International orientation
Our international orientation programme will help you have the best possible start in Leeds. Join webinars, talks, workshops, tours and social events to help you feel at home and meet new people.
Whenever you arrive, we’ll help you:
- Find essential information and learn about opportunities to make the most of your time in Leeds.
- Hear from students about their experiences of living and studying here.
- Discover our beautiful campus and vibrant city.
- Explore the experience of crossing cultures and adapting to change.
- Meet new people and start settling in.
If you have questions or don’t know where to start, contact our Student Information Service or speak to the team at one of our information points on campus.
You can plan your first few weeks now – explore the following programme to find out more about each activity.
Online events and activities
Join our live webinars before you arrive to get a head start on preparing for university life, or attend them on campus during International Orientation Week to help you settle in. All events are all online and in British Summer Time (BST).
19 August to 12 September
Money and banking
Find out more about how to open a UK bank account, discover money–saving tips for student life, and get essential advice on avoiding fraud and scams.
- Sign up for our webinar on Tuesday 19 August, 12–12.45pm
- Sign up for our webinar on Monday 1 September, 12–12.45pm
- Sign up for our webinar on Tuesday 9 September, 12–12.45pm
You can also join this online webinar when you’re on campus on Tuesday 16 September or Monday 22 September.
Healthcare and wellbeing
Learn how to register with a doctor and dentist in the UK, what healthcare is covered by your visa, what to do if you’re ill, and find out about support and wellbeing services available while you’re studying at Leeds.
- Sign up for our webinar on Wednesday 20 August, 12–12.45pm
- Sign up for our webinar on Wednesday 3 September, 12–12.45pm
- Sign up for our webinar on Monday 8 September, 12–12.45pm
You can also join this online webinar when you’re on campus on Monday 15 September or Wednesday 24 September.
Prepare for Undergraduate study at Leeds
Academic life in a new country can be exciting and challenging—join this supportive session to share past learning experiences and explore effective study habits.
- Sign up for our webinar on Thursday 28 August, 12–1pm
- Sign up for our webinar on Friday 5 September, 12–1pm
Prepare for Postgraduate taught study at Leeds
Postgraduate study in a new country can be exciting and challenging—join this supportive session to share past learning experiences and explore effective study habits.
- Sign up for our webinar on Friday 29 August, 12–1pm
- Sign up for our webinar on Thursday 4 September, 12–1pm
Using your student visa to live, study and work in the UK
Hear from our Student Visa Advice team about how to access and use your eVisa, and discover useful information about working during and after your studies.
You can also join this session in person when you’re on campus on Wednesday 17 September.
Jobs, careers and volunteering in the UK: opportunities and support
Join our Careers and Volunteering teams for guidance on working or volunteering in the UK. Find out about part–time and post–study opportunities and get practical tips for finding a job.
You can also join this session in person when you’re on campus on Wednesday 17 September.
Safety and support in Leeds
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds.
You can also join this session online on Wednesday 17 September or meet our safety and support teams in person on Thursday 18 September.
International Orientation Week
International Orientation Week takes place on campus and online from Monday 15 September to Friday 19 September.
It's your opportunity to join our programme specially created for international students, helping you settle in through talks, webinars, workshops, tours, and social events.
Welcome to Leeds talk
Don’t miss our Welcome to Leeds talk, your official welcome to Leeds as an international student. Hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, find out about getting started and explore opportunities to get involved and experience local life.
Sign up for a Welcome to Leeds talk.
Our Welcome to Leeds talk is repeated throughout the welcome period from 15 to 29 September – join it as soon as possible after you arrive.
Other topics covered in our orientation sessions include:
- How to prepare for academic life
- Healthcare and wellbeing
- Money and banking
- Safety and support in Leeds
- Using your student visa to live, study and work in the UK
- Jobs, careers and volunteering in the UK
- Exploring experiences of culture change
Monday 15 September
Healthcare and wellbeing webinar
Learn how to register with a doctor and dentist in the UK, what healthcare is covered by your visa, what to do if you get ill, and find out about support and wellbeing services.
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk – hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Sign up for our Welcome to Leeds talk 11am–12.15pm
- Sign up for our Welcome to Leeds talk 2–3.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Culture shock comedy drama
Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK presented by the University Chaplaincy team.
- Sign up for our Culture shock comedy drama 4–5pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Tuesday 16 September
Money and banking webinar
Find out more about how to open a UK bank account, discover money–saving tips for student life, and get essential advice on avoiding fraud and scams.
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk – hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Sign up for our Welcome to Leeds talk 11am–12.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Embracing (culture) change workshop
Join our interactive workshop to share experiences with fellow students and explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to cultural and lifestyle changes.
