Life at Leeds | 1 October

As we head into October, and the colours on campus begin to change, we hope things are starting to settle for you. Remember, our Here&Now hub is full of tips and advice for new and returning students, and your PebblePad Leeds & You guide will continue to be available to you throughout the academic year. 

In the past, we’ve found that October is when some students begin to miss home, family and friends. In this newsletter, we’ll be covering who you can speak to if you need to talk, and how you can meet new people at Leeds. 

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay, and we’re here for you if you ever need a helping hand. 

The student communications team 

p.s. Our alumni team have launched a new podcast, Forever Leeds, and are looking to speak with freshers about their experiences of starting uni. If you have a great story to share about your journey to Leeds, email alumni@leeds.ac.uk to request further details. The recording will take place on campus on Tuesday 5 October at 3pm-4pm 

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

3 things we can all do to keep campus positive for everyone 

  1. Be considerate of how others are feeling. Some people may be wearing a face mask or ask you to wear one, or it may be you who asks others to wear a face covering. That’s okay. Try to keep a face mask with you. Don’t worry if you don’t have one – there are free face coverings available across campus. 
  2. Help keep our campus smoke-free. Find details of what we’re doing to create a campus free from tobacco smoke. Want to stop smoking? Start moving this Stoptober and join the thousands of other people who are quitting! Get personalised help and support on how to cut down or quit smoking.  
  3. Be aware. Many of you will be trying new and exciting experiences, visiting different places and meeting new people, and with this, it’s important to know how to keep safe and help others feel safe. Find everything you need about safety in Leeds. 

Have you felt unsafe in a public place? Anonymously share details with StreetSafe, a pilot service where you can tell the Police about public places that should be made safer.   

Know who to contact 

We’ve been updating our help and support information on our student website to make it easier for you to find details on who to contact if you need support. Here are links to the main pages to bookmark: 

BOOKMARK THIS: The Nightbus is a safe and affordable way to travel home in the evening or late into the night. We also have a partnership with Amber taxis, where you can use their service even if you have no money while out on a night in the city. Find out more about the Nightbus and Amber taxis service here. 

Need help with one of the digital learning and teaching systems? Use the new Digital Education Systems Help website to find step-by-step guides, introductory videos, FAQs, news, updates and information on training courses and events to help you with your studies. New content will be added to the website on a regular basis. 

If you need access to technical support, the quickest way to get help is to search the IT knowledge base. If you can't find the answer you need, you can contact the IT Service Desk using the 'Something broken' or 'Request something' links on the IT homepage. 

4 ways to look after yourself and meet other students 

  1. If you’re wanting to get back into the swing of things and get back into an active routine, why not join The Edge? There’s a pool, a variety of classes, and you’ll have access to a climbing wall and more. Plus, given it’s right here on campus, you can easily fit in your training around your studies. Find out about student membership options. 
  2. Join an LUU wellbeing workshop. LUU run a number of wellbeing activities, like mindfulness sessions, virtual kung fu and outdoor cinema, where you can go and meet other students. 
  3. Check out and join the Get Out Get Active programme. Get Out, Get Active is a fantastic programme of activities giving you the chance to try out a range of fun and sociable healthy activities, both on campus and in the stunning local countryside. This programme is great for making friends and boosting your wellbeing. 
  4. Join the Leeds&You programme where you can join free events, activities and have an opportunity to meet other students and postgraduate researchers. 

Help limit the spread of covid 

Thinking ahead? Bookings for our October 2021 careers fairs are now LIVE! The academic year may have only just started, but our fairs will offer you lots of opportunities to meet with employers and uncover what jobs are out there – and maybe you’re the best candidate. With eight different sectors being represented by a huge range of employers, it’s time to get prepared because your future awaits. Download the Career Fair+ app and create a profile to book appointments with top employers, as well as group sessions where you can get support. 

NEED TO KNOW: Alternative exam arrangement deadline  

The deadline to request exam arrangements for the January 2022 exams is Friday 22 October 2021. Alternative exam arrangements might include, extra time, rest breaks, use of a computer, presence of a support worker.  

  • To request exam arrangements for the first time, you must submit a sign-up form & provide evidence to the Disability Services by the deadline.  
  • To request changes to existing exam arrangements, email the Disability Services on disability@leeds.ac.uk by the deadline  
  • If you already have arrangements in place & don’t wish to change them you don’t need to do anything.  

Find more details on alternative exam arrangements  

BOOKMARK THIS: Find a teaching room on campus.  

ICYMI: things to get done 

  • 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.  
  • Check out your school materials.  Read through the information that your school thinks you’ll need to know for the start of term  
  • Find out more on the Engagement and Attendance pages, including how to notify us through Minerva of an absence.  
  • 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.    

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