Leeds is where it's at – from nightlife that keeps evolving to street food that just hits different. This city is a student magnet for a reason, blending creativity, culture, and affordability. Whether you're exploring live music, discovering art, or grabbing the best bites, Leeds has everything you need to level up your uni life.
If you’re here to stand out, you’re at the right spot, serious! EVO brings the future of accommodation to you – modern studios and shared apartments that mix style and function effortlessly. With study zones, loads of storage, and inspiring social areas, you'll find the perfect balance between work and relaxation. Plus, with excellent transport links and all your essentials nearby, your uni life is set for success. Whether you wanna be chilling in the lounge or getting down with the deadlines in our study spaces, everything is designed to help you thrive.
Leeds brings big city energy but with that authentic community vibe. From gigs to galleries, there’s always something happening. With EVO Student, you’re at the centre of it all – living, learning, and growing in a space that’s all about fresh, creative energy.
Vibrant Student Community
The city of Leeds is home to several key institutions of higher education including the universities of Leeds, York and Bradford. The student community in this part of England is extremely vibrant with a range of events and activities taking place throughout the year.
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
The University of Leeds is one of the largest higher educational institutions in the UK and is part of the well-known Russell Group of leading universities. Its prestigious reputation is backed up as it’s ranked within the top 100 of the World Rankings and top 20 in the UK league tables. Its student population surpasses 38,000, with around 12,000 of these being international students who flock here to study.
The main campus is situated just a short 10-minute walk from Leeds city centre, and easily accessible from our student accommodation in Leeds! Overall, there’s been a £520m transformation spent on their campuses to provide students with the ultimate university experience. There’s even a state-of-the-art fitness and wellbeing centre, with an eight lane swimming pool and one of the largest fitness suites in the UK – irresistible if you’re health and fitness obsessed.
LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY
Leeds Beckett University is a hugely popular university choice for those looking for exceptional student life. Consisting of two magnificent campuses, Leeds students will either be studying right in the city centre or up in Headingly, where you can find out brilliant student accommodation in Leeds. The university itself supports the growth of students through professional academic tutors and hosting highly regarded events and opportunities.
LEEDS ART UNIVERSITY
Leeds Art University is the hub for creatives who’re looking to study in the North of England. Offering 15 different undergraduate courses focusing on artistic pursuits, many students flock here from across the world to have access to award-winning, industry-standard facilities relevant to their discipline.
LEEDS TRINITY UNIVERSITY
Leeds Trinity University is set on a beautiful green campus in Horsforth, a small town located six miles northwest of Leeds city centre and two miles from Leeds Bradford Airport. It’s been previously known as Leeds Trinity & All Saints, however, is now referred to as Leeds Trinity, or LTU. They stand out from the crowd as they offer work placements included with every undergraduate degree, so you’ll always have first-hand experience to take with you through to getting your first graduate job.
Whether you’re looking for a place to eat, drink or both, the best options in Leeds are all right here.
Independent Options
Whether you’re looking for a place to eat, drink or both, the best options in Leeds are all right here.
Being one of the longest-running independent businesses in Leeds, LS6 The Clock Café is a hugely popular eatery offering delectable treats day in, day out. The company has strong values which focus on giving back to the community, providing quality and honesty, whilst also serving fresh, healthy and homemade food in an ethical way.
Looking to tuck into to some of their treats? Head down here to try their brunch menu! From 9AM – 5PM, you can delve into your typical Yorkshire Breakfast, or Poached Eggs With Smashed Avocado. Fancy a late night feast with some appetising cocktails? Choose from a selection, including Godfather Sour, The Flamingo and Basil and Elderflower Crush!
TRINITY KITCHEN
For the best street food in Leeds, get yourself down to Trinity Kitchen. Its concept is completely unique, as the kitchen rotates six new street food vans every single week, keeping you on your toes! They trade alongside permanent eateries: Archies, Pho, Rola Wala, Tortilla, Pizzaluxe and many more.
They’re open throughout the week, making sure you are fulfilled whenever you fancy.
