So, I know there have been a few ‘Bucket List’ articles already over the years, where many past Lists have agreed on some items but completely disagreed on others, as have I. As I go into my third and final year, I believe that I finally now qualify to write my own personal Leeds University Bucket List on behalf of HC Leeds, and obviously I’m biased, but what I will call the Ultimate Bucket List.
A whole week of Fresher Fun
I am proud to say I managed a whole week of Freshers not only in my first year but in my second year too, However, I only managed half of Freshers this year as I didn’t start until Wednesday, me and my friends decided we just couldn’t face a whole week – definitely a sign of our old age!
Ultimate Hangover
Now this one might not be intentional but it is definitely a must if you’re going to experience uni life properly. As a third year I have unfortunately had more than one of these hangovers, where the complete following day needs to be spent in bed or by the toilet. They are not pleasant, but hopefully they might teach you a lesson … or they might not…
Otley Run
This is of course a necessity of Leeds student life! It has to be done in fancy dress and during your years here you have to manage the early start at Woodies at least once and make it all the way to Dry Dock at least once too!
Call Lane
For another brilliant night out in Leeds, stroll down Call Lane where it is free entry in all the bars. There’s a range of great places to drink including Oporto, Call Lane Social, Neon Cactus and Jake’s Bar. You definitely need to try this night out at least once! It’s a great place to meet people and talk too rather than just dance and shout over loud speakers.
Carnage
I’m embarrassed to say that I still haven’t ticked this one off my list yet! But from what I hear, it’s a night that’s not to be missed and I plan on finally completing this item this year.
Varsity
A day dedicated to celebrating the talented sports players of Leeds. It’s great to support our uni and it’s fun to witness the intense rivalry between the uni and met. I will finally be ticking this one off my list when I attend Varsity next week.
The Union
Every student must have at least one night out in the union, whether it’s the famous Fruity Friday, or Tuesday Tonic at the Terrace or the Pub Quiz at Old bar. There’s surely something for everyone!
Join a society (preferably Her Campus!)
This one is a must! We are so lucky to be part of such an amazing Student Union at Leeds so make sure you make the most of it as there are so many brilliant societies. It’s best to attend as many different society welcome meetings as you can in Freshers’ week, which you can usually do for free, before then deciding whether you think that certain society is for you or not.
Try something new
This could be as simple as trying a new society – joining HerCampus Leeds was one of the best new things I’ve ever done. Or it could be trying a new restaurant, which is easy enough with all the choice we have here in Leeds; or simply trying new food – my olive-obsessed housemate used to force olives down me and it turned out oh I still don’t like them …but at least I know I don’t like them now! Or, it could be something more adventurous than that; my housemates and I tried pole-dancing at LS6 Cafe and although we weren’t brilliant at it, it was so much fun, such good exercise and gave us some great memories.
The Edge
This is another one I still haven’t managed to tick off my list yet! Since I passed out in my induction at the Edge in first year I’ve been too afraid to go back! But, I’m determined this year to take Pilates classes. The variety of classes at the Edge is huge so there’s no excuse, there must be something suited for you …or if not, tick two items off the list at once and try an entirely new class!
Leeds Market
At the moment your fridges and cupboards are probably full of food that mummy and daddy no doubt left you with out of fear you’d starve. But, once that supply starts to dwindle, visit Kirkgate Market before rushing to Morrison’s or Sainsbury’s. Kirkgate has amazingly cheap prices perfect for us students. It is a particularly great place to buy your meat,eggs, fruit and veg from so don’t miss out.
German Market
Around November, the German Market sets up in Millennium Square, but we always wait until December to go so that it’s even more Christmassy by then! Wrap up warm and spend an evening shopping through the unique, adorable stalls where you can get some great last minute Christmas presents, whilst filling your face with German delicacies and it’s even worth queuing to get inside the central drinking tent, which has such a great atmosphere. Make sure you go ice skating in Millennium Square too!
Go to a ball
Balls are so much fun and the only chance you’ll get in Leeds to wear something fancy. I attended a ball for my course society last year and loved it! This year, since it’s my final year, my flatmates and I are all planning to attend the Summer Ball, which everyone says is amazing.
Makeover
Now this doesn’t have to be as extreme as a tattoo or piercing, unless that’s what you want, but it can just be something as simple as trying a new eye shadow or a bold new shade of lipstick. It’s good to change your look from time to time. Personally, I didn’t go as drastic as a tattoo but I was brave enough to dye my hair purple, I even liked it enough to do it again in my second year. I think I’ll stick to being a brunette this year though as potential employers might just prefer it!
Date!
Now this is one item that I’ve never been able to tick off and hopefully still won’t get the chance to as I started uni with my boyfriend and we’re still together now, but for all you single ladies and gents out there enjoy it! Make the most of being single and have some fun getting set up on blind dates or taking part in speed-dating events.
Study
This is one item that doesn’t appear on any previous Bucket Lists. But you most likely worked very hard to get your place at Leeds University so don’t take it for granted. It’s still possible to have just as much fun whilst studying hard; appreciate the amazing opportunity you have attending a University like Leeds.
Fundraise
It’s always good to do your part for charity – it gives you such a great feeling to help others. In Leeds there are lots of ways to get involved, from taking part in a Leeds-based Race For Life, or getting involved in a society fundraiser – I loved helping to organise HerCampus’ Oxjam last year – or it could be as simple as donating money in charity boxes. Whatever you do, take the time whilst doing it to remember how lucky and fortunate we are; we should always be grateful!
Be spontaneous
I admit that I myself am a very organised person (some might call it OCD), which is a good thing sometimes. However, we all need to be spontaneous from time to time! It feels great to be so carefree and helps take away the stress of uni even if only for a couple of hours. How spontaneous you are is up to you but I’ll mention a few examples me and my flatmates have tried to get you thinking… the first one involves a random Saturday night road trip to Birstall, which isn’t too far, just to get some boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts! I won’t give too much detail but another moment of spontaneity may or may not involve running down the street in underwear! And a final moment of spontaneity that is always great (as long as you have the time) is making a surprise trip to visit your friend, family or boyfriend/girlfriend!
Disconnect for a day
Turn off all your Facebook notifications, your Twitter notifications, your phone, your iPad, your internet; everything! Just for one day, it’s not too hard honest. But it feels great not to be constantly checking for texts or updates all day, you feel free for once! It also encourages you to meet up with your friend who only lives down the road rather than ring her, and stops you lazily texting your flatmate who is only in the next room!
Connect for a day
Rather contrary to the above item I know, but if you make the time to make a phone call to your grandparents or facetime your parents or siblings or write a letter to your boyfriend/girlfriend it will mean so much to them that you’ve made the effort to contact them for a change and probably make their day.
So there you have it: the Ultimate Bucket List for Leeds University Students! It’s quite a long list so you best get started straight away; but even if you don’t quite complete them all, the most important thing is to have fun whilst trying to! Remember that you’re only young once so make sure you appreciate your time here at Leeds and all the opportunities that come your way. Life is short so make the most of every moment and BE HAPPY!
Fran Foulkes
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