The ultimate Leeds Uni bucket list: Seven things you have to do before you graduate

Trying to do everything there is to do in Leeds in the space of three years is harder than you might think. Leeds is a small city but with a lot to offer so we’ve narrowed the to-do list down to the top seven thing you MUST do before you leave Leeds.

So, whether you’re a fresher or frantically finishing your dissertation, this is your ultimate Leeds checklist to tick off before you adorn that cap and gown.

1. The rooftops

From Green Room’s fairy lights and espresso martinis to Belgrave’s pizza-fuelled sunset views, Leeds is weirdly good at rooftops. You’ll probably freeze half the time, but it’s worth it to slay on the socials. Sipping sky high on a Leeds rooftop never misses. 

Bonus points if you end the night at Headrow House, snapping pics of that picturesque neon sign.

2. Tuesdays at Royal Park Pub: A Hyde Park Rite of Passage

Tuesdays at RPP are a student staple. It’s pennies, it’s packed, and it always starts with “just one drink” and ends with you on the dance floor, cause standing in that hour long queue chit-chatting and shivering wasn’t enough.

If you haven’t stumbled home from here, have you even lived in LS6? Packed, loud and a bit grim – it’s perfect.

3. Accidentally Become a Regular at Hyde Park Book Club

HPBC is a part-bar, part-gig venue and part-uni hangout vibe, perfect for those who are “not like other students”. Whether you’re there for spoken word nights or just pretending you read books, HPBC is nailing that peak Leeds artsy image.

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You’ll probably end up there at some point, even if it’s just for the toilets.

4. Lose your dignity (and your friends) at Beaver Works

If you haven’t queued in a car park at midnight, are you even a Leeds student? Beaver Works nights are chaotic, sweaty, and probably the best worst decision you’ll ever make.

One minute you’re dancing in a tunnel, the next you’re texting your housemate for an Uber you can’t afford or locate and, if you’re anything like me, prepping for that inevitable hour-long walk home. This one is a night out guaranteed to provide talking points for those morning debriefs that’ll last until graduation.

5. A night at Mischief or a sports social – chaos guaranteed

Some call it carnage, others call it a Wednesday night. You don’t have to be in a sports society to get dragged into a Mischief Wednesday. Just be prepared for themed outfits, face paint, very loud chanting and VKs poured all over you while someone cries on your shoulder in the smokers.

A true Leeds Uni experience.

6. The classic campus lunch break

Whether it’s your first year or final semester ever, grab lunch and park yourself on the iconic Parkinson steps. Take a break from that library sesh or exam cram. Sun’s out? Even better.

You’ll be surrounded by mates, bunnies, and the occasional flash mob – it’s just part of the vibe. It’s the perfect people-watching spot and the unofficial heart of that Leeds campus life, that might soon be in your rear view…

7. Otley Run

This one is too iconic to leave out. It’s a must-do we all know, but deserves a mention. The famous Otley Run pub crawl stretches from Headingley all the way to the edge of the city centre. Pick a theme and a funny costume and be ready to take a 19 stop booze-cruise, reminiscing all your Leeds fan faves over the years. It might just be your last Leeds hurrah.

You came to Leeds for that piece of paper, but you’ll leave with stories, bruises from Beaver’s, and a rooftop selfie or five. Tick ’em off before you sell your soul to grad jobs and LinkedIn.