Leeds has a well-deserved reputation for brilliant student nights out – and it’s still possible to enjoy them on a budget. If you are looking for cheap bars Leeds city centre or classic student pubs in Headingley and Hyde Park, there are plenty of options with great deals on drinks and a lively atmosphere.

Here is an updated list of ten student bars Leeds students should know about for 2025/26.

1. Hyde Park Pub, Hyde Park

Right in the heart of the student area, Hyde Park Pub is a go-to stop on the Otley Run and a popular spot all year round. It regularly offers budget-friendly drink deals, with reports of pints and spirits at around £3.50 on certain days, making it a strong contender for one of the best Leeds student bars on a budget.

Expect sports on TV, loud music and a packed atmosphere at weekends.

2. The Original Oak, Headingley

With one of the biggest beer gardens in Leeds and regular student discounts, The Original Oak is a classic student bar in Leeds.

Located on Otley Road, it’s perfect for sunny afternoons, big match days and nights when you want a lively crowd without city-centre prices.

3. BOX Leeds City Centre

If you’re looking for cheap bars Leeds city centre with a sports focus, BOX on Infirmary Street is hard to beat. Students can sign up to a “Student Wallet” and get 25% off food and drink, making it a great option for midweek nights and big games.

There’s shuffleboard, electric darts and big screens – ideal for group socials.

4. Carousel Leeds, City Centre

For something a bit different, Carousel combines a bar, street food and a full arcade in the city centre. You’ll find 2-for-1 cocktails, student deals and a huge choice of games, from basketball and air hockey to dance machines and karaoke.

It’s a brilliant choice if you want an activity-based night without blowing your budget.

5. Roxy Ball Room, Merrion Street

Roxy Ball Room is another activity bar that works brilliantly for student nights. There are pool tables, ping-pong, bowling, shuffleboard, karaoke and more, plus regular food and drink offers.

Split the cost of games between friends and you’ve got an affordable night out with plenty to do.

6. NQ64, Merrion Street

If you love retro gaming, NQ64 is a neon-lit arcade bar where you can play classic consoles and arcade machines while enjoying reasonably priced drinks.

It’s a fun change from traditional student bars in Leeds, and a great place for pre-drinks before heading to a club.

7. Distrikt Bar, City Centre

Tucked just off lower Briggate, Distrikt is known for underground DJs, tapas and cheap drinks, making it a popular option among student bars Leeds.

Look out for events and deals that keep the cost of a night out down while still giving you big-city music and atmosphere.

8. Belgrave, City Centre

This spot is popular with students and young professionals, a music venue with a variety of different acts performing. Wide range of beers on draught and 2-4-1 cocktails. Permanent food venders include Dough Boys, serving hand stretched pizza by the slice and Patty’s Burgers serving delicious burgers. Make sure to visit mid-week for the best discounts.

Make sure you check out who’s playing.

9. Headrow House, City Centre

Headrow House is a multi-level venue with a beer hall, restaurant and two rooftop terraces. Drinks are reasonably priced for the city centre, with regular deals on cocktails, making it a good choice for a slightly more relaxed night that can still turn lively later on.

It’s a solid option if you want to mix affordable drinks with great views over Leeds.

10. Katie O’Briens, City Centre

Katie O’Briens is a traditional Irish bar located on Greek Street. Offer a wide selection of drinks, including Guinness of course. It’s very popular which means it can get very busy, try to get down earlier to secure a table or spot near the front.

They host live music every weekend, which is not one to be missed.

Making the most of cheap student bars in Leeds

To get the best from these student bars in Leeds while keeping costs low:

• Check social media for midweek offers and student deals.
• Go early for happy hours and 2-for-1 cocktails.
• Mix activity bars (like Carousel, Roxy or NQ64) with traditional pubs to keep nights varied.
• Plan your route – for example, start in Headingley or Hyde Park and finish in a cheap bar Leeds city centre.

Leeds remains one of the strongest Leeds student bars scenes in the UK, with plenty of choice at every budget level.

And when the night is over, it’s good to know you can head back to a home that suits your lifestyle and your budget. Parklane Properties is already open for lets for the 2026–2027 season, with 1–9 bed properties across all the popular student areas and city-centre locations – at some of the best prices for students in Leeds.

Whether you want to be near the Otley Run, close to campus or right in the city centre, our team can help you find the right place for your next year in Leeds.