Leeds' best nights out for students

Students – as Fatboy Slim so eloquently put it, exist on a fairly simple plane; Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat. That’s when they’re not studying, working three jobs to compensate for the lack of maintenance loan and contemplating the feasibility of their chosen career path in Tory Britain, of course.

But I digress; to student is to party, and as a city of considerable size, Leeds hosts many options to dance the pain of a high-interest overdraft away. But where are you guaranteed to get a good time without abandoning all of your musical principles? Here’s our run down of student nights that aren’t going to leave you feeling like an extra in a particular tragic episode of Geordie Shore… 

Welcome Back Party

Something of a millennial playground, it’s unsurprising that a Belgrave clubnight is one of the best events to see and be seen at. Their ‘welcome back’ parties are aimed at students especially, pulling together an achingly cool roster of new acts to ease you into a new term. January’s version hosts Tenderlonious, Yazmin Lacey, Nik Nak and more…be there or risk being kicked out of the group chat. Every term, Belrave Music Hall. More info

Slam Dunk

Shed a tear over your problematic faves weekly at Key Club’s seminal pop-punk and emo night, Slam Dunk. 

Despite their musical options dwindling by the week - thanks to various band bros seemingly being incapable of keeping their sexual conduct within the confines of the law - there’s still plenty of windmilling to be done while headbanging to Paramore and sinking one of the venues signature cocktails. We heartily recommend a ‘Green Daze’ for the full student experience; Blue WKD mixed with orange juice. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Every week, Key Club More info

Fruity

Sniff all you like, but as far as Union-organised events go, Fruity actually provides a pretty good time if you’re willing to leave your hipster hat at the door.

Playing mainstream chart hits as well as the odd throwback classic, it earns bonus points for a wheelchair-accessible floor and security staff with student welfare nice and high on their priority list. Best of all, it’s a short stumble away from Leeds premier Nandos-alike, Charcos – get yourself a Peri Peri burger on the way home and thank us later when you find you’ve miraculously avoided a hangover. Every Friday during term-time, Leeds Student Union. More info

Fuzzy Logic

Maybe you'd rather party like it’s (The) 1975? Wire remains host to one of Leeds only surviving Indie clubnights, Fuzzy Logic. 

A more intimate alternative to O2 Academy’s Propaganda, Selectors Ryan Paul and Adam Winch-Furness offer up your staple Mr Brightsides and Reptilias alongside newer material from the likes of Jamie XX and Wolf Alice, perfect for groups with mixed tastes. The drinks prices are worth shouting about also – a spirit and mixer comes in at a loan-friendly £3. Every Thursday, Wire. More info

Back To Basics

Church may be the slick rebrand of hedonistic piss-up palace Halo, but it’s spirit lives on in Back To Basics.

Initially launched in 1991, the night has travelled all over Leeds’ best-known venues, before settling into it’s current home at Church in 2016. 

Credited with having a hand in launching the likes of Daft Punk, Groove Armada and Basement Jaxx, expect the best in up-and-coming dance with guest appearances from artists you’ll be boasting about catching long after graduation. Every month at Church. More info

Indie Banquet

Part club night, part gig guide, Pizza For The People’s regular night is the best place to go to spot the bands that everyone is talking about. A low key, low-budget affair, it’s a slightly pricier night out for around £15, but it’s well worth it to feel part of something – many a friendship or bandmate situation has been forged amongst it’s dedicated following, not to mention the sweet selection of Vegan food available between bands. Every other month, Wharf Chambers More info

So Fresh So Clean

Want to embrace your inner fanboy? Hip-hop fans will find their home at Hi-Fi.

Having hosted themed Beyonce, Drake and Kanye nights in the past, their regular hip-hop offering ‘So Fresh So Clean’ launches this month, with a Kendrick Lamar special taking place in February. And what could be better than throwing guns up to some of K Dot’s best work? Doing so in a club with ample proximity to a cashpoint, a Maccy’s and a taxi home for when you’ve inevitably found yourself enjoying a few too many shots (drank). Every month at HiFi. More info

Brudenell Groove

Everybody with an LS6 postcode loves a sesh, and they don't come much more eclectic than Brudenell Groove. Something of a nomadic event, it’s yet to find a regular address or a specific style of music, but it’s all the better for it – with an element of spontaneity, their parties are as close as you’ll get to throwing a house party with none of the morning clear-up necessary.

Don’t want the party to end? The Brudenell Groove team also host a weekly show on KMAH radio to keep your study soundtrack on point. Every month, various venues. More info

Cosmic Slop

With a max capacity of 250, Cosmic Slop is the very definition of a best-kept secret. Don’t let their size fool you though – having hosted the likes of Four Tet and Gilles Peterson, they know how to draw respected names in dance, electro and soul. 

They also have some of the gnarliest merch in the business, perfect for cheering up the magnolia walls of cheap student digs. Every month at Hope House Gallery. More info

ThinkTank

Hyde Park Book Club conceals much more than artisan beers and a fancy dress shop – slip downstairs and you’ll find yourself within an impressive event space. 

One of it’s listing staples is ThinkTank, an event for the introspective that thoughtfully curates performers from the normally misaligned genres of ambient, world music and techno, amongst others. Every other month at Hyde Park Book Club. More info

House For The Homeless

Put together by the team behind Pinnacle Sound and the Elemental Art Collective, House For The Homeless is an event that gives back – raising money for Leeds-based charities Community Kitchen and Simon On The Streets.

Having raised over £2000 last year, the party rolls on for 2018 as they celebrate their first birthday. Bringing together DJ’s from the likes of Flux, Kontra and Brotherhood, expect good vibes, good people and good causes. Quarterly at Wharf Chambers. More info