International Orientation Programme

Welcome to Leeds! Our international orientation programme will help you make the best possible start in Leeds. Whenever you arrive, you’ll be able to join talks, tours and social events to help you feel at home and meet new people. 

International Orientation

This page was last updated on Thursday 21 September.

Welcome to Leeds! Our international orientation programme will help you make the best possible start in Leeds. Whenever you arrive, you’ll be able to join talks, tours and social events to help you feel at home and meet new people.  

What is International Orientation? 

International Orientation is the perfect way to find out more about the University of Leeds and about living in the UK, join in social activities and tours and meet new and current Leeds students. Whenever you arrive, we’ll help you:  

  • Find essential information and learn about opportunities to make the most of your international experience in Leeds. 
  • Discover our campus and the city. 
  • Meet other students, make connections and start settling in. 

Read more about how International Orientation can make you feel at home in Leeds!

When is International Orientation? 

Our main International Orientation week is from Monday 18 – Friday 22 September 2023, with webinars offered from Friday 15 September until Friday 26 September.  

If you’re starting your programme in September 2023, arrive in time to attend our in-person International Orientation talk and join our live webinars, campus tours, social activities and events. More information about tours, social events and what’s happening in our Welcome Hub will be added to this page soon. 

If you’re a Postgraduate researcher, check our Postgraduate International Orientation page for a bespoke programme of talks, sessions and events.  

After International Orientation week (18 – 22 September), you’ll be able to attend our main International Orientation talk open sessions or watch the recordings of our talks and webinars on demand. You’ll also still be able to join events and social activities. 

International Orientation – programme by theme 

In person or online, live or on-demand, we have a range of talks, tours and social activities you can join this September. 

Find all links to register on our webinars under the ‘International Orientation – programme by date’ section.  

Welcome Hub
Ask questions and get help, get involved in activities and meet new and current students

The Welcome hub is more than finding information; it's about finding your place. Visit us to: 

  • Get answers to questions  
  • Get involved in games and activities  
  • Connect with current and new students 

It can get busy in the hub so if a busy place is not for you, we’ll have a quieter space where you can make the most of your Welcome experience away from the crowds.  

Check what’s on in the Welcome Hub!

Main International Orientation talk  
Join in person or online  

Come to our main International Orientation session for essential information about living in the UK, including support and opportunities to help you make the most of living and studying in Leeds. We’ll also explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to culture and lifestyle changes.  

The time and location of the talk you will need to join will depend on your study level and your parent School/Faculty or programme of studyCheck the time and location of your talk in the ‘International Orientation – programme by date’ section.

  • Thursday 21 September: Undergraduate students, including Incoming Study Abroad and International Foundation Year students. 

  • Friday 22 September: Taught Postgraduate students and Postgraduate Researchers. 
    *If you’re a student on a Masters course from Leeds University Business School, please see your School induction schedule for details of which orientation session to attend this week. 


Missed our main International Orientation talk? Catch up on these days:

  • Online International Orientation session – Tuesday 26 September (10:00 – 12:00)

  • In-person International Orientation – on Wednesday 27 September (14:00 – 16:00)

Live online webinars and in-person session
Money and Banking; Healthcare and Wellbeing; Living in Leeds with your family; Disability Support 

Online webinars

Money and Banking – How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here!  

Healthcare and Wellbeing – Registering with a doctor, what to do if you’re ill, healthcare and your visa and ways to support your wellbeing in Leeds. 

Disability Support webinar – supporting your studies and helping you to succeed.   

Living in Leeds with your family – online meet-up

International Orientation – our online open catch-up session 

In-person sessions

Working During and After Studies: Careers and Visa advice

International Orientation – our open in-person catch-up session

Social events, Campus Tours and City Chase 

Get involved with social events happening across the University and the Leeds University Union! Why not sign up for a campus tour or a city chase event to start discovering our campus and the city of Leeds in a fun and interactive way?

Check our Leeds and You page to browse social events happening during International Orientation and throughout the year, sign up for a campus tours and find out more about other events happening in the marquee opposite the Leeds University Union (LUU). 

Faith-based activities 

Organised by our University of Leeds Chaplaincy, we’ll be hosting events on campus to help you meet other people and introduce you to places in Leeds where you can practice your faith. We’ll add information about our events in this section nearer the time, so keep checking for more information.  

Check our Leeds and You page for more faith-based activities and events. 

International Orientation – programme by date 

Whenever you arrive, there’s a range of in-person and online sessions available to help you settle into life in Leeds. 

