International Orientation
Our international orientation programme will help you make the best possible start in Leeds. You’ll be able to join talks, tours and social events to help you feel at home and meet new people.
What is International Orientation?
International Orientation is the perfect way to find out more about the University of Leeds and about living in the UK. Whenever you arrive, we’ll help you:
- Find essential information and learn about opportunities to make the most of your time in Leeds.
- Discover our beautiful campus and vibrant city.
- Explore the experience of crossing cultures and adapting to change.
- Meet new people and start settling in.
Read more about how International Orientation helped one of our students settle into life in Leeds.
When is International Orientation?
Online webinars will be available from Tuesday 20 August.
International Orientation week takes place from Monday 16 September – Sunday 22 September.
If you’re starting your programme in September 2024, arrive in time to attend our in-person International Orientation talks and join our webinars, campus tours, social activities and events.
If you arrive after International Orientation week (16 – 20 September), you’ll be able to attend our live International Orientation catch up session on Wednesday 25 September and watch the recordings of our talks and webinars on demand. You’ll also be able to join events and social activities.
If you’re arriving in the summer to attend Leeds International Summer School (LISS), contact their team directly.
If you're a postgraduate researcher arriving before September, head to our Postgraduate research international orientation webpage for resources and information on how to settle into campus life.
If you’re arriving from September, then read on to find out more.
What’s included in the Orientation programme? How can I book?
Our programme offers a variety of free activities including webinars on important topics, in-person talks, tours and social events where you can connect with fellow students.
Use our Orientation Schedule to help you plan your first few weeks in Leeds and to see what activities are happening on each day. Click on the following session titles to read the descriptions and for booking information.
Early Orientation webinars
These early webinars will be useful for students who are looking for private accommodation in Leeds, and students who may require disability support.
House hunting in Leeds webinars
Wednesday 17 July and Wednesday 14 August, 12:00-13:00 (BST)
Are you looking for private accommodation in Leeds? Unipol is a trusted, not-for-profit charity that specialises in private housing for Leeds students and postgraduate researchers. This webinar will teach you everything you need to know about finding good private accommodation in Leeds! You’ll hear about:
- Areas in Leeds where students live
- How to find a good landlord
- How to find housemates
- Types of accommodation and what to look for
- Finance: what can you afford?
- How to check your contract
- How to avoid fraud and scams
Disability Support in Leeds webinar
Monday 29 July, 12:00 - 13:00 (BST)
What is disability? How can the University help you to succeed in your studies? In the UK, “disabled” is a broad term that describes a variety of conditions, illnesses and impairments. Come along to this webinar with our friendly Disability Services team to find out more about the support available. You can ask questions anonymously before or during the session by going to vevox.app and using the ID code 198-765-548.
Join the meeting on Microsoft Teams: Meeting ID: 382 390 336 717 Passcode: KT8vWC
Welcome to Leeds Talk
Don’t miss your official welcome to Leeds as an international student! At this in-person talk, hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, find out about getting started and explore opportunities to get involved and experience local life. We hope you’ll leave this session feeling inspired to make the most of the weeks and months ahead!
Register for the Welcome to Leeds talk (16-18 September)
Register for the Welcome to Leeds talk (19 & 20 September)
Online Webinars
Book onto our insightful webinars which cover the following topics:
Money and Banking
How to open a UK bank account, money saving tips for student life, and important advice on avoiding fraud and scams. Join this webinar to gain the confidence to handle your money safely and smartly.
Register for the Money and Banking webinar
Healthcare and Wellbeing
How do I register with a doctor and a dentist? What is a GP? What should I do if I’m ill? What’s covered by my visa? Find the answers in this session. You’ll also hear about support services and ways to take care of your wellbeing while studying at Leeds.
Register for the Healthcare and Wellbeing webinar
Staying Safe in Leeds
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds. We’ll share transport and personal safety tips, highlight important UK rules, and introduce the people and teams who can support you with any concerns.
Register for the Staying Safe in Leeds webinar
Working in the UK During and After Studies (webinar and in person)
Join our Careers and Student Visa Advice teams for essential guidance on working in the UK. Explore part-time and post-study opportunities, visa requirements, and practical tips for finding employment. Keep checking back for more information about dates and registering.
Register for the Working in the UK During and After Studies talk
Register for the Working in the UK During and After Studies webinar
Disability Support
What is disability? How can the University help you to succeed in your studies? In the UK, “disabled” is a broad term that describes a variety of conditions, illnesses and impairments. Come along to this webinar with our friendly Disability Services team to find out more about the support available. You can also ask questions anonymously.
Register for the Disability Support webinar
Prepare to Study at Leeds
Join our Skills@Library team for an opportunity to reflect on your past learning experiences and consider how studying at Leeds may be similar or different. Explore essential study habits to improve your productivity and effectiveness, and chat with staff and fellow new students.
Register for the Prepare to Study at Leeds (for Undergraduate students) webinar
Register for the Prepare to Study at Leeds (for Postgraduate taught students) webinar
Bridging Academic Expectations
Join our Skills@Library team to explore essential characteristics of academic culture. This interactive session will give you the opportunity to address differences between disciplines and levels of study, and will help you become more aware of how to navigate your studies with sound academic practices.
Register for the Bridging Academic Expectations (for Undergraduate students) webinar
Register for the Bridging Academic Expectations (for Postgraduate taught students) webinar
City, Campus and Faith Tours and Activities
Explore our campus and the city of Leeds by joining our Leeds and You tours and interactive group activities.
Join our Muslim Faith Tours to find out about prayer spaces, discover where to find halal food, useful shops and places, and learn about different student societies to help you connect with your community.
Please check nearer the time for more information about booking.
Embracing (Culture) Change Workshop
Settling into life in a new country is a big change! Don’t navigate the challenge alone! Join this in-person interactive workshop to share the experience with fellow students. Through guided activities we’ll explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to cultural and lifestyle changes.
Register for the Embracing (Culture) Change workshop
Culture Shock Comedy Drama
Join this fun live performance about adapting to life in the UK, presented by the University Chaplaincy team. Don’t miss this much-loved feature of our International Orientation programme! Keep checking back for information on how to register.
Register for Culture Shock Comedy Drama
Global Café
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. No need to book – just turn up to Common Ground in Leeds University Union between 17:30 and 19:30.
Morning Welcome Activities in the Marquee
Come to the Marquee outside Leeds University Union each morning to enjoy free refreshments and fun activities, including games, crafts and ice-breakers. Get to know other students, make new friends and talk to our friendly Welcome Team staff. You don’t need to book, just come along between 10:00 and 12:00 during International Orientation Week.
Leeds University Union Activities
Check out Leeds University Union’s fun programme of activities including speed friending, afternoon tea and welcome parties, jazz and KPOP nights! You can also get involved in trips to York and the Harry Potter Tour. Keep checking back for more information about dates and times.
Fairs and Stalls
Look out for stalls and fairs inside and outside the Leeds University Union (LUU) building. Keep checking back for more information.
For questions about our International Orientation programme or to cancel your booking, contact the event organiser.
How can Student Information Service help me?
As part of your International Orientation, you will have the support of our friendly Student Information Service, who are here to help you with processes you need to complete when you arrive, and any questions you have as you are settling in.
You can contact the team with any questions you have throughout your time in Leeds. They will be able to answer your questions or put you in touch with the right team on campus that can help you. You can call them, email them, or visit them at one of the Student Information Points on campus.
If you don’t know who to ask, ask the Student Information Service.