Why should I choose Leeds for my year abroad?
A popular and rather large university here means the city is never short of a thing to do, but to be honest, if you’re planning a shopping excursion, you better bring a credit card—Leeds has to be every shopper’s paradise, on a big scale. Don’t fret if the retail world is not for you, though, as there’s much more to see and do than spend your time hunting for that absolute bargain.

You can easily while away an afternoon or two in the Henry Moore Institute, a veritable feast of sculptures by the man himself, as well as other well-known artists. Leeds Art Gallery is also a bit of an attraction, with regular exhibitions showcasing some of the finest art in the area. If you’re rather more interested in the historical side of things, you’ll love Leeds Industrial Museum; a vast array of how the city made its money thanks to the textile industry, with an insightful look into its Dickensian past...

The Corn Exchange is worth a stroll as it houses the bohemian side of the city, with one-off boutiques and cafés, although it’s becoming gentrified, especially around Call Lane, with its more upmarket restaurants and bars. The financial quarter in Leeds is the second largest, outside of London and you can easily get to Park Square for a bit of respite, sitting on the benches admiring the 18th century redbrick townhouses. If you’re looking for something altogether more regal, head to Harewood House, a huge estate replete with tailored gardens, pertaining to none other than the Queen’s cousin! Another stately home can be found at Bramham Park, again with its flourishing gardens and beautiful grounds—you might even spot a Mr Darcy lookalike! Holbeck Urban Village has had a makeover, and you can now explore this historic district, all important at the time of the Industrial Revolution... So all is not shopping and lattes in Leeds, darling!

With all this walking around (or changes on public transport), you’ll want a bite to eat and Leeds has much to offer in terms of gastronomic splendour; with names like Little Tokyo, The Clock Café and the Flying Pizza, you’ll be enamored with the eateries by name alone! You can get all sorts of world food here, so take your pick from the trendy restaurants in the town centre or venture out to the Corn Exchange for something a little more alternative and one-of-a-kind.

Café and bar culture is big here, we found Philpotts and Roots & Fruits to be particularly sound in terms of caffeine and quick bites. In terms of more alcoholic beverages, you’ll be spoilt for choice as all the city’s districts have something to offer. If you’re up for drinking with Leeds’ finest students, head to the ever-popular Strawberry Fields Bar; if you’re willing to paint the town red, Greek Street and its bars will have to be your first port of call; and if you’re looking for something altogether more relaxed, Whitelocks pub will have you bowled over by its place in history as one of Leeds’ oldest pubs.

The clubbing scene is also pretty good, with indie rock being played at Wire, Oceana, Baja and Halo striking the cheesy student chords, with Mint and Hi-Fi offering dance and reggae respectively...A city that’s not just home to shopaholics, but also a true melting pot for all things trendy, historical, alternative, foodie and much much more! Make sure to swing by, if only for the Victorian architecture...