Exploring Campus with Pokémon Go

After all the hype and excitement of Pokémon Go in the states, I jumped on the bandwagon and downloaded the app following its UK release.

Pidgeotto nesting outside the Parkinson Building

I am attracted to any app that encourages people to get active and Pokémon Go certainly does the job; I have the blisters to prove it!

The app uses GPS and your phone camera to allow you to capture, train and battle these virtual creatures – slightly more high-tech than the versions I played in the school playground!

As I was exploring Leeds, completely engrossed in the game and trying not to walk into walls and cyclists I discovered statues, historic plaques and wall murals that take the form of ‘Pokéstops’ where you can collect ‘Pokéballs’ and other paraphernalia. The stops included the Corn Exchange, The Marks and Spencer’s Clock and the Victoria Quarter fountains. In a couple of hours I had visited more iconic areas in the city than I have in the last 3 years!

I wasn’t expecting this game to be so addictive, but the Sunday night blues were definitely helped by the thought of going to work on Monday to discover what could be lurking about campus! As I had hoped, campus is crawling with Pokémon including lots of water based Pokémon by the Waterside Café – that’s my lunch break taken care of for the next few weeks!

Lots of points of interest on campus means lots of Pokéstops and plenty of interesting facts learnt. Here are some of my favourites:

Sir Clifford Allbutt’s House

Magikarp flopping around the Roger Stevens pond

Sir Clifford Allbutt invented the clinical thermometer and his former home is right here on campus – Lyddon Hall. MEETinLEEDS have two lovely boardrooms which are available for hire all year round; one is even named after Sir Clifford Allbutt!

Roger Stevens Building Statue

This sculpture by William Chattaway was made in the 1970’s and was saved during the demolition of the old bank in 1983 when it was installed on the Roger Stevens Building. The building is used for teaching during term time; in the University holidays it can be booked through MEETinLEEDS; it is most commonly used as break out theatres in conjunction with the Conference Auditorium and the Exhibition Centre.

Michael Sadler Building War Memorial

Situated in the main entrance of the Michael Sadler Building is Eric Gill’s World War II memorial. The sculpture was originally attached to the Great Hall in 1923 before being moved to its current position in the Michael Sadler Building which is another popular MEETinLEEDS venue outside of term time due to its 340 seat lecture theatre and numerous break out rooms.

There are heaps of other Pokéstops to discover on campus including the Parkinson Building, The Edge and the Great Hall. Keep a look out for Lures, especially at Great Food at Leeds Cafes where you can grab a coffee and let the Pokémon come to you! Good luck catching em’ all!