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.

January International Orientation programme

Arriving in January 2025? We can’t wait to welcome you on campus! 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. 

Live talks and webinars will be available to sign-up for in January. 

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!  

“It was highly informative and gave me an amazing insight about upcoming life at leeds.”  

“It gave a very clear perspective about the life in leeds as a international student. It cleared my thoughts about every doubt I had.”  

“Loved hearing real experiences and feeling better about what I’m going through, knowing I’m not alone!”  

Friday 24 January, 10:00 – 11:15, Esther Simpson Lecture Theatre (LG.08)  

Monday 27 January, 16:00- 17:15, Esther Simpson (SR 3.01)  

Orientation essentials – money, banking and healthcare

If you have a Visitor Visa:  

Join this session to gain essential knowledge about studying and living in the UK while on a Visitor Visa. Topics include money and banking, healthcare, and your visa.  You can either join the webinar or attend the in-person talk. This session will also be recorded and added to the orientation resources page. 

Monday 20 January, 12:00 – 12:45 GMT, Online MS Teams 

Friday 24 January, 11:45 – 12:45, Esther Simpson Lecture Theatre (LG.08)

If you have a Student Visa:  

We recommend that you view the following webinar recordings, which are available on our International Orientation resources page: 

• Money and Banking
• Healthcare and Wellbeing 
• Working in the UK During and After Studies

Staying safe in Leeds webinar 

We advise all new arrivals to watch the Staying Safe in Leeds webinar. This webinar gives you essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds. We share transport and personal safety tips, highlight important UK rules, and introduce the people and teams who can support you with any concerns. 

“It felt very informative and the emphasis on care for the student population was evident!” 

“I had never lived abroad and was very worried about safety, but this seminar made me feel a little better.” 

“I felt reassured about how to stay safe and where to seek help, should I need it.” 

Student fraud awareness course

You will be enrolled on a Student Fraud Awareness course on Minerva to help you recognise fraud, scams and phishing attempts. This interactive course uses real-life examples and case studies, making it easier for you to spot common scams. There's an assessment to test your knowledge and a helpful video that explains how phishing scams work. You can access the course before you arrive, so check it out and stay safe from fraud! 

Additional webinars and resources

Additional webinars and resources are available on our International Orientation resources page. The following webinars may be useful to you:

• Disability Webinar (pre-arrival)
• Disability Webinar (post-arrival)
• Prepare to Study in Leeds Webinar (undergraduate)
• Prepare to Study in Leeds Webinar (postgraduate taught)
• Bridging Academic Expectations Webinar (undergraduate)
• Bridging Academic Expectations Webinar (postgraduate taught)
• House-hunting in Leeds Webinar  (passcode Ync.Rnp4)

If you want to find private accommodation, Unipol can help with your search. Check out their Leeds January 2025 page where you can also find their house hunting guide. 

Global Café 

Come to Global Café 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 on Mondays between 17:30 and 19:30.  

Culture Shock Comedy Drama

Join this fun live performance about adapting to life in the UK, presented by the University Chaplaincy team. The performance will be held during the International Students Fellowship (ISF) session on Wednesday 29 January 17:00-18:00 upstairs in the Emmanuel Centre. Don’t miss this much-loved feature of our International Orientation programme!   

Fresh Start Festival

From Monday 27 January to Sunday 2 February, the University and LUU are hosting Fresh Start Festival - your chance to get involved in a range of fun events happening across campus and to discover all the fantastic clubs and societies that are on offer to you! Keep checking Engage and Leeds and You for more information about dates and times. 

City and campus tours and activities

Explore the city and campus by joining our Leeds and You tours and group activities. 

Study Abroad Welcome Social (for incoming study abroad and exchange students) 

The Study Abroad team will be hosting a Welcome Social on Friday 31 January. Join them in the Refectory at 17:30 for an opportunity to get to know other incoming study abroad and exchange students over tea, coffee, cake and ice-breaker activities! More details about this event will be sent in your third and final pre-arrival newsletter.   

Asking for help 

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.