Currently I am in my second year of study at the University of Huddersfield; making that decision two years ago to go to Huddersfield and study my dream degree was daunting. However it is a decision I do not regret! For me living in a town in Yorkshire surrounded by countryside but close enough to the big cities that I could have some amazing days out was exactly what I wanted!
My favourites
One of the top spots to visit in Huddersfield is castle hill. Walking there is a great activity to do with friends and you could even bring a picnic for when you get there! Castle Hill is one of my top walks due to the amazing views and quietness the area has. Now, it is a bit of a walk and not the easiest cause most of the way is a hill, but I find that this walk always makes getting there so much more worth it. It’s a fun way to socialise and spend time with friends without spending money, which is a great bonus for us students! also the view at the top makes that walk worth it! Discover more walking routes in Huddersfield now!
For food in Huddersfield, there are load of small independent cafes and bakeries that are a great stop for a change of scenery whilst studying or if you are in a hurry a great place to stop for a sweet treat on the go! My go to place for a meal in Huddersfield is Revolutions. Not only do I get student discounts through my society but the food is always of good quality and they do an amazing bottomless brunch. It is definitely a place i would recommend to visit.
One of the best places on the Daphne Steele health innovation campus is the rooftop garden. This is a great spot for lunch in between lectures during the summer. Me and my friends love to sit up there together whenever we can.
On the main campus I like to spend time in the library. It has lots of different areas for study which is perfect for any mood you are in. Whether you need a night time lock-in session in the 24 hour computer suite or you need to prepare for a group presentation in one of the study rooms, the library is the place for all study habits.
The biggest challenge…
Now that’s not to say it’s been all sunshine and rainbows, there have definitely been challenges! But I suppose when you move away from home for the first time and you live independently far from home, that is expected. Luckily the university of Huddersfield has some great societies to help combat that loneliness that so many students face. The first thing I did in freshers week was go to taster sessions for societies and that was one of the best decisions I made! I have found so many of my friends through societies and it has been a great way for me to try new things and socialise.
One of the things I struggled with is that a lot of students live close enough to either commute or go home on weekends, so sometimes it’s hard to meet up with friends when there aren’t a lot of lectures in the week. If you are not someone who likes to party and go out drinking, this is when it can feel a bit hard. However, for me I have been lucky that I have a mix of friends, meaning that some are in the same boat as me so it is about being brave enough to reach out and connect.
Student nights out
Now I know at uni we are learning and continuing our studies, but that is definitely not the only reason we go. In order to make university a memorable experience you wish you could go back to, you need to throw yourself into every opportunity you can get!
One of the most iconic nights of the week in Huddersfield is Wednesday: it’s student night! Where societies will host themed nights and you get to explore the pubs and clubs of Huddersfield. Some of my favourite themes have included the wild west joint social night with a number of societies and the villains and superheroes social night.
On a Wednesday night most night life venues will offer free entry and student discounts which makes it one of the best nights to go and explore the local night life as you get to save a bit of money, while having a great night out. Most venues will only allow students in on a Wednesday night to make students feel safer and more comfortable. Additionally all venues also have very approachable staff that are around if you have any concerns or worries while on a night out. This is one of the better things about Huddersfield for students nights, I always feel very safe and it definitely helps make the night more fun and relaxed.
Another great night of the week is Thursday, when the local Wetherspoons pub hosts quiz night. This quiz night is a great way to spend time with friends and have the best time! It is a very popular weekly event where you will always see lots of students present. some societies even go as part of the social events they host. I think quiz night is one of the things I miss most about uni when I go home for the holidays; I love the music bingo, the iconic turtle race and the endless fun each quiz theme brings!
If a busy environment isn’t your thing and you’re looking for a quieter setting, revolutions also holds a quiz night on a Thursday which is a bit quieter, finishes a bit earlier but is just as good as Wetherspoons quiz night. Some societies attend Revolutions quiz nights as part of their socials too, so you will sometimes see students there as well.