Newsletter sent on 12 February

Hello, and welcome to another edition of our newsletter.  

As the Vice-Chancellor (VC) shared her thoughts on perfectionism, we’ve been reflecting on what it means to us and to our student community. The VC writes that “perfectionism and procrastination are closely related, because sometimes it is safer to not even try.” How many times have you felt like this? It’s important to recognise this behaviour, and know that “it is sometimes enough to simply be good or OK.” If you do find yourself procrastinating, the library website is full of tips and advice on avoiding distraction and procrastination


Latest news 

Additional hardship funds available

We recognise that many of you may have financial concerns due to the pandemic. Here’s the latest on what we’re doing to support you:

Following the announcement made by the Government on 2 February, the University has now received an additional  £300k to add to the student hardship fund. The new funding will allow us to support those of you who have been impacted by the pandemic, for example those in private accommodation struggling with rent costs (see below for help available if you are in University-allocated accommodation), loss of employment, or extra costs to access your teaching online.

  • LUU’s Emergency Hardship Fund is available for those of you who are experiencing short term and immediate financial difficulties. Details of the types of things this can cover and how to apply are on the LUU website.
  • Leeds Hardship Fund and International Hardship Fund are available to support those of you who may need longer term financial support. More details about eligibility and how to apply are on the Leeds Hardship Fund and International Leeds Hardship Fund pages.

University allocated accommodation rent rebate -  extended!

In January, we emailed students about how to apply for a rent refund (credited to your residence account) for a period from the start of the spring term on 11 January until 19 February if you live in University-allocated accommodation. We are now extending the rebate to eligible students to cover your rent payments until 8 March 2021.

You will not be eligible to apply for this refund if you have remained in, or have returned to live in our accommodation between 11 January and 8 March

To apply for this extended refund, please complete this online form.

In the meantime, it is important that you do not cancel your payment plan or direct debit – any future instalments will be adjusted accordingly. 


In case you missed it…. 

  • The Library has limited bookable study space available for essential use only. Please do not come to the Library unless you absolutely have to, stay at home and do not travel to campus. Read about their service changes due to the latest lockdown. Their online enquiries are here to help — just ask!

  • Need to print? You can pick up your printing free of charge from Print and Copy Bureau (PCB). You will need to upload your printing requirements at https://uolstudents.myprintdesk.net/. When asked for a code, enter SILPSFAB and pick up your documents from PCB.  

  • There are also three MyPrint devices available in the Common Ground area of the Student Union building which you can use for your printing needs.   

  • Sign up to Duo to protect to improve security and help you protect your account 


Travelling to the UK - New testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February 

A reminder to anyone travelling into the UK over the coming months to keep checking the rules on the UK government website, as these change regularly. Our travel and arrival pages will be updated in line with the latest changes by the end of 12 February.  

The new rules mean that anyone arriving in England from 15 February will need to either: 

What travellers need to do depends on where they have been in the 10 days before arriving in England.  

  • You must have proof of a negative coronavirus test before you travel. 
  • You must also get 2 coronavirus tests after you arrive in England - you’ll need to book these before you travel. 
  • If you are required to quarantine in a government approved hotel you must enter the UK at one of the permitted entry points. 

We understand that many students are experiencing unexpected costs related to covid-19. If these costs are causing you financial pressure, please contact LUU Help and Support (advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk) for advice about sources of hardship funding

If you have any questions about travel plans or support available, you can email internationalwelcome@leeds.ac.uk 

Find out more about the new rules

Following government guidance about limits on students returning to campus at the start of the spring term, please also read the University’s guidance on travel to Leeds. The University will be providing further updates when advice changes. 

When you are able to travel, please make sure you complete our International Arrivals form to inform us of your travel plans so we can support you. You can also update your form if your plans change.  

If you are travelling to Leeds for the first time, please remember to check the valid dates on your visa vignette. You must not attempt to enter the UK before or after the valid dates. If you have delayed your travel to the UK, further information is available on our page about remote study and your student visa


Thinking ahead… 

LUU and Unipol Facebook group and webinars 

This year has been drastically different from any we have seen before, and for many it has made it really difficult to organise what to do next year. LUU and Unipol have created a Facebook group for anyone with any concerns about housing under the name ‘Leeds House Hunting Group’. This is particularly aimed at anyone struggling to find people to live with for next academic year.  The group allows you to connect with like-minded housemates and find a place to live that you are happy and comfortable with! Members will be sharing top tips, online resources and personal experiences. The group also provides a safe, social space for you to speak to other students in your position.  

Webinars 

LUU and Unipol will also be holding a fortnightly webinar where you have an opportunity to ask questions and chat with other attendees searching for students to live with. The next webinar will take place on 24 February at 3pm on Microsoft Teams. Please contact LUU for details and find more details in the Leeds House Hunting Group on Facebook

Make a Difference Week, 8-12 March 


Are you interested in working for a charity or a non-profit organisation after you graduate, but not sure where to start? Our week-long event series celebrates the jobs and opportunities available in inspiring places, like Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation. 
 
Featuring skills workshops, talks and a Q&A with Leeds graduates you’ll learn about how to get into the third sector and if there’s a role for you. Find more details on the Careers website

Could you work remotely for the University? 


 
Exclusive new roles are available via the Leeds Internship Programme with various projects aimed to make a difference to the student experience! Roles are paid, part-time and exclusive to Leeds students. Find out more on MyCareer


Share your views 

  • We want to hear your thoughts on the University’s updated Health and Safety Policy. The policy sets out the responsibilities of everyone at the University and we want to make it as easy as possible to understand. Send in your feedback by Wednesday 10 March. 

  • The National Student Survey 2021 is live! If you are an undergraduate in your final year, make sure you have your say on your time at Leeds. It only takes 10 minutes and everyone completing online can enter a prize draw! It's confidential and the results will help future students decide where and what to study. 


Stay connected… 

  • Join our Global Community online socials to meet new people and take part in fun activities led by student ambassadors. Our Global Community activities are for all students. Socials take place every week throughout the year through Microsoft Teams. Join now using your @leeds.ac.uk email or use the join code loq5x6z by selecting ‘join or create a team’ at the bottom of your Teams list.  

  • Want to discover some of what the Leeds University Library Galleries have to offer? Join us on Thursday 25 February to explore the highlights on display and take a sneaky look at some behind the scenes favourites with our Gallery experts. You can also uncover some of the ways that you can become part of our Galleries community throughout your time at Leeds. 

  • Are you an artist? Do you want your work to last as long as Da Vinci's? Join the Galleries for a free Professional Practice Seminar to gain practical advice on the conservation and care of your artwork. Discover a range of advice and tips from safe working and selecting stable materials to storing, displaying and transporting your work to help it last as long as possible. This session is primarily aimed at students of art and early career artists and will focus mainly on 2D artwork.  


Stay safe and take care.