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  Enjoy an alternative night in Leeds
  Many people simply assume that, when a student has no work to do and is looking for a way to spend the evening, the only plausible option is to head out into the city for a night out. However as students, we know that isn't always the case. Sometimes we have an early alarm the next morning, or simply don't have the budget to be out splashing cash every week. If you're wanting to head out with friends, but want to steer clear of the typical student vibe, we've got some great ideas for you. Roxy Ball Room Leeds is a great city when it comes to venues for an evening drink. The recent addition of Trinity Leeds to the city skyline means there are now an abundance of high end drinks establishments. However if you're just wanting somewhere to meet friends and relax, without making any special effort, Roxy is the place to head. Situated on Boar Lane, the location of the bar is perfect, as it means you'll still be amongst the hustle and bustle of a busy city evening, however inside you won't be cramped for space. The expansive and stripped back interior has a great feel and gives you an immediate feeling of relaxation. Having only recently opened, you could be forgiven for not even knowing of Roxy's existence, however it's the perfect bar to head to if you to add an element of entertainment to your evening. Packed with ping pong and pool tables, the bar is primarily aimed at bringing out your fun side, as you can enjoy a steady evening with friends whilst having a fun time. With an indie and rock soundtrack to accompany your night, Roxy provides a totally different environment in which you can enjoy the evening.  Leeds Met Gig As a Leeds student, you're probably aware of the abundance of different options available if you want an evening of live music. However, if you're after something cheaper and more intimate than a gig at the arena or academy, Leeds Met Students Union often plays host to a range of more acquired musical tastes. Tickets are relatively cheap, the venue is a handy one and it's a good spot to head with friends who are searching for a way to spend the evening. To kick off the month of March, the Leeds Met music scene welcomes Scottish synthpop band Chvrches, who will play hits from their newest studio album The Bones of What You Believe on the 9th March. Later in the month, popular rockers Band of Skulls play to the Leeds student audience, and as we move into April, American punk rockers Alkaline Trio are sure to pack out the venue for their gig on the 19th. Another highlights for April includes a performance from Funeral for a Friend on the 26th. Belgrave Music Hall Leeds' coolest new haunt, Belgrave Music Hall has received many plaudits since its recent opening. Self described as  an 'independent venue with music, art, film and food spread across three floors, including Leeds’ most spectacular roof terrace'. With a selection of cool music, craft beers and a more discerning audience in attendance, Belgrave Music Hall is ideal if you're wanting a good atmosphere that avoids the typical student types. Check out the website to view the surroundings, food offerings and musical acts on offer this month.   Image used under creative commons courtesy of Kwesihackman.
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  Create a perfect study space
  Now that the extended Christmas break is firmly in the rear view window, it's time to really crack down and be driven over the next few months to drag your grade up as high as possible. With deadlines, assessments and exams all fast approaching, it's time to hit the books and work hard. If your student house sounds more like a warzone than a working haven, it might be time to turn your room into a revision retreat. If you want somewhere you can truly get some relief and focus on studies, check out our tips on getting in  the zone for studying.

  Make sure you're secluded from the bedlam

  We all know how a student house can get, and if you're spending an evening in doing work, you'll have any number of distractions around you that you need to avoid. From friends coming around before a night out, to rowdy competitions on the Xbox, distractions and noise can be everywhere. Make sure that your room isn't in a loud zone, and if it is try and move to a more secluded spot. The sound of voices and fun can not only slow down your production, but also lead to mistakes creeping into your work. If you can hear a buzz of activity from downstairs, why not put on some soft music to drain it out. Something instrumental and without vocals is ideal and can even make an environment more conducive to work.

  Workspace

  The chances are that you'll have a desk in your room, however as a typical student, it's highly unlikely to be clean and suitable for working on. If your desk is covered with dirty washing and the dishes from your tea last night, you need to have a bedroom clean. Having a clear workspace will put you in the right frame of mind for a session of studying. It'll give you room for books, means you won't lose notes and you'll have no distractions in your nearby vicinity.

  Lighting

  There's nothing more depressing than being bogged down with assessments and having to sit in the dark to slowly get through them all. It's remarkable how much difference lighting can have on both your mood and your attitude to work. If your room is a bit gloomy and the main light isn't bright enough, then you might need a desk lamp.

  Get comfy

  University courses are gruelling and if you want a top grade, it'll involve a lot of hard work. The chances are that you'll spend a lot of time working at your desk if you're determined to succeed. The thought of sitting in an awful uncomfortable chair is more than enough to deter even the most conscientious of student from cracking on with work. If there are other chairs in the house and are unused, swap them around until you find one that is comfy enough for you to work on.

