Life at Leeds | 10 December

It’s the last day of term for most of you, and we know lots of you will be getting ready to head home for the holidays or to take a well-deserved rest here in Leeds. 

If you’re in staying in or around Leeds, you’ve still got the chance to join our Winter Festival – we're running events all next week. Find out more.  

Wherever and however you’re spending your break, safe travels and we’ll see you in 2022. 

~ The student communications team ~ 

Covid-19: What Plan B means to you 

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the UK will move to Plan B due to concerns about the Omicron variant of Covid-19. This means that people are advised to work from home where they can, wear face coverings in more public places, and show proof of vaccination for certain large events. These restrictions will be in place until at least Wednesday 5 January. 

What does this mean for students? 

With teaching in most disciplines ending today, the restrictions should have little impact on you. Where teaching is scheduled next week this will continue, and essential support services will remain open until the University closes on Friday 17 December (there’s more on what’s available over the winter break below). Our approach to teaching in January will remain the same, unless government guidance changes in the coming weeks. 

If you are leaving Leeds before Christmas, wherever you’re travelling to, make sure you: 

  • Take a lateral flow test before you travel. Find the latest guidance on testing. 
  • Follow government guidance on face coverings on public transport 
  • Check the latest government guidance on travelling abroad and returning to the UK 

Take a look at our FAQs for more information on travel and Covid safety measures. 

You can read more about how we’re working to keep our community safe on the university’s Coronavirus website, and we’ll be in touch should government guidance change before you return in January. 

For more information on returning to the UK after travelling abroad, see the latest government guidance. 

All you need to know for the winter break 

25 – 28 December and 1 – 3 January are public holidays in the UK. This means many local services including shops and public transport will be closed or operating for reduced hours. Before making plans, or heading out, check holiday timetables and buy food and other supplies in advance. 

Find details about what’s open on campus, support available and activities you can join during the holidays.  

Travelling during the holidays?  

Read our top five things to do if you’re leaving Leeds this holiday (and one if you’re not)  

Helping us improve – two surveys to complete this month 

  1. It’s your last chance to tell us how we can improve our student newsletter. Rate it now – as a thank you, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win one £20 shopping voucher or one in three £5 shopping vouchers. 

  2. Module evaluations have been emailed through to you – complete these by 4 January so we can continue to make improvements, understand your experience, and what’s working well for you. Find out more. 

ICYMI – Useful links to help you prepare for the assessment period 

  1. Find all you need to know about assessments at the University 
  2. See online guides about getting help with your studies 
  3. Understand mitigating circumstances and how to apply 
  4. Understand mitigating circumstances and how to apply 
  5. Find information on digital education systems such as Turnitin, Gradescope and Top Hat and online learning resources that can help you with your studies. 

That’s it from us. If you are in Leeds next week, don’t forget to check out our winter festival.