Sustainability for students

Sustainability is an important part of student life at Leeds. This page showcases the many ways you can get involved, from learning about sustainability and living more sustainably on and off campus, to joining projects, campaigns and volunteering opportunities, accessing funding and experiential learning opportunities, developing skills for your future career, and helping tackle real-world environmental and social challenges. 

Sustainability isn't something you do alone. Across the University, students are connecting through societies, campaigns, volunteering opportunities and collaborative projects that create positive environmental and social impact.

Whether you want to campaign for change, get involved in your local community, meet new people or work alongside staff and researchers, there are many ways to participate.

Sustainability isn't just about what you study, it's also about how you live. From your accommodation and travel choices to the food you eat and the waste you produce, there are simple ways to make a positive difference every day. 

Choose plant-based and seasonal food where you can, reduce food waste through schemes such as Too Good To Go, carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, and shop at refill stores like LUU's Green Action Co-op.

Be mindful of your energy use, recycle correctly, and consider sharing, swapping or borrowing items instead of buying new. When you do need to buy something, support local businesses and only purchase what you need, helping to reduce waste, emissions and costs while making student life more sustainable.

Sustainability is embedded across teaching, learning and research at Leeds. Whatever your course, there are opportunities to explore environmental and social challenges and develop the knowledge and skills needed to address them.

Through your studies you can contribute to solutions for global challenges while gaining valuable experience and enhancing your academic journey.

Employers increasingly value the knowledge, skills and experience needed to address environmental and social challenges. Getting involved in sustainability can help you build leadership, communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills that will benefit you throughout your career.

Whether you're looking for volunteering opportunities, work experience, placements or leadership roles, sustainability can help you stand out and make a difference.