The Plaza vs Austin Hall: The Leeds Showdown
Two solid options for Leeds students. Different providers, slightly different price points, both near campus.
Let me show you exactly how they compare.
The Numbers At A Glance
| Factor | The Plaza | Austin Hall | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Price (from) | £131/week | £140/week | The Plaza |
| 📍 Walk to Leeds Uni | ~10 minutes | 7 minutes | Austin Hall |
| 📍 Walk to Beckett | 4 minutes | ~12 minutes | The Plaza |
| ⭐ Provider Rating | Unite (2.7★) | Mansion (3.4★) | Austin Hall |
| 🔒 Crime Nearby | 1 incident | 2 incidents | The Plaza |
| 🏢 Building Style | Modern tower | Purpose-built | Preference |
| 📊 Annual Cost | £6,681 | £7,140 | The Plaza |
The £459 Difference
Over a 51-week contract, The Plaza saves you £459 compared to Austin Hall.
Not massive, but it's a month of groceries or your textbooks for the semester.
Location: Which Campus Are You?
This is actually the key question.
The Plaza:
- 4 minutes to Leeds Beckett (perfect for Beckett students)
- ~10 minutes to University of Leeds
- City centre location
- Close to bars, shops, everything
Austin Hall:
- 7 minutes to University of Leeds (better for Leeds Uni)
- ~12 minutes to Leeds Beckett
- Quieter residential area
- Still walkable to city centre
The simple answer:
- Leeds Beckett student? → The Plaza
- University of Leeds student? → Austin Hall
The Provider Factor (This Really Matters)
Unite Students (The Plaza): 2.7★ Trustpilot
- The biggest student accommodation provider in UK
- Massive, corporate, inconsistent
- Some buildings are great, others aren't
- Known for slow maintenance
- Very basic service
Mansion Student (Austin Hall): 3.4★ Trustpilot
- Smaller, more focused provider
- Generally better reviews
- More responsive to issues
- Feels less corporate
That 0.7-star difference is significant. Mansion has a notably better reputation.
Room Options
The Plaza:
- Starts at £131/week
- Goes up to £273/week for premium
- Wide range of room types
- Some with city views
Austin Hall:
- Starts at £140/week
- Goes up to £240/week
- Good variety
- Modern finishes
The Social Angle
The Plaza is right in the city centre. You're steps from everything - bars, clubs, shops. The Otley Run literally passes nearby.
Austin Hall is slightly more residential. Quieter for studying, but you're still only a 10-minute walk from the action.
The Verdict: Who Should Pick What
🏆 Choose The Plaza If...
- ✅ You're at Leeds Beckett (4 min walk)
- ✅ Budget is tight (£9/week cheaper)
- ✅ You want to be in the city centre
- ✅ Nightlife access matters
- ✅ You don't mind a corporate provider
🏆 Choose Austin Hall If...
- ✅ You're at University of Leeds (7 min walk)
- ✅ Provider reputation matters to you
- ✅ You prefer a quieter location
- ✅ You value responsive management
- ✅ The extra £9/week is worth better service
My Honest Pick
It depends on your university.
-
Leeds Beckett students: The Plaza. No question. 4 minutes to campus, cheaper, city centre location.
-
University of Leeds students: Austin Hall edges it. Closer to your campus, better provider rating, worth the £9/week premium.
If you're at Leeds Uni but really want the city centre buzz, The Plaza still works - 10 minutes isn't far. But for the optimal setup, match your hall to your campus.
View The Plaza → View Austin Hall →
Prices are estimates from January 2026. Always verify current rates before booking.