International Orientation
Moving to a new country is very exciting but can also be challenging. Our international orientation programme will help you make the best possible start in Leeds. Whenever you arrive, you’ll be able to join talks, tours and social events to help you feel at home and meet new people.
This page was last updated on 16th August 2022. We will continue updating information in the coming weeks.
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, join in social activities and tours and meet new and current Leeds students. Whenever you arrive, we’ll help you:
-
Find essential information and learn about opportunities to make the most of your international experience in Leeds.
-
Discover our campus and the city.
-
Meet other students, make connections and start settling in.
When is international orientation?
Our main international orientation week is from Monday 19th September 2022.
If you’re starting your programme in September 2022, arrive in time to attend our in-person talk and join our live webinars, campus tours, social activities and events.
If you arrive at any other time in the year, there’ll still be sessions and social activities that you can join.
After international orientation week, you’ll be able to attend our main international orientation talk online or watch the recordings of our talks and webinars on our Microsoft stream channel. You’ll also still be able to join events and social activities.
Check the information below for more information about what’s available in September and beyond.
International orientation – view programme by theme
In person or online, live or on-demand, we have a range of talks, tours and social activities you can join this September.
Main international orientation talk
Join in person or online
Attend our main orientation session for essential information about living in the UK, including support and opportunities to help you make the most of living and studying in Leeds. We’ll also explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to culture and lifestyle changes.
The time and location of the talk you will need to join will depend on your study level and your parent School/Faculty or programme of study.
-
Thursday 22nd September: Undergraduate students, including Incoming Study Abroad and International Foundation Year students.
-
Friday 23rd September: Postgraduate students.
-
If you’re a student on a Masters course from Leeds University Business School, please see your School induction schedule for details of which orientation session to attend this week.
Please check the ‘International orientation – view programme by date’ section below for details on times and locations of the sessions.
Missed our in-person international orientation talk or prefer to attend online?
Sign up to attend our international orientation talk online. More information and links will be shared soon on this page.
Live online webinars
Welcome to International Orientation; Money and Banking; Understanding UK Healthcare; Living in Leeds with Your Family; Disability Support
-
Welcome to International Orientation – what’s on offer, and how to make the most of international orientation.
Friday 16th September (10–10:30am)
Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st September (10am–10:30am).
-
Money and Banking – How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here!
Friday 16th September (11 – 11:45pm)
Monday 19th September (10:30 – 11:15am)
Tuesday 20th September (2:30 – 3:15pm)
Wednesday 21st September (10:30 – 11:15am)
Thursday 29th (10-10:45pm)
-
Understanding UK Healthcare – Registering with a doctor, where to go if you’re ill, healthcare and your visa.
Friday 16th September (2 – 2:45pm)
Monday 19th September (2:30 – 3:15pm)
Tuesday 20th September (10:30 – 11:15am)
Wednesday 21st September (1:30 – 2:15pm)
Tuesday 27th September (2 – 2:45pm)
-
Living in Leeds with families and spouses – online meet-up
Tuesday 20th September (1:30 – 2:30pm)
-
Disability webinar – supporting your studies and helping you to succeed.
More information on this webinar will be added soon.
-
International Orientation – our main talk delivered online
Tuesday 27th September (10am – 12pm)
Thursday 29th September (2 – 4pm)
Social spaces and events
Global Café; Welcome Lounge; Culture Shock Comedy Drama; LUU Harry Potter party; LUU British Tea party; LUU Karaoke night; LUU Speed Meet; LUU Boardgame social; LUU Welcome party
See details of activities and events, as well as exact locations in ‘International orientation programme by date’ section below.
Social Spaces – Meet and chat with new and current students. Find out what it’s like to be a Leeds student and enjoy free refreshments.
-
Global Café (5:30 – 7:30pm)
Monday 12th September
Every week day between Monday 19th and Friday 30th September
-
Welcome Lounge
Thursday 15th and Friday 16th September (11am – 4:30pm).
Every week day between Monday 19th and Friday 30th September.
Social events – Live shows and events
-
Culture Shock Comedy Drama
Every week day between Monday 19th and Friday 30th September (4:30 – 5:30pm).
-
LUU Speed Meet
Thursday 21st September (4 – 6pm)
-
LUU Harry Potter Party
Wednesday 21st September (5 – 10pm)
-
LUU Karaoke night
Thursday 22nd September (6 – 10pm)
-
LUU Welcome Party
Thursday 22nd September (10pm – late)
-
LUU British Tea Party
Thursday 22nd (12.15 – 1.15pm and 3:15 – 4:15pm)
Friday 23rd September (12:15 – 1:15pm and 3:15 – 4:15pm)
-
LUU Boardgame social
Friday 23rd September (5– 7pm)
Campus Tours
More details and date on campus tours will be added here soon.
Help to get started
Take some time to read about processes you’ll need to complete when you arrive.
Have questions or not sure where to start? Our Student Information Service can help you. Visit one of the four information points on campus, or contact the team by email or phone.
Pre-recorded videos to watch in your own time
Watch on-demand videos and recordings of some our sessions in your own time on our Microsoft Stream channel. Check back here for a link to our Microsoft Stream channel.
International orientation – view programme by date
Whenever you arrive, there’s a range of in-person and online sessions available to help you settle into life in Leeds.
Monday 12th September to Friday 16th September
Meet and chat with new and current students at our social spaces on campus while enjoying free refreshments.
