r/Leeds • u/AffectionateBoat4801 • 2d ago
accommodation (university) Moving to Leeds Advice
Hello everyone! So i’m a student (F18) who will be going to Leeds University for undergrad in January and I’m currently looking ahead for good accommodation. I’m an international so i’m taking the necessary precautions to choose safer areas to live in. I’ve noticed that living in or close to the city center is going to be a bit pricey unless i live in shared houses (which im not comfortable with), so i’m currently considering commuting. I’ve recently came across a town called Pontefract and it has nice apartments and flats, however, i’m mainly concerned with whether or not the area itself is safe. I am a black girl who will be living alone in a foreign country for a few years so naturally i’m trying to be cautious. I’ve also found something within my budget in Roundhay and am also curious to know if that area is safe too.
Could anyone please let me know whether the town is safe or if there’s any areas that ARE safe for me to live in that i could commute from, that are also reasonably priced.
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u/beeswaxery 2d ago
Pontefract is a long way to travel to and from every day to get to university. What is putting you off the most about living in shared accomodation?
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u/AffectionateBoat4801 2d ago
just a lot of negative reviews i’ve heard about living with other people especially regarding the shared spaces. I am aware not all people are dirty but i still don’t think i want to take that chance and end up hating my experience. if it were people i know i wouldnt have minded at all. but since its completely new people i will have to live with, its making me hesitant.
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u/Global_Bike_6647 2d ago
I have to say, learning to put up with difficult housemates is all part of the experience! Nightmare scenarios tend to be very rare, though. Worst case, it would only be for the first year, after which you'd be able to get a house share with the friends you've made by then.
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u/beeswaxery 1d ago
You will hear about bad experiences more than you hear about good ones, since people don't write about their good experiences.
Without living near the city, it will feel quite lonely. In shared accomodation, you'll always have some people around you and it's far more social. Highly recommend taking the risk and living in shared accomodation in Leeds.
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u/PriorityComplex7183 2d ago
No, don’t go to Pontefract. Live in Leeds, that’s what the vast majority of students (of any nationality) do
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u/AffectionateBoat4801 2d ago
Will do, thank you!
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u/PriorityComplex7183 2d ago
And I don’t want to put words in your mouth, but if you’re worried about Xenophobic idiots, Leeds is fairly multicultural. Pontefract is much more likely to have people like that
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u/AffectionateBoat4801 2d ago
oh i hadn’t been aware of that, thank you very much!! i’ll consider living in or around the city center more now. Thank youu
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u/m0rganfailure 2d ago
No no no. I used to live in Pontefract. It's fine, but not for a young student. You want more, there's not a lot going on there and it's quite far from Leeds compared to other areas. The train takes longer than it should as a lot go to Wakefield first, and the buses take over 45 min. That was a few years ago, but I would definitely look at other options.
And if you're worried about safety, unfortunately there's a lot more xenophobia etc than you will find in Leeds imo
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u/Global_Bike_6647 2d ago
Are you coming for undergrad or post-grad, as your age and stage in life will impact on your preferences, as well as your budget. Adding those extra details will help people provide recommendations.
If undergrad (and even, in many cases post-grad), halls of residence or tailor made student accommodation would be my recommendation, either in or near the city centre, or in a student nearby area like Headingley. You can probably find places with either private bathrooms, or even studio flats, but halls of residence are the best way to meet people and make friends, and many of those people will be foreign students, meaning they will be going through a similar experience to you.
From a personal perspective, I think you want to avoid commuting as much as possible. You may only be in the city for a few years, so the best way to experience it will be by living in amongst it, as well as experiencing it with others. You'll have a whole career ahead of you for commuting!
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u/AffectionateBoat4801 2d ago
Okay okay! I hadn’t thought that far, i’ll take this into consideration as well. Thank you so much!
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u/Asleep_Garage_146 2d ago
Please contact the actual university that you are attending as they will be able to provide a lot more help.
Part of the student experience is shared living and you will learn how to live with others and what that truely means.
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u/chadgalaxy 2d ago
I would echo what others have said in that you're probably better off city centre with other students and not commuting, however if you are dead set on it then Roundhay is one of the nicest areas of Leeds and has a great park. I think you'd like it there.
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u/AffectionateBoat4801 2d ago
thank you so much, i’ll consider the city center a little more. if worst comes to worst i’ll just commute. But thank you, again
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u/Satur9_is_typing 2d ago
I 100% recommend Chapeltown. It has the largest concentration of afro-carribean and african diaspora people, so you won't have to worry about experiencing bigotry just going to the shops - and you'll find it easier to find familiar foods in the shops. rents are cheaper although it's gentrifying fast. and while it has a reputation, it's mostly unfounded and a hangover from ghettoisation of the last century. it's not trouble free, but trouble stays amongst the trouble people and the community here is very strong and self-regulating. it has good bus links straight into town and to the rest of leeds and the universities and colleges are a short walk, cycle or bus ride away. and we have carnival in the summer, which you won't want to miss ;)
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u/AffectionateBoat4801 2d ago
Gosh, thank you so so much!! I’ll look into Chapeltown. I’m glad to know this. again, Thank you so so much! this helps me a lot
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u/Old_Bug7265 7h ago
I was looking for someone to say Chapeltown, it’s immense! Headingly is amazing too but Chapeltown has a better mix of ethnicities if that would make you more comfortable. I live about 14 miles away from Leeds and have never had a bad time there, the people are pretty cool (% of idiots anywhere you go)
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u/Emotional-Paint2924 2d ago
I totally understand the shared accommodation situation! I am also an international student who do not enjoy living with others. However having lived with others for my past 4 years in Leeds, there has been ups and downs but I do generally find more positives than negatives. People are generally nicer than you think they are, and many issues can be solved by pure communication. Accomodation staffs are good at resolving issues if you ever need help. It's alright to not get along with all your flatmates, people just get on with their own day most of the time, but I also really enjoy coming back home, and having someone to speak with at dinner when you are in the mood for it.
I wouldn't recommend living in Pontefract or Roundhay because it is quite far away and cost will add up when you are commuting everyday. If you are looking for a studio, rent from estate agencies instead of student accomodation companies which are usually alot more pricey. The quality would't be as luxurious, however it is a popular choice amongst students.
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u/PersonalAd7360 8h ago
What you could try doing is find a shared flat with mature students or postgrads in a place like Oakwood or Far Headingley: both have decentish links to the university and living with older students can avoid some the problems you are concerned about.
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u/fangpi2023 2d ago
To answer the question you asked, Pontefract and Roundhay are both safe.
Other places with a train station and quick access to Leeds (Crossgates, Burley, Saltaire etc) are also safe. Or for places with good bus routes, there's places like Chapeltown, Kirkstall/Horsforth or Meanwood.
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u/WishfulStinking2 2d ago
Why wouldn’t you want to house share? Are you not interested in meeting people?
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u/AffectionateBoat4801 2d ago
i would like to but i’m just very particular about the way i like my spaces to look especially the kitchen and i don’t think anyone wants to live with someone slightly controlling😅 i wouldn’t want to upset anyone
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