They’ve been the training grounds for Hollywood stars, Olympic champions, and even the leader of the country.
Whether they were navigating the library at the University of Leeds, honing their craft at Leeds Beckett, or getting creative at Leeds Arts University, these famous faces all called the city home during their formative years.
From 80s synth-pop icons who met their bandmates in student unions to a current Prime Minister who spent his weekends in Hyde Park, the city’s alumni list is as diverse as it is impressive.
Many of these stars have even credited their time in West Yorkshire, and the occasional attempt at the legendary Otley Run, with shaping the careers that eventually made them household names - including Chris Pine, who has previously shared fond memories of his time in the city.
Here are 15 famous faces you (probably) didn’t know studied in Leeds.
7. Mark Gatiss (University of Leeds)
The Sherlock co-creator and League of Gentlemen icon studied at Bretton Hall (part of the Leeds network). His time in West Yorkshire had a profound influence on the dark, northern humour that defines his work. | Jeff Spicer
8. Marc Almond (Leeds Beckett University)
The Soft Cell singer met his bandmate David Ball while they were both students at Leeds Beckett in the late 70s. The duo formed their synth-pop partnership right here in the heart of the city. | Nick Spanos
9. Barry Cryer (University of Leeds)
The late comedy legend was an English student at Leeds in the 1950s. Although he left early to find fame in London, the university eventually awarded him an honorary doctorate to celebrate his incredible career. | Tony Johnson
10. Jamie Laing (University of Leeds)
The Made in Chelsea star and entrepreneur behind Candy Kittens studied Theatre and Performance. He famously admitted he followed a girl to Leeds, and stayed for the degree (and the nightlife). | Alison Bagley
11. Damien Hirst (Leeds Arts University)
One of the most famous artists in history, Hirst grew up in Leeds and studied at the Leeds College of Art in the early 80s, where he first began experimenting with the concepts that would change contemporary art forever. | David Becker/Getty Images for Palms Casino Resort
12. Alistair & Jonny Brownlee (University of Leeds)
The Olympic triathlon legends both studied here; Alistair in Sports Science and Jonny in History. They are arguably the most decorated athletes to ever emerge from the city's student population. | CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images