What the HELIX?!: What is HELIX and what’s it got to do with me?

3 min readOct 12, 2023

HELIX has arrived! Complete with the latest cutting-edge technologies, Level 7 of the EC Stoner is the perfect place to get your hands on the future of technology right here at Leeds.

The digital future is coming fast so even if you may not have encountered Virtual Reality (VR) before, make sure you don’t miss out! Here are five cool things in HELIX that all students should try.

1. VR Omnideck

If you want to plunge into a whole new world right here on campus, try the Omnideck, a 360-degree treadmill that works create a truly immersive Extended Reality (XR) experience. Just imagine a massive circular floor that moves with you so you can explore your XR world with no boundaries. Pre-loaded with a wild range of games and activities, the Omnideck is a must-try for video game lovers and anyone who fancies trying something new.

A woman is standing on the Omnideck with a VR headset on, using the equipment

2. Self-Recording Studios

Got something to share with the world? Check out the self-recording studios. From podcasting equipment to 4K cameras, ring lights and Wacom digitizer tablets, these sound-proofed booths have everything you need to live out your podcaster, streamer, or influencer dreams.

Two girls sit at a table with headphones on, taking into podcast microphones

3. Makerspace

Got some genius ideas but no way of bringing them to life? Check out the Makerspace, complete with 3D filament and resin printers, sewing machines, vacuum moulds, lo-fi kits and even LEGO. With so many materials to use, it’s impossible to run out of inspiration! Whether you fancy giving needlework a go or are itching to create new Dungeons and Dragons characters, go wild with all these resources right at your fingertips.

Rows of lab desks with plug sockets and chairs. A sewing machine sits on one table and in the background is a cupboard showing different materials.

4. Enterprise Hub

If you’re looking for somewhere to build your business, check out the Enterprise Hub, created in collaboration with University of Leeds Enterprise Academy. Use the space to design and develop your next product, meet with colleagues and mentors, or reserve a meeting room to put your business plans into action.

A room with a cluster of chairs around a table and booths. Small meeting rooms with glass doors border the central space.

5. Co-Lab Shared Workspace

If you’re looking for the perfect place for groupwork or need to get your head down somewhere a bit quieter than the busy libraries, use HELIX’s Co-Lab workspace. With a range of seating, computers, docking stations and lockers, it’s the perfect space for prime productivity.

A woman writes on a whiteboard. The text reads ‘HELIX, What do you want to see? Radical Collaboration’

If you can’t wait to dive into the future of technology, visit the HELIX website to book onto programmed events, or to reserve rooms and equipment. For any further information, email the team.

What the HELIX?!: What is HELIX and what’s it got to do with me?

Written by University of Leeds