Walking to the pub and having a few drinks often seems like the easiest and cheapest activity for a student but often turns into a mad night out and an empty pocket. Here at Student Dweller, we’ve decided to take a look at some cheaper and healthier alternatives to alcohol – and at least you’ll able to remember them in the morning!

– Cinema: The cinema is a great alternative to drinking in the evening. But to make things even more interesting why not try Hyde Park Picture House? It’s much cheaper than most of the big cinemas and also puts on independent films that you might not find elsewhere. Visit www.hydeparkpicturehouse.co.uk for more information.

Go Karting

– Go Karting: Become a member at PPI Karting in the city centre for just £3 and be a part of one of the most innovative tracks in the country. Really good for birthdays and special occasions and a great way to get your adrenaline pumping! Take a look at the circuit online, www.ppik.net.

– Bowling: Another classic, bowling is a great activity both during the day as well as the evening. It’s cheap too – games at 1st Bowl in the Merrion Centre start from £1 and Hollywood Bowl in Kirkstall have loads of great offers too! Just try to forget that there’s a bar there though! Check out their websites www.1stbowl.com and www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk for the best times and prices.

– Work Experience: It’s a great idea to try to do something productive with your time especially when you’re strapped for cash. So why not build up your credentials and get some work experience under your belt? It will be invaluable experience for the future, especially in careers like social work, childcare and the media – and you never know, you might just enjoy it…

Leeds Climbing Wall

– Leeds Climbing Wall: The Leeds Wall is a great activity, especially if you want to try something new. On Wednesday they have special £2 student deals at selected times. Take a look at www.theleedswall.co.uk to find out the cheapest times.

– Volunteering: Volunteering for a charity can be great fun and very rewarding providing you choose the right options. Make sure you do a bit of research before signing up.

– The Park: Leeds has a great selection of parks and grassland to explore, but Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park is the most popular for students. On a summer’s day you have free rein of activities, whether it be sports, sunbathing or a picnic. Visit www.leeds.gov.uk for information about all parks in the city and how to get there.

– Work: Taking up a pen and paper and starting uni work is always a last resort. But it’s cheap, productive and will give you a great sense of satisfaction. Just whack on some inspiring music, make yourself a cup of tea and you’ll be away!

– Leeds Waterfront: The city has a fantastic waterfront, which stretches for miles. You can walk, jog, cycle or picnic there which is why we call it the free gym! You can even volunteer to join in the annual waterfront clean up organized by our sister company Leeds City Dweller Magazine & Aire Action Leeds.
Enjoy & check out Leeds-Student Dweller & Leeds-City Dweller’s Facebook pages for regular
up dates!