An essential guide for grabbing coffee on campus

We have all been in the situation when you are walking to that dreaded 9am lecture and you realise that you are in desperate need of a morning coffee to get you through the day. So, whether you are new to university or have known campus for years, this list will point you in the direction of some of the best places on campus for coffee, so you will always be equipped for the day ahead.   


1. Café Nero – Business School

Scattered around campus you will find a selection of Café Neros, which means that wherever you are on campus you are never far from caffeine. However, a personal favourite of mine is located in the Maurice Keyworth building, within the Business school. If you are walking through Hyde Park, this offers the perfect early morning coffee so that you never need to attend a lecture without a coffee in hand. Not only this but due to its 19th century architecture, this is one of the prettiest buildings on campus and a mesmerising place to study. When sitting here, sipping at a warm drink, it is difficult to not feel like the main character in a historic movie. Students also get 25% off with the Café Nero App!

2. Common Ground

Located in the heart of Leeds University Union, Common Ground is potentially the most apt spot for a midday coffee. This spot caters for all needs, whether you’re in need of a quick coffee before darting off to your next lecture or looking for a cosy spot to set up for a productive study day. With its pastel walls, Common Ground breeds a positive atmosphere which makes it the perfect spot for those gloomy days on campus. If that wasn’t enough, Common Ground (alongside its partner Balcony) provides one of the cheapest coffees on campus so is the perfect everyday coffee stop.   

3. 1915

This is tucked away on the East side of campus, within the Sir William Henry Bragg Building, which makes it a perfect first stop off from Woodhouse. With ivy trailing down its walls, it provides a calming atmosphere, perfect for studying on those stressful days. Furthermore, this also features a swirling light feature to lose yourself in  – just make sure to not get distracted!   

4. Hugo’s 

One of the most unique places to get coffee on campus is Hugo’s café. This is a must for any Leeds student because, let’s be honest, you don’t see campervans selling coffee every day. With its bright blue walls, this café can’t be missed on campus. However, if you are still unsure about its whereabouts, Hugo’s can be found opposite the Union. Around here you will find many chairs and benches which makes this a perfect outdoor spot to meet friends for a coffee on sunny days. Or, if it is less sunny, this is simply an ideal place to pick up a coffee in a rush, whether on your way to a lecture or as you walk towards home. 

How to cope with Autumn anxiety

As the winter months draw nearer, we start to lose some of the British summer sun.  People begin folding up their sunbeds, packing up their barbecues, wrapping up warm, and spending a great deal of time indoors.

Many experience a feeling of anxiety in the Autumn, which can be down to reasons such as: changing of the seasons, the loss of ‘summer,’ and nerves towards the festive season. You may feel anxious, irritable, and tired. Know that you are not alone, as these are all very common things felt by those struggling.

These feelings often go unspoken about, as we only ever hear about seasonal depression in the winter and summer months.

Here at The Gryphon, we have compiled a few ways that you can support yourself, and others, through this time (including some funky and creative ways to spend your time!).

1. Getting more sun

 Just because we are missing the warmth of the summer, does not mean that it is healthy to always stay inside. Even though it sometimes may feel difficult, exposure to sunlight or even fresh air throughout the entire year is one of the best ways to maintain mental and physical wellness. Sunlight boosts your serotonin and vitamin D, a lack of which has been proven to be one of the biggest culprits in seasonal blues. If you feel up to it, try and get outside today, even if it is just a walk to the shop.

2. Take yourself on a solo ‘date’

As the saying goes, you are often your own best company. If you’re wanting to spend some time alone, or your friends aren’t around, don’t feel like you have to stay indoors. There are plenty of things to do solo!

  • Grab a quick coffee at one of Hyde Park’s many cafes.
  • Buy a new book from Waterstones, from fiction to biographies, they have it all.
  • See a new film at the Hyde Park Picturehouse.
    (if you’re short of ideas, the University of Leeds Union Instagram uploads places to visit around campus, daily.)

3. Go pumpkin picking with your pals

What better way to celebrate autumn’s arrival than  by visiting a pumpkin farm! Take a day trip to pick out a pumpkin, and return home for a night of carving, seasonal films, and your favourite snacks. Even better, it is often a relatively cost-effective day’s worth of entertainment, what a bonus!

