VOICES OF THE FUTURE: Why Leeds is the best city in the north - Tamikka Reid

According to a recent survey, Leeds was voted the best city in the north of England to live and work in. Although I am only a student and my time in Leeds has been disrupted, I have still managed to experience some of what it has to offer.

Before moving to Leeds for university, it was a place that I frequented with my family when I wanted a day out in another city. The centre has a lot to offer with Trinity, Kirkgate market and Victoria all within walking distance of each other.

Shopping in Leeds is never dull, it is always a fun adventure because it has a mixture of outlets and shopping centres; there is something for everyone. The dining and nightlife options in Leeds are equally as accommodating as there are a range of pubs, bars, and restaurants to enjoy that are within close proximity of each other - I like the fact that there is so much to choose from and that they are so easily accessible.

In terms of studying, I was attracted to Leeds for many reasons. It had such a variety of universities to choose from – University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett and Leeds Trinity, which offer many highly ranked courses. Mostly, however, I was drawn to the environment, namely the campus, accommodations and infrastructure. Leeds is home to some of the most beautiful buildings I have seen, like the Parkinson building. Walking around the campus and student areas feels idyllic; it gives me a sense of belonging.

Working full-time is something I have yet to experience but the employment prospects are hopeful in Leeds. Currently, the business and legal sectors are quite big in the city but, being a journalism student, I am excited for the future opportunities that Leeds has to offer in the media sector, such as the arrival of the Channel 4 Headquarters in 2019. This shift in the north is encouraging media

companies to expand and develop, while opening the door to new job possibilities for people outside of London.

Finally, Leeds has a lot of attractions for one to visit and enjoy in their spare time. It is home to one of the largest parks in Europe: Roundhay Park, which everyone can enjoy with open fields and woodlands, vast lakes, a café and playground.

One of my personal favourites is the First Direct Arena with its stadium-like seating that gives the atmosphere an intimate and electric feel, regardless of where you’re sitting. Fortunately, with Leeds being in Yorkshire that means that you are in close vicinity of other great places that you can visit and experience too, such as the Yorkshire Dales, Ilkley Moor, Harrogate and York.