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Feeling a little overwhelmed on campus? Check out these quieter spaces to catch your breath.

3 min readSep 20, 2023

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We love our campus, it’s always filled with busy students and staff and always has something going on. But sometimes, for some it can all be a bit overstimulating. If you need a minute to catch your breath and decompress, here is a list (with Google Maps links) of some calmer spots on campus where you can find a bit of headspace.

1. The Roger Stevens Pond

Outside Roger Stevens is a peaceful oasis of biodiversity, complete with floating islands, ducklings, koi carp and our very own heron. If immersing yourself in nature is how you like to find peace, this is a great spot on the edge of campus to take some time out.

The Roger Stevens Pond- Google Maps

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Three students sat chatting by Roger Stevens pond

2. St George’s Fields

This lesser-known gem hidden behind Henry Price residences was once Leeds General Cemetery and is now home for many birds, bats, and bees. Wander around the grassy fields and take time to appreciate the monuments and crypt to take a quiet break from busy campus in some natural light.

St George’s Field — Google Maps

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st. George’s Crypt, a stone building with four columns at its entrance surrounded by grass

3. The Sustainable Garden

Opposite Chancellor’s Court is the Sustainable Garden. Created as an opportunity for students and staff to grow food on campus, it’s a great spot to sit and catch your breath amongst a diverse array of plants. A recent addition to the garden is the Little Free Library, a book exchange box full of a variety of reads, creating the ultimate relaxing environment.

The Sustainable Garden- Google Maps

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A path curving around patches of grass and plants outside Roger Stevens on a sunny day

4. Emmanuel Centre

If it’s a rainy Leeds day and you need some rest under shelter, try the Emmanuel Centre. With lots of sofas and spaces to relax, this converted church opposite Parkinson building provides the perfect space to catch your breath in a calmer environment.

Emmanuel Centre- Google Maps

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A side-on view of the front of the University campus with a grassy patch to the left and the Emmanuel Centre to the right

5. The Sensory Garden

With accessibility at the forefront of its creation, the Sensory Garden at Charles Morris halls of residence is home to many plants and insect hotels, adding even more luscious greenery to campus. Planned to flower all year round, this green space always has something to see and is the perfect place to sit and unwind whether it’s summer or winter.

The Sensory Garden- Google Maps

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A tiled path walled by wooden allotments growing an array of different plants

6. The Master of the Universe

Opposite the Edward Boyle library sits a new resident on campus, ‘Master of the Universe’. Sculpted in bronze by Eduardo Paolozzi, he sits by benches and a quiet grassy area that work as a great pit-stop to take a moment to stop and collect your thoughts whilst running between lectures.

Master of the Universe- University of Leeds

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A statue of a man with robotic-like features sat on a bench, bent over and tracing a compass across the floor

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University of Leeds
University of Leeds

Written by University of Leeds

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