Leeds is an excellent city for students to live in and has recently been recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s most liveable cities in 2024 and the ‘Pearl of the North and North East of England’. The judges praised Leeds, stating, ‘Leeds has become a true northern powerhouse and is an ideal place to enjoy good pay and the good life. Leeds has the highest salary levels outside of London and is not only the economic and financial centre of the UK, but Leeds’ five universities are a constant source of new energy for the city. Leeds has a unique charm and attraction in terms of economy, education and culture. Why has Leeds been recognised as one of the UK’s most liveable cities for the second year? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons.
Lower Living Costs
With a diverse population of 760,000, Leeds is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK. Residents are optimistic about job prospects and the local property market, reflecting a city brimming with potential and opportunity. Compared to London and Birmingham, the cost of living in Leeds is notably more reasonable, making it an attractive option for international students seeking affordability without compromising on quality of life. Specifically, student accommodation Leeds is 15% to 30% cheaper than in London and Birmingham, averaging between £130 and £300 per week. This makes Leeds not only a financially savvy choice but also a welcoming and vibrant place to call home.
High Quality Education
Leeds is a friendly city and one of the UK’s most popular university locations, hosting 200,000 students from over 100 countries. The University of Leeds is a founding member of the Russell Group of Universities and one of the UK’s six ‘Red Brick Universities’, ranked 75th worldwide by the latest QS World University Rankings. The University of Leeds offers over 700 different undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various areas, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine and more. The University of Leeds is ranked in the top 100 globally in four major subject areas and in the top 120 globally in five major subject areas, making it a strong and balanced subject. Leeds’ main rival, Leeds Beckett University, is the second largest university in the city, with over 15,000 undergraduates and around 5,000 postgraduates. Leeds Beckett excels in sports, particularly rugby.
Wonderful Nightlife
One of Leeds’ main selling points is its extensive nightlife options. From funky bars to epic club nights to fancy dress bars, Leeds has it covered whatever you’re looking for. You’ll find plenty of trendy cocktail bars and low-key clubs on CallLane and Merrion Street, including Jake’s Bar, Call Lane Social and Verve, and if you’re a fan of Old School and some of the classics, you can head to Leeds University’s SU for Fruity Friday. It’s Leeds’ mitzvah. Alternatively, there’s PRYZM in the city centre, which has many different karaoke rooms and all the music charts. For more alternative music, head to Wire or HiFi at the end of town, both cool underground clubs playing indie, retro, and soul music.
Canal Mills and Beaver Works are converted from old warehouses on the city’s outskirts. Lower Briggate has a lively LGBTQ nightlife scene, including Viaduct Show Bar, Queens Court and Bar Fibre. Finally, only Leeds University experience is complete with Otley Run. The famous string of pubs tour encompasses around 16 pubs, starting at the end of Headingley and ending at Dry Dock near the city centre. The only rule is that you must wear fancy dress; the more extravagant, the better.
Rich History and Culture
Leeds, the third largest city in the United Kingdom and the capital of West Yorkshire, blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy. Many of its renowned buildings, originating from the Victorian era, continue to exude a distinctive allure. Major attractions in Leeds include the Royal Armouries Museum, the magnificent Roundhay Park, and the historic Kirkstall Abbey.
Beyond the city, Leeds is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The county of Yorkshire, where Leeds is situated, boasts nearly 2,000 years of history and is often referred to as ‘God’s Own County.’ As the largest county in the UK, it offers an abundance of stunning landscapes, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate its natural splendor.
Abundant Employment Opportunities
According to research, the average salary in Leeds is a whopping £37,800, and with 36,000 vacancies currently available, there are a dizzying number of jobs available. Leeds can be a place where businesses thrive. Supermarket giant Asda, logistics company Evri, and leading TV station Channel 4 have offices in Leeds, injecting the city with workplace dynamism. At the same time, the UK’s famous Marks & Spencer supermarkets also originated in Leeds. Adding to the eye-catching nature of the city is the excellent fast train link between Leeds and London, as well as the easy access to the transport network, which provides a broader range of opportunities for the workplace. Graduates of the University of Leeds can find jobs in a variety of industries and fields, including finance, law, healthcare, education, technology and more. The University has also established partnerships with leading companies and organisations, providing students with many internship and employment opportunities.