Monday 18 September to Friday 22 September – International Welcome Week

It’s International Welcome Week! Here’s your to do list for this week:

  • Don’t miss your main International Orientation talk
  • Attend our webinars for more practical information on opening a bank account, registering with a doctor and more
  • Come to the Welcome Hub – meet people, get help and get involved in activities and games. 
  • Check the Leeds and You page to book a campus tour, check what’s happening in the Leeds University Union and on campus!

Monday 18 September 


10:00 – 10:30  Welcome to International Orientation  

Register for the ‘Welcome to International Orientation’ session

Welcome! Take a tour of what’s on this week. We’ll tell you more about the programme and what’s on offer during international orientation week. 


11:00 – 11:45 Money and banking 

Register for the ‘Money and banking’ webinar

How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here!  


14:00 – 16:00 Muslim Faith Tour  

Where: Meet at the Parkinson Building steps

Find out where to find local halal food places, prayer areas, shops and other important campus locations. 


15:00 – 15:45 Healthcare and Wellbeing  

Register for the ‘Healthcare and Wellbeing  ’ webinar

How do I register with a doctor and a dentist? Who do I call if I’m ill? What’s a GP? What’s covered by my visa? Find the answers to these questions in this session.  


16:30 – 17:30 Culture Shock Comedy Drama

Where: Esther Simpson LT (LG.08)

Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week, presented by the University Chaplaincy team. Don’t miss this much-loved feature of our International Orientation programme!   


17:30 – 19:30 Global Café 

Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union 

Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments.  

Tuesday 19 September 


10:00 – 10:30 Welcome to International Orientation  

Register for the ‘Welcome to International Orientation’ session

Welcome! Take a tour of what’s on this week. We’ll tell you more about the programme and what’s on offer during International Orientation week. 


11:00 – 11:45 Healthcare and Wellbeing  

Register for the ‘Healthcare and Wellbeing’ webinar

How do I register with a doctor and a dentist? Who do I call if I’m ill? What’s a GP? What’s covered by my visa? Find the answers to these questions in this session.  


14:00 – 15:00 Disability Support webinar 

Register for the ‘Disability support’ webinar 

What is disability? How can the University support your studies and help you to succeed? Come along to this webinar to find out more. 


15:00 – 15:45 Money and banking 

Register for the ‘Money and banking’ webinar

How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here! 


16:30 – 17:30 Culture Shock Comedy Drama

Where: Esther Simpson LT (LG.08)

Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week, presented by the University Chaplaincy team. Don’t miss this much-loved feature of our International Orientation programme!   


17:30 – 19:30 Global Café 

Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union 

Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments.  

Wednesday 20 September 


10:00 – 10:30 Welcome to International Orientation  

Register for the ‘Welcome to International Orientation’ session

Welcome! Take a tour of what’s on this week. We’ll tell you more about the programme and what’s on offer during International Orientation week.  


13:00 – 14:00 Living in Leeds with your family – online social

Register for the ‘Living in Leeds with your family’ webinar

An opportunity to network and connect with new and current students who have brought their family to Leeds. Join this event to connect, ask questions and get tips on living in Leeds with your family. 


16:30 – 17:30 Culture Shock Comedy Drama

Where: Esther Simpson LT (LG.08)

Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week, presented by the University Chaplaincy team. Don’t miss this much-loved feature of our International Orientation programme!   


17:30 – 19:30 Global Café 

Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union 

Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. 

Thursday 21 September – Undergraduate International Orientation talks 


Undergraduate International Orientation 

Attend our main orientation session for essential information about living in the UK, including support and opportunities to help you make the most of living and studying in Leeds.  

We’ll also explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to culture and lifestyle changes.  

  • All Undergraduate students, including Incoming Study Abroad and International Foundation Year students. Multiple times and locations. 

The time and location of the talk you will need to join will depend on your study level and your parent School/Faculty or programme of study. Check your Faculty here

10:00 – 12:00: Go to Conference Auditorium 1, if you are an Undergraduate student from this Faculty: 

  • Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 

10:00 – 12:00: Go to Conference Auditorium 2, if you are an Undergraduate student from one of these faculties: 

  • Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures  
  • Faculty of Biological Sciences 
  • Faculty of Earth and Environment 
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health 

13:00 – 15:00: Go to Conference Auditorium 2, if you are an Undergraduate student from this Faculty/programme: 

  • Faculty of Social Sciences  
  • International Foundation Year 

14:00 – 16:00: Go to Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre, if you are an Undergraduate student from this School: 

  • Leeds University Business School 

16:30 – 17:30 Culture Shock Comedy Drama

Where: Esther Simpson LT (LG.08)

Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week, presented by the University Chaplaincy team. Don’t miss this much-loved feature of our International Orientation programme!   


17:30 – 19:30 Global Café 

Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union 

Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments.  

