Shops for Leeds student bargain hunters

Written by Genevieve Osborne-James

Moving to university opens up an opportunity to recreate yourself, but re-branding your wardrobe isn’t always quite so simple. Although Leeds does have an endless list of ideal shopping spots, for most students the choices are somewhat restricted by a lack of funding.

However Leeds, being the considerate city that it is, offers a range of shops for those with double-knotted purse strings. Aside from the massive Primark which is, needless to say, student friendly here are a few less well known places for the bargain hunters out there.

Charity Shops

There are a few charity shops dotted around Leeds all supporting numerous charities and they are ideal if you are willing to set aside a little time to browse the rails. To name a few, Scope (The Headrow), Oxfam (Otley Road) and Poverty Aid (Cardigan Road) are great places to do some guilt free shopping.

In fact, you can feel good about your spending as the profits go towards deserving causes. These places are goldmines for those who like to look individual as a lot of items sold are no longer available elsewhere, and if you’re lucky you may even find some real vintage gems. Some even sell second hand furniture, which is great if you’ve just moved into your first empty student house.

Kirkgate Market

Kirkgate market is at the bottom of town and boasts a repertoire of over 800 traders. Not only can you pick up fresh fruit and veg and quality meat for dinner, but you can also get a new outfit for Friday night and a new toilet seat (to replace the one you broke last Friday night) all in the same place.

As the student year draws to an end and your student loan is running out, Kirkgate market is a great place for window shopping. The hussle and bussle of the busy shoppers and the jolly traders creates an amazing atmosphere which is a pleasure to be a part of.

The Vintage Fair

Every year Leeds is graced with the arrival of the Vintage Fair. Usually held in Leeds University’s Student Union, the fair is an opportunity for anyone to pick up some amazing one-off items. These can range from baskets full of old watch faces to winter coats and 50’s dresses, with prices that are just as diverse.

Although there are tons of bargains on the rails, there are also collectable items worth a little more than the change from your sandwich. The Vintage Fair will be coming to Leeds’ student union in late September and throughout the year, with dates to be confirmed.

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