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A Freshers’ Guide: The A-Z of Leeds Beckett

FreshersLeeds

We know how daunting moving to a new city can be. Feeling lost and not knowing what the other students know. Follow this A-Z guide and you will have all the knowledge you need for moving to Leeds Beckett.

A – Antics

Beckett’s biggest night, and it’s not one to be missed! With the main room, the cheese room and the R&B room its Leeds biggest social, and with £3 doubles every Wednesday, we can see why.

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B – Bleed Purple

Pack everything purple and be prepared to Bleed Purple every Wednesday at Beckett. Whether its rugby, hockey, netball, or swimming there’s something for everyone to get involved with or spectate. It wouldn’t be Beckett without Wednesday sports.

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C – Corn Exchange

If you’re looking for somewhere that isn’t the lecture theatres, your kitchen, or the pub (I’m aware, crazy idea), then wander over to the Corn Exchange. Full of indie shops, chill cafes, and an aesthetic that’ll make your Instagram scream edgy Leeds student.

D – Disco Spoons

Disco Spoons (formally known as The Hedley Verity) is the Beckett staple. A Wetherspoons that turns into a nightclub. What’s not to love? Although you will turn into a huddle of penguins trying to keep warm in the queue (totally not from experience).

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E – Elland Road

We’re all Leeds aren’t we…is a phrase you will likely hear regularly. Watch Leeds United in the premier league this season and if football has never been your thing? Well now you have a new team to support.

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F – Festivals

Obviously the infamous Leeds Fest is not one to miss, but there are so many other festivals to get involved with. Day festivals at Beaverworks, or get involved with our Diwali events in first term and meet new people. Our Holi event is never one to miss and offers a great community vibe.

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G – Gigs

From The Hive to Brudenell or the O2 Academy, there is always a gig on offer in Leeds no matter your taste. Keep updated on our socials for the next gig.

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H – Hive

Your students’ union bar on campus is the best place to grab some cheap food, have a coffee, meet before (or after) lectures and do some work. We have an inclusive menu from vegan to halal and gluten-free, as well as a kids menu! Find out more about The Hive here!

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I – Inclusivity

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to support the diverse student community we have at LBU, and ensure everyone feels empowered. From our accessible events to inclusive societies, we’re working hard to make campus a place for everyone.

J – James Graham Building

For those on Headingley campus, this may start to feel like home. Hide away in the picturesque building during exams or frolic on the acre in the summer. Pack your rounders kit for the latter.

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K – Kirkgate Market

It’s one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, and for cheap eats, it’s the place to be. There’s so much choice and many lunch time deals and (not to be biased) Jenny’s Jerk has to be enjoyed at least once.

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L – Leslie Silver Building

The inner walls of this building will start to resemble your home for city campus students during exam weeks. With 4 floors, plenty of space and endless rows of books, it's best to get down early and secure your seat. Or come when everyone else has left and work through the night. The choice is yours.

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M – Museums

Need a break from the fast-paced student life? Go and visit one of the amazing museums Leeds has to offer. Check out the exhibits at Leeds City Museum just a 10 minute walk from campus (there’s a mummy) or check out the art gallery and feel slightly more superior to the other students that have never been.

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N – Nine AMs

Apparently they’re a thing. Not if it’s a Thursday though.

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O – Otley Run

15 pubs in fancy dress, what’s not to like? Except the queues to get in, the queues for the bar, the queues for the toilets and the fact you likely won’t remember your name at the end. It’s a staple for any Leeds student and will take all your student loan in one day.

P – Panini of the Day

Are you really a Beckett student without wolfing down at least 1 panini a week from The Hive? Grab a panini before lectures for £3.25, because there’s nothing worse than sitting through a 2 hour lecture with your stomach making whale noises at the back of the theatre.

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Q – Quarter Zips

If you’re planning to be a Wednesday sports regular, make sure to pack your best quarter zip and walk into Taps like you own the place. Actually bring a second for any Invades Races events you’re probably going to attend. Or if a quarter zip isn't to your taste, shop our merch!

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R – Rudys

Whether you’re on City or Headingley campus, you will eat a copious amount of Rudys pizza, and you won’t be mad about it. Nothing says sunny day in Headingley quite like sitting outside Rudys with an Aperol (or diet coke) and a pizza bigger than your face.

S – Societies

Joining a society at uni is usually one of the best decisions you will ever make. From academics to sports to religion and culture, there is literally something for everyone. You’ll either spend your time painted blue drinking who knows what from who knows shoe, or being slightly more civilised but by no means having any less fun. Find out more here!

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T – Taps

You might not venture over here until second year, but be prepared to spend more money than you’d ever like to admit of £2.50 pints of Coors or cider black, and if we’re being honest it is Beckett’s pub, so don’t worry about running into any Uni of rivals.

U – Union

Meet new people, explore our student communities and societies and grab loads of freebies at the freshers fair down at our SU. Remember uni isn’t just your course and the SU has so many events to get stuck in to and round off your Beckett experience. Take a look at our website and get familair! 

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V- Varsity

Wear purple, learn the chants, and support our teams every year as they face off against Uni of. There are matches all week with the finale at the Headingley Stadium in a rugby union clash of the titans. If you’ve made friends with any Uni of students, forget about them for the week: they’re your arch enemies.

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W – What’s On?

At Beckett you never have to worry about an event in the calendar slipping your memory. We have a weekly What’s On? post on our IG, and have a whole section on the website too, so it’s super easy to keep up to date, or find something new to have a go at.

X – Xtravaganza

Be prepared for the Xtravaganza of your life when embarking on the Beckett student journey. There is nothing else quite like it. Take pictures, savour memories, make lifelong friends – before you know it you’ll be planning a diss and browsing graduation outfits (I’m not crying, you are).

Y – Yorkshire

There’s no where else quite like Yorkshire. You’ll be saying breadcake, lass, and ey up in no time. There’s so much more to studying at LBU than just Leeds – picturesque villages and amazing nature walks just a stones throw away, being in Yorkshire is like no other. It even has it's own tea bags!

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Z – Zzzz

Bank up some serious sleep now. Future, sleep-deprived, living off instant noodles and socials you, will be eternally grateful.

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