Green spaces and vibrant venues: our guide to post-exam fun!

If you’ve just finished your exams, you’ll probably be itching to escape the library and get some fresh air!

We've compiled a handy list of places to visit and things you can do to celebrate to get yourself set for the term ahead...

Ideas for enjoying Leeds’ green spaces:

1. Walk or wheel the Winter Campus Tree Trail or go on a Wildlife Wander

This 45-minute tree trail, put together by our very own tree experts at LEAF, guides you to eleven of the most inspiring trees on campus and explains some of the reasons they're so special. Be amazed by the Giant Redwoods, Japanese Maples, and the White Willow that’s been on your doorstep this whole time! 

Our monthly Wildlife Wanders are a relaxed lunchtime walk where we discover wildlife around campus together. Led by University staff, each month we visit different areas and learn about the wonderful biodiversity around us. Sign up for February’s Wildlife Wander here. 

2. Visit Meanwood Valley Urban Farm

Fancy getting your serotonin boost from adorable animals? At Meanwood Valley Urban Farm you’ll find alpacas, pigs, cows, goats, and gorgeous views. After you’ve said hello to your new furry friends, why not visit the farm’s cosy café and check out the local produce at the vegetable patch. 

3. Wander through Roundhay Park 

With over 700 acres of rolling parkland, Roundhay Park is the ideal place to get some post-exam fresh air. There’s lakes, woodland, cafes, gardens, and lovely local pubs nearby so you can really make a day of it. 

4. Walk, cycle or bus over to Kirkstall Abbey  

The abbey is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country and looks gorgeously dramatic on these crisp winter days.  

Get some mood-lifting exercise while you visit by getting there via a walk or cycle along the canal. You could even hire an electric Beryl Bike – new users get 15 minutes free in January! Alternatively, you can get the 49, 50, 50A or 34 bus from near campus. 

Ideas for nights out and evening fun:

As for late-night fun, why not ditch noisy house parties (that run the risk of breaking Leeds’ Public Space Protection Order) and instead check out these independent, vibrant venues.  

1. Enjoy music, food, and drinks at Hyde Park Book Club or Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen! 

Open till late, these thriving indie venues are the place to catch up with friends over live music or excellent food. Why not go along to Book Club to catch up on some reading?

2. Try out something new at Left Bank 

This exciting venue is your go-to space for creativity, culture and community. Visit Left Bank’s markets and explore their wonderfully varied evening events. 

3. Explore new music at Brudenell Social Club

In the heart of Hyde Park, you can enjoy a drink with friends while getting your live-music fix. Celebrate post-exams by seeing both big names and upcoming artists. 

4. Head over to Leeds University Union

With weekly club nights (like the famed Fruity Friday), pub quizzes, and two bars, it's now time to make the most of the social hub for Uni of Leeds Students. 

There will be plenty of events to get involved in during LUU’s Fresh Start Festival! 

Planning to celebrate at home? 

If you do celebrate at home or at friends' houses, make sure you do so respectfully so that everyone in the community can enjoy unwinding in their own homes. Don’t risk ruining those post-exam good vibes by causing a noise nuisance for others. Keep gatherings small, consider music volumes and don’t let noise spill over to outside your property.  

Read more about your responsibilities and the consequences of noise nuisance. 

You don’t have to put up with noise nuisance from others... 

If you are experiencing an issue with anti-social behaviour or noise nuisance from domestic properties, you should contact the Leeds City Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team:

• During office hours (9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday) - call 0113 222 4402
• Outside of office hours (6pm - 3:30am and weekends) - call 0113 376 0337
• Operating hours for the out of hours service are due to be extended from February 2022 and details will be updated on this page once the new hours are in operation.
• Find out more about making a noise complaint to Leeds City Council

You can report issues relating to waste here.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our work on community is linked to the following SDGs:

• Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.