- Sign up for our Embracing (culture) change workshop 3.30–5pm
- Location: Michael Sadler LG10
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Wednesday 17 September
Safety and support in Leeds webinar
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds.
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk – hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Sign up to our Welcome to Leeds talk 11am–12.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Using your Student visa to live, study and work in the UK
Hear from our Student Visa Advice team about how to access and use your eVisa, and discover useful information about about working during and after your studies.
- Sign up to our Student visa talk 1.30–3pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Jobs, careers and volunteering in the UK: opportunities and support
Join our Careers and Volunteering teams for guidance on working or volunteering in the UK. Find out about part–time and post–study opportunities and get practical tips for finding a job.
- Sign up to our Careers and Volunteering talk 3.30–4.30pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Thursday 18 September
Bridging academic expectations webinar (Masters)
Reflect on similarities and differences between your past study experiences, and academic life at the University of Leeds. Share expectations and explore strategies for success!
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk – hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Sign up to our Welcome to Leeds talk 11am–12.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Safety and support in Leeds (in person)
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds.
- Sign up to our Safety and support in Leeds talk 2–2.45pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Support Services meet-and-greet
Meet some of the services who can support you to feel safe in Leeds. Come along and chat to our friendly staff at any time during the session.
- Drop in 2.30–4.30pm
- Location: Michael Sadler LG10
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Friday 19 September
Bridging academic expectations webinar (Undergraduate)
Reflect on similarities and differences between your past study experiences, and academic life at the University of Leeds. Share expectations and explore strategies for success!
Muslim faith tour
Find out about prayer spaces, where to find halal food, useful shops and places, and learn about different student societies to help connect with your community.
- Sign up for our Muslim faith tour 10am–12pm
- Location: meet at the Parkinson steps
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk – hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Sign up for our Welcome to Leeds talk 11am–12.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre (290)
Culture shock comedy drama
Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK presented by the University Chaplaincy team.
- Sign up to our Culture shock comedy drama 2–3pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Embracing (culture) change workshop
Join our interactive workshop to share experiences with fellow students and explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to cultural and lifestyle changes.
- Sign up to our Embracing (culture) change workshop 3.30–5pm
- Location: Michael Sadler LG10
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Welcome week
Welcome week takes place on campus and online from Monday 22 September to Wednesday 1 October. This is a week of school inductions, fairs and social events to welcome all new students joining the University of Leeds.
It’s a great opportunity to attend more live sessions or catch up on talks from International Orientation Week online, connect with even more people, and get your questions answered.
Monday 22 September
Money and banking webinar
Find out more about how to open a UK bank account, discover money–saving tips for student life, and get essential advice on avoiding fraud and scams.
Welcome to Leeds talk (online)
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk – hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Sign up to our Welcome to Leeds talk (online) 12–1.15pm
- Location: Maurice Keyworth LT G.02
Muslim faith tour
Find out about prayer spaces, where to find halal food, useful shops and places, and learn about different student societies to help connect with your community.
- Sign up for our Muslim faith tour 2–4pm
- Location: meet at Parkinson steps
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Tuesday 23 September
Muslim faith tour
Find out about prayer spaces, where to find halal food, useful shops and places, and learn about different student societies to help connect with your community.
- Time: 2–4pm
- Location: meet at Parkinson steps
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Wednesday 24 September
Healthcare and wellbeing webinar
Learn how to register with a doctor and dentist in the UK, what healthcare is covered by your visa, what to do if you get ill, and find out about support and wellbeing services.
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk – hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Sign up to our Welcome to Leeds talk 2–3.15pm
- Location: Roger Stevens Lecture Theatre 25
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Thursday 25 September
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Friday 26 September
Muslim faith tour
Find out about prayer spaces, where to find halal food, useful shops and places, and learn about different student societies to help connect with your community.
- Sign up for our Muslim faith tour 10am–12pm
- Location: meet at the Parkinson steps
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Monday 29 September
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk – hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Sign up to our Welcome to Leeds talk 5–6.15pm
- Location: to be confirmed
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Drop in 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Tours and events
Campus and city chase tours
Get to know your new home. Take a campus and city tour with friendly student hosts to guide you.
Visit the Leeds and You page to book onto a campus or city chase tour from 5 September.
If you prefer to explore campus in your own time, you can also take a self-guided campus tour using our interactive campus map.
Social events
Explore Engage and join fun social events offered by the Leeds University Student Union. More events will be added this month.
Our Leeds and You page will be updated soon with even more events and opportunities to get involved.
Student profile: Zainab’s story
International Orientation, my School induction and the resources provided by the University made moving to the UK easier and helped me acclimatize to the University, city, and the people.
Contact
If you have questions or don’t know where to start, contact the Student Information Service team or speak to a member of the team at one of their information points on campus.