How to survive November as a Leeds uni student

We’ve made it to November. Suddenly, it’s a lot harder to get out of bed. Every night out increases your risk of hypothermia because you refuse to pay for the cloakroom, and the honeymoon phase with uni is officially over.

It now feels less like the exciting student experience you signed up for and more like an unpaid full-time job. On top of all this, it’s getting darker, colder and gloomier with each passing day.

But before you completely write off the month, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve already come this year. From freshers moving away from home for the first time to final-year students having their first diss meetings, there’s plenty to celebrate.

You’ve survived another semester of questionable decisions, questionable nights out and even more questionable meals. That’s got to count for something.

Embrace the autumn weather

It’s no secret that it rains a lot in Leeds. Thankfully, there’s plenty to do when it’s just too cold to face the weather.

From exploring independent coffee shops around Headingley, to finding a cosy corner in one of Leeds’s many pubs, there’s no shortage of ways to escape the November drizzle.

And, if all else fails, there’s always the option of hiding under your duvet until spring.

Once you’ve mastered the art of layering your clothes (because it really does get cold up north – this coming from someone from Scotland), you’ll discover that Leeds really does look its best in autumn, with crisp air and orange leaves covering the fields and paths.

Just try not to slip in front of the Parkinson steps, that bruises the ego more than anything else.

A trip to the moors is perfect at this time of year, giving you the chance to escape city life, spot some cute animals and stop off for a Sunday lunch at The Cow and Calf.

If you can’t make it out to the moors, or just need a quick stretch of your legs, a trip to St George’s Field might be just the thing. Less than a five-minute walk from the Parkinson Building, it’s the perfect place for some fresh air and bunny sightings.

Treat yourself to something seasonal

November is the perfect excuse to try the latest autumnal drinks and get your first taste of Christmas treats. If you’re in need of an essay-writing boost, I personally recommend the tiramisu latte from Caffe Nero.

If you’re worrying about your student loan (or lack thereof) and don’t think you can justify spending any more on coffee, just think of it as a study tax. Getting a degree is expensive enough already, so what’s another £4?

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It’s also officially time to start getting excited about Christmas.

Whether it’s planning a trip to the Christmas markets, organising a festive film night with your flatmates or simply putting your Christmas playlist on a little earlier than socially acceptable, having something to look forward to can make November feel a little less never-ending.

Nobody is judging you for having Mariah Carey on repeat before December. Well, even if they are, that’s a them problem.

Romanticise your academic downfall

You’ll soon reach the point where the deadlines you thought were months away are suddenly just around the corner.

A quick study session in the library will soon turn into long, tedious lock-ins. It’s time to put on Gilmore Girls, romanticise your life and channel your inner Paris Geller, although perhaps don’t adopt her sleep schedule. Seven cups of coffee and three hours of sleep is not exactly a sustainable revision strategy.

If you’ve been a Brotherton regular up until now, you may want to consider making the move to Eddy B or Laidlaw. As aesthetic as Brotherton is, it’s simply too cold to type.

Whether you’re in your first year, your final year or somewhere in between, you’ve already achieved so much.

Don’t forget to slow down

When the deadlines start piling up and the weather makes you want to hibernate until March, remember that your wellbeing matters more than your degree

Sometimes you have to put the laptop away, make a cup of hot chocolate, and give yourself a well-deserved break. You’ve earned it.

Most importantly, remember how hard you worked to get here. You don’t need to make every day productive or every university experience memorable.

Sometimes, surviving November is an achievement in itself. And don’t forget, Christmas is just around the corner.

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