Friday 22 September – Taught Postgraduate students and Postgraduate Researchers International Orientation talks  

 


Postgraduate – International Orientation 

Attend our main orientation session for essential information about living in the UK, including support and opportunities to help you make the most of living and studying in Leeds.  

We’ll also explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to culture and lifestyle changes.  

  • All Postgraduates except Leeds University Business School students.  
    If you’re a LUBS student on a Masters course, please see your School induction schedule for details of which orientation session to attend this week. 

The time and location of the talk you will need to join will depend on your study level and your parent School/Faculty or programme of study. Check your Faculty here

10:00– 12:00 Go to Conference Auditorium 1, if you are a Taught Postgraduate student from one of these this faculties: 

  • Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures  
  • Faculty of Social Sciences 

10:00 – 11:30 Working During and After Studies: Careers and Visa advice

Where: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre, Michael Sadler Building.

Hosted by the Careers and Student Visa Advice team, join this session to find out how the University can support your employability and to learn more about the immigration restrictions in place if you intend to work in the UK during your studies as well as post-study work visa options and applying for Graduate Visas.


Postgraduate – International Orientation 

13:30 – 15:30 Go to Conference Auditorium 1, if you are a Taught Postgraduate student from one of these this faculties: 

  • Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 
  • Faculty of Biological Sciences 
  • Faculty of Earth and Environment 
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health 

14:30 –16:30 If you are a Postgraduate Researcher, or if you were unable to attend your scheduled session, join the International Orientation open session in the Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre 


16:30 – 17:30 Culture Shock Comedy Drama

Where: Esther Simpson LT (LG.08)

Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week, presented by the University Chaplaincy team. Don’t miss this much-loved feature of our International Orientation programme!   


17:30 – 19:30 Global Café 

Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union 

Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. 

Monday 25 September to Friday 29 September 

International Orientation week it’s over but don’t worry, there’s still plenty of things to get involved in! If you’re wondering what you can do this week, you can still:

  • Join an in-person or online International Orientation talk
  • Attend our webinars for more practical information on opening a bank account, registering with a doctor and more
  • Come to the Welcome Hub – meet people, get help and get involved in activities and games. 
  • Book a campus tour or join a social event! Check the Leeds and You page to see what’s happening on campus today.

Monday 25 September 


11:00 – 12:00 Living in Leeds with your family – online social

Register for the ‘Living in Leeds with your family’ online social

An opportunity to network and connect with new and current students who have brought their family to Leeds. Join this event to connect, ask questions and get tips on living in Leeds with your family. 

14:00 – 16:00 Muslim Faith Tour  

Where: Meet at the Parkinson Building steps

Find out where to find local halal food places, prayer areas, shops and other important campus locations. 


17:30 – 19:30 Global Café 

Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union 

Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments.  

Tuesday 26 September 


10:00 – 12:00 Online International Orientation Talk (open session) 

Register for the ‘online International orientation’ session

Missed our in-person International Orientation talk last week? Join the talk online. 


14:00 – 14:45 Healthcare and Wellbeing  

Register for the ‘Healthcare and Wellbeing’ webinar

How do I register with a doctor and a dentist? Who do I call if I’m ill? What’s a GP? What’s covered by my visa? Find the answers to these questions in this session.  


15:00 – 16:00 Disability support webinar 

Register for the ‘Disability support’ webinar

What is disability? How can the University support your studies and help you to succeed? Come along to this webinar to find out more.  


17:30 – 19:30 Global Café 

Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union 

Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. 

Wednesday 27 September 


14:00 – 16:00 In-person International Orientation Talk (open session) 

Where: Esther Simpson 1.01.

Missed our in-person International Orientation talk in the previous week? Join this open session instead.  


17:30 – 19:30 Global Café 

Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union 

Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments.  

Thursday 28 September 


10:00 – 10:45 Money and banking 

Register for the ‘Money and banking’ webinar

How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here! 


14:00 – 16:00 Muslim Faith Tour  

Where: Meet at the Parkinson Building steps

Find out where to find local halal food places, prayer areas, shops and other important campus locations. 


17:30 – 19:30 Global Café 

Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union 

Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. 

October events

 Wednesday 4 October

15:00 – 18:00 Family and Friends Fun Day

Where: Marquee opposite the Leeds University Union

This event is open to all students but is predominantly aimed at student parents and carers, mature students, commuter students and family members/friends. Join us on campus for an afternoon full of family-friendly activities, a chance to explore support available and an opportunity to meet new people. 

We'll have free drinks and snacks as well as board games, crafts and even face painting! You can join us in the marquee for as little or as long as you like.

Click here to register your interest and help us with catering


16:30 – 17:30 Culture Shock Comedy Drama

Where: Esther Simpson LT (LG.08)

Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week, presented by the University Chaplaincy team. Don’t miss this much-loved feature of our International Orientation programme!