Kirkstall Leeds Student Area
Back to All Area Guides

Kirkstall: Green, Peaceful, Well-Connected

Located northwest of Leeds city centre, Kirkstall offers a quieter, more suburban environment with extensive green spaces, excellent shopping facilities, and good transport links. Perfect for students seeking affordability and tranquility without sacrificing convenience.

Quick Stats

Why Choose Kirkstall?

Excellent Value for Space

  • Significantly cheaper than Hyde Park, Headingley, and city centre
  • Larger properties for your money
  • Spacious rooms and gardens
  • Lower cost of living overall

Green & Peaceful

  • Kirkstall Abbey - Historic ruins with beautiful grounds
  • River Aire walks and cycling paths
  • Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpaths
  • Multiple parks and green spaces
  • Suburban tranquility

Great Shopping & Amenities

  • Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Park - major retail hub
  • Morrisons supermarket
  • Multiple restaurants and cafes
  • Kirkstall Brewery taproom
  • Better facilities than most student areas

Good for Commuters

  • Regular bus services
  • Cycling-friendly routes
  • Burley Park Station nearby
  • Worth the commute for peace and value

Transport & Connectivity

Bus Services

Frequent services along Kirkstall Road:

  • Routes to University of Leeds: 30-40 minutes
  • Routes to Leeds Beckett: 25-35 minutes
  • Routes to City Centre: 20 minutes
  • Regular daytime and evening services

Cycling

  • 20-25 minutes cycle to University of Leeds
  • Dedicated cycle lanes along major routes
  • Canal towpath cycling
  • Safe, flat terrain

Nearby Train Access

  • Burley Park Station: 15-minute walk
  • Connects to Leeds Station and regional services

Shopping & Amenities

Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Park

Major retail destination featuring:

  • Morrisons - Large supermarket
  • Marks & Spencer Food Hall
  • Next, Boots, Argos and more
  • Restaurants: Nando's, Pizza Hut, Subway, KFC
  • Costa Coffee, Starbucks
  • Ample free parking

Kirkstall Brewery

Local landmark offering:

  • Brewery tours
  • Taproom & Kitchen - try local beers
  • Regular events
  • Student-friendly atmosphere

Daily Amenities

  • Local convenience stores
  • Post office
  • Banks and ATMs
  • Independent shops
  • Cafes and takeaways

Green Spaces & Recreation

Kirkstall Abbey

Stunning 12th-century ruins offering:

  • Beautiful picnic grounds
  • Historic architecture
  • Photography opportunities
  • Community events
  • Abbey House Museum
  • Free to visit grounds

River Aire & Canal

  • Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath
  • River Aire scenic walks
  • Perfect for jogging, cycling, walking
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Peaceful natural environment

Parks

Multiple green spaces perfect for:

  • Outdoor exercise
  • Picnics and BBQs
  • Dog walking
  • Sports and recreation

University Commute

University of Leeds

  • 30-40 minutes by bus or cycle
  • Regular bus services
  • Cycling a healthy, affordable option
  • Consider if you don't mind commuting

Leeds Beckett

  • Headingley Campus: 25-35 minutes
  • City Campus: 25-30 minutes
  • Good bus connections

Is the Commute Worth It?

Yes, if you value:

  • ✅ Significantly lower rent
  • ✅ Peaceful living environment
  • ✅ More space and green areas
  • ✅ Suburban lifestyle
  • ✅ Savings on accommodation costs

Area Character

Suburban Community

  • Mixed demographics: Families, professionals, students
  • Quieter atmosphere than central student areas
  • Safe and established residential neighborhood
  • Community feel with local shops and services

Who Kirkstall Suits Best:

  • Mature students seeking quiet study environment
  • Postgraduate students
  • Students with cars (parking easier than central areas)
  • Cyclists comfortable with 20-25 minute rides
  • Those on tight budgets wanting maximum value
  • International students seeking peaceful adjustment to UK

Cost of Living

Rental Savings

  • £80-£110 per person per week typical range
  • 30-40% cheaper than Hyde Park/Headingley
  • 50%+ cheaper than city centre
  • Larger properties for same money

Additional Savings:

  • ✅ Cheaper living costs overall
  • ✅ Large Morrisons keeps food costs down
  • ✅ More space means easier cooking at home
  • ✅ Free parking (if you have a car)
  • ✅ Lower insurance premiums (quieter area)

Property Types

Spacious Terraced Houses

  • 4-8 bedroom student houses
  • Larger rooms than central areas
  • Modern kitchens and bathrooms
  • Gardens (front and back)
  • Off-street parking sometimes available

Semi-Detached Properties

  • More space and privacy
  • Quieter locations
  • Often with drives and gardens

Modern Flats

  • Small apartment blocks
  • 2-4 bedroom options
  • Good for smaller groups

Find Your Kirkstall Student Home

Haus Properties offers excellent value student accommodation in Kirkstall:

  • Best Value - More space for less money
  • Quality Properties - Well-maintained homes
  • Bills-Inclusive Options - Simple pricing
  • Responsive Service - Quick maintenance
  • Multi-Language Support - 8 languages

Contact Our Team:

Haus Student Hyde Park

78 Brudenell Road, Hyde Park

Leeds LS6 1EG

Phone: 0113 887 7259

Email: hydepark@haus-properties.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kirkstall too far from university?

At 30-40 minutes by bus/cycle, it's further than central areas but manageable. The significant cost savings and peaceful environment make it worthwhile for many students.

Is there much of a student community?

Less than Hyde Park/Headingley, but there are students in Kirkstall. It's better suited to those who don't need to be in the student bubble.

What's the social scene like?

Quieter and more local. Kirkstall Brewery offers social opportunities. Easy bus to Headingley/city centre for nights out.

Is Kirkstall safe?

Yes, very safe. Suburban family area with low crime rates and good lighting.

Can I still experience student life?

Absolutely! You're only 20 minutes from city centre and nightlife. You get the best of both worlds: peace at home, action when you want it.