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Posted May 26, 2014

Student City Guide: Leeds

Living and studying in Leeds can be a rewarding experience, given the fact that this city is already home to a large number of postgraduate students, pursuing their higher education at the University of Leeds and the Leeds Metropolitan University here. The city has an excellent and affordable network of facilities that make it easy for students to settle into the new environment. Let’s quickly check out what the city has in store.

Transportation Leeds has one of the best transport networks in the country. With an international air terminal right outside the city, railway connectivity to almost all locations in England, and public Black Prince buses plying throughout West Yorkshire, getting into the city and around can’t get any easier. Students can avail concessional bus or train fares, or even opt for long-term travel passes at discounted prices. With most educational institutions located not very far from the city centre or the residential areas, losing time or money on regular commute has never been a concern for the residents.

Accommodation and Dining There’s no dearth of accommodation options for students looking to relocate to Leeds. They may opt for residential units on or off the campus grounds. Residential halls, small residences, traditional homes, modern apartments – the choice is wide, and caters to diverse requirements.

On-campus dwellers can take advantage of the eateries and bars within the premises, or prepare meals in shared kitchens. Some housing options also include meals. Those residing off the campus can very well chart their own dining plans.

Entertainment, Leisure and Sporting Action Leeds is well-connected to the rest of the country. Exploring art and culture of the land or the scenic beauty of the neighbourhood can turn out to be a good break from the routine classes. The city is also home to parks, leisure centres, museums and galleries that also offer enough distractions to refresh the mind.

Football and cricket enthusiasts are in for a great time, with the special deals for students being offered by the city’s very own sports teams that represent Leeds in county cricket, Premiership and Super League rugby, as well as championship football tournaments.

Leeds has earned the distinction of being the nightlife capital of the North, with a multitude of bars and clubs open to students. Parades and celebrations at Leeds are worth a watch while in the city - notable among them being the West Indian Carnival and the Big City Jazz.

Few Interesting Facts With all basic concerns covered, here are some interesting facts about Leeds worth a note:

• The two big universities here are located right next to each other, with a host of student-friendly facilities such as late-night eateries, pubs, banks, supermarkets, and libraries - all nestled in a compact zone. Between these universities, they offer the best of electrical engineering, IT, tourism, town planning, library management and social studies courses in the country, apart from other post-graduate specialisations.

• Leeds, in fact, is a fast-developing city – already a media and financial hub offering employment opportunities to post-graduates who have successfully completed their courses.

• International students are bound to find themselves quite at home, given that few leading multi-national retailers have chosen to open their outlets here in the city.

• Leeds is also an excellent place to find part-time or summer jobs, especially at the restaurants and bars that cater to an ever-increasing number of staff who work on late-night shifts.

The cost of living in this city, though affordable, is bound to vary. It is based mainly on the accommodation, food, leisure and the non-essential expenses of the student.

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