Leeds Beckett University

Location: Leeds

38 Gibraltar Students each year

No direct flight from Gibraltar

Leeds Beckett University (LBU) is a modern university in the heart of Leeds, with roots going back to 1824. It’s known for hands-on, career-focused courses – especially in sport, media, business, and the arts. Its Carnegie School of Sport trains top athletes and works with pro teams like Team GB, and the Northern Film School is one of the best places in the UK to study film.

The University has strong links to Leeds’ music and nightlife scene, even running its own gig venue, and its campus sits right by the famous Headingley Stadium. Some of its buildings are rumored to be haunted, and students often get to work on real-life projects, especially in media.

Notable alumni include Ricky Wilson (Kaiser Chiefs) and Kay Mellor, and the uni prides itself on being creative, career-ready, and a bit different.

Fun fact! Fizzy drinks were invented in Leeds 250 years ago.

Transport

Closest Airport with direct flights from Gibraltar

Manchester Airport (MAN)

The closest airport offering direct flights to Gibraltar is Manchester Airport, about 1.5 hours away by train or car. Train fares start at around £5.

easyJet operates between 3 and 6 flights per week depending on the season, with a flight time of roughly 3 hours.

Return tickets usually cost between £60 and £100.

Nearest Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford International Airport is the closest airport to Leeds Beckett University. The airport is located just six miles from Headingley Campus and eight miles from the City Campus. From this airport you can take a taxi to your accommodation, which should cost approximately £25.

While there are no direct flights to Gibraltar, LBA offers flights to major European cities, which can provide connecting options. There are direct flights to Malaga in which many existing students use as it is cheaper then flying directly to Gibraltar Ryanair and Jet2 have frequent flights in this route.

The airport is well-connected by bus or taxi, with journeys taking around 20 minutes. If you book early, return tickets typically cost between £30 and £70, depending on the season.

Transport costs

Low

Transport in Leeds is quite affordable. Bus fares within the city are around £2 per journey, with student discounts available.

Leeds is particularly bike-friendly, with plenty of cycle lanes and a bike-sharing scheme that encourages sustainable travel.

The city is also known for being very walkable, with most areas easily accessible on foot.

For train travel, students can save a third with a 16–25 Railcard.

Overall, transport costs in Leeds remain relatively low, making it an economical choice compared to bigger cities like London.

Going Out

Nightlife

Leeds has one of the best student nightlife scenes in the UK, students often head into the city centre.

These are some of the many spots you might want to check out:

The Warehouse is a classic Leeds club, known for big student nights and cheap entry.
Pryzm Leeds hosts themed events and freshers’ parties with multiple dance floors.
Fruity at Leeds University Union is one of the city’s most famous student club nights every Friday.
Horsforth pubs like The Brownlee Arms and Town Street Tavern are popular for more relaxed, local nights closer to campus.

Affordable taxis and late buses make it easy for students to travel between Horsforth and the city.

General costs

Living costs around Leeds Beckett are quiete low . Students usually spend around 200-500 (excluding rent).

Food, drinks, and taxis in Leeds are generally cheaper than other big UK cities, making it very student-friendly.

Facilities and Day-to-Day Life

Facilities

Library and Study Spaces: The University Library is a central hub with extensive resources, study rooms, and long opening hours.
Sports and Recreation: The Carnegie Sports Centre features a gym, fitness classes, sports courts, and outdoor pitches for football and rugby.
Labs and Research: Specialist labs for media, journalism, health, and psychology, including TV and radio studios.
Cafés and Restaurants: The campus offers a main dining hall, cafés, and a Starbucks for quick meals or a caffeine fix.
Students’ Union: The Leeds Beckett Students’ Union organizes events, supports societies, and promotes student involvement in sports.

Day to Day

Roundhay Park-big nature park in Leeds, like commonwealth but x100 in size.

First direct arena-modern arena with a range of live performances (comedyto music)

Trinity Leeds- Large shopping centre with diverse retailers.

The Leeds city museum within the city is a great place to check out!

Accomodation

On-Campus Accommodation

Central Village: A popular choice for first-year students, offering en-suite rooms with shared kitchens. It’s located near the city centre, making it easy to access both campus and city life. Prices range from £140–£175 per week.
Leeds Beckett Halls: Located near the city and Headingley campuses, these halls offer en-suite rooms, standard rooms with shared bathrooms, and studio flats. Prices range from £120–£180 per week.
The Foundry: Close to the city centre, this accommodation features en-suite rooms and shared apartments, with prices between £140–£160 per week.

Off-Campus Accommodation

For those looking for private housing, areas like Headingley and Hyde Park are popular with students, offering affordable house shares and apartments.

Popular with First-Year Students

Central Village is particularly sought after for its central location and en-suite rooms, while Leeds Beckett Halls are great for those looking for a social, community-based living experience.

More information can be found HERE.

Campuses

City Campus

Famous For: Central location and modern facilities, home to Business, Law, and Health faculties.
Key Features: The Rose Bowl (Business and Law), a spacious Library, and proximity to Leeds city centre for a vibrant student life.

Headingley Campus

Famous For: Focus on Education, Social Sciences, and Sport, located in the student-friendly Headingley area.
Key Features: The Carnegie Pavilion (Sport), excellent sports facilities, and a quieter, community-focused vibe with easy access to the city.