International orientation
Our international orientation programme will help you have the best possible start in Leeds. Join webinars, talks, workshops, tours and social events to help you feel at home and meet new people.
Whenever you arrive, we’ll help you:
- Find essential information and learn about opportunities to make the most of your time in Leeds.
- Hear from students about their experiences of living and studying here.
- Discover our beautiful campus and vibrant city.
- Explore the experience of crossing cultures and adapting to change.
- Meet new people and start settling in.
If you have questions or don’t know where to start, contact our Student Information Service or speak to the team at one of our information points on campus.
You can plan your first few weeks now – explore the following programme to find out more about each activity.
Online events and activities
Join our live webinars before you arrive to get a head start on preparing for university life, or attend them on campus during International Orientation Week to help you settle in. All events are all online and in British Summer Time (BST).
Sign up for talks, workshops and webinars from 1 August 2025.
19 August to 12 September
Prepare for Undergraduate study at Leeds
Academic life in a new country can be exciting and challenging—join this supportive session to share past learning experiences and explore effective study habits.
- Thursday 28 August, 12-1pm
- Friday 5 September, 12-1pm
Prepare for Postgraduate taught study at Leeds
Postgraduate study in a new country can be exciting and challenging—join this supportive session to share past learning experiences and explore effective study habits.
- Friday 29 August, 12-1pm
- Thursday 4 September, 12-1pm
Healthcare and wellbeing
Learn how to register with a doctor and dentist in the UK, what healthcare is covered by your visa, what to do if you’re ill, and find out about support and wellbeing services available while you’re studying at Leeds.
- Wednesday 20 August, 12-12.45pm
- Wednesday 3 September, 12-12.45pm
- Monday 8 September, 12-12.45pm
You can also join this online webinar when you’re on campus on Monday 15 September or Wednesday 24 September.
Money and banking
Find out more about how to open a UK bank account, discover money-saving tips for student life, and get essential advice on avoiding fraud and scams.
- Tuesday 19 August, 12-12.45pm
- Monday 1 September, 12-12.45pm
- Tuesday 9 September, 12-12.45pm
You can also join this online webinar when you’re on campus on Tuesday 16 September or Monday 22 September.
Using your student visa to live, study and work in the UK
Hear from our Student Visa Advice team about how to access and use your eVisa, and discover useful information about working during and after your studies.
- Wednesday 10 September, 12-1.30pm
You can also join this session in person when you’re on campus on Wednesday 17 September.
Jobs, careers and volunteering in the UK: opportunities and support
Join our Careers and Volunteering teams for guidance on working or volunteering in the UK. Find out about part-time and post-study opportunities and get practical tips for finding a job.
- Thursday 11 September, 12-1pm
You can also join this session in person when you’re on campus on Wednesday 17 September.
Safety and support in Leeds
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds.
- Friday 12 September, 12-1pm
You can also join this session online on Wednesday 17 September or meet our safety and support teams in person on Thursday 18 September.
International Orientation Week
International Orientation Week takes place on campus and online from Monday 15 September to Friday 19 September.
It's your opportunity to join our programme specially created for international students, helping you settle in through talks, webinars, workshops, tours, and social events.
Welcome to Leeds talk
Don’t miss our Welcome to Leeds talk, your official welcome to Leeds as an international student.
Our Welcome to Leeds talk is repeated thoroughout the welcome period from 15 to 24 September – join it as soon as possible after you arrive.
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.
Other topics covered in our talks and webinars include:
- How to prepare for academic life
- Healthcare and wellbeing
- Money and banking
- Safety and support in Leeds
- Using your student visa to live, study and work in the UK
- Jobs, careers and volunteering in the UK
Explore our programme – sign up for talks, workshops and webinars from 1 August 2025.
Monday 15 September
Healthcare and wellbeing webinar
Learn how to register with a doctor and dentist in the UK, what healthcare is covered by your visa, what to do if you get ill, and find out about support and wellbeing services.
- Time: 10-10.45am
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk - hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Time: 11am-12.15pm and 2-3.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Culture shock comedy drama
Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK presented by the University Chaplaincy team.
- Time: 4-5pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Tuesday 16 September
Money and banking webinar
Find out more about how to open a UK bank account, discover money-saving tips for student life, and get essential advice on avoiding fraud and scams.
- Time: 10-10.45am
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk - hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Time: 11am-12.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Embracing (culture) change workshop
Join our interactive workshop to share experiences with fellow students and explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to cultural and lifestyle changes.
- Time: 3.30-5pm
- Location: Michael Sadler LG10
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Wednesday 17 September
Safety and support in Leeds webinar
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds.
- Time: 10-10.45am
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk - hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Time: 11am-12.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Using your student visa to live, study and work in the UK
Hear from our Student Visa Advice team about how to access and use your eVisa, and discover useful information about about working during and after your studies.
