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Leeds Arts University (UK)

The only specialist arts institution in the north of England, Leeds Arts University has 2,500 students as well as high student satisfaction and retention.

This is because students are treated as individuals, and the student experience really matters.

The university invests heavily in its studios and facilities; in fact, a new building opening this fall will have a new cafe and rooftop terrace for students to enjoy.

Here are some of the highlights from my visit!

Leeds city

Like the university, Leeds is small, compact and easy to navigate.

It's only 2 hours north of London on the train, and it was also voted the 'UK's Best Student City' by the Independent newspaper.

It's very much a student city, home to four universities in total.

Leeds is the UK's third largest city and has a population close to 1 million, but it's also a place where you can be out in the countryside within a 20-minute drive!

Other unique parts of Leeds is the fact that it's the only city outside of London with a resident opera and ballet company, so it clearly values the arts.

There is also no lack of shopping options either, with the largest covered market in Europe, home to the original Marks & Spencer store.

The Corn Exchange, built in 1829, was my favorite place though!

It's full of independent shops and treats!

And there are plenty of festivals, too, such as the Leeds International Film Festival, the Leeds Festival (the biggest music festival after Glastonbury) and Thought Bubble (a comic art festival).

Campus and academics

Founded in 1846, Leeds Arts University nowadays has two campuses; one in the city for its foundation programs and the other in Bleinheim Walk.

My favorite thing about the Bleinheim Walk campus was the environment, which was noticeable from the moment you walk in and gaze up at the clouds through the ceiling windows.

It's creative, modern and airy -- and if I were a student, I would feel 100 percent motivated to come to campus every day.

Its facilities are based around studios, such as the below auditorium permanently set up as a rehearsal space for music students.

In terms of music, Leeds Arts offers a course in Popular Music Performance and a new course in Music Production, which starts this year.

All degrees are single-major, but students collaborate regularly with those in other degrees.

View of the University of Leeds from the studio windows

For example, students in both of the above degrees will share the same music business classes.

And there are plenty of opportunities for external performances, as the university tries as much as possible to mimic the real music industry.

Leeds Arts also offers courses in Fine Art, Illustration, Comic and Concept Art, Games Art and Games Design.

About 10 percent of the student population are international students, and the university also offers a free airport meet-and-greet service when they arrive the first time.