4. Have a cosy movie night

Staying at home doesn’t have to feel sad. Grab yourself your favourite food, whether that be home cooked, ready made, or a takeaway, and have a cosy night in, Whether it be your favourite comfort films or listening to a podcast. Lift your spirits by taking some much-needed R+R.

5. Take a walk

It may sound simple, but choosing to stretch your legs outdoors can really boost your mood. If you usually take the bus, consider walking instead.

Some of our Leeds’ favourite walking spots relatively close to campus include:

  • Hyde Park
  • The Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Ilkley Moor (one of Yorkshire’s most famous walks, if you’re willing to travel) take the X84!

6. Enjoy a drink

If you’re a fan of a drink every now and then, consider going to a pub, or perhaps a winter beer garden. It’s a great way to socialise, meet new people, take off some tension, and relax.

Most importantly, do not feel afraid to reach out if you are struggling. Sometimes, it is not as simple as getting out of the house, even though the challenge may be beneficial for you. Speak to others about how you feel, and if necessary, contact professionals.

Never struggle alone.

The best places to study on the University of Leeds campus

Are you struggling with productivity? I personally find that I can accomplish more when I am studying on campus, away from all the distractions at home. Finding a place to study on a campus as big as the University of Leeds can be difficult, but here are my five favourite places to study on campus:

1. Common Ground

 This is a great place to study in the student union. It has drinks and snacks available as well as charging ports with cute, cosy seating! I also like that it is close enough to the hustle and bustle of the Leeds University Union, whilst far enough away that the noise does not become a distraction when studying. This the ideal place to go if you fancy quiet but not silent studying.


2. Edward Boyle Library

The best thing about the Edward Boyle Library is the huge amount of seating it has inside. Studying  in ‘Eddy B’ means that you can choose from a wide range of study space options, from single desk spaces to comfy chairs, to group spaces. You are also surrounded by an extensive amount of library resources, Eddy B’ is filled with books, computers and printers, so you have everything you need to study successfully.

3. The Edit Room 

Attached to the Edward Boyle Library, the Edit Room is a lovely café that is the perfect spot to get some work done while grabbing a bite to eat. Located on the ground floor of the Edward Boyle Library, this is a central and accessible space that benefits from all the library resources that make Edward Boyle so brilliant. The Edit Room is a livelier and more relaxed environment than being in the library itself.


4. Laidlaw Library

Laidlaw library is a great place to study for all the same reasons as Edward Boyle. It has all the same resources, computers, charging ports, printers, a range of desk spaces and loads of books to choose from. As well as this, Laidlaw Library also has a Café Nero located on the ground floor, so when you need a break from studying you can go downstairs and grab yourself a drink and a snack!

5. Balcony

This is my favourite place to study on campus! On the top floor of the LUU, this study space is the perfect balance of quiet and nosy as it overlooks the  Refectory. Tucked away on the second floor of the LUU, Balcony is the perfect place to hang around campus and study between lectures. It also has charging ports and a cute cafe area where you can grab a drink and some food while you study.

Strictly Come Dancing is back…and so are the controversies

With all its glitz and glamour, Strictly Come Dancing has returned to cosily ease our passage into the dark, winter nights with a touch of sparkle. But, among the sequins and the fake tan, is the ultimate Saturday night in escapism provoking some thought-provoking social commentaries?

Along with the heel leads, Strictly is making steps towards equality and inclusion showing that, as head judge, Shirley Ballas, puts it: “we can all do what we love”. Stars such as Paralympian, Ellie Simmonds, and deaf actress, Rose Ayling-Ellis, have captured the nation’s hearts. Ayling-Ellis’ success in winning the prestigious Glitterball trophy is proof that Strictly is moving towards offering more inclusive inspiration.

The recent inclusion of same-sex partnerships further demonstrates Strictly’s push for equality. Such partnerships are, in fact, a much truer reflection of the real world of Ballroom and Latin competitions.

“Same-sex partnerships, particularly female-female pairings, are extremely common on the University Dance Circuit”

Ben Jones, President of Leeds University Dancesport Society

Due to the lack of male dancers, the encouragement of these partnerships means that women can compete when they would not have otherwise had the opportunity to do so.

