Looking for something to do this summer?

Join us on campus for free events, activities and a chance to meet other students and postgraduate researchers. If you currently have an offer at Leeds and are hoping to join us in September, why not come along too?

From Monday 28 June, we’ll be launching our summer in Leeds programme. We’ll be running events that let you explore campus, rediscover the city, enjoy sport and wellbeing sessions at the Edge, art trails, movies, picnics and more.

The best bit? These events are all free AND you can bring your family (make sure you book a place for each member of your family, including children). All we ask is that you book on to events in advance and follow the Covid guidance below.

Get involved

If you have any ideas for activities or events you would like us to run as part of the programme, or any questions or feedback, contact studentcommunications@leeds.ac.uk. 

Check this page regularly for an up-to-date list of events and to reserve your spot! Share your event photos with us on social media using the hashtag #summerinleeds.

If you are looking for a place to unwind, check out this guide to places to relax and take a break on campus.

Looking for somewhere to study on campus? Find out where to study on campus.

Schedule

Activities and events will run from 28 June – 17 September 2021 and the schedule will be updated regularly. If you can no longer make an event make sure you cancel your booking so another student can take your place.

Monday 26 July

• Campus tour and free lunch, 11.30am – 1.45pm. Join our student ambassadors for a tour and lunch from the Refectory. Discover, or rediscover the University and get involved with the on campus community. Meet fellow students over lunch (included free of charge). Book your place.
• Preparing for Interviews for International Students Event (online), 12noon – 1.30pm. This webinar will look at the various forms of interviews being offered by employers as part of the selection and recruitment process, as well as the different types of questions that are asked at interview. Careers Consultants will offer hints and tips about how to approach answering these questions and how best to prepare for an interview. Book your place via My Career.
• Wall-E: Film screening and ice cream, 2pm – 3.45pm. Join us on campus at the Big Screen to watch a family friendly film, with free ice cream included! Book a table in our marquee (opposite the entrance to Leeds University Union) for up to 6 people and we’ll bring the cinema experience to you. Table service bar also available. Book your place.
• Arrival: Film screening and ice cream, 5pm – 7pm. Join us on campus at the Big Screen to watch a critically acclaimed film, with free ice cream included! Book a table in our marquee (opposite the entrance to Leeds University Union) for up to 6 people and we’ll bring the cinema experience to you. Table service bar also available. Book your place.

Tuesday 27 July

• Dancefit (adults only), 8.45am – 9.45am. Join Rebecca for this fun dance class, sweating it out to great music and burning energy without even realising. No dance experience? No issue. Just pop your trainers on and join in!  Book your place.
• Meanwood Valley Trail, 10am – 12.30pm. Explore the green spaces of Leeds and follow our guide on a morning walk through the leafy suburbs of Meanwood. Experience Leeds like a local and enjoy Yorkshire wildlife in summer bloom. Book your place.
• City Chase and free lunch, 11am – 1.30pm. Join our student ambassadors for a city chase activity and lunch from the Refectory. The city chase is a treasure hunt activity where you will explore the city centre and find useful and fun locations as part of a team. Celebrate your achievement with your team over lunch afterwards (included free of charge). Book your place.
• Wellbeing Run Club, 12.05pm – 12.45pm. Whether you've just started running or are looking for something flexible to fit around your schedule, then come and join us. This is a great opportunity to create a wellbeing break into our day. Staff and students all welcome. Come ready to run in your gym gear. Book your place.
• Kirkstall Valley walk, 1.30pm – 4pm. Explore the green spaces of Leeds and follow our guide on an afternoon walk through the leafy suburb of Kirkstall. Experience Leeds like a local and enjoy Yorkshire wildlife in summer bloom. Book your place.
• Paddington: Film screening and ice cream, 2pm – 3.45pm. Join us on campus at the Big Screen to watch a family friendly film, with free ice cream included! Book a table in our marquee (opposite the entrance to Leeds University Union) for up to 6 people and we’ll bring the cinema experience to you. Table service bar also available. Book your place.
• Pilates (adults only), 2.30pm – 3.30pm. Pilates is a form of exercise that works with your mind-body connection to focus on increasing strength, flexibility, posture, and balance. This class will be suitable for all fitness levels. Book your place.
• Mindfulness (online), 4pm – 5pm. Practicing mindfulness can be a great way to manage stress and boost compassion, focus, empathy, patience, energy, and ultimately, happiness. The session will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams. Book your place.
• Finding Nemo: Film screening and ice cream, 5pm – 7pm. Join us on campus at the Big Screen to watch a family friendly film, with free ice cream included! Book a table in our marquee (opposite the entrance to Leeds University Union) for up to 6 people and we’ll bring the cinema experience to you. Table service bar also available. Book your place.

