If you're attending university in Leeds and are in search of student accommodation, Student.com will help you snatch a great bargain on one of the many fantastic student properties in the city.

We list a wide range of student accommodation in Leeds, with options to suit every budget in popular areas like Hyde Park, Headingley and the city centre. Using our filter, it’s never been easier to find a home that fits exactly what you’re looking for.

Start browsing properties at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life in Leeds, including the best areas to live and top tips for securing your dream accommodation!

Universities in Leeds

There are several major universities in and around Leeds, with the city home to more than 60,000 full-time students! 

University of Leeds

A member of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of Leeds is the city’s most popular and highest-ranked university. It’s a regular feature among the top 15 universities in the UK and the top 100 globally.

The university has one main campus – making it easy to get around – which is based a short walk northwest of the city centre in the Woodhouse area. It excels across a score of subjects, including business, engineering and humanities.

Heading to the city’s top university? Check out our dedicated University of Leeds accommodation! 

Leeds Beckett University

Formerly known as Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds Beckett University is the city's second-biggest university with over 20,000 students. It has two campuses – one in the city centre and the other in Headingley.

The university is known for its career-focused approach, with lots of courses incorporating work placements. It has enviable student satisfaction rates and key strengths in sport science, hospitality, business, art and engineering.

Making the move to this university? We also offer accommodation near Leeds Beckett University! 

Leeds Trinity University

With close to 15,000 students, Leeds Trinity University is slightly smaller than the city’s two other major universities, but it has a lot going for it. The main campus is based on the outskirts of the city in Horsforth, though it also has a secondary campus in the city centre.

The university is best known for its practical focus – nearly all courses include work placements where students gain experience and earn credits towards their degree. It’s one of the reasons why graduates from Leeds Trinity have really impressive employment rates.

Like the sound of this university? Explore our selection of Leeds Trinity accommodation! 

Things for students to do in Leeds

A thriving nightlife, great food, well-known universities, a huge student population, great job prospects and reasonable prices make Leeds a great city to spend your university years in.

Arts & culture

Renowned for music, art, entertainment, sport, architecture, film and television, Leeds is right at the centre of Yorkshire's colourful culture. The Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Art Gallery showcase classical and contemporary art, with free admission at both.

Leeds hosts numerous art festivals throughout the year, including the Leeds International Film Festival and Light Night Leeds. It’s also a great city for live music, with venues ranging from intimate pubs to the massive First Direct Arena. 

Nightlife

One of Leeds' main selling points is its exceptional nightlife. From trendy bars to epic club nights and fancy-dress bar crawls, the city has a huge range of nightlife options dotted around the city centre.

There’s something to suit everyone’s tastes, whether you want to have fun with your peers on Fruity Fridays at Leeds University's Student Union, fancy a posh cocktail or two on Greek Street or some craft beer and rock music in the Northern Quarter.

There’s a lively nightlife scene in Lower Briggate for the LGBTQ+ community with Viaduct Show Bar, Queens Court and Bar Fibre. For a more chilled night out, there’s a host of trendy bars and low-key clubs on Call Lane and Merrion Street that offer daily two-for-one deals, such as Jake's Bar & Still Room, Call Lane Social, MOJO and Verve.

However, no Leeds student experience is complete without an Otley Run. The famous pub crawl takes in around 16 pubs, starting at the far end of Headingley and, if you make it so far, finishing around the Dry Dock near the city centre.

Food & drink

Leeds’ foodie scene is super underrated and ticks all the boxes for student favourites. The city centre has loads of independent coffee shops that are great for studying, while areas like Chapel Allerton and Meanwood offer trendy brunch spots and international cuisine.

Kirkgate Market is one of Europe’s largest indoor markets and is packed with food stalls. Hyde Park is famous for its curry houses, and for pubs and bars, look no further than Call Lane and the Northern Quarter.

Best student areas in Leeds

Leeds has several student areas which offer the convenience of a short journey to university and the social benefits of being surrounded by loads of fellow students. 

Hyde Park

Situated between Headingley and the city centre, Hyde Park is the beating heart of Leeds’ student community. It’s got lots of affordable student housing and a host of great pubs, shops and cafes around Hyde Park Corner.

The location makes it a top choice for students at the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, with excellent transport links to university campuses as well as the city centre for when you fancy going out.

Headingley

Headingley is another major student area located around three miles from the city centre. It’s home to Leeds Beckett University’s main campus, while it’s also just 15 minutes on the bus to the University of Leeds.

Otley Road, which runs through Headingley, is lined with pubs and is one of the most famous pub crawl routes in the UK. In terms of accommodation, there’s a mix of traditional flat shares and modern apartments, all offering great value.

City centre

For students who love being in the heart of the action, Leeds city centre has seen a steady rise in stylish, purpose-built student accommodation, offering modern amenities like gyms and dedicated study spaces.

Here, you'll be surrounded by the city's best restaurants, bars and shops. It tends to be one of the more expensive areas for student accommodation in Leeds, but you pay for the convenience.

Student cost of living in Leeds

As major UK cities go, Leeds offers fantastic value for money. Accommodation is significantly cheaper than in the likes of London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol, potentially saving you thousands over the course of your degree.

In terms of living costs, Leeds is known for serving up a top night out without excessive costs – which is a dream come true for students. Indulging in Leeds's vibrant social scene or enjoying its fantastic food and drink won't leave you skint. 

Free things to do in Leeds

Leeds offers plenty of free activities when you need your student budget to stretch. Top museums like Leeds Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds City Museum, the Thackray Medical Museum and the Royal Armouries Museum are all freely open to the public.

Student discounts in Leeds

From cinemas to vintage shops, you’ll want to always keep your student ID on you, as many businesses in Leeds offer student discounts. You can also sign up to platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans for additional discounts throughout the city.

Public transport in Leeds

Getting around Leeds is straightforward and affordable, with excellent public transport connections serving all the main student hubs. 

Bus

Leeds has an extensive bus network that efficiently links student areas to the universities and the city centre. Hyde Park and Headingley are both served by multiple routes, with buses running every 10–15 minutes during peak hours. 

Trains

Leeds also has an excellent train station with connections to major UK cities – perfect for weekend trips home or exploring other destinations. Manchester is one hour away, Liverpool is roughly 90 minutes and the train to London takes around two hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is Leeds a safe place for students to live?

Leeds is generally very safe for students. Major student areas like Hyde Park and Headingley are well-lit and have a good community presence. Most students feel comfortable walking around during both day and evening, but you should still use common sense when out and about.

Is there a high demand for student accommodation in Leeds?

Leeds has a big student population, which means there’s always demand for accommodation. It’s best to start searching in January and February if you plan on moving in around August or September, though you should still be able to find properties on the market in the summer.

How much does student accommodation in Leeds cost?

Student accommodation in Leeds is generally a lot cheaper than in other major UK cities. Traditional flat shares in areas like Hyde Park and Headingley start from as little as £100 per week, while a private apartment in the city centre is more likely to be around £200 per week. 

Where are the best areas for students in Leeds?

Hyde Park and Headingley are the two most popular student areas in Leeds, both offering lots of shops, cafes and pubs while still being within reach of the city centre. The city centre itself is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the growing number of purpose-built student properties available.

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Leeds?

If you’re moving to Leeds to study at university but currently live outside the UK, you’ll generally need to apply for a student visa. Your university should be able to help you with the process. You can also find more information here. 

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