“If Ballroom dancing is to survive, it must be open and accessible to all. Its adaptation to the modern age should not be feared, but rather embraced”

Ben Jones, President of Leeds University Dancesport Society

An image Ben drew my attention to was that of Terpsichore, the Greek muse of dance whose name literally means ‘Delight in Dancing’. I think it is worth reminding viewers that this is exactly what we have seen in Richie and Giovanni’s quickstep and in Jayde and Karen’s Flashdance inspired routine. Their dancing encapsulates what Strictly is all about: embracing the rhythm of the music, abandoning fear and leaving inhibitions at the door.

Unfortunately, this liberal mindset does not seem to extend to many of the young female contestants who possess the confidence to match their talent. Year after year, the voting public seem strangely disengaged with certain self-assured women and find their pride unappealing. Alexandra Burke, for example, consecutively found herself in the bottom two during the 2017 series and received harmful comments from online trolls, despite being a captivating dancer at the top end of the leaderboard. In 2020, Eastenders star Maise Smith, who was just 19 at the time, found herself in the same situation despite repeatedly receiving near perfect scores from the judges. This year I fear that we are to experience dancing déjà vu as performer Fleur East also found herself in the dance-off in Movie Week.

But, isn’t being confident in our own abilities to avoid losing ourselves in a spiral of self-doubt exactly what we are trying to teach the next generation, whose low self-esteem we are already concerned about? Of course, arrogance is certainly not what we are aiming for, but neither is the excessive praising of humility to the point of losing sight of our own self-worth. Why then, I ask, are we still criticising the women who show the very qualities that we are intending to endorse?

Notwithstanding these concerns, there is no doubt that Strictly brings a simple yet magical feeling of comfort and happiness to millions of viewers around the country each week with its sparkle, shimmer and smiles. It is a celebration of dance and the joy that it brings, and, I, for one, cannot wait to keep watching… and ‘Keep Dancing!’

A Grand Day Out in Yorkshire: A Guide 

Starting my third year in Leeds, I know how easy it is to feel trapped in Hyde Park. With our busy schedules, we find ourselves never venturing further than Headingley Bakery 164. However, this year, I am determined to break out of the student bubble and explore more of Yorkshire. 

It’s amazing what some fresh air and a few sheep can do for your mental health, so I urge you to explore a bit too! With that being said, here are three towns that are well worth a visit; all less than an hour’s train ride away from Leeds. 

Credit: Flickr

1. Firstly, Knareborough is the perfect destination for a day out. A return ticket from Burley Park station for £9.80 will get you there in forty-five minutes. A must-see is Knaresborough castle; a ruined Medieval fortress standing above the town. From here, you get a spectacular view of the winding river, which is overlooked by an impressive seventeenth-century viaduct. During summer, you can rent boats for only £8! Although, it’s entertaining enough watching everyone crash into each other as they learn to row for the first time. You could also factor in a visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave and her Petrifying Well if you fancy stretching out your day trip. And as a bonus, you might even get your fortune told! However, there is plenty to see in the town itself, including independent shops, art galleries, pubs and cafes. 

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

2. Harrogate is an attractive Victorian spa town that is also worth seeing. It is only a 29-minute train ride away from Burley Park and so is perfect for a shorter afternoon out. The Royal Pump Room Museum is a beautiful building and offers a bit of history for those wanting to learn about Harrogate’s heritage. Harrogate also has a wide selection of independent shops to mooch around, with SPACE Vintage and Retro having a great selection of bric-a-brac, ranging from old DS games to vintage coats! Alternatively, my housemates and I found ourselves on an unintended café crawl on our last visit, which I would highly recommend! 

Credit: Geograph

3. Finally, Ilkley offers the opportunity for a superb Sunday day out: a hike up to Ilkley Moor followed by a hearty pub lunch. Ilkley is also easy to get to with an £8 return ticket from Leeds station. The hike up to the Cow and Calf Rocks is worth it for the scenic view over Ilkley and the rolling Yorkshire hills. Furthermore, Ilkley has a plethora of pubs to choose from to have a well-deserved Sunday roast that will put your flat’s Christmas dinner to shame. 

While Hyde Park and its aroma of stale cigarettes and old beer holds a special place in my heart, a wholesome day out is always needed after a week of lectures and one too many nights out. 