EAT YOUR GREENS
Eat Your Greens might just be a grocery store by day, but at night, this quaint venue transforms into a restaurant of dreams! It’s a European style restaurant and promises to only use local organic produce where possible, all to benefit the planet. There’s a weekly changing seasonal menu, served Wednesday – Saturday.
From Sambal Butter Grilled Cheese, to Salt Baked Celeriac, there’s plenty for you to choose from to satisfy your taste buds.
FALAFEL GUYS
Who doesn’t love Falafel? This classic Indian dish is a must try if you’ve never experienced it before. If you’re staying in our student accommodation in Leeds, make sure to get yourself down to Falafel Guys. Offering a relaxed counter-service, with meat and veggie falafel options available, you’re bound to fall in love from the moment you try.
Falafel Guys can be found in the heart of Leeds on Briggate Street, and is open 6 days a week, only being closed on Fridays!
Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen
Belgrave an independent venue in Leeds, boasting three floors of melodious music, top food and drinks to die for.
It’s raved about by everyone and most love it for its unique feel and vibrant atmosphere. Not to mention the delicious food they have on offer…mmm that’s sure to grab anyone’s attention.
Visiting in the sunshine? Make the most of their epic rooftop terrace and bask in the rays with your besties – we’re dreaming about it!
THE LIBRARY
Unlike any other, The Library has to be at the top of your list for a pub. It’s a firm favourite for most students, especially for the delicious food on offer and the brilliant range of quizzes held every single week!
It can be found on the edge of Hyde Park, next to the main University of Leeds campus! Grab yourself a craft beer, or indulge in a selection of Gins to keep you feeling refreshed.
A SOCIAL HUB
The city of Leeds is a great place to visit if you’re interested in the culture and heritage of England. It’s a social hub full of museums, art galleries, architecture and cultural sights. Here are our top recommendations:
CORN EXCHANGE
Leeds’ Corn Exchange is a living landmark and an iconic part of the city’s culture. This stunning venue has welcomed musical talent from artists including Oasis and Emeli Sande to sell-out crowds. It has made appearances in popular TV shows like Doctor Who, and has graced the silver screen with the Harry Potter movies as part of the Hogwarts Corridor. The building is steeped in history, built in 1856 as Leeds’ first major public building with an extraordinary past that continues today.
LEEDS MINSTER
As you enter Leeds Minster, you will be welcomed by the friendly team and greeted by the beautiful architecture. The church is one of the largest in Britain, with spectacularly carved Victorian stalls, as well as other stunning pieces of art and architecture. Music is at the heart of this place – with masses, special events and concerts taking place all year round. If you’re keen to learn more about how Leeds Minster came to be the musical powerhouse it is today, then consider guided tours. With expert insights and fascinating tales about the history of the church, this is a great way to do so.
KIRKSTALL ABBEY
Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boasts historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery. Founded in 1174, Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most evocative of all Yorkshire’s abbeys. Strolling through its lush and beautiful grounds will tell you much about the lives and times of the 15th-century monks who once lived here while exploring its architecture will take you back to medieval times.
The Leeds Studios
The Leeds Studios is a major UK studio complex also known as ITV Yorkshire. The studios have produced many high profile television programmes for the BBC and ITV, such as My Parents Are Aliens, Heartbeat, Wire in the Blood, Bad Influence, and the front of the main studio can be seen as the entrance to Hotten General in Emmerdale!
If you’re a fan of Emmerdale, the Leeds Studios are definitely worth a visit! Explore the behind the scenes world of Emmerdale and let the guides show you how they bring one of ITV’s most popular shows to the screen. With fascinating insights into what goes on behind the scenes, the tour at Yorkshire dales is the perfect way to get up close and personal with some of the UK’s most recognisable faces. Visit the actual village set and see where all the Exterior filming is done. Have your picture taken outside the Woolpack Tavern and stand where all of your favourite characters have stood before!
STUDENT FRIENDLY NIGHTS
Fancy a night out? With a huge range of different student events taking place in Leeds every night of the week, you’re sure to find something to suit you.