- Time: 1.30-3pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Jobs, careers and volunteering in the UK: opportunities and support
Join our Careers and Volunteering teams for guidance on working or volunteering in the UK. Find out about part-time and post-study opportunities and get practical tips for finding a job.
- Time: 3.30-4.30pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Thursday 18 September
Bridging academic expectations webinar (Masters)
Reflect on similarities and differences between your past study experiences, and academic life at the University of Leeds. Share expectations and explore strategies for success!
- Time: 10-11am
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk - hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Time: 11am-12.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Safety and support in Leeds
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds.
- Time: 2.15-3pm
- Location: Michael Sadler LG10
Support Services meet-and-greet
Meet some of the services who can support you to feel safe in Leeds. Come along and chat to our friendly staff at any time during the session.
- Time: 3-4pm
- Location: Michael Sadler LG10
Safety and support in Leeds
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds.
- Time: 4-4.45pm
- Location: Michael Sadler LG10
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Friday 19 September
Bridging academic expectations webinar (Undergraduate)
Reflect on similarities and differences between your past study experiences, and academic life at the University of Leeds. Share expectations and explore strategies for success!
- Time: 10-11am
Muslim faith tour
Find out about prayer spaces, where to find halal food, useful shops and places, and learn about different student societies to help connect with your community.
- Time: 10am-12pm
- Location: meet at the Parkinson steps
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk - hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Time: 11am-12.15pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre (290)
Culture shock comedy drama
Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK presented by the University Chaplaincy team.
-
Time: 2-3pm
- Location: Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre
Embracing (culture) change workshop
Join our interactive workshop to share experiences with fellow students and explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to cultural and lifestyle changes.
- Time: 3.30-5pm
- Location: Michael Sadler LG10
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Events and tours
- Booking links for campus tours will be available from 5 September.
- Explore social events and activities offered during international orientation week from 1 September.
Welcome week
Welcome week takes place on campus and online from Monday 22 September to Wednesday 1 October. This is a week of school inductions, fairs and social events to welcome all new students joining the University of Leeds.
It’s a great opportunity to attend more live sessions or catch up on talks from International Orientation Week online, connect with even more people, and get your questions answered.
Sign up for talks, workshops and webinars from 1 August 2025.
Monday 22 September
Money and banking webinar
Find out more about how to open a UK bank account, discover money-saving tips for student life, and get essential advice on avoiding fraud and scams.
- Time: 10-10.45am
Welcome to Leeds talk (online)
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk - hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Time: 12-1.15pm
Muslim faith tour
Find out about prayer spaces, where to find halal food, useful shops and places, and learn about different student societies to help connect with your community.
- Time: 2-4pm
- Location: meet at Parkinson steps
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Tuesday 23 September
Muslim faith tour
Find out about prayer spaces, where to find halal food, useful shops and places, and learn about different student societies to help connect with your community.
- Time: 2-4pm
- Location: meet at Parkinson steps
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Wednesday 24 September
Healthcare and wellbeing webinar
Learn how to register with a doctor and dentist in the UK, what healthcare is covered by your visa, what to do if you get ill, and find out about support and wellbeing services.
- Time: 10-10.45am
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk - hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Time: 2-3.15pm
- Location: Roger Stevens Lecture Theatre 25
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Thursday 25 September
Embracing (culture) change workshop
Join our interactive workshop to share experiences with fellow students and explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to cultural and lifestyle changes.
- Time: 3-4.30pm
- Location: Maurice Keyworth Seminar Room 1.32
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Friday 26 September
Muslim faith tour
Find out about prayer spaces, where to find halal food, useful shops and places, and learn about different student societies to help connect with your community.
- Time: 10am-12pm
- Location: meet at the Parkinson steps
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Monday 29 September
Welcome to Leeds talk
This is your official welcome to Leeds. Don't miss this talk - hear from staff and current students, ask them your questions, and discover ways to get involved and make the most of your time in the UK.
- Time: 5-6.15pm
- Location: to be confirmed
Global Café
Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while meeting new and current students at this relaxed event.
- Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Location: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Events and activities throughout the year
Find out what events are running by visiting Leeds University Union (LUU) Engage and our Leeds and You events page.
Don’t miss Global Café (every Monday 5.30–7.30pm in LUU Common Ground).
There’s also a friendly gathering for international students run by the Chaplaincy on Wednesdays, 5–6pm upstairs in the Emanuel Centre. You can just turn up to both of these events – you don’t need to book.
The LUU website has more information about student societies, part-time job opportunities and how you can represent our student community.
Student profile: Zainab’s story
International Orientation, my School induction and the resources provided by the University made moving to the UK easier and helped me acclimatize to the University, city, and the people.
Contact
If you have questions or don’t know where to start, contact the Student Information Service team or speak to a member of the team at one of their information points on campus.