Newsletter sent to returning students on 2 October 2020

Hello! We hope you’re safe and well and are starting to feel more settled as you complete week one of teaching. 

Even with the current restrictions, we want you to feel confident to explore campus safely, make friends and enjoy your time at Leeds. We’re here to support you all the way as a valued member of our Leeds community. So if you’re self-isolating, looking to meet people and make friends, or just want someone to talk to, we're here to help. 

We’re working in partnership with Leeds University Union (LUU) to ensure you have a great student experience. Watch our new Vice-Chancellor, Simone Buitendijk, and LUU’s Affairs Officer, Izzy Walter, talk through some of the things you can get involved in to make the most of your time at Leeds. 

Looking after yourself 

To get the most out of your time at University, you need to look after yourself, that way you'll be more likely to enjoy all aspects of student life. 

• If you are self-isolating and need any type of support, check out our self-isolation guidance page 
• You can buy food and equipment in person or have it delivered to your accommodation. 
• If you’re going through a tough time, you can access free online support with togetherall or learn more about looking after yourself and others.   
• If you’re struggling to make friends, our number one tip is to get involved – in your course and with other activities both on campus and online. Check out your School’s welcome and induction programme, join a new society, find out about all the events organised by LUU or, if you’re in Leeds, why not take a walk around campus - simply explore or visit one of the bars or coffee shops.  

Support with learning and teaching

Now that teaching has begun, we know how important it is for you to have the space you need for studying. Look out for the orange ‘Study Space’ banners appearing on campus or check online for all the places you can go to study, whether on your own or with friends (all socially distanced, of course). Or if you prefer, there are silent individual study options in the library, and computer clusters too.

Looking for online learning support? Visit our new Online Learning Support pages to find out what it means to be an effective online learner, how you can prepare for online classes and how to navigate the different online systems you may encounter during your studies.  

Your 2020 Library is open for business, albeit slightly different than before. Library Quickstart is the best place to get acquainted with the new library basics.

Absence and how your school will support you

To get the most out of your studies, you need to attend all your classes and activities, but we understand that occasionally this may not be possible.So, your school will be monitoring your engagement in online activities and face to face sessions to make sure you’re getting the help and support you need. If they notice a pattern of absence or are concerned that you’re not engaging with your studies, your school will contact you to explore the reasons with you. This will enable them to direct you to sources of support. You can find out more on our Attendance pages, including how to let us know (via Minerva absence self-certification) of an absence due to short-term illness, personal circumstances or Covid-19.

Returning to Leeds

Coming back to Leeds after a few months away? We know things might feel a bit different from last time you were here, so we’ve created the Returning to Leeds resource to help you ease back into University life. This comprehensive guide covers general questions on university life, how to adapt to your studies in a hybrid learning world, and how to access general support to make your return to university as smooth as possible. It’s live now so log in to Minerva to find out more.Access Study Success through Minerva

Don’t forget you can also use 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.

GOT A QUESTION?

Get in touch with our student information helpline by phone, email or in person at one of our four student information points on campus. Find the details and contact information for this service and other helpful contacts.

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

Getting involved... 

You can find details of LUU events you can join online and in person. 

Looking to get involved with Black History Month? There are a number of events and workshops you can joing, including the Decolonial Poetics w/Say It With Your Chest workshop on 6 October 2020 which will explore some of the ways in which poets have used poetics to challenge oppression. There’s also the Black Futures Matter x Careers on 15 October 2020 where we have an open and honest discussion about inequality in the job market and the disparities that exist in terms of how ethnic minority students feel about their student journey. The panel of fantastic academics, alumni and LUU executives will talk more about the steps being taken to address some of the challenges ethnic minority students face and find inspiration for building upon your next steps.  

Don’t forget you can read past editions of our newsletters online and we’ll be in touch again next week with more details about support available and opportunities for you to make the most of your time at Leeds. Until then, take care! 

Best wishes from the Student Communications Team