1. Admire some art
There are numerous galleries and museums in Leeds that you can enter for free. Leeds Art Gallery is free of charge and has a fantastic permanent collection alongside some fascinating temporary exhibitions, all set inside an impressive building. The cafe is particularly gorgeous, and a great way to spend an afternoon. The Henry Moore Institute is right next door for a free sculpture fix. You could also try The Tetley, which is also free entry, but with a more pioneering collection of contemporary art. Got a day to kill? Head to Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield. It’s well worth the trip for its huge outdoor sculpture collection and scenic grounds. Be warned, it really is massive – you might want to take a picnic!
Why not grab a Student Art Pass? For just £5 a Student Art Pass lets you dive into culture on a budget, with free or reduced-price entry to hundreds of museums and galleries across the UK – plus 50% off major exhibitions.
2. Chill in a park
Leeds is lucky enough to have a range of brilliant parks to explore. You might have already heard of Hyde Park (technically called Woodhouse Moor), where students congregate in the sun, but there are some real stunners beyond that – try Roundhay for great variety, Golden Acre for gorgeous gardens in the spring and summer, and Meanwood for relaxed vibes and a beautiful waterfall. Its woodlands also form part of the Meanwood Valley Trail which is definitely worth exploring. You could also head to St Aidan’s RSPB nature park for a walk, run or cycle, and see some birds while you’re at it.
3. Get stuck into activities on campus
At LUU, our mission is making sure you love your time at Leeds. A really big part of that is putting on – or supporting clubs and societies to put on – great events on campus to help you meet new people, make friends and have fun. When you think of students’ unions you might think of booze-fuelled nights, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Leeds University Union events take place year-round and cater for everyone, ranging from exercise classes to craft sessions.
This January we’re working with the University to bring you the Fresh Start Festival – a week packed full of food, friends, fun and opportunities, to help you start the year off right and enable you to find your place here at Leeds. Head over to our Welcome page for all the details.
4. Be a tourist for the day
There are numerous tourist attractions around the city and its nearby areas, including Temple Newsam, a Tudor-Jacobean house and gardens, Harewood House, with its extensive grounds and lavish interior, and Kirkstall Abbey, a monastery that’s over 800 years old. Visiting the Abbey is free of charge, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a free day out, while the houses do charge a reasonable fee. The city centre itself also has a lot to offer – from the Corn Exchange to the Town Hall, there’s some really fantastic architecture when you pay attention to your surroundings. Our campus isn’t bad either, with its diverse mix of styles ranging from gothic revival to brutalism.
Want to discover more of your LUU Welcome experience? Visit our Welcome webpage for events, advice and more.