  Be equipped

  Once your workspace is ready, you're all set to get cracking. Make sure that you have all the books, resources and equipment ready on your desk though, otherwise you'll constantly find yourself on the move grabbing books and pens. so gather everything you might need, arrange it on your desk and settle in for the long haul.  
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  House or Flat: Student living in Leeds
  After the first year of initially settling into your new university life and making friends, many students will then choose to uproot off campus and into a home of their very own. Choosing a new property isn't easy, and deciding who you share that home with can be even more difficult. If you're torn between the simple single living life, or group housing, then check out our tips below on whether housing or flats are your best option.

  Student living in a Flat

  Renting a flat can be an attractive proposition. Commonly favoured by young professionals, many flats and apartments are located in the centre of Leeds, meaning they're great if you're wanting to be in the hustle and bustle of the city. Although you may not want to live alone as a student, living in a single flat does have a number of advantages; it's your own space, providing you with a sense of independence and also means you won't be reliant on housemates when it comes to costs. To put it quite simply, city centre apartment living is the epitome of cool. If you're wanting the central apartment lifestyle but want to share the experience with friends, there are great options available too. The Triangle offers services of the highest quality and includes single room flats through to five and six bedroom apartments. City centre apartment living gives you easy access not only to university facilities in Leeds, but all the shops, restaurants and amenities of one of the country's most vibrant locations. In terms of cost, apartment living may not be as cheap as opting to house share or living on an all inclusive basis, but with prices under £100 per person per week, it is certainly affordable.

  Student Living in a House

  Houses can come in all shapes and sizes, accommodating almost any amount of people. So whether you're wanting to live with your closest three friends, or as a group of eight or more, there are options available. Generally speaking in terms of costs, sharing with more people means bills will be cheaper and your rent will be likely to cost less. It might be a cost saver in some aspects, however with more people in your home, it's likely the lethargic student attitude will lead to a more untidy home. In terms of where student housing is primarily located, you're likely to be moving out of the city to find your property. Headingley is a prime location for house sharing opportunities, and as a student hub, you'll have plenty on your doorstep. The main area of Headingley offers bars, restaurants, supermarkets and other stores, meaning that you'll still have everything you need within a short walk. Evenings socialising are great in Headingley, due to it being the main student living destination, and from cheap meal deals to independent restaurants, you'll be spoilt for choice on Otley Road.  
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  Secure your home over Christmas
  Christmas is around the corner, and with the student population of Leeds all packing up and heading home for family festivities, your homes won't be protected daily by the deterrent of regular inhabitants. Before you head back to your family home, be if for a quick week or an extended month, make sure you follow our tips to keeping your student house safe.

  Take valuables home with you

  It might seem like an obvious suggestion, but a large amount of students choose to leave valuables in their student house over the Christmas break. Some of the worst-hit burglary areas are ones which have a high student population, so the festive period, where houses are empty can be a haven for thieves. You'll obviously take your smartphone and other mobile devices home with you, but if there are larger items such as desktop computers and televisions in your home, it will be costly to replace them if the worst should happen. Don't leave items of value in your uninhabited home.

  Be prepared

  The winter and the long dark nights are proven to bring an increase in burglary nationwide, so even if you take all the proper precautions, there is often nothing you can do if targeted by thieves. Check that your insurance policy is in order before leaving for an extended time, as the last thing you want upon returning is to lose valuable possessions and them not be covered.

  Deterrents

  It might go against every fibre of your being as a student, but if you leave the house on an evening, or even for an extended period, it can be a real help if you leave a visible light on as a deterrent. We understand that you might have to scrape around for your electricity bill, but the couple of hours you leave the hall light on when out can help prevent a break-in. If you're leaving for the holidays, set up a light timer that flicks a light on for an hour on an evening. Alarm systems are also a great aid, and even a deterrent. The flashing alarm box on a home will be spotted by potential thieves and it may steer them away from your home.

  Secure it

  It can often be a difficult job to keep track of people coming and going in a student home. With varying university timetables and people heading out to meet friends for Christmas celebrations, you might not always know how many people are home. If there is any doubt in your mind as to whether you're last to leave, make sure you secure your home by locking the door. Unlocked doors and windows can be a recurring problem when it comes to student burglaries. Make sure your house isn't left vulnerable - lock the windows, doors and even the exterior gates.

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