Bradford on the rise: a student's perspective on the City of Culture 2025

Hi, I'm Maher, a final-year BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy student.

Over the past few years, I’ve seen Bradford evolve into a more vibrant, welcoming and ambitious city. As we're almost halfway through 2025, it’s clear that the City of Culture title is already making a positive impact, both on the community and on student life.

A new energy on campus and beyond

There’s a fresh energy in Bradford that’s hard to miss. Across campus, I’ve noticed more events celebrating diversity, art and creativity. Student societies are more active, and there’s a sense of pride in our city’s growing cultural identity. The University itself is supporting community projects and partnerships, encouraging students to get involved in shaping Bradford’s cultural future.

A changing city centre

The transformation of Bradford’s city centre is one of the most visible signs of progress. Areas like City Park have become livelier, with more public events and art installations bringing people together. The redevelopment of the old Odeon into “Bradford Live” is particularly exciting - it promises to be a major venue for concerts and events, right in the heart of the city.

Smaller improvements, like better lighting, cleaner streets, and more pedestrian-friendly areas, have made the city feel safer and more welcoming. These changes have definitely made a difference to my daily life as a student walking around town.

Celebrating diversity

Bradford’s strength has always been its diversity, and the City of Culture spotlight is helping that shine even brighter. As a British Bangladeshi, I’ve loved seeing more cultural events that reflect the city’s communities - whether it’s food festivals, music performances or art exhibitions.

There’s a real effort to showcase what makes Bradford unique, and it’s creating a sense of belonging for people from all backgrounds. It also gives students the chance to learn from one another and experience cultures beyond their own.

Opportunities for students

One of the best parts of the City of Culture status is the opportunity it brings for young people. I’ve noticed more chances for students to get involved in creative projects, internships, and volunteering. These aren’t just great for our CVs - they help us feel connected to the city and its future.

There’s also a growing conversation about retaining talent in Bradford, with more support for students who want to stay after graduation and contribute to its growth. That’s something I hadn’t considered before, but now it feels like a genuine option.

Bradford is the place to be

Bradford’s transformation isn’t just about buildings and events - it’s about community, pride, and potential. From a student’s point of view, the City of Culture achievement has made the city more exciting, inclusive, and full of opportunity. It’s an amazing time to be in Bradford, and I’m proud to be a small part of its story.

There's no better year to be a student at Bradford

Check out how the University of Bradford is helping to shape our city's cultural future in 2025.