Check Your Boobs Too!

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s that time of year when pink ribbons start to flood businesses’ campaigns and cover packaging. Even though many use this marketing tool with genuine intentions, commercialisation has taken over the root purpose of the month dedicated to women, men, and non-binary people suffering from breast cancer. We see the iconic pink ribbon symbols everywhere, but have we seen it so much that we forget it is not only to support but to remind us to check our own breasts too?

CoppaFeel! is a “charity focused on promoting early detection of breast cancer, by encouraging women under 30 to regularly check their breasts”. Statistically, most breast cancers are diagnosed in people over 50, but there is no harm in giving your breasts a little check every so often, just to be safe and to get into the routine.

“Get to know your normal” is a quote the charity goes by, reminding us that all bodies are different and getting to know your own is important to be able to detect any unusual changes. Hormones can play a big part in changes in the breasts too, so don’t be alarmed when noticing slight changes during that time of the month! Remember – it is normal for your breasts to change constantly throughout your life, particularly during puberty and adolescence.

Everyone knows to feel for lumps but there are a number of other signs to look out for including, but not limited to, irritation of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the breast or nipple area, pulling in of the nipple, nipple discharge other than breast milk and any pain in the area. 

The majority of changes to your breasts will not be breast cancer, but if it is, early detection is crucial. When found early, breast cancer results in more successful treatments and higher survival rates.

CoppaFeel! has campus representatives, the Leeds University Boob Team (UBT) society, who will be running fun events and socials this year to continue to raise awareness and fundraise for the cause. They encourage everyone, no matter age or gender, to join the society and give your breasts a good feel to check for any irregularities. Early detection saves lives!

Please visit @ubtleeds on Instagram for more information and to donate to the Just Giving fundraising page linked in the bio.

A great first step is to sign up to free monthly reminders to check your chests. To do so, text ‘UBT LEEDS’ to 82228.

Quote credits – https://coppafeel.org

What I wish I had known before Uni

As the leaves turn brown and the nights begin to draw in, Leeds once again fills with the buzz of returning students and the prospect of a new term. Navigating university can be daunting, and even going into fourth year, I am still figuring it out! So, whether you’re setting foot in Leeds for the first time or returning, here are some essential pointers I wish I had known earlier. 

1. You don’t have to be best friends with your flatmates

It may be that you walk into your halls kitchen and fall head over heels with every one of them, (in which case, skip to no. 2). However, just because they are the most convenient to hang out with, it’s more important that you just get on enough to share living spaces. You’re more likely to meet people with similar interests on your course, at societies, or at your favourite pub or club. 

2. Don’t sleep with your flatmate/s

Although I didn’t learn this first-hand, I’ve seen the problems it can cause not only for those directly involved, but the whole flat. The likelihood is that it won’t last, you’ll ruin the flat dynamic and it’ll probably end in tears.

 3. Budget! 

I am determined to stick to it this year, fourth time lucky? (I’ve heard) that even writing down everything you spend is a great way to become more aware and supposedly shocks you into cutting down on expenditures. Watch this space. 

4. Invest in a proper water bottle

In first year, my second week of lectures was rudely interrupted by a cheap water bottle leaking in by bag; writing off my laptop. Not only was this tremendously expensive but also seriously inconvenient, just as I was settling in. It also saves you buying single use plastic so often. Economical and environmentally friendly, what’s not to like?

5. Use your Lecturer’s office hours

This one is particularly important if your contact hours are lower than your friend’s doing maths, for example. This year I have four. A week. Yes, I’m shocked too. Speaking one-to-one with your lecturers allows you to ask any additional questions you didn’t think of in the seminar and means you can clear up any concerns about the subject and course at large. 

6. There is more to Leeds than Hyde Park

Whether your halls are on campus or as far out as Clarence Dock, it can be very easy, especially in first year, to limit your sphere to a rotation of halls, Uni, pub, halls, Uni, pub… Whilst Leeds, as a city, has an extensive and exciting cultural scene, from music to museums, a stone’s throw beyond the city centre provides a number of neighbouring towns and villages, perfect for a wholesome day out. Look up Skipton, Harrogate, and Knaresborough, to name just a few!

