Hello!

The start of term is nearly here! We are looking forward to welcoming you to our Leeds community.   

This week’s newsletter is full of helpful advice and guidance on preparing for the start of term. We’re also looking at the ‘rule of 6’ and the importance of working together to stay safe. But first, we have a few reminders of things you need to complete before learning and teaching begins. 

Things to do before teaching and learning begins... 

Check out your timetable 

Your timetable is now available through Minerva or the UniLeeds app on your mobile device. Don't forget that your timetable is subject to change so you should check your personal timetable regularly to ensure that you are on campus or online at the right times. We've prepared some guidance to help you interpret your timetable. 

If you have any questions, get in touch with our Student Information Helpline by phone or email. Find their details and contact information for other helpful contacts here.   

Complete registration  

Registration is the official process of becoming a student at Leeds. If you’ve not yet completed registration, you can follow our step by step guide on how to register. Take time to read through this as it will help you understand what you need to do, documents you’ll need and who you can contact if you need help.  

Paying your tuition fees 

Have a read of our information about paying your fees, arranging funding and important dates and deadlines. 

Don’t forget that if Leeds was not your first choice and you’re taking out a loan with the Student Loans Company, you may need to update your loan application. Student Finance England have a helpful YouTube video to guide you through the process step-by-step which you can find here. 

Looking forward to Leeds... 

Getting Started at Leeds   

‘Getting Started at Leeds’ is an online welcome and induction resource that we’ve created to help and support you as you settle in as a member of our Leeds community.  

It is designed to guide you through your first few weeks (and will be there for you to return to later if you need it). It’s packed with information about studying with us, the support available to you, opportunities to enrich your time at Leeds and suggestions on how to engage with social events and activities, including events organised by LUU (the Leeds University Union). 

Find out more about Getting Started at Leeds, including how you can access the resource. 

Preparing for Leeds - help and advice 

We have also gathered lots of advice to help you prepare for Leeds.  

Once you have your University username and password and you’ve registered as a student, you’ll be able to access our online Prepare for Postgrad guide, designed to help your transition to Masters level study. You’ll also have access to our Getting Started at Leeds resource which will be available to you soon.

• If you’re an international student, download our International Welcome Guide – this version includes extra details for those travelling from outside the UK, including what to do once you arrive, tips on settling in, opening a bank account, and where to get help. If you have questions about preparing to travel to Leeds, or what to do when you arrive, please email  internationalwelcome@leeds.ac.uk. You’ll also find useful travel and arrival information on our Preparing for Leeds webpages.  Your online international orientation has lots of information to help you get started, feel at home in Leeds and make the most of your international experience.   

Got a question? Our teams are available to help answer any questions you have. Contact our Student Information Helpline by phone or email. Find their details and contact information for other helpful contacts here.   

Are you coming to Leeds from outside the UK? Any students arriving in Leeds from outside the UK are welcome to make use of our international arrival services. Please use our simple booking form to request support.   

‘For Students’ website  

Our ‘For Students’ website is full of useful information that will help you throughout your time at Leeds. The best place to start is our welcome section, which includes guidance on moving to Leeds, finding your way around the city, where to buy the essentials and advice on bringing computers to University. There is even a special page just for new students! 

Welcome to your School  

We know you’ll also be keen to find out all about your School - how you’ll be taught, your partnership with your academic personal tutor and details of any welcome and induction activities being organised specially for students in your School. Find out more about your School's welcome and induction activities. 

If you have any questions that are specific to your circumstances or your course, please get in touch with your School. 

Online IT induction  

To help you make the most of IT facilities at Leeds, we’ve created an online IT induction. This covers important information about staying safe online and introduces you to the different University services you can access. There are four modules, each taking only a few minutes to complete. When you’ve finished, fill in the evaluation form for the chance to win a £30 voucher in our prize draw.   

Read our advice about bringing computers to the University.

Once you arrive... 

Working together to stay safe 

Since Monday 14 September, it has been illegal for groups of more than 6 people to take part in social gatherings in England. This ‘rule of 6’ doesn’t apply to teaching and learning activities, but we all need to work together to keep each other – and our neighbours in the community – safe in everything that we do.

So, in partnership with student representatives from Leeds University Union, we have agreed some simple guidelines for us all to follow. These represent the University’s commitment to you as a student, and your responsibility to the wider community to which you belong. Please read the guidelines carefully and make sure you understand the vital part you play.   

For more information on how we’re making campus Covid-secure, watch the ‘A Safe Environment at Leeds’ video:

Read the government’s advice on meeting others safely, while social distancing.  

Want to know more about what will campus life be like? We’ve put together a video to help you get started at Leeds and to find out more about learning at Leeds. 

Looking after yourself and others  

To get the most out of your time at Leeds, take care to look after your emotional and physical health - that way you'll be more likely to enjoy all aspects of your student life.  

Read our tips and advice on what you can do to look after yourself on our website. If there’s anything you think we should add to these pages or share with other students, send it us via email and we’ll look to add it to our next newsletter or share through our social media accounts. 

Registering with a doctor  

As a student in Leeds, you'll need to register with a doctor, and be familiar with who to contact if you need help, treatment or advice. Find out more about the healthcare facilities available in Leeds and your healthcare entitlements, whether you're a UK or an international student. 

Library study spaces and using our libraries 

You can now book study spaces are now in the Edward Boyle Library and the Laidlaw Library. We are also running a ‘click and collect’ service for you to borrow books from the Edward Boyle Library. The Library offers online services to help you study, research and prepare for the new academic year. We’re now beginning to reopen our buildings in phases – with the health and wellbeing of students, visitors and staff our top priority.  

Find out more about the services available at the Library.

Looking for ways to explore Leeds? Leeds is a compact city and it's relatively easy to find your way around, whether you're on foot, cycling or on a bus. Most student residences and local facilities are within a three-mile radius of the University, and Leeds has an extensive public transport network. We are committed to supporting sustainable travel, including facilities for cycling to campus and active travel. Find out more about local Leeds transport, finding your way around the city and travel discounts available to students.  

Best wishes from the Student Communications Team