Starting university is a big change. New city, new home, new people and, for many students, the first time living away from family. If you’re starting university in Leeds this September, there’s plenty to look forward to – but it’s completely normal to have a few questions about what those first few weeks will actually be like.

The good news? Leeds is a fantastic student city and you won’t be the only person finding your feet. Thousands of new students arrive every September, ready to settle into their accommodation, explore the city and start university life.

From finding your Leeds student home to getting settled once you’ve collected the keys, the Parklane Properties team is here to help. Here’s what you can expect during your first few weeks.

Moving Into Your Student Home in Leeds

First things first: move-in day.

Whether you’re moving into a shared student house or your own apartment, it’s worth being organised before you arrive. Check your tenancy information, make sure you know when and where to collect your keys and have the essentials packed for your first few days.

You don’t need to bring everything with you. Leeds has plenty of supermarkets, homeware shops and city-centre stores, so forgotten kitchen utensils or an extra set of bedding are easy enough to sort.

If you’re living in a shared Parklane Properties student house, move-in day may also be one of the first opportunities you have to properly get to know your housemates. Even if you’ve spoken in a group chat for months, living together is a little different.

Start as you mean to go on. Talk about things such as cleaning, sharing communal items, bills and how you want to use shared spaces. Getting the practical conversations out of the way early can make life much easier later in the year.

What Happens During Freshers’ or Welcome Week?

Your first week at university in Leeds is likely to be busy.

Universities usually organise a range of welcome activities, from introductory talks and campus tours to society fairs, social events and course meetings. You certainly don’t need to attend everything, but getting involved is one of the easiest ways to meet people.

Take some time to visit your students’ union and find out which clubs and societies are available. Whether you’re interested in sport, music, gaming, volunteering, food or something completely different, joining a society can help you meet people outside your course and accommodation.

Remember that everyone approaches Freshers’ Week differently. You don’t need to be out every night to make friends or have a good university experience. Pick the events you’re interested in and give yourself some downtime too.

Get to Know Your Part of Leeds

One of the best things about moving to Leeds for university is discovering the different areas of the city.

Popular student areas including Headingley, Hyde Park, Burley and Woodhouse each have their own feel, with plenty of shops, cafés, takeaways and places to meet friends. Leeds city centre is also within easy reach of the main student areas and offers everything from shopping and restaurants to live music, nightlife and cultural attractions.

Parklane Properties has been helping people find homes across Leeds for decades, so we know the city through and through. Our student properties can be found across some of Leeds’ most popular locations, helping you choose a home that works for your university, social life and day-to-day routine.

During your first few weeks, spend some time exploring on foot. Find your nearest supermarket, pharmacy, coffee shop and bus stop. Work out where you’ll go for a quick food shop and, perhaps most importantly, where you’ll order your first Friday night takeaway.

Leeds will start to feel like home surprisingly quickly.

Work Out Your Route to University

Before your first proper day of lectures, do a practice journey to campus.

It might sound unnecessary, but knowing exactly where you’re going can make that first Monday morning much less stressful. Check how long it takes to walk, where your nearest bus stops are and whether cycling is a realistic option.

If you’re studying at the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Arts University or another Leeds institution, your journey will depend on where your course is based, so check your timetable carefully.

Give yourself extra time during the first couple of weeks. Finding the right building or lecture theatre can sometimes take longer than expected.

Set a Student Budget Early

University life comes with plenty of new expenses, and it can be tempting to spend a little too freely during your first few weeks.

Creating a simple budget early can make a big difference.

Start with the essentials: rent, household costs, food and transport. Then work out what you can comfortably spend on socialising, eating out and everything else.

Your first few weeks are also a good opportunity to learn where you can save money. Look for student discounts, make use of your student card and keep an eye out for deals at local restaurants, shops and attractions.

You don’t need a complicated spreadsheet. Simply knowing what is coming in and roughly what you can afford to spend each week is a good start.

Give Yourself Time to Settle In

Starting university can feel like you’re supposed to have everything figured out immediately. You aren’t.

Some people meet their closest friends during Freshers’ Week. Others find their group later through their course, societies, work or housemates. Some students know their way around Leeds within days, while others are still discovering new parts of the city months later.

There’s no right way to settle into university life.

Your first few weeks are about getting comfortable with your new routine. Learn your way around campus, get to know the people you live with, explore Leeds and make your new student accommodation feel like your own.

And don’t forget to keep in touch with home. A quick phone call can make a big difference when everything around you feels new.

Make Your Student House Feel Like Home

Your student accommodation is going to be your base for the year, so make it somewhere you actually enjoy spending time.

A few photos, cushions, plants or familiar items from home can quickly make your bedroom feel more personal. If you’re sharing, talk to your housemates about making communal spaces comfortable too.

Just remember to check your tenancy agreement before putting anything on walls or making changes to the property.

If you’re living in a Parklane Properties home and you have a question about your property or tenancy, our team is there to point you in the right direction. Getting settled shouldn’t mean figuring everything out by yourself.

Welcome to Student Life in Leeds

Those first few weeks at university can fly by. Between meeting new people, exploring Leeds, starting lectures and getting used to living independently, there’s a lot happening at once.

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to do everything straight away. Explore at your own pace, say yes to new experiences when you can and give yourself time to settle into your new home and routine.

Leeds has a huge student community and plenty to discover, whether you’re here for three years or decide to make the city your home long after graduation.

And when it comes to your student accommodation, Parklane Properties knows Leeds.

From finding your Leeds student home to getting settled once you’ve collected the keys, our team is here to help you make the move.

Starting your student journey in Leeds? Explore student homes with Parklane Properties and find the right place to call home.