7. First year probably won’t be the best of your Uni years

There is far too much hype surrounding the First Year, let alone Freshers Week. First Year is particularly overwhelming, and many people don’t meet their best friends until later on in their Uni experience. Remember that everyone is in the same boat so don’t worry if it seems that you’re the only one struggling to stay afloat! 

Freshers: A Guide to Budgeting 

Last year I adopted, in what I hope is in an endearing and affectionate way, the nickname ‘Budget’ from my friends. This is perhaps a slightly generous and hyperbolic label and is my only qualification to give my advice on this topic, but these are just some opinions on how to budget, from a student who enjoys the stereotypical student experience. 

It is important to note that I can only speak from my own experiences, and naturally, this is not representative of every student’s experience or inclusive of every student’s financial situation. 

Firstly, try not to get too carried away when you see the first student loan instalment reach your bank account! Depending on how much you receive, it can look like a lot, especially to a student, but remember this has to last you until Christmas. My advice would be to try and roughly estimate how much your loan permits you to spend on a weekly basis on top of rent and open a second bank account to transfer this money into – Monzo works amazingly for me.  This way, it is easy to see how much you are spending and on what. You can set the app to tell you how long your money needs to last, either updating it weekly or monthly. Having tried both, I find using a monthly allowance much more attainable, as naturally, your spending on a weekly basis will vary more. 

Monzo, as well as other banking apps, is also great because you can easily request and send money to your friends, making cashing in on night-out Ubers and drinks easy and stress-free! 

Moving away from turning this into free advertising for the aforementioned banking platform, here are some other things to think about during freshers to protect your bank balance:

  • Do things for free! The Fresher’s Fair is a perfect place to collect as much free stuff as possible, and it is also free to go to. It can feel slightly intimidating approaching all the different society stands on your own, so going with a new friend gives you a cost-free opportunity to learn more about your friend and learn more about how you would like to shape your life at Leeds. 
  • Other free activities could be sitting on Woodhouse Moor, if we’re lucky enough to get a nice enough day, or taking a walk along the Woodhouse Ridge. 
  • Although I wholeheartedly encourage joining one if not multiple society’s, don’t feel pressured to pay the membership fees right away. Assess all of your options first. Unfortunately, you can’t fit everything so use the ‘Give-It-A-Gos’ to test the water and work out your priorities before committing to paying the fees. 
  • If it’s not too late already, I would urge you not to buy wristbands or tickets for Fresher’s events before coming to Leeds. Blocking off too much of your week before you arrive can sometimes restrict you and skipping pre-paid events is sometimes inevitable but still a waste of that precious budget! 

Most importantly though, have fun! Fresher’s week is always going to be more expensive than your general week-to-week, so try to not feel guilty for spending more. Say yes to things, and if that means spending a bit more than your bargained for then that’s ok. 

A Guide to Surviving Freshers Flu

The annual flu season is almost upon us and with it, the start of the new term. Having survived a global pandemic, the threat of the freshers’ flu is stopping nobody from enjoying their night out this year. 

There’s no doubt that the mass convening of students, from across the globe, to live in student accommodation with questionable hygiene standards can make you ill. Moving into university is not only a big step in your social and academic life, but also a big change for your body. Your body is introduced to a cocktail of germs, viruses and bacteria from the new environment, new diet, and new people. Often, the fresher’s flu is similar to a bad cold, but the impact of the fever, sore throat and headaches can be exacerbated by the late nights, alcohol consumption and poor diet that is common amongst students. The lifestyle choices you make can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to the fresher’s flu.

The flu-like symptoms can be very similar to that of COVID-19 so make sure you do a test to check if you’re positive. Also, make sure to consult the NHS meningitis page if you notice a rash, sensitivity to light or a stiff neck. Fresher’s flu symptoms, like the common cold, can last around a week and shouldn’t be too difficult to get through – if you’re struggling, consider consulting your GP for further advice or treatment.

There are many ways to prepare for fresher’s flu to make your recovery as quick as possible. The following prevention tactics may even help you to avoid the flu altogether: 

1. Sign up to the GP as soon as you get here

Get all the admin work out of the way as soon as you can. In case you catch something more serious than fresher’s flu, it’ll be good to have all the forms already filled out so that you can contact your local GP, should you need to.

