International orientation programme

Arriving in January

In January we have a number of orientation events and talks for new Study Abroad, Exchange and Erasmus+ students to make sure you get all the information you need. Our range of social activities can help you find your way around and meet other students who have just arrived.

Welcome information and welcome pack 
Wednesday 22 - Tuesday 28 January (weekdays), 9am - 5pm (from 10am on Wednesday) 
Visit the welcome team on Level 9 of the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building to collect your international welcome pack and ask any questions. If you arrive before 22 January or after 28 January, visit the Study Abroad Office on Level 11 of the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building (11am - 3pm weekdays). 

Essential Study Skills webinars
Monday 20 January, 9.30am (GMT) or 4pm (GMT) ‘Preparing to Study at Leeds’. Join the webinar.
Tuesday 4 February, 11am ‘Introduction to Academic Practice and Expectations at Leeds’. Join the webinar.
It’s compulsory for all students to complete the academic integrity tutorial and test on the Library website. These webinars will cover essential study skills including helping you to understand academic integrity. We will cover how to get the most from Minerva (the student portal), academic support, an introduction to the library and the main academic differences you can expect between Leeds and your home university. You will be able to join the webinar from 15 minutes before the start time. The first webinar is running twice for students in different time zones, you only need to attend one of these sessions.

English Language Test (Compulsory to attend for students enrolled on ELU modules) 
Thursday 23, Friday 24 and Monday 27 January, 10am - 11am or 11.30am - 12.30pm, various locations 
If you have enrolled on any ELU modules at the Language Centre then the English Language Test will be used to determine your eligibility for these modules. You can book your test using this online form. If you haven’t signed up for the English modules but decide that you would like to, email langc@leeds.ac.uk with your name, student ID number, and which module you would like to take as early as possible.  

Parent School Welcome Meetings 
Friday 24 or Monday 27 January, various times and locations 
It is very important that you attend your Parent School Welcome Meeting as you will be introduced to academic arrangements specific to you. Check your emails, speak to the welcome team, or visit the Study Abroad Office to find out the date, time and location of your meeting. 

Orientation Meeting (Compulsory to attend) 
Friday 24 January, 12pm - 1.30pm, Conference Auditorium 1 
This Orientation meeting will provide you with essential information on modules, administration and student support services at the University. It will also include advice on immigration and other important aspects of life in the UK, as well as a brief introduction to Leeds University Union and the many opportunities that Leeds has to offer.  

Campus Discovery 
Friday 24 January, 10am - 11am meeting outside The Edge sports centre or 2pm - 3pm meeting outside Conference Auditorium  
Join Get Out, Get Active’s Campus Discovery session to explore the University campus and to meet new people. You’ll be able to download the Campus Discovery app on your phone and explore places on campus relevant to you. 

Study Abroad Welcome Social
Saturday 25 January, 2pm - 5pm, Refectory 
This social event will give you the perfect opportunity to meet fellow study abroad students. There will be informal games and activities to help you get to know each other. Tea, coffee and cake will be served. 

City Chase 
Sunday 26 January, 12.30pm - 3pm, meet in Leeds University Union Foyer
Explore the city centre with this fun treasure hunt, a great way to get to know your new home! You and your team will compete to be the first to complete all the questions and challenges as you find the answers at various locations in Leeds. Either come as a team, or just turn up to make a team on the day. 

Library Tours 
Tuesday 28 - Thursday 30 January, 11am - 11.30am or 3pm - 3.30pm, Laidlaw Library or Brotherton Library 
Receive a guided tour of the Laidlaw or Brotherton Library to become familiar with the buildings and services. Sign up in advance at the library reception desks or by emailing library@leeds.ac.uk, stating which day and time you would like to attend. The Library website has full information on Library resources, services and support. 

Global Café
Every Monday 5.30pm - 7.30pm, Common Ground in Leeds University Union 
Meet new friends and enjoy free hot and cold drinks, biscuits, and great conversation with students from all over the world at Global Café. 

Refreshers Fair 
Tuesday 28 January, 10am - 4pm, Riley Smith Hall and Union Square in Leeds University Union 
Don’t miss the Refreshers Fair where you can find out about activities you could get involved in. Joining a club or society is one of the best ways to make friends and have a great social life in Leeds.  

Study Abroad Tea Party
Wednesday 29 January, 1pm - 4pm, Riley Smith Hall in Leeds University Union 
Come along to experience a traditional British tea party in Leeds University Union and take part in some popular games and activities. To guarantee yourself a place, please book in advance.  

Culture Shock Comedy Drama with the International Students’ Club
Wednesday 29 January, 6 - 8pm, Wilson Room in The Emmanuel Centre 
Enjoy a short, funny play from the International Students’ Club about the Leeds international student experience and what it means to settle into a new country and way of life.  

Global Welcome Party 
Friday 31 January, 11pm - 3am, Stylus in Leeds University Union 
However far you’ve travelled, your Global Welcome Party will make you feel right at home in Leeds. From K-Pop to Hip Hop, there's something for everyone. 

Fruity club night 
Leeds’ biggest weekly student club night happens every Friday, with hundreds of students in Leeds University Union’s venues. Find more on the Union’s Events page. 

ESN Erasmus and International Exchange Students Society 
Meet new people from all over the world and join in with a range of activities, including trips, movie nights, and sports days. Find out more by following ESN Leeds on Facebook or Instagram. 

Study Abroad Buddies on Facebook 
Join the Leeds Uni Incoming Buddies 19/20 Facebook group to ask questions, get to know Leeds students who studied abroad last year and connect with other students arriving in January. 

Arriving in September

If you arrive from 12 - 27 September 2019, visit the International Student Information Point in the Michael Sadler Building, any day including weekends, between 9am and 5pm, to collect an international welcome pack and sign up for a welcome talk, to help you get started. Our welcome team can also help answer any questions you may have about:

• University registration
• opening a bank account
• finding accommodation
• registering with a doctor
• food and shopping
• local transport
• student life in Leeds.

If you use the Meet and Greet service when you arrive, you can collect your welcome pack from our Meet and Greet team. We recommend you also visit the International Student Information Point soon after you arrive to get started.

If you arrive in September 2019 before or after the International Student Information Point is available, visit the International Student Office on level 11 of the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building (weekdays only) to collect your welcome pack and sign up for a welcome talk. These will provide you with information to help you to get started and enjoy your time in Leeds.

The International Student Orientation sessions provide essential information about immigration and other UK regulations, studying in the UK, cultural adjustment, and the support and opportunities available to help you get the most out of your time in Leeds.

Arriving at other times

If you are a postgraduate researcher, sign up for a welcome talk with the International Student Office. You can also collect your international welcome pack from the International Student Office enquiry desk.

If you're a Language Centre arriving before or after September, check your programme for details of your welcome talk and orientation session. You'll receive emails about this before you arrive.