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Yorkshire and the Humber is a great place to be a student. There’s beautiful countryside, big cities like Leeds and York, great nightlife, friendly communities and excellent transport links. If you’re thinking about studying here, make sure to check out our top things to do for students in Yorkshire and the Humber.
1) Shambles
Good for: Independent shops and photo ops.
What is it: One of the world’s most iconic streets.
Why you should go: Believed to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, Shambles is one of York’s most famous landmarks. It was mentioned in the Doomsday Book so we know it’s been used for over 900 years. Originally full of butchers, the street was built so narrow to stop the sun from shining on the meat. The walkway is now full of beautiful old buildings, with cosy cafes and independent shops to enjoy. Take a stroll down the picturesque street and you’ll feel as if you've been transported back in time.
2) The Deep
Good for: Getting up close to some amazing marine life.
What is it: Hull’s massive award winning aquarium.
Why you should go: The Deep is home to over 5,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, rays, jellyfish and penguins. During your visit, you’ll journey through prehistoric seas, tropical lagoons, open oceans and ice kingdoms, meeting a whole variety of different species along the way. There are daily penguin feeds and dive shows to catch, as well as a whole host of interactive exhibits to explore. The Deep takes conservation seriously, so by visiting you’ll be supporting international projects protecting the future of our oceans.
3) York Minster
Good for: Exploring a magnificent, historical building.
What is it: The city’s mediaeval cathedral.
Why you should go: This impressive building is one of York’s iconic landmarks. It’s striking to look at from outside, and even more breathtaking when you venture in. There’s lots to see and do, with a crypt, underground museum and tower challenge if you like heights. You’ll learn about the Minster's history, from Roman remains to 1,000-year-old objects still used today, as well the hidden stories behind some stunning mediaeval stained glass. Tours are included in the ticket price, so it’s well worth joining one to truly bring to life the incredible past of this historic building.
4) The Otley Run
Good for: A hangover to remember.
What is it: Leeds’ infamous pub crawl.
Why you should go: The Otley Run is a rite of passage for students in Leeds, especially in fancy dress. The crawl involves 15 pubs, with a drink in each, and covers a sizeable stretch of Otley Road. First stop is Woodie’s Craft Ale House, with a great beer garden and huge drinks menu, so you can start your crawl off with a bang. You’ll also visit the swish Manahatta cocktail bar and cosy Pack Horse pub. If you make it all the way, you’ll end up in the Dry Dock – a bar onboard an actual ship. Ready, steady… go!
5) Heavenly Desserts
Good for: Mouthwatering desserts.
What is it: The best dessert place in Sheffield.
Why you should go: After a long day of lectures, sometimes all you need is some sugary comfort food. Heavenly Desserts is the perfect place for students with a sweet tooth. There’s a menu filled with waffles, pancakes, hot cookie dough and more, as well as a multitude of toppings to pick from. As well as desserts they sell smoothies, milkshakes and ice cream mocktails, so there’s plenty to satisfy all your sugar cravings. If you’re not in the mood to eat out don’t worry, as you can always order for home delivery.
6) Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Good for: A unique, arty day out.
What is it: An outdoor gallery and centre for modern sculpture.
Why you should go: Yorkshire Sculpture Park was the first of its kind in the UK and is set across 500 stunning acres. With over a hundred artworks on display, you can get up close and personal with the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Ai Weiwei and Henry Moore. There are five indoor galleries to explore, plus a changing calendar of exhibitions, so you’ll see something new every time you visit.
7) Marsden Jazz Festival
Good for: Experiencing traditional and frankly weird jazz.
What is it: A weekend-long jazz festival in a pretty Pennine village.
Why you should go: Now running for over 30 years, this jazz festival brings a unique atmosphere to the village of Marsden. A huge range of jazz musicians perform each year, from internationally acclaimed artists to rising jazz talents and local school bands. Many of the performances are free, outside on street stages and in parks, pubs and clubs. You’ll treat your ears to an exciting range of cutting-edge modern jazz as well as old school classics, while mixing with the locals and thousands of jazz fans from all over the UK.
8) Kirkgate Market (Leeds)
Good for: Shopping, eating and more shopping.
What is it: One of the largest indoor markets in Europe.
Why you should go: Leed’s Kirkgate Market has been the city’s essential shopping destination for more than a century. Each of the 600 stalls brings their own colourful touch to the exciting atmosphere. You’ll find any kind of cuisine you can think of, including an Asian Bazaar every Wednesday and farmers markets twice a month. There’s also fashion, homewares, flowers and jewellery, and plenty of second hand shops for when you’re waiting for the next payment of your student loan.
9) Adventure Cinema at Owlerton Stadium
Good for: Watching a blockbuster movie under the stars.
What is it: An outdoor cinema experience.
Why you should go: The UK's biggest outdoor cinema tour brings some of the best movies each year to Sheffield’s Owlerton Stadium. Adventure Cinema screens an eclectic mix of classics, musicals, blockbusters and family films, with Top Gun: Maverick on the bill for Sheffield in 2023. The venue holds greyhound and stock car racing events, so it’s a pretty huge place and ideal for an outdoor showing. Snacks and drinks are available to buy, or bring your own popcorn picnic. Make sure you’ve got a camping chair and blankets to stay cosy as the night draws in, then sit back and enjoy the movie.
10) Bradford’s Curries
Good for: Stuffing your face with delicious curry.
What is it: Some of the UK’s best curry houses.
Why you should go: Bradford has been named the UK capital of curries six times, so has a well-earned reputation for some of the most delicious Asian food out there. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to curry houses in Bradford, so the Bradford Curry Awards is a good source for deciding where to try next. The most recent restaurant to be crowned judge’s choice was Lala’s on Leeds and Bradford Road, and the people’s choice winner was the vegetarian Prashad in Drighlington.
Key info about Yorkshire and the Humber
Seven universities in Yorkshire and the Humber appear in the Complete University Guide’s 2024 rankings. There’s a great choice of unis in the region, and the Universities of Leeds and York are both acclaimed Russell Group members because of their world-leading research.
Cities in this area are a real mix and there’s something to suit everyone. Leeds is a real metropolitan, vibrant and multicultural city, with great nightlife, shopping and music. Nearby Bradford is smaller, but just as diverse and will be the City of Culture in 2025. The historic city of York is a unique place to study with its cobbled streets and crooked timber buildings, and Sheffield is an affordable, industrial city with a thriving arts scene.
Thinking about studying in Yorkshire and the Humber but not sure what city you'd feel most at home in? Why not read our student city guides to the region and learn more about what each city has to offer?
