Leeds student freshers’ week events guide

Find out about events during Freshers’ week in Leeds

Your big sister lost her phone. Your cousin was sick before he’d even started drinking. Your uncle earned an unattractive nickname that stuck with him for his entire university career. There’s always an intimidating Freshers’ Week story to be told that leaves you, frankly, none the wiser. As the time is now upon you to experience that magic, a tasty preview of the best hits of the Leeds freshers week is available for your scrutiny and enjoyment.

Monday 19 September

With Leeds having one of the largest campuses in the UK, it’s definitely a good idea to take advantage of the Leeds University Union-run tour. With tours starting a 9.30 and available every half hour throughout the week, it’s a perfect way to get to know both the university and your fellow freshers.

Leeds Met will be kicking off the week with their neon carnival foam party, with presenter Reggie Yates DJing the night amongst an array of circus performers and, well, foam. Church-turned-club Halo also offers a cheap start to the partying week with a £1 entry before midnight to Monday Night Mass. Don’t worry, it’s freshers’ week – a little bit of immorality never did anyone any harm.

Tuesday 20 September

For a more unexpected turn of freshers’ week events, hypnotist and comic Hugh Lennon returns to Leeds once more to mesmerise his audience with his sell-out Edinburgh Fringe Show. For £3.50, expect tricks and other intellectual feats that make you wonder how you got a place at university.

For later-night events, Leeds University Union will be hosting club night Dance Like Your Dad, complete with stellar retro tunes to bring out your worst moves to. If you fancy some alternative old age fun, head down to The Faversham for Moustache Tuesdays. With a host of rock and pop crowd pleasers to boot, it’s always worth joining their Facebook page and adding your name to their wall for the £2 cheaplist.

Wednesday 21 September

And so the freshers’ fairs begin! Leeds and Leeds Met (at their Headingley campus) will be offering you the chance to stock up on free sweets, pens that don’t work and a myriad of interesting stickers. An array of societies will fill the hall for the rest of the week, inspiring you to climb a mountain and be part of a drum collective, all while being a successful interpretive dancer, so don’t forget your cash to join up to the most interesting groups.

On the night, prepare to re-experience the joys of starched shirts and ill-fitting footwear for Leeds University Union’s School Disco, complete with cheesy tunes to boot. If you’re in need of a change of scenery, head to The Cockpit to see electropop sensations Metronomy on their latest tour.

Thursday 22 September

For the early risers, a Leeds University Union-run trip to Kirkgate Market at 9.45am offers a nice outdoor excursion as well as the chance to grab a bargain. For fashion victims and vintage lovers alike, the Leeds Met Vintage Fair is unmissable. Clothing and accessories will be available to purchase, as well as the opportunity for a vintage makeover and a posh tea party. The luxurious china will make your supermarket-bought mugs pale in comparison.

For a good night out, a trip to Wire nightclub for some indie hits and the perfect opportunity to practise your air guitar. The silent headphone disco at Leeds University Union is always a freshers’ favourite and offers up rave paint, geek glasses and rave gear for the taking.

Friday 23 September

In order for you to get to know your new home, Leeds University Union will host sightseeing tours at 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm, which presents the perfect opportunity to get to know the heart of Yorkshire. The Leeds Met freshers’ fair will relocate to City campus, offering you a second chance to get the best out of free fresher gifts.

The union rivalry kicks off tonight as Leeds’ and Leeds Met’s veteran university club nights Fruity and F*U*E*L taken over their respective unions. Get your tickets early, because for both universities this is one union event not to miss.

Saturday 24 September

For the ultimate clubbing experience, the first part of the Wax: On and Metropolis trilogy is coming to Leeds University Union with the best in dub step, electronic and dance music, complete with a Nero and Annie Mac DJ set and the ultimate 5am late-night finish. Leeds Met will be hosting a circus-themed freshers’ ball complete with music from Agrro Santos and Nick Grimshaw. If neither event floats your boat, Propaganda at 02 Academy will be hosting their hugely popular indie night. Be safe on the indoor bouncy castle!

Sunday 25 September

Come on guys, this is the day of rest. Do you even have any money left to spend? Even so, Leeds being the nightlife hub it is, there is still a night out on offer. If you are a risqué sort of individual and fancy a rather decrepit first lecture, then there’s always some good Motown classics played at the Sunday Joint at HiFi. But that information didn’t come from me.

Leeds Map

Browse the map and click on the pins to find the location of the places featured in this guide.