Wednesday 28 July

• Free lunch and Museum trip, 10am – 11am. Leeds University Library Galleries could be all yours for an hour. Book for yourself, or as a group, to discover the wonders on display, with everything from medieval manuscripts to modern art. Once you have got your culture fix pick up your free lunch voucher for the Refectory. Book your place.
• Indoor Climbing, 10am – 11am, 11.30am – 12.30pm, 1pm – 2pm and 2.30pm – 3.30pm. Try out climbing with ropes on the 8m climbing wall (on campus at The Edge gym) with the help of instructor, Tudor. Suitable for beginners as well as those who have climbed before. Wear comfortable clothing & clean trainers. Book your place.
• Kayaking in the Pool, 2pm – 3pm, or 3.30pm – 4.30pm. Swimming will be an active part of the session therefore you must be able to tread water and confidently swim one length to attend this session. Take to the water in a kayak in our 25m, 8 lane swimming pool in The Edge gym. You'll learn some paddling skills as well as participate in games and activities. Taster session suitable for beginners of kayaking. Bring your swimming kit and a t-shirt to wear in the pool. Book your place.
• HIIT (online) 2.30pm – 3.30pm. This High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class is designed to burn calories and get your blood pumping using full body exercises! The session is open to all abilities and will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams. Book your place.

Thursday 29 July

• Free lunch and Icebreakers, 12.30pm – 3pm. Join our student ambassadors in the marquee (opposite the entrance to Leeds University Union) for a fun interactive session of activities set to bring together the campus community. Come on your own or as a group and meet fellow students over lunch (included free of charge). Book your place.
• Introduction to exercise and fitness (adults only), 1.30 – 2.30pm. Join Lucy who will take you back to basics with this entry level workout session. Whether you are a complete gym novice, recently getting back into exercise or just want to refocus on correct form and posture with certain exercises, this session is for you. Book your place.

Friday 30 July

• Careers Drop in for International Students (online), 10am – 11am. Careers Consultant, Marc Steward, will be available to answer any career or employability-related questions you might have. Book your place.
• Meanwood Valley Trail, 10am – 12.30pm. Explore the green spaces of Leeds and follow our guide on a morning walk through the leafy suburbs of Meanwood. Experience Leeds like a local and enjoy Yorkshire wildlife in summer bloom. Book your place.
• Kirkstall Valley walk, 1.30pm – 4pm. Explore the green spaces of Leeds and follow our guide on an afternoon walk through the leafy suburb of Kirkstall. Experience Leeds like a local and enjoy Yorkshire wildlife in summer bloom. Book your place.
• Treasures of the Brotherton - Discover the highlights! (online), 2pm – 3pm. Join us for an introduction to Special Collections and hear stories about some of the highlights currently on display in the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery. Book your place.
• Kung Fu (adults only), 4pm – 5pm. Join Andy in this session where he will be teaching all elements of Shaolin Kung Fu & Internal Kung Fu. Book your place.

Monday 2 August

• Campus tour and free lunch, 10am – 12.15pm. Join our student ambassadors for a tour and lunch from the Refectory. Discover, or rediscover the University and get involved with the on campus community. Meet fellow students over lunch (included free of charge). Book your place.
• Free picnic lunch and lawn games at Woodhouse Moor, 1.15pm – 3.45pm. Join our student ambassadors in Woodhouse Moor for a relaxing lunch in the park, followed by a selection of lawn games. Come on your own or as a group and meet fellow students during ball games and throw and catch activities. Families and friends welcome. Book your place.

