks on Mondays to help with saving your student loan.
Most of the Leeds nightlife is based in and around Leeds city centre. If this is an important factor for your university experience, make sure to book your student accommodation accordingly.
Discover more information on the most popular student areas in Leeds here.
Where are the best places in Leeds for a cocktail bar?
Just because you are on a student budget does not mean you have to sacrifice a cocktail night out. There are several Leeds bars and nightclubs that provide deals and student discounts on cocktails throughout the week.
Be At One is located just around the corner from Millennium Square; students can use their app to receive half-price cocktails for an hour. Located in between Leeds University and Leeds Beckett, The Dry Dock is a small pub shaped like an old boat and is a favourite amongst students with their half-price cocktails and half-priced pitchers on their “Wing Wednesdays”; along with all-you-can-eat chicken wings.
Before planning your nights out, make sure you find the right student accommodation. Read our previous article on the student accommodation options in Leeds here for more information.
Which places provide the best hidden gems for nightlife in Leeds?
For those not looking for the mainstream, Leeds nightlife also has a range of “hidden gems” that offer a change to the norm. Rather than the typical bar, some Leeds nightclubs and bars are deliberately hidden or out of sight; making it that much better when discovering them.
If you are in the mood for a tropical cocktail, the Tiki Hideaway is upstairs to Call Lane Social and is Polynesian-themed. A not-so-hidden bar but still unique, the Pixel Bar is catered towards the less-social crowd. Along with themed drinks based on iconic games, there are various gaming consoles and board games to be played in this underground club. The Maven is Leeds’ very own speakeasy, advertised only by doors marked ‘M’.
Not interested in the Leeds nightlife scene? Leeds has various things to do across the city centre. Discover more in our guide on things to do in Leeds.
Is there a good LGBT+ area?
There has been a strong LBGT culture in Leeds for a long time which has grown and increased over the years. Known as “The Freedom Quarter”, the area between The Calls and Lower Briggate serves as Leeds’ primary LGBT+ nightlife hub.
The largest gay club in Leeds, Queens Court, hosts themed events, live music and DJ sets every day of the week on its two floors. One of the longest continually running LGBT venues in the UK, The New Penny is the city’s longest-running gay pub and historically, has provided a safe venue for the community since 1953 (fourteen years before the decriminalisation of homosexuality). There is also the award-winning Viaduct Showbar which entertains with cabaret and live performances, and Fibre, which is open until 4 or 5 in the morning.
No matter your type of music or preferences for nightlife, it is important that you have a safe place to return home to (whatever time that may be). At Mansion Student, we provide safe student accommodation in Woodhouse; a short walk from the city centre. Woodhouse Flats has an electronic fob entry, CCTV and on-site maintenance.
Contact Mansion Student today for more information or to arrange a viewing.
Frequently asked questions
What is “Ask for Angela”?
Starting in 2016, “Ask for Angela” is the name of a campaign to keep people safe from sexual assault in establishments such as restaurants and bars. When out in Leeds, it is important to put your safety first, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time or generally feel unsafe in the company you are in.
Simply, asking for Angela at a bar alerts staff members that you feel uncomfortable, where they can then discreetly call for a taxi or help in other ways. These posters are typically on the back door of toilets in bars and restaurants. Read more about student safety here.
When should you book student accommodation in Leeds?
If you are a first year, once you have received your offer at one of the Leeds universities, and confirmed as your first choice, your next step should be to book your student accommodation. For other students, make sure you reserve your room as soon as possible to ensure that you get your preferred room type.
To book our Leeds student accommodation at Woodhouse, call our booking line on 0800 652 7844 to reserve your accommodation or arrange a viewing. Find out more information on the booking process here.