Newsletter sent on 30 October

We understand this continues to be a challenging time with Covid impacting the way we study and the way we live our lives.  

As the weather changes here in the UK, and days become shorter, it can be even more important to take time to look after yourself and your mental wellbeing. Remember – we’re here to help and there is a range of support and advice available for you. 

We know how easy it is to spend your day in front of a screen. So please take time to really switch off – plan in regular breaks away from your laptop, computer or phone to properly relax and unwind. Sometimes, simply changing your location can impact your mood. If possible, move rooms or head over to campus and study in any of the covid-secure study spaces – you can find more info about this in an article we published last week.  

We hope you find this edition of our newsletter useful and welcome any feedback you may have. Remember, there’s still time to sign-up to take part in our student communications panel where you can earn £15 while helping us improve the way we share information with you. 

Stay safe and take care of yourself. 

Change in COVID-19 level

On Thursday 29 October, Leeds was placed under Tier 3 restrictions which come begin on Monday 2 November. We are waiting for further guidelines to be announced. We will assess the measures as soon as possible and be in touch with you through email to share the impact these will have on our community. Last week we sent you an email about what Tier 3 would mean for our Leeds community. If you’ve not seen the email, you can download and read a copy. 

Got a question? Our student information helpline is available throughout the week to support you and answer any questions you may have. Remember to also let us know if you are self-isolating or have tested positive for coronavirus so that we can support you. Information about the support available is available on https://students.leeds.ac.uk/selfisolationsupport  

Want more information about using the Library in 2020? Our library experts will be live from 1pm on Tuesday 3 November to answer your questions. Whether you want to know about getting hold of books or ebooks, booking a study space, or if you want to dig deeper into our Covid safety measures - now is the perfect time to ask. Ask your question or to see what others are asking over at the Padlet. 

Get involved… 

  • Can’t do your usual ‘trick or treating’ this Halloween? It’s safer to join LUU’s Beat Society for a Halloween-themed film night hosted on Netflix party. Invite your friends for this completely free event and enjoy the movie while chatting with others. 

  • Don’t forget to follow Government guidance on safe travel, travelling safely by walking and cycling if you can. If this is not possible, use public transport or drive. If you do choose to drive, remember free parking on campus ended in September and you may need to pay for parking depending on when you travel. Read local transport advice and information about parking. 
  • Fancy a lunchtime Galleries talk? Hear from Melanie Brunner as she discusses the controversy and confrontations between the Franciscans and the papacy. Learn more about the Franciscans - an order within the Catholic Church, of which Friar Tuck was a prominent, if fictional, member - and the dispute between poverty and wealth in the medieval church. 
  • Whether you’re living in University accommodation, a house or flat in Leeds, temporary accommodation or your family home, there are lots of ways to stay connected to our University community of students, postgraduate researchers and staff. Find ways to stay connected. 
  • Feeling isolated? Want to meet new people? Or simply fancy a hot drink? The Yorkshire Cuppa event at LUU is for you. If you’re in Leeds, and can do so, pop into the LUU building and head downstairs to Pyramid where you can treat yourself to tea or coffee served by our friendly team of volunteers who’ll be there from 10am-6pm every weekday.  
  • Don’t forget to follow Government guidance on safe travel, travelling safely by walking and cycling if you can. If this is not possible, use public transport or drive. If you do choose to drive, remember free parking on campus ended in September and you may need to pay for parking depending on when you travel. Read local transport advice and information about parking. 

Develop your skills… 

You may have used Skills@Library for your studies. But have you ever thought what those skills could do for your employability? This new blog post explains how the study skills you develop through the library and your course can be useful in the working world. 

Looking for employment opportunities that are specific to your disability – this twitter thread is a must read… 

 

Planning on using Coursera? You can continue to enrol in courses on Coursera until 28 February 2021. Once enrolled, you’ll have access to courses until 30 April 2021.  

Have your say... 

Tell us what you think of digital learning at Leeds for the chance to win an iPad Pro 

Every year, we survey all students to find out what they think of digital learning at Leeds, and as we’re doing more online teaching and learning this year, this survey is more important than ever. In the next few days, you’ll receive a link to a short survey where you can tell us how you’re finding digital learning, what works well and what we could do better. And every student that responds using their University of Leeds email address will be entered into a draw to win an iPad Pro. 

The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and will help us ensure your learning experience is the very best it can be. 

Get involved to help shape our digital education systems. The Digital Education Systems User Group (DESUG) is open to all our staff and students and allows you to help shape our digital education systems. The next group meeting takes place on Wednesday 18 November 2020, 3pm - 5pm. If you would like to attend or want more information, email Ellie Dunn, e.dunn@leeds.ac.uk. 

Enter the sustainability team’s competition by completing this online confidential survey about your time at university and the skills you develop for getting a job. The short survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. The closing date is 15 November 2020 and students will be entered into a draw to win £500 or one of ten £50 runner-up prizes! 

We’ll be in touch again, until then take care and stay safe. Student communications team