From academia to cocktails: Here’s our guide to thriving in Leeds as a master’s student

Moving to Leeds for your master’s studies, or even returning for a postgraduate course, is exciting.

Known for its vibrant student atmosphere, Leeds is buzzing with cultural activities and social events, but adapting to a new academic environment and lifestyle can also bring a lot of challenges. This guide will help you settle into life in Leeds whilst making the most of your time as a master’s student.

If you’re new to Leeds, here’s what I wish I’d known when I first arrived.

Explore the city

Leeds has loads to explore. Key spots worth checking out include Headrow House for rooftop cocktails and great views, or Coffee on the Crescent and Hyde Park Book Club for a cosy café experience.

Signature in Headingley is also perfect for affordable Greek and Turkish cuisine and cocktails, with half price student friendly deals.

For a Leeds cultural experience, there’s the Leeds Art Gallery, the Corn Exchange or the Royal Armouries Museum.

Make sure you don’t miss local events either like the Leeds International Film Festival or Light Night Leeds. And if you’re looking to experience nature, visit Meanwood Farm for a country escape, cute animals and a café.

Adjust at your own pace

Don’t pressure yourself to feel like you need to fit in straight away – it’s normal to feel homesick.

Make sure you’re balancing your study time with personal breaks, like taking a walk around Hyde Park or the docks.

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Find your perfect study spot, whether it’s the vintage charm of Brotherton Library or the modern Laidlaw Library, which boasts a garden rooftop for study views.

And if you’ve got a deadline looming, the pricey coffee at Laidlaw’s Café Nero might just be worth it – at least you can enjoy the view while you panic.

Stay organised

Create a study schedule with calendar apps or a diary to keep track of deadlines and plan study sessions.

Read feedback on essays and apply it to future assignments. Take advantage of university resources like academic skills workshops and library services.

Make mates, not just classmates

Remember, most people are just as nervous about meeting others. Reach out to classmates or people in your accommodation.

Grab your mates for the Otley Run – 17 pubs, endless chaos, and plenty of questionable decisions. Engage with fellow master’s students and bond over shared challenges.

Plan weekly outings to explore the city or try more low-key hangs like coffee dates or the Students’ Union quiz nights.

Joining societies is also a top way to meet people – Leeds Radio for media buffs, or the Baking Society. Plus, this can enhance your CV!

Navigate new academic material (without losing your mind)

Master’s programmes usually require a more advanced approach to learning. Review course materials thoroughly, including information provided on university websites.

Avoid procrastination—every assignment counts in a one year master’s programme. But, while lectures are important, don’t forget to make time for midweek pints too!

And when you’re stuck, hit up your lecturers during office hours. They don’t bite (usually).

Master your dissertation

Choose a topic you love. Selecting a dissertation topic that interests you makes the research process more fun and will keep you motivated.

Keep detailed notes and track your sources to save time, alongside scheduling regular meetings with your dissertation supervisor to stay on the right path.

Make the most of your time in Leeds 

Adjusting to life as a master’s student in Leeds takes time, but embracing the academic opportunities, social scene, and cultural richness of the city will help you feel at home.

From exploring vibrant streets to thriving in your studies, Leeds offers everything you need for a fulfilling postgraduate experience.

Enjoy this amazing city, seize every opportunity, and remember, even though it’s a tough year, your future self will thank you for it.