International orientation programme
We know it's important for you to settle in quickly. The welcome and orientation programme gives you all the information you'll need to get started and make Leeds your new home.
Whenever you arrive, there are many places where you can ask questions and speak to our team. We offer welcome talks throughout the year to introduce you to studying at the University and living in Leeds.
You'll get a copy of the Your Arrival guide in your international welcome pack, which you can collect when you arrive. In the guide there's information about what to do when you arrive and details of events and activities you can attend.
Whenever you arrive, key things you'll need to do are:
- Pay your academic fees and complete your University registration.
- Open a UK bank account.
- Register with the police if this is a requirement of your visa.
Arriving before or after September
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, Study Abroad, Exchange or Erasmus+ student arriving in semester two, check your programme for details of your orientation session. You'll receive emails about this before you arrive.
You will also be able to download a copy of the Study Abroad Welcome Programme, which contains details of the events, sessions and activities happening over your first few days in Leeds during January 2020.
At any time of the year, you can explore the Feeling at Home in Leeds online guides to hear about students' experiences and advice about settling in, making friends, and making the most of all aspects of University life.
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.
International Student Orientation sessions
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.
Each session lasts around two hours and features staff and departments from across the University and students’ union. There are different sessions depending on the course you are studying:
Undergraduates:
- Thursday 19 September 2019, 10.00, Conference Auditorium 1
Taught postgraduates (on Leeds University Business School courses):
- Friday 20 September 2019. You will be allocated to a specific session in your LUBS induction programme. Check your induction timetable for the time and location of your session.
Taught postgraduates and postgraduate researchers:
- Friday 20 September 2019, 10.00, Conference Auditorium 1
Language Centre students who have completed a pre-sessional course at the University do not need to attend an International Student Orientation session in September.
If you are not able to attend one of the sessions above, you will be able to download the presentation slides for all sessions shortly afterwards.
Study Abroad, Exchange and Erasmus+ Orientation sessions
If you are a Study Abroad, Exchange or Erasmus+ student, you should attend one of these sessions instead of the International Student Orientation session:
- Thursday 19 September 2019, 15.00, Conference Auditorium 1
If you are not able to attend this session, there are also Study Abroad, Exchange and Erasmus+ orientation sessions the following week:
- Tuesday 24 or Friday 27 September 2019, 15.00, Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre, Michael Sadler Building
International Foundation Year session
If you are an International Foundation Year student, you should attend this session instead of the International Student Orientation session:
- Tuesday 24 September 2019, 15.00, Chemistry West Block Lecture Theatre F
You'll receive more information from the International Foundation Year team before you arrive.
Welcome activities and social events
During International Welcome Week and Freshers' Week there are many events to meet new people and take part in activities. You'll have the opportunity to explore campus, relax and meet new friends at Global Cafe, as well as enjoy a range of activities in the students' union, including the clubs and societies fairs.
For a full list of social events, activities and evening entertainment, check out Leeds University Union's website and our Global Community webpages.
At other times of the year, check the Give it a Go programme and opportunities to get involved, which run all year round.
If you're a Study Abroad, Erasmus+ or Exchange student arriving in January 2019, you'll receive emails before you come to Leeds to find out what events and activities are happening when you arrive.