2. Make sure your vaccines are up to date

Checking that you’ve had all your vaccines and that they’re all up to date will keep you safe from a lot of the more serious viruses that could be travelling around uni. Cases of mumps were rising in my first-year accommodation, despite many of us having had the MMR vaccine, so make sure you keep an eye out for any bodily changes. 

3. Eat healthily 

Maintaining a healthy diet can be difficult at university, especially during Freshers. Eating a lot of vitamin C-rich foods, like oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli can help support your immune system. 

4. Drink lots of water (and maybe less alcohol!)

Staying hydrated can help prevent illness by helping your body flush out toxins. It can speed up the recovery process if you do fall ill and can help ease hangovers! 

5. Sleep

Sleep not only recharges your body, giving it a much-needed period of rest during a busy time, but also enhances your immune system. When you sleep, certain types of protective proteins and antibodies help fight off infection. 

Like with the common cold, there are no fixed cures. The best things that you can do to treat your fresher’s flu are below. 

1. Warm drinks

Staying hydrated, particularly with warm drinks, can help loosen congestion. Many people recommend warm lemon water drinks that you can make at home or pick up sachets in a pharmacy.

2. Rest

As with prevention, rest and sleep help your body recover, so make sure that you take some time off socialising when you start feeling ill.

3. Soothing your sore throat 

To prevent discomfort and reduce congestion, try taking sore throat lozenges or gargling saltwater.

Fresher’s flu is the unofficial initiation for all those starting university, so don’t be worried if (or when) you start feeling a bit ill, it’s all part of the uni experience! Stay aware of any significant changes to your health and let your GP know if you encounter further issues.

Safety First: A Guide to Staying Safe During Freshers Week

As universities make their big return to campus, there are keen students all around the country preparing themselves for a freshers’ week to remember. Here are five top tips for staying safe during the week: 

1. Buddy up

The phrase strength in numbers couldn’t be more fitting for this first tip. You are most vulnerable when you are alone, so it is important to stay in groups when you are out and try not to let people wander off or go home alone. In a new city and unfamiliar surroundings, it can be really overwhelming for many people, so make sure you’re checking in with your friends or flatmates regularly to see how they’re doing. 

2. Keep your phone charged  

This second tip may seem obvious, but having a fully charged phone when you’re out and about in a new city is a must. Not only will it be able to capture those unforgettable memories, but it can be used to pay for things, communicate with friends, and order Ubers or taxis to help you get home safe. 

3. Be vigilant

One of the most important pieces of advice is to be vigilant when you are out. The majority of people that you will meet are usually there to simply have a good time, but unfortunately, there are some more sinister people out there who have a different take on having a ‘good time’. Spiking continues to be a huge issue at parties and in clubs, so it is important to keep alert to minimise the risk of it happening to you or your friends. You can do this by not accepting drinks from strangers and not leaving any drinks unattended. 

If you do end up in a position where you think yourself or a friend may have been spiked, tell a bar manager or security guard, get to a safe place and if the condition deteriorates, call an ambulance. 

More information and advice on spiking can be found: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/staying-safe-while-drinking/drink-spiking-and-date-rape-drugs

4. Don’t overshare 

During the week, you will come across a whole host of new people and fresh faces who are all looking to make lots of new friends. When making conversations, it can be easy to overshare personal information very quickly such as where you’re staying, where you come from and your social media platforms, leaving you more vulnerable. With social media being a huge part of people’s lives, it is common to instantly want to add every single person you meet on these platforms, but this isn’t always the wisest thing to do as your social platforms can give off more information than you think. So, hold fire with those friend requests and wait to see who really turn out to be your close friends.

5. Look after yourself 

The final piece of advice for staying safe during freshers’ week is to look after yourself. It can be easy to see the week as the time to go wild, and many people do! But, it is really important to know your limits. The freedom of being a fresher means that it can be easy to feel pressured to do everything and go out every night, but don’t be afraid of saying ‘no’ if you don’t want to. At the end of the day, looking after yourself should be your top priority and you shouldn’t have to give in to the pressure of doing it all in the first week. 

Ultimately, freshers week is a time to really let loose and enjoy the freedom of being away from home. Take the advice as you wish, but by keeping these safety considerations in mind, you are guaranteed to have a great time and to make some unforgettable memories.