Newsletter sent to returning undergraduate students on 18 September

Hello!  

The start of term is nearly here! We are looking forward to welcoming you back into 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

Complete registration  

Don’t forget to complete registration as soon as possible as this will help confirm your student status. 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.  


Preparing for the start of term... 

Settling back into University life 

We’ve put together some tips and guidance to help you settle back into uni life. You can take a look at our "Becoming an online learner" resource to help you get ready for the start of term and also enrol on our free FutureLearn course designed to help you Prepare to Study Online at University.   

Using ‘For Students’ to help you prepare  

You will be used to turning to the ‘For Students’ website for help. We’ve added a new page just for returning students - it provides you with information to help you prepare for the next year of your studies.   

Want to know about your School’s induction activities? We know you’ll be keen to find out what may be different about this year. Check out your School's induction pages for info on how you’ll be taught, your partnership with your academic personal tutor and details of any induction activities being organised specially for students in your School. 

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

Are you coming to Leeds from outside the UK?  

You’ll 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.   

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.   

If you are travelling from outside the UK and have questions about preparing to travel, or what to do when you arrive, please email internationalwelcome@leeds.ac.uk  


Once you’re back... 

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  

Registering with a doctor  

Once you’re 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.  

Accessing study spaces and library services  

You can now book study spaces 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.  

More information on the services available at the Library. 

Looking for ways to explore Leeds? As you know, 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. 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. 


Resources to help and support you... 

Study Success resource  

Looking to prepare for the academic year or to develop a particular area of your academic skills?  Our Study Success Resource explores general academic skills topics as well as: 

  • digital skills for online learning, 
  • academic reading and writing support 
  • time management skills  
  • revision and online exam guidance 

Access Study Success through Minerva and use this resource in combination with your Academic Personal Tutor support, wider resources and personal support from the Skills@Library team. If you have already been enrolled by your school, you should see all the available resource options on the website.  

IT facilities available to you 

We’ve launched a new online IT induction to help all students make the most of the IT facilities available. As a returning student, you will be familiar with many of the services available but these resources can still help. We've included important information about staying safe online and introductions 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.   

Find advice on bringing computers to the University. 

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. 

Careers support - virtual careers fairs are coming up! 

Our annual careers fairs are one of the biggest events on campus, and this year we’ve gone virtual! Join us for virtual drop-ins and 1-to-1s with a huge range of employers – the perfect way to start planning your future. 

  • Mon 5 Oct: Virtual Autumn Fair  
  • Thurs 15 Oct: Virtual Law Fair 
  • Tues 20 Oct: Virtual Volunteering Fair 
  • Thurs 22 Oct: Virtual STEM Fair 

Download the Career Fair Plus+ App and make your profile – and look out for our Virtual Fairs launching in the app on Monday.  

Find out more about virtual careers fairs on our Careers Service Facebook page. 


Best wishes from the Student Communications Team