Romanticising your first Leeds winter as a southerner

You might arrive in Leeds thinking you’ve packed enough coats, scarves and winter essentials, only to realise absolutely nothing could have prepared you for what is about to come.

Leeds is a city full of things to do, places to explore and nights out to remember (or not).

When the temperature drops and its dark before you’ve finished lectures, it can be tempting to hibernate. But before you do, listen up, as Leeds doesn’t allow its students to bedrot this winter.

Prepare yourself for the weather 

Does this even need an explanation? 

One minute it’s raining, the next it’s snowing, and somehow you’re still expected to make it to your 9am seminar. Leeds weather is nothing but unpredictable. 

Coming from the south, where a crisp winter morning can still see the sun poking out of the clouds to say hello, Leeds responds with a rather blunt, “Nah, none of that up here mate.”

Winter temperatures can hover around 1–8°C, and the wind certainly knows how to make those temperatures feel like you’re plunging into an ice bath, except you’re not Jude Bellingham but a uni student trying to get by. 

Now you may be thinking, “Great, you’re giving us the stats, but not the solution.”

Well look no further, layers will be your new bestie. Pop on a proper warm winter coat, gloves, a hat, and a scarf, and you’re set to battle out those fierce winds. If you have five layers on you, you’re doing Leeds right. 

The weather can change in a matter of minutes, so even if the forecast promises sunshine, I’d still prepare for a shower. 

Get into the northern night out mindset

If there’s one thing I have learned about Leeds, it’s that a bit of bad weather is never going to stop a northern girl from having a night out.

Coming from the south, I was used to seeing the short dresses and heels come out when the weather started warming up in spring and summer. In Leeds, apparently, the season is irrelevant. Even when there’s a storm outside, the northern baddies are still turning up in their heels and mini skirts, ready to get their groove on.

I respect it. In fact, I think an applause should be in order. 

You might be questioning whether your outfit is worth the risk of catching hypothermia on the walk to the uber, but your northern flatmate will have already left the house looking like it’s July. 

Take notes, but perhaps pack a coat. 

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Leeds pubs are basically Buckingham palace 

Your student accommodation might feel like an ice box, but thankfully, Leeds has plenty of places to escape the cold. 

Pubs, cafés and cosy little bars will become your second home once winter arrives.

There is something about walking into a packed pub, with the heating on full blast and everyone huddled together by the bar, that makes the cold journey worthwhile. 

What more often than not starts as a quick pint to warm up can very quickly turn into five, followed by karaoke and a pub quiz to test whatever general knowledge you have left after a week of lectures.

And if you’re more of a coffee person, Leeds has plenty of cosy spots to hide away in. Laynes Espresso, just by the train station, is a great place to start, while Tiled Hall in Leeds central library and art gallery offers a little escape from the cold in the middle of the city. 

Sometimes all you need is a hot chocolate, a sweet treat and a cheeky gossip with the girls to get you through the day. 

The Christmas markets are worth braving the cold for

This year’s Leeds Christmas Markets run from Thursday 19th November until Wednesday 23rd December, with more than 60 retailers, food vendors and local makers.

From churros and sweet treats to Yorkshire-inspired food, there is plenty to keep you occupied. I’d particularly recommend keeping an eye out for Misu Tiramisu, Savvy Baker and the churros stalls if you have a sweet tooth.

Entry to the market is free, which is always a bonus on a student budget. However, food and drink are priced separately, so check the individual stalls before committing to a full festive feast. 

Your bank account might not thank you, but your taste buds will.

Don’t let the dark evenings stop you

It is easy to convince yourself that winter is the season for staying indoors, ordering a takeaway and watching the same Netflix series for the fifth time. 

However, whether you’re discovering a new café or dragging your friends to the Christmas markets, there are plenty of ways to make the most of it.

Embracing the gritty but cosy northern aesthetic is a good place to start. 

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