University life is all about that balance between hard work and fulfilling rest, and we’re here to fill in your social calendar. And, trust us, we have plenty to offer – no matter your personality type, budget, schedule and interests.
Music lovers and party goers, artists and athletes, social butterflies and passionate hobbyists, and everyone in between – this is your ultimate guide to enhance your student experience!
“LUU is where I found a community who accepted me and where I found new friends for life.”
– Dean, student
Clubs & Societies
Did you know that there are more than 350 clubs & societies at LUU? From basketball to ballet, from chemistry to chess, from fencing to film, from law to Lego – there’s something to satisfy every passion.
As a student, it can be overwhelming to get used to new people, routines and experiences (and maybe even a new country or city) – but finding your people in a club or a society will certainly make the transition easier. And it’s never too late to join one – no matter what year or degree you’re doing!
“If you’re struggling mentally or physically, joining a club is so important and beneficial, because you have those people around you who you share interests with, who understand you, who you can call friends, and who really are there for you. It also helps you grow as an athlete and as a person.” – Nikita from Ice Hockey
“Society events are extremely important as they are an easy (and cheap!) way to meet new people. Our events are particularly attractive to international students who find us on the Engage events page. Creating a small but wholesome community for anyone to access is a highlight to running a society.” – Alex from SSAFE
To get started, browse our clubs & societies – categories include Academic, Culture, Martial Arts, Outdoor, Political & Campaigning, and Welfare. You can even do a quick quiz to find out which society is most suited to you, and talk to us if you have any concerns or questions.
To join a club or a society, you will need to purchase a membership – the cost varies, but some are free. If you can’t decide which clubs or societies to commit to, check out Give It A Go – free events that allow you to engage with our clubs and societies without a membership. And if our vast catalogue still doesn’t satisfy you, you can easily set up your own club or society.
Crossroads
Our students asked for a cosy socialising space to play games and relax – so we created Crossroads! It is our new multi-functional entertainment lounge – your space to play, watch, read, and de-stress.
Equipped with gaming computers, board games, cards and comics, and a cosy reading area, Crossroads is the perfect place to relax and have fun.
“My hope is that Crossroads will be a space of comfort and fun for students where they can engage with their hobbies and meet like-minded people to enjoy some time away from studying.” – Ollie from Nintendo and Pokémon Society
Crossroads is located on the -1 level in Union Square, and it is open to all students between 11am – 5pm – just come in and check it out! Our staff will be there to talk to you about all things student activities.
Fruity
Fruity is the one place you’ll want to be on a Friday night. It is the longest-running student club night, tailored to students with multiple rooms, themed nights, cheap drinks, and wellbeing initiatives to ensure that you have a good night out.
Three different rooms will offer you three different experiences for your preferred musical taste – pop & chart, indie, or hip-hop & R&B. There are plenty of special themed nights throughout the year too! This year, we had St Patrick’s Day, Shrek Fruity and Taylor Swift Fruity.
Your wellbeing and safety is our priority. Wellbeing event reps are available to talk to if you’re not feeling well, and we even have a free Night Bus service which will safely take you back to your front door.
Live Music & Sports
For all the music lovers, LUU is proud to host a variety of artists from around the world to offer you unforgettable nights of live music.
Don’t fancy a big night out? Check out our jamming session in Old Bar, featuring local artists and musical societies, such as Big Band and the Arrythmics. Old Bar is also the place to enjoy your favourite sports matches in a vibrant atmosphere – it certainly gets busy when a game is on!
Everything else!
Wellbeing events? Speed-friending? Workshops? Trips? Yep, we have all of that too!
Our events programme is full all-year round, so keep a close eye on that Engage page. If you’re in need of some de-stressing, check out our free yoga, meditation, or mindful crafts sessions. If you’re in the mood to expand your social circle, try Global Cafe or Postgraduate Cafe to connect with new people over free snacks. We also host workshops and guest speaker sessions on everything from confidence and leadership to anti-racism, while our highly popular trips programme will get you outside to explore Yorkshire and wider England for affordable rates.
3 BIG things to put in your calendar:
The Big Freshers Arrival Party- 21 September 2025
This event will feature live performances, a huge Fruity and exciting Games all over the LUU building!
Varsity- April 2026
Varsity is the biggest sporting event of the year, pitting the Leeds Gryphons and the Beckett Bears up against one another in countless different sports!
Leeds Ball- June 2026
Leeds Ball is the biggest event LUU puts on each year. The building lights up with tons of activities, and this year even had dodgems!
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