Newsletter sent on 21 May

Hello, and welcome to the latest newsletter. Find out more about what the plans are for the Autumn, assessment updates after the first week, new guidance on travelling internationally and support available if you’re affected by world events.

Planning for Autumn term 2021

The University needs to make plans for teaching and learning as we move to the next phase of the UK Government’s COVID-19 roadmap. We sent you a detailed email about this on Wednesday. Here is a recap of the main points:

There will be a substantial on-campus experience from the start of the next academic year.

You will receive academically led, engaging face-to-face teaching activity each week throughout the next semester.
This includes seminars, tutorials, practical classes, performance activities and discussion groups.
Although face to face teaching will be the norm, large teaching events – e.g., large lectures – will be mostly delivered online as part of a blended learning approach.
As restrictions change, we will review these plans, however by being cautious now, we can be more flexible later.
Read the full email: https://coronavirus.leeds.ac.uk/.../student-communications/

We know that you may have questions about the plans. Some of these we can’t answer yet as it’s too early and the details haven’t been finalised. Additionally it may depend on the restrictions which may (or may not) be in place in September and into the autumn, and some of them may be school specific. Don't forget you can always email studentcommunications@leeds.ac.uk too.

Assessments

We’re at the end of the first week of assessments – two weeks to go. Good luck if you’re revising and studying for these.

If you need to take one of these in a study space on campus – please make sure you’ve booked your space well in advance, and remember there are spaces where you don’t need to book and can drop in.

Cancel any study spaces you’ve booked if you don’t need them. If you don’t need to come to campus to revise, then this will help the demand on the libraries, which are busiest between 10 – 4pm daily.
Be considerate if your flatmates or friends are revising or doing their assessments, and make sure you all know when everyone will be working so there is quiet time.
Check you know the rules and are following them. We’ve written a guide to help you make sure you know what to do and how to avoid facing the consequences if you break them.

Affected by world events or anniversaries?

At the moment, the news is full of events that can be upsetting or can trigger difficult emotions. Tensions in the Middle East, the rising cases of a new COVID-19 variant, the anniversary of the death of George Floyd, plus the lifting of restrictions – it’s normal to be affected or need to speak about them.

Find practical support in response to world events

Advice and support for international students

We know that international students, both in Leeds and studying around the world, are experiencing many challenges related to COVID-19. We have updated our page on Advice and Support for International Students to help you find out about various sources of help.

Travelling home internationally

We also know that COVID-19 and travel restrictions have made international travel decisions more difficult for members of our community who live outside of the UK when not studying. You can find advice and links to support on our new page about travelling home internationally while COVID-19 restrictions apply. If you have more questions, you can contact internationalwelcome@leeds.ac.uk

EU Settlement Scheme application deadline 30 June 2021

Are you an EU/EEA/Swiss student who is resident in the UK, or were you resident in the UK before 31 December 2020? Make sure you apply to the EU Settlement Scheme as soon as possible. Visit https://students.leeds.ac.uk/brexit for more advice on how to do this.

International student needs survey

If you’re an international student, what are your needs from LUU and the University? This might be a sense of belonging, mental health, academic support, activity, based on your experiences of this academic year.

£5,000 Leeds Master Scholarships

If you are considering a Masters degree starting in September 2021, did you know you could be eligible for a scholarship worth Â£5,000? Our Leeds Masters Scholarships scheme is now open to UK students. Check now if you are eligible to apply.

Summer Careers Festival 2021 - Bookings open now.

Graduating this year and looking for work? Or are you a student looking for a summer internship or placement?

Less than a month to go until the beginning of our Summer Careers Festival 2021, running from 7th-10th June. So how can you prepare for it?

Simply download the Career Fair+ app, create a profile, then book 1-2-1 appointments with employers from companies in Yorkshire, the UK and globally. If you don't fancy a 1-2-1 appointment, you can book a group session to find out more about the organisation. Find out more at My Career.

Your Galleries are back!

Leeds University Library Galleries, based at the heart of campus in the Parkinson Building, are open from 2 June. Open exclusively to students and staff, the two Galleries will be open for walk-in visits, no need to book.

The Galleries will be open Tuesday - Friday, 11am - 2pm, so you can swing by for a stress-busting break, mindful moment or to get your cultural fix.

About the Galleries

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery offers innovative art exhibitions from the University's exceptional art collection which includes stunning examples of European and British painting, drawings, and prints from the 17th century to the present day. The Treasures of the Brotherton displays marvels from the University's Special Collections, with everything from original material written by the Brontes, stunning illuminated medieval manuscripts and rare books from across the globe.

Have your say.

Balancing life survey

Win a £50 Love2Shop voucher by completing Sport and Physical Activity's 2021 Balancing Life survey, to help us better understand the activity and wellbeing levels of our staff and students to help shape our approach. They survey is live now until 13 June 2021.

Unipol housing survey

Leeds University is working with Unipol student housing closely on improving their services. The results will be shared with landlords and housing companies, and will help them support students who are house hunting. Unipol housing survey

First prize is a £75 Morrisons OR Amazon Voucher
2 x £50 Morrisons, Etsy or Amazon Vouchers
10 x £15 Morrisons or Amazon Vouchers

LUU future direction survey

You will help decide the future direction of LUU - We’re using the survey and focus groups to help us better understand today’s student experience, and to ensure we’re delivering what you, our students, want and need to help you love your time at Leeds.