Tuesday 3 August

• Dancefit (adults only), 8.45am – 9.45am. Join Rebecca for this fun dance class, sweating it out to great music and burning energy without even realising. No dance experience? No issue. Just pop your trainers on and join in! Book your place.
• Meanwood Valley Trail, 10am – 12.30pm. Explore the green spaces of Leeds and follow our guide on a morning walk through the leafy suburbs of Meanwood. Experience Leeds like a local and enjoy Yorkshire wildlife in summer bloom. Book your place.
• City Chase and free lunch, 11am – 1.30pm. Join our student ambassadors for a city chase activity and lunch from the Refectory. The city chase is a treasure hunt activity where you will explore the city centre and find useful and fun locations as part of a team. Celebrate your achievement with your team over lunch afterwards (included free of charge). Book your place.
• Wellbeing Run Club, 12.05pm – 12.45pm. Whether you've just started running or are looking for something flexible to fit around your schedule, then come and join us. This is a great opportunity to create a wellbeing break into our day. Staff and students all welcome. Come ready to run in your gym gear. Book your place.
• Free picnic lunch and Icebreakers at Woodhouse Moor, 1.30pm – 4pm. Join our student ambassadors in Woodhouse Moor for a relaxing picnic in the park, followed by fun interactive session of Icebreaker activities. Come on your own or as a group and meet fellow students over lunch (included free of charge). Book your place.
• Kirkstall Valley walk, 1.30pm – 4pm. Explore the green spaces of Leeds and follow our guide on an afternoon walk through the leafy suburb of Kirkstall. Experience Leeds like a local and enjoy Yorkshire wildlife in summer bloom. Book your place.
• Pilates (adults only), 2.30pm – 3.30pm. Pilates is a form of exercise that works with your mind-body connection to focus on increasing strength, flexibility, posture, and balance. This class will be suitable for all fitness levels. Book your place.
• Mindfulness (online), 4pm – 5pm. Practicing mindfulness can be a great way to manage stress and boost compassion, focus, empathy, patience, energy, and ultimately, happiness. The session will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams. Book your place.
• Chinese Traditional Opera: what can it tell us about contemporary China? Event (online), 6pm – 7pm. In this online talk, Business Confucius Institute teacher Xunnan Li will provide an introduction to Chinese Traditional Theatre. Drawing from his PhD research and industry experience, Xunnan’s talk will increase your understanding of this ancient art form, draw comparisons with Western theatre and share his observations from promoting Chinese Traditional Theatre to a global audience. Book your place.

Wednesday 4 August

• Free lunch and Museum trip, 10am – 11am. Leeds University Library Galleries could be all yours for an hour. Book for yourself, or as a group, to discover the wonders on display, with everything from medieval manuscripts to modern art. Once you have got your culture fix pick up your free lunch voucher for the Refectory. Book your place.
• Indoor Climbing, 10am – 11am, 11.30am – 12.30pm, 1pm – 2pm and 2.30pm – 3.30pm. Try out climbing with ropes on the 8m climbing wall (on campus at The Edge gym) with the help of instructor, Tudor. Suitable for beginners as well as those who have climbed before. Wear comfortable clothing & clean trainers. Book your place.
• Kayaking in the Pool, 2pm – 3pm, or 3.30pm – 4.30pm. Swimming will be an active part of the session therefore you must be able to tread water and confidently swim one length to attend this session. Take to the water in a kayak in our 25m, 8 lane swimming pool in The Edge gym. You'll learn some paddling skills as well as participate in games and activities. Taster session suitable for beginners of kayaking. Bring your swimming kit and a t-shirt to wear in the pool. Book your place.
• HIIT (online) 2.30pm – 3.30pm. This High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class is designed to burn calories and get your blood pumping using full body exercises! The session is open to all abilities and will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams. Book your place.

Thursday 5 August

• Free lunch and Icebreakers, 12.30pm – 3pm. Join our student ambassadors in the marquee (opposite the entrance to Leeds University Union) for a fun interactive session of activities set to bring together the campus community. Come on your own or as a group and meet fellow students over lunch (included free of charge). Book your place.
• Walk and Draw - Public Art on Campus, 1pm – 2.30pm. Discover the fantastic ‘Public Art on campus’ highlights including work by Yorkshire's own Barbara Hepworth, and campus landmark, Keith Wilson’s ‘Sign for Art’ (the squiggles!). As you walk round you will be guided through a series of quick and fun drawing activities inspired by the art you see. Never really drawn before?  No worries, there will be plenty of handy tips to help you get started! Book your place.
• Introduction to exercise and fitness (adults only), 1.30 – 2.30pm. Join Lucy who will take you back to basics with this entry level workout session. Whether you are a complete gym novice, recently getting back into exercise or just want to refocus on correct form and posture with certain exercises, this session is for you. Book your place.

Friday 6 August

• Meanwood Valley Trail, 10am – 12.30pm. Explore the green spaces of Leeds and follow our guide on a morning walk through the leafy suburbs of Meanwood. Experience Leeds like a local and enjoy Yorkshire wildlife in summer bloom. Book your place.
• Kirkstall Valley walk, 1.30pm – 4pm. Explore the green spaces of Leeds and follow our guide on an afternoon walk through the leafy suburb of Kirkstall. Experience Leeds like a local and enjoy Yorkshire wildlife in summer bloom. Book your place.
• Kung Fu (adults only), 4pm – 5pm. Join Andy in this session where he will be teaching all elements of Shaolin Kung Fu & Internal Kung Fu. Book your place.

