The great 2026 exodus of Leeds students took place this last week as tenancies came to an end for the school year.
Thousands of students were urged to “remain respectful” as Leeds City Council joined forces with the city's universities, landlords and student housing charity Unipol to help manage the busy moving period, with extra support aimed at reducing noise, fly-tipping and waste in student areas.
Many student tenancies ended on Tuesday (June 30), and students were encouraged to donate, recycle or responsibly dispose of unwanted items rather than leaving rubbish on the streets.
Last year, more than 45 tonnes of reusable goods were collected and redistributed through local charities, while food donations were also made to community organisations, the council said.
However, in other years there have been major concerns raised about the scale of rubbish left in the streets of student-friendly areas like Headingley, Hyde Park and Woodhouse.
Our photographer was out to capture students using moving vans, trollies, and anything they could to make sure they were out by the deadline.
13. 'Financial challenges'
"Students' financial challenges exacerbate this as they try to find the most affordable way to move. More support during this period is what students need. It is great to see the collaboration between Leeds City Council, universities, charities and Unipol coming together to support students this year." | Gerard Binks
14. 'What we need'
“Allowing crossover periods, providing storage spaces and expanding charity collection points in student areas is what we need to expand." | Gerard Binks
15. 'Cross collaboration'
"Hopefully the next few years we can strive to make changeover a time for cross collaboration between students, residents and other stakeholders." | Gerard Binks
16. Headingley
These pictures were taken around the student-heavy area of Headingley in Leeds. | Gerard Binks