Hi, and welcome to your latest student newsletter. 

On Thursday we wrote to you about the rising COVID-19 cases in Leeds, particularly in the 18-24 age group. Please continue to help keep our community safe by taking regular lateral flow tests, getting your vaccination and following the rules on socialising and social distancing. We’re also aware that some of you are experiencing issues with ending and starting tenancies because you’re self-isolating. Support is available, and how to access it is covered in the email. 

Download and read a copy of the email now.  

We know the restrictions haven’t been easy and many of you are missing campus. That’s why we’ve been working with the Leeds University Union to look at ways that you can enjoy campus in a covid-secure way. Next week we’ll be launching our summer in Leeds programme to try and give you the Leeds experience you want and deserve. 

You’re invited to summer in Leeds 

Join us on campus for events, activities and a chance to meet other students and postgraduate researchers.  

From Monday 28 June, we’ll be kicking off our summer in Leeds programme.  

We’ll be running events that let you explore campus, rediscover the city, enjoy sport and wellbeing sessions at the Edge, art trails, movies, picnics and more.  

The best bit? These events are all free for you and your family. All we ask is that you book on to events in advance and follow the current Covid-guidance.  

CHECK OUT WHAT’S ON AND BOOK ON TO AN EVENT NOW 

Spaces are limited and filling up fast, so hurry up, reserve your spot and get your summer in Leeds sorted!   

If you have any ideas for activities or events you would like us to run as part of the programme, or any questions or feedback, contact studentcommunications@leeds.ac.uk 

In other news... 

Module enrolment opens in July for returning students 

Some of you will need to choose optional modules as part of the programme you’re studying. This year, the dates to choose modules are: 
- Tuesday 13 July for students moving in to Year 3 and above next year 
- Wednesday 14 July for students moving in to Year 2 next year 

Find out more about module enrolment, what you should do in advance and on the day  

Minerva is changing! 

Minerva will be upgraded to the latest version of Blackboard over the summer period, with further improvements to the service being delivered in summer 2022.  Upgrade activity will be scheduled from 5.00 pm on Friday 6 August until Wednesday 11 August. 

You won’t be able to access Minerva during these dates, and we’ll let you know when the work has been completed.  For more information on the upgrade project, along with in-depth articles about new features and changes to current tools, please visit Minerva News.  

Getting the support you need 

Quarantine costs support for returning students 

We understand that many of you will be facing unforeseen costs as a result of your country being on the UK government’s red list for travel.  

If you are a returning student and need to enter managed quarantine in hotels, the University will provide £1,750 for each self-financing student travelling from a home address in a red-list country. This will be paid through a tuition fee reduction.  

This is available for returning students who have not travelled to Leeds this academic year (2021/22). Students currently in Leeds who plan to visit a red listed country over the summer break are advised to read our guidance on travelling home internationally. Current students will not normally be able to claim quarantine support where they returned home for the summer unless they travelled for essential health, wellbeing, or other personal reasons.  

Further details of eligibility for this support and how to claim your fee reduction will be available in July. Keep evidence of your quarantine booking and receipt, as you will need these when you submit your claim. 

Helping you succeed in your studies 

We often talk about engaging with your studies but what does that mean? It means that you pay attention to how and what you’re learning, you show curiosity and an interest in your education. You demonstrate a passion for your chosen subject and are also motivated to learn and progress. Sometimes it can be difficult to show this enthusiasm or be consistent throughout your studies. We understand, and we want to make sure we are supporting you the best we can.  

Over the coming months, we’ll be inviting some of you to a study success meeting. This will happen alongside communications from student support or your academic personal tutor. The purpose of these meetings is to talk through issues that might have affected your studies, give guidance and support on progression. We’ll agree on a date and time that works for you and it’s an additional opportunity for you to talk through what you may need. The meetings may be outside of term time so keep a lookout for emails or texts. 

Careers guidance for international students 

For the first time, UKCISA will be holding Facebook Live sessions that are aimed at international students covering the Graduate Route and career success. There are two sessions:  

1. Learn about the Graduate Route, and other post-study work opportunities in the UK, Tuesday 29 June 14.00 - 15.00 GMT UK. 
2. Find out more about the UK Study Experience to Career Success, Wednesday 30 June 14.00 - 14.45 GMT.  

Find details and links to both sessions on the UKCISA website. 

Graduate Visa Week, 28 June – 2 July 

If you’re an international student considering jobs and careers in the UK then the 'Graduate Visa Week – Working in the UK for International Students’ is a must attend event. During the week you’ll  learn about how to search for UK jobs with companies that hire international students, hear from inspirational international alumni who secured a role in the UK, learn about how to write UK style cover letter and have plenty of opportunities to ask lots of questions!  

Find more information and reserve your spot. 

Don’t fall for scammers! 

Across the UK, we’ve seen an increase in scam calls targeting students. Often, the person who is calling is so convincing that we give them our personal information and data. Don’t do this! Stop and think before you share your personal and banking details with anyone! 

Read what to do if you get a scam call 

Last chance... 

• To help us improve our support services. If you’re a Black, Asian, or ethnic minority student, whether you’ve used the services or not, our student-led research wants to hear from you. Complete the survey now.  
• To share your experience of being a student during the Covid-19 pandemic in an international research project. All participants will receive a £10 shopping voucher and all who register a chance to win a £25 shopping voucher. Complete this survey to register your interest:  

Lastly... 

Do you believe in fairies? Over one hundred years ago, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published the Cottingley fairies' photographs in The Strand Magazine. But how did the literary genius behind the detective mastermind Sherlock Holmes get fooled by fake fairies? Discover the secrets behind the greatest hoax of the twentieth century in this special online exhibition. 

Remember... stay safe, be a kind neighbour, keep getting tested and book your vaccination now.