Other events

LUU have a programme of Summer activities with a mix of in-person and online formats. So whether you’re a day tripper or a pub quizzer, a cinephile, crafter, or football aficionado, there’s something that’s bound to float your boat.

Here are some details of other events, activities and things to do taking place online and on campus where you do not need to book in advance. 

Leeds University Library Galleries 
Based at the heart of campus, in the Parkinson Building, Leeds University Library Galleries offers two unique cultural experiences:

• The Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery takes visitors on a journey through the University’s renowned special collections of historic books and manuscripts, displaying highlights such as original material written by the Brontës, stunning medieval manuscripts and rare books from across the globe. Discover how two young girls from Yorkshire fooled the world with fairies in a new exhibition at the Treasures of the Brotherton gallery. Visit the Cottingley Fairies: A Study in Deception exhibition and explore the secrets behind the greatest hoax of the twentieth century.
   
• The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery is an oasis of calm, art and inspiration. It offers innovative temporary exhibitions and displays treasures from the University Art Collection, which include stunning examples of European and British painting, drawings and prints, dating from the 17th century up to the present day. Get to know the University’s outstanding art collection through a special exhibition ‘Look Again: Leeds Fine Artists’. Inspired by the art collection, artists from the Leeds Fine Artists group have responded to different artworks, translating their chosen piece into their own media and format. These specially created artworks are on display alongside highlights from the University Art Collection including works by Vanessa Bell, Ivon Hitchens and Anthony Gross.

Both Galleries are free and open to all – no need to book. Open Tuesday – Friday, 11am – 2pm.  

Bodington cycle circuit
Our 1 mile (1.6km) cycle circuit is one of the longest in the country, providing a safe traffic free environment for cyclists of all abilities. Our Pay and Pedal sessions are open to all (including children) students and postgraduate researchers (free of charge) who would like to come and have a go on the cycle circuit. There is no need to book you can just turn up (bring your student card as ID) during the Pay and Pedal session times. Please note that equipment can’t be hired at the moment so you will need your own bike and helmet. 

Sustainability summer of small changes
Check out this guide to help you enjoy a sustainable summer of small changes in Leeds. The guide contains suggestions for places to eat, drink, explore, and how to get involved with third-sector organisations operating in those areas as well as a list of fun things to try this summer. 

Language Zone
The Language Zone English Team are running weekly events via Microsoft Teams. Take part in virtual activities to improve your English language skills. Events include ‘Let’s chat’ – a chance to practise your English with a fluent speaker, conversation club, academic skills events and culture cafe where you can learn about British culture and life in the UK. Join the MS Team to find out more and to access virtual activities. The join code is 4d22fsr. 

Global Community
Join our Global Community online socials to meet new people and take part in fun activities led by student ambassadors. Our Global Community activities are for all students and postgraduate researchers at Leeds. Socials take place every week throughout the year, including the days when the University is closed.

Global Café – every Monday 6pm – 7.30pm 
Enjoy informal chats and take part in fun games 

Global Leeds – every Wednesday 2pm – 3pm
Discover how to make the most of studying at a global university through games, quizzes and more 

Global Saturdays – every Saturday 11am – 12pm 
Connect with others from around the world for cultural exchange and conversation 

Socials will take place in the Global Community Microsoft Teams space - join now using your @leeds.ac.uk email or use the join code loq5x6z by selecting ‘join or create a team’ at the bottom of your teams list. Contact globalcommunity@leeds.ac.uk with any questions. 

Host UK 
Are you an international student/postgraduate researcher? Take part in a cultural exchange with a British family with the Host UK exchange programme.  Meet your exchange family online before visiting them for a day or a weekend in their home to enjoy home-cooked meals, explore the area and try new activities. Find out more and apply. Contact globalcommunity@leeds.ac.uk with any questions.

What covid-safety measures are in place?  

Your safety continues to be our number one priority and we will be following covid-safety guidelines throughout this period.   

If you do not have any coronavirus symptoms, we ask that you book a free and fast asymptomatic lateral flow test on campus before joining any events. Alternatively, you can collect home test kits from a collection point at the Cromer Terrace studio. Find more information about home test kits. 

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you must not book an asymptomatic test or attend campus. Instead, you must stay at home and book a test through the NHS Test and Trace Service and let us know through our online reporting system. 

Government guidelines around the use of face coverings changes frequently and you can find the latest advice online.