Newsletter sent to students on 9 July

Welcome to the latest student newsletter. Whilst some of you may be away from your term time addess, we know many of you live, are studying and are on placements here in Leeds. There’s lots going on, and also support available if you need it.  


COVID-19 update 

Lifting lockdown | Government announcement  

Following the Prime Minister’s message on Monday 5 July regarding the final stage of England’s roadmap out of lockdown, we would like to stress the University’s previously announced arrangements – including the approach to the continued return of activity to campus – remain in place until further notice. We’re working through the implications of the Government’s latest announcement and will issue further communications soon. 

Testing 

In many postcodes that surround the University, there are high levels of COVID-19, particularly in 18-24 year olds. We strongly recommend you get a PCR test. Near campus, you can visit: 

  • Gryphon Sports Centre, University of Leeds, Woodsley Rd, Leeds LS2 9LZ, between 8am-8pm, 7 days a week 

Leeds City Council and the NHS have provided additional guidance on testing, including locations of their mobile testing sites which move around weekly and where to get free lateral flow tests. Don’t forget you can also pick these up from campus on Cromer Terrace. 

Vaccinations 

If you are 18 or over and haven’t had your Covid-19 vaccination yet, fInd out about where the walk-in services are this week. You don’t need to be registered with a doctor, or have an NHS number, At some of the clinics, you may  also get your second dose if it’s 8 weeks or more since your first vaccination. 
Many of you will have already had a first dose of your vaccination. If you’ve not yet had yours, or If you’ve got questions about moving, or arebeing an international student, find NHS student vaccination answers to commonly asked questions

QUARANTINE COSTS SUPPORT FOR RETURNING STUDENTS 

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. 


Staying safe and being a good neighbour 

Just moved into your new student house? Here’s a helpful guide on things to do when you move in, including being a good neighbour, organising bills, and everything you need to know about independent living

On Sunday, you might be watching the final of Euro 2020. Whoever you’re supporting, please be considerate to those who live near you. Many will be working on Monday morning, have young families or could be unwell. Be a kind and thoughtful neighbour, and make sure you’re following the rules to avoid getting into trouble. There will be greater police and anti-social behaviour in neighbourhoods near the University over the weekend.  


Get involved 

Book on to a free summer in Leeds event now  

With events like kayaking in the pool, indoor climbing and Kung Fu, or film and tennis screenings, and campus tours that include lunch – there’s plenty on this summer to keep you occupied.  

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

Hurry! Spaces are limited and filling up fast! 


 Results day - Monday 19 July 

With results day coming up, we want to wish you all the best of luck! You’ve all worked incredibly hard and should be proud of everything you have achieved. We want to mark this moment for you – join us across our social media channels where we’ll be celebrating your results, together! 

Find out how to access your results, apply for resits and who to contact if you have any technical issues or questions. 


In case you missed it 

Need to print? 

The University print service  has been temporarily suspended to protect our network from a security issue impacting all Microsoft Windows print services across the UK. Microsoft is working to fix the issue. This may take some time so we have put in place a free campus printing service for you.  

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. Find out more.    

HELPING YOU SUCCEED IN YOUR STUDIES  

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. 


Share your views 

The Big Leeds Conversation | Help co-create our new core values   

From Monday 12 July, all students, postgraduate researchers, and staff will be invited to take part in The Big Leeds Conversation – your opportunity to anonymously discuss what our new core values should be, and how we can build a positive, fairer future for all in our University community and beyond. Find out more by watching this short video about why it’s important for us all to take on this challenge together. 

The 2021 PGT Programme Survey is now live!   

Make sure you have your say on your time here at the University of Leeds. You can access the survey at www.haveyoursay.leeds.ac.uk. As a thank you, you can choose one of six charities to give a free £1 donation to. This year’s charities include the Samaritans, NSPCC, RSPCA, St George’s Crypt, Macmillan Cancer Support and Leeds Mind. 


Graduate Visa - when can you apply?  

When you have received an email from the University confirming when you can apply - you will receive this email when you have successfully completed and been awarded your degree. You must check you meet the full eligibility requirements to apply for a Graduate Visa - see the information here: For Students | University of Leed


New Exhibition at The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery 

Explore 'Look Again: Leeds Fine Artists' and discover new artworks from the Leeds Fine Artists group and old favourites from the University of Leeds Art Collection. Highlights from the University Art Collection include works by Vanessa Bell, Ivon Hitchens and Anthony Gross. The Gallery is open Tuesday - Friday, 11am - 2pm, and is free to visit - no need to book. 


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