Life at Leeds | 24 September

Fresher’s week is almost over... how was it for you? We’ve loved seeing you all back on campus.  

Whether you’re brand new and exploring Leeds for the first time or coming back after some time away, there’s a real buzz that makes September our favourite month. It’s a time for fresh starts and, like New Year, September gives you the chance to think about what you might want to do differently this year. So, how will you make the most of your time at Leeds?  

Be considerate as we return to campus 

Next week is the start of teaching for many of you. As you start the new academic year, we want to remind everyone to be considerate and kind. The last 18 months have been difficult for everyone. And though we’re excited about returning to campus, many people will be nervous. Nervous about meeting new people and making friends. Nervous while exploring new places. Nervous about being surrounded by so many people after being apart for so long. So, please be understanding of how other students and university staff might be feeling.  

Think about what you can do to help others feel more comfortable. For example, some people may want to wear face masks. That’s okay. You may also be asked to wear a face mask in certain situations. That’s also okay. It’s also okay to ask someone to wear a face-covering if you feel uncomfortable and for other students and staff to ask the same of you. 

Remember being kind and considerate towards one another is what makes our community great. Carry a face covering with you if you can, but if you need one, they’ll be available in teaching spaces too. 

Enjoy the rest of fresher’s week and good luck with your studies.   
 
The student communications team 

Got a question? Contact the student information helpline, who can help you get the answers you need. 

3 things to do to prepare for the start of term 

With fresher’s week over, it’s time to get ready for teaching. Here are three things we think you should get done this week:  

  1. Complete registration. Whether you’re a new or returning student, you’ll need to complete registration. Click on the link to view our step-by-step guide and to find out which documents you’ll need. This includes information on completing your identity check and getting your BRP and student card. 
  2. Enrol on your modules. Modules are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so act fast to get the optional and discovery modules you want.  
  3. Check out your school materials.  Read through the information that your school thinks you’ll need to know for the start of term 

BOOKMARK THIS: Find a teaching room on campus.  

Need to know: Keeping in check with your engagement  

We often talk about engaging with your studies but what does that mean? It means that you pay attention to what you’re learning, you show curiosity and an interest in your studies. You demonstrate a passion for your chosen subject and are also motivated to learn and progress. 

It's important that you attend and engage with all sessions on your programme so you get the most out of your time at Leeds. Schools will use a mix of face-to-face teaching (if relevant to your programme of study) and your access to digital resources such as Minerva, the Library, and virtual classrooms (including lecture capture). If there are any concerns with your attendance and engagement, your School will contact you and direct you towards any support you might need. Find out more on the Engagement and Attendance pages, including how to notify us through Minerva of an absence. 

Don’t forget to familiarise yourselves with systems you’ll need for your learning, and how to use Duo to sign in to them. Read important information about changes happening when you authenticate a login.  

Coronavirus reminders: 

  • Know the rules and where to find advice: Our coronavirus website tells you all you need to know about keeping safe, looking after others, and guidance on what to do.  
  • Get a jab: You can get your first or second Pfizer jab at the NHS walk-in vaccination centre in the Great Hall or from alternative walk-in centres nearby.  Find out more about vaccinations including when and how to get a jab 
  • Book or collect a lateral flow test: Free COVID-19 lateral flow testing is still available to book at Cromer Terrace studio. Home test kits can be collected from the test centre (by appointment) and all university libraries. Remember to only take a lateral flow test if you are not showing any coronavirus symptoms – if you are showing symptoms, book a PCR test through the NHS.     

ICYMI: Ways to get to know the campus and meet other students 

  • Our Here&Now hub helps you explore campus, meet new people, get to know the city.  
  • Your Leeds&You guide is your one-stop guide to all the tasks you need to complete before the start of teaching. 
  • The Leeds&You programme lets you join free events, activities and gives you the chance to meet other students and postgraduate researchers. 
  • Visit our arrival and orientation pages to book International Welcome services and sign up for your International Orientation session. 
  • Join our Global Community to meet people from all around Leeds, the UK, and the world.    
  • Watch this space for full programme details for Black History Month, where we all can learn, acknowledge and celebrate Black and Minority Ethnic cultures. Leeds11, together with partners and friends has organised a packed programme of events throughout October on this year’s theme of ‘Proud To Be’. More on this in the next newsletter! 

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