ROXY BALL ROOM
Roxy Ball Room is the ultimate venue for all things fun! We have great gaming, great beer, great food and great music. Located on The Headrow in Leeds city centre, we are the only bar in Leeds with ping pong, pool, mini golf and beer pong all under one roof! Serving craft beers, signature cocktails, pizzas and burgers in an exciting social atmosphere every day of the week.
CARGO LEEDS STUDENT SESSIONS
Cargo Leeds Student Sessions is the city’s best student night outs. Cardo Leeds is hard to beat. Friday Night sessions run every Friday at The Warehouse Leeds and The Box Leeds, whilst the Sunday Sessions take place every Sunday at Broadcast Leeds. There are huge discounts on entry prices for students, amazing offers on drinks and for those who fancy themselves as the next superstar DJ; sharing mix CDs with your buddies. Dance like there’s no tomorrow at Cargo Leeds.
THE HIFI CLUB
The HiFi Club has been recognised by the public time and time again as the ‘Best Nightclub’ and ‘Best Live Music Venue’ at the annual Leeds Bar & Club Awards, winning both awards three times. Its inclusive vibe makes it the ideal place to escape to during the week with some great DJs playing an array of genres from Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, Reggae and Disco, alongside their popular Comedy Sessions every Saturday night, there’s something for everyone!
THE MAVEN
If you’re a serious cocktail lover that loves to party but not sure where to go, then The Maven is the place for you. The bar is all about intimate surroundings. In the early evening, the Maven is an intimate setting for a cocktail or two with friends. As the evening goes on, live DJs create a real roaring twenties party vibe in the main room. The Maven is the only cocktail bar in Leeds that combines the intimacy of a speakeasy with a roaring twenties party vibe – it’s a whole new way of enjoying cocktails, an experience like no other.
FRUITY AT LEEDS UNIVERSITY UNION
One of the longest-running student nights in Leeds, Fruity has been throwing its parties since 1997. With a loyal following from students and graduates alike, it’s the perfect excuse to get your Friday night off to a bang! With a massive dance floor, the best tunes from top DJs and with FREE entry until midnight, cheap drinks all night long and super friendly staff…you’ll love it at Fruity.
Plenty to Do
Leeds is a city beaming full of activities, from small events to the grand – there is plenty to do! The city runs over 500 events a year, from weekly drop-in sessions to large festivals and festivals; many of them free.
HYDE PARK ART CLUB
Hyde Park Book Club is a creative arts hub that has made its way into the heart of Leeds. A leading independent bookshop, situated in the heart of Leeds’ Creative Quarter, Hyde Park Book Club is a meeting place for all things literary, artistic, cultural and delicious. The unique and bohemian venue provides a platform for artists, musicians, writers, foodies and is recognised for showcasing highly-regarded talent. Enjoy a drink before an event in one of their three bars or dine with friends in the restaurant while listening to a band on stage.
NEWSAM PARK FESTIVAL
A great two electronic music festival for all ages. Newsam Park is the ultimate open-air festival experience, situated in idyllic surroundings within the parkland of Temple Newsam. The festival plays host to some of the biggest names in electronic music and is showcased by the same promoters behind Cocoon, who stamped their mark on Leeds with 11 years of events across the city.
LEEDS FESTIVAL
If rock music’s your thing, check out Leeds Festival. It was founded in 1999 and hosts some of the biggest names and smallest acts in rock, with a lineup that spans from house and techno, to grime and drum & bass. The festival has grown significantly since its early years and expanded beyond Leeds to include other venues in Reading and Donnington, making it an experience you can’t afford to miss out on.
THE NORTH LEEDS FOOD FESTIVAL
The North Leeds Food Festival is an unmissable event for people who love food. It attracts more than 10,000 people and a wide range of food and drink; with everything from international cuisine to home-grown talent. Roundhay Park is the perfect venue for this family-friendly festival and has beautiful grounds to explore while you enjoy great live music and entertainment throughout the day.