Moving to the vibrant city when starting at a Leeds university is one of the most exciting yet daunting parts of this significant life change. Leeds, in West Yorkshire, is one of the most popular student destinations in the United Kingdom due to its unique culture, fantastic nightlife, and excellent connections to university campus locations such as Leeds Beckett University or the University of Leeds and essential amenities. The city is also home to the iconic Leeds United Football Club. Choosing the right place to live is vital when moving to a new city, as you want to ensure that the property and the neighbourhood offer good amenities and the right student atmosphere.
Here, we take a closer look at some of the many student housing options in Leeds, including Hyde Park, Headingley, Leeds city centre, and Woodhouse. We will explore what these places have to offer and how Mansion Student can help you find the best student accommodation.
Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
Where is the best place to live as a student in Leeds?
With so many options for Leeds student housing, we explore some of the features of the most popular locations.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is northwest of the city, and it is popular for its lively, upbeat student atmosphere, and with plenty of shops and venues nearby, it is an attractive area for students. However, because the area is densely packed with students, it can be noisy throughout the night. Additionally, it’s a 40-minute walk into the city centre to visit iconic Leeds City attractions such as the Kirkgate Market, the Leeds city museum or the Leeds Art Gallery.
Headingley
A less central choice is Headingley, which is usually allocated to first years in university accommodation or those seeking some space from the busy and built-up city. Many green spaces are further to the northwest of the town, including the university recreational grounds. Headingley is also the closest student housing to Leeds Trinity University.
While there is plenty to do in Headingley, it is around an hour’s walk or 20 – 25 minutes bus ride from the vibrant city centre. This can make commuting a bit of a challenge as a student at one of the many universities or academies in Leeds, such as Leeds College, Leeds Arts University or Leeds Conservatoire.
City centre
If Hyde Park and Headingley seem too far from the action, then Leeds city centre is also an option. You could live just five minutes from the University of Leeds, with the Leeds Grand Theatre, First Direct Arena and the Merrion Centre just a short walk away. However, in addition to higher rent, you might discover that despite the convenience of amenities at your doorstep, getting any peace may be challenging.
Woodhouse
Situated between the city centre and Hyde Park, student housing in Woodhouse offers the best of both worlds. You are just five minutes on foot from the University of Leeds and fifteen minutes from Leeds Beckett city university. Woodhouse is a moderate twenty minutes from the city centre with many students finding this quieter and safer neighbourhood the best area to make their home in Leeds.
There are plenty of amenities right on your doorstep, including shops, restaurants, bars and venues, including the Library Bar, a popular student destination. Moreover, Woodhouse Moor is minutes away, with this local green space considered a popular student hub in the summertime.
Student accommodation Leeds: what are the options?
While living in student hall accommodation as a first year student is the most common course of action, exploring alternative private student accommodation options can be beneficial. Here, we explore the accommodation options.
Student halls
Most students gravitate towards student halls, especially in first year. However, these properties can seem slightly dated and offer smaller living spaces, sometimes housing up to fourteen students in one flat. There is also the possibility that you may live in an area which could be some distance from your university.
Student Housing
Students usually choose student housing after they leave university halls when going into their second or third year as they are the most affordable option. These HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) can house up to ten students. These HMOs can be modern but usually are dated with lower quality furnishings and lack certain on-site amenities.
Private accommodation
Students looking for more comfort while at university might want to opt for private accommodation. There are shared and solo living options, with the option to live with your university friends. Additionally, private accommodation offers higher quality amenities and furnishings and is often attractively located for easy access to the city centre and university campus buildings. En suite rooms are standard in Mansion Student’s Woodhouse flats.
Why rent at Woodhouse student flats
Leeds Woodhouse student flats offer high-quality and modern shared accommodation with en suite rooms for those who want more privacy while sharing student flats. You will still be sharing your communal areas, where you can mix and mingle with your flatmates. At Mansion Student, we offer a high-speed broadband connection and all the essential furniture you will need, such as a ¾ length bed, desk and chair, wardrobe and under bed storage.
When you choose Mansion Student accommodation, you choose purpose-built student accommodation with modern amenities and secure electronic fob entry and contents insurance for peace of mind. Our Leeds Woodhouse accommodation was renovated in 2022, so you can enjoy a modern, clean interior. Living in the Leeds Northern Quarter, close to your university campus and attractive student venues and amenities, makes the Woodhouse student experience unforgettable. Our Leeds student accommodation is also suitable for international students, undergrads or postgraduate students.
Contact us today about booking a room for the next academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like as a Leeds student?
Leeds city is rated number one in the United Kingdom for student satisfaction. There are nearly 200 pubs and over 100 restaurants in student areas. The average pint is less than £4, so you can understand why the city is so popular with students.
How much is the rent for a student in Leeds?
On average, student rent in Leeds is just over £100 per week. This usually does not include bills, so consider this when looking for accommodation. Leeds is a popular location for students because of its affordable rent prices and living costs. Read about student life in the most affordable city in the UK – Dundee.