11 activities around Leeds for you and your housemates to ease your seasonal depression

The start of November brings with it the cold, the dark, and (trigger warning) the midterm assignments. It is no surprise that you and your house are probably feeling quite low, having been hit by a sprinkle of seasonal depression and the semester one scaries.

So, in an attempt to brighten your grey mood, I’ve compiled a list of 11 things you can do with your housemates, flatmates or friends to try and lift your spirits this winter. 

Cinema (Cottage Road or Hyde Park Picture House)

There’s nothing like a film to offer you some well-deserved escapism. Whether you want to lean into your artistic side and catch a new independent film at Hyde Park Picture House, or take the walk up to Cottage Road Cinema in Headingley, I guarantee that it’ll lift your spirits. I’d definitely recommend checking out HPPH’s Cinema Africa! Programme, which celebrates African life and culture through its films.

Cottage Road also has a constant stream of classic films and theatre livestreams that’ll keep you occupied for hours.

House version of Come Dine With Me

I’m sure you are familiar with the structure of Come Dine With Me, but take it in turns to chef up a storm and vote for the best cook. It’s a great way to avoid cooking dinner for a few days (until it’s your turn, of course), and is sure to create some wholesome house memories!

Otley Run… charity shop edition

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Now I’m not quite sure how the practicalities of this would work, but if you wanted a wardrobe revamp you could head along the Otley Road.

Rather than making the familiar stops at each pub on route, you could visit every charity shop, seeking out new bargain pieces for your winter wardrobe. Alongside being a cheap and sustainable afternoon activity, the post-shopping high will be sure to carry you through a tricky week at uni. 

Wintery walks (Roundhay Park, Golden Acre Park, Meanwood Valley Trail, Kirkstall Abbey)

Now as a winter-lover I may be biased, but you cannot go wrong with a frosty walk. Bundle up in your puffers, scarves, and earmuffs, and brave the cold in search of some nice views and calming landscapes.

It feels so refreshing to trade the rats of Hyde Park for some wildlife and greenery, and you can treat yourselves to a coffee as you wander too. If you’re not lucky enough to have a housemate with a car, then all parks such as Roundhay Park, Golden Acre Park, Meanwood Valley Trail, and Kirkstall Abbey are still easily accessibly by bus.

Take a fitness class 

You can quite literally shake off the winter blues by taking a fitness class, and there’s something for everyone across Leeds. If you’re into more of a low-key and calming vibe, then head to a yoga class at We Are Wellness in Headingley, or if you want barre, pilates, or spin then Barrecore or Ryde Studios (both in town) will be calling your name.

Also, Ryde has a three for £10 deal in your first week, so you’ve got nothing to lose when you want to try out those first few sessions.

Meanwood Valley Farm

Just a ten minute drive from Hyde Park, Meanwood Valley Farm offers the perfect opportunity to *reconnect with nature* amongst the chaos of uni life. It’s open 10am-4pm every day, is just £3 entry, and they even have alpacas. What’s not to love?

LUU Winter Tent

The Winter Tent is quite possibly my favourite thing about semester one at uni. Situated right outside the LUU, it is the perfect place for an end-of-the-day warm cider to dispel those seasonal chills. It is cosy, christmassy, and embodies everything that is great about winter- I guarantee that you’ll feel brighter after an hour in there.

Arts and crafts (on a budget)

For the creatives amongst you, painting, colouring, pottery and art classes are a surefire way to relieve some seasonal stress. For your at-home fix, buy some acrylics and paint wine glasses with your housemates, or follow a Bob Ross art tutorial on Youtube.

If you want a bit more structure, Bowery in Headingley also runs regular workshops on everything from lantern making to sketching, and you can register for slots on their website.

Trip to York

It’s a classic, but a trip to York Christmas Markets is a great way to get out of the winter blues and into the festive spirit. As a third year I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve still not done this, but I will ensure I go this year (Tab group trip anyone?).

An afternoon off of uni work in a new city is the prime activity to reset and enjoy some wholesome time with your housemates, and a lift in mood is pretty much guaranteed.

Leeds Art Gallery

If you haven’t been already, Leeds Art Gallery is a city centre hidden gem. It’s Tiled Hall Café is gorgeous (the brownies are unreal) and a lovely spot to work in, but the gallery itself is free to enter and full of some incredible art – everything from classic paintings to modern sculptures. A great excuse to get out of the house together and explore somewhere new (tempted by the promise of coffee, obvs).

A house clothes/book/magazine/decor swap

If you’re looking to switch things up a little, then look no further than your housemates. To refresh your environment, swap some room decor and clothes, or do a book exchange where you all read each other’s favourites. This is the perfect solution for all the shopaholics (like me) who revert to a sneaky purchase when feeling down – by trading amongst each other you get all the excitement of shiny new items and none of the costs!

And that’s it- hopefully some of these can help ease that pesky seasonal slump, but if you’re finding yourself seriously struggling then check out these support services below:

Papyrus: 0800 068 4141

Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service: 0808 800 1212

Samaritans: 116 123