Monday 12th September
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
Thursday 15th September
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
Friday 16th September
10 – 10:30am: Welcome to International Orientation
Click here to join this live online session (a link to this session will be added soon)
Welcome! Take a tour of what’s on this week. We’ll tell you more about the programme and what’s on offer during international orientation week.
11 – 11:45am: Understanding UK healthcare
Click here to join this live online session
How do I register with a doctor and a dentist? Who do I call if you’re ill? What’s a GP? What’s covered by my visa? Find the answers to these questions in this session.
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
2 – 2:45pm: Money and banking
Click here to join this live online session
How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here!
Monday 19th September to Friday 23rd September
This is our main international orientation week. Find a detailed description, times and locations of our talks and social events, of all the sessions and get links to join our live online webinars.
Monday 19th September
10 – 10:30am: Welcome to International Orientation
Click here to join this live online session (a link to this session will be added soon)
Welcome! Take a tour of what’s on this week. We’ll tell you more about the programme and what’s on offer during international orientation week.
10:30 – 11:15am: Money and banking
Click here to join this live online session
How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here!
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
2:30 – 3:15pm: Understanding UK healthcare
Click here to join this live online session
How do I register with a doctor and a dentist? Who do I call if you’re ill? What’s a GP? What’s covered by my visa? Find the answers to these questions in this session.
4:30–5:30pm: Culture Shock Comedy Drama
Where: Clothworkers North cinema (2.31)
Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
Tuesday 20th September
10 – 10:30am: Welcome to International Orientation
Click here to join this live online session (a link to this session will be added soon)
Welcome! Take a tour of what’s on this week. We’ll tell you more about the programme and what’s on offer during international orientation week.
10:30 – 11:15pm: Understanding UK healthcare
Click here to join this live online session
How do I register with a doctor and a dentist? Who do I call if you’re ill? What’s a GP? What’s covered by my visa? Find the answers to these questions in this session.
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
1:30 – 2:30pm: Living in Leeds with your family (online meet-up)
Click here to join this live online session
Meet other students coming with spouses and children and find our more about living in Leeds as an international family.
2:30-3:15pm: Money and banking
Click here to join this live online session
How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here!
4:30–5:30pm: Culture Shock Comedy Drama
Where: Clothworkers North cinema (2.31)
Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
Wednesday 21st September
10 – 10:30am: Welcome to International Orientation
Click here to join this live online session (a link to this session will be added soon)
Welcome! Take a tour of what’s on this week. We’ll tell you more about the programme and what’s on offer during international orientation week.
10:30 – 11:15am: Money and banking
Click here to join this live online session
How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here!
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
1:30 – 2:15pm: Understanding UK healthcare
Click here to join this live online session
How do I register with a doctor and a dentist? Who do I call if you’re ill? What’s a GP? What’s covered by my visa? Find the answers to these questions in this session.
4:30–5:30pm: Culture Shock Comedy Drama
Where: Clothworkers North cinema (2.31)
Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week.
4 – 6pm: LUU Speed Meet
Find out the location of this event on the Leeds University Union website.
5 – 10pm: LUU Harry Potter party
Find out the location of this event on the Leeds University Union website.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
Thursday 22nd September – Undergraduate International Orientation talks
Undergraduate International Orientation
All Undergraduate students, including Incoming Study Abroad and International Foundation Year students. Multiple locations.
Attend our main orientation session for essential information about living in the UK, including support and opportunities to help you make the most of living and studying in Leeds. We’ll also explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to culture and lifestyle changes.
10am – 12pm: Go to Mechanical Engineering LT A (1.33), if you are an Undergraduate student from one of these Faculties:
- Leeds University Business School
10am – 12pm: Go to Conference Auditorium 2, if you are an Undergraduate student from one of these Faculties:
- Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
- Faculty of Earth and Environment
- Faculty of Medicine and Health
- Faculty of Biological Sciences
Not sure what your Faculty is? Check our Faculties and Schools page to find out which session to join.
12:15– 1:15pm: LUU British Tea Party
Find out the location of this event on the Leeds University Union website.
Undergraduate – International Orientation
1 – 3pm: Go to Mechanical Engineering LT A (1.33), if you are a student from this Faculty:
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
1 – 3pm: Go to Conference Auditorium 2, if you are a student from this programme:
- International Foundation year
- Faculty of Social Sciences
Not sure what your Faculty is? Check our Faculties and Schools page to find out which session to join.
3:15 – 4:15pm: LUU British Tea Party
Find out the location of this event on the Leeds University Union website.
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
4:30–5:30pm: Culture Shock Comedy Drama
Where: Clothworkers North cinema (2.31)
Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
6 – 10pm: LUU Karaoke
Where: Old Bar
10pm until late: LUU Welcome Party
Where: Stylus
Friday 23rd September – Postgraduate International Orientation talks
Postgraduate – International Orientation
All Postgraduates except Leeds University Business School students. If you are a LUBS student on a Masters course, please see your School induction schedule for details of which orientation session to attend this week.
Attend our main orientation session for essential information about living in the UK, including support and opportunities to help you make the most of living and studying in Leeds. We’ll also explore ways to take care of yourself (and each other) as you adapt to culture and lifestyle changes.
10am – 12pm: Go to Conference Auditorium 2, if you are a Postgraduate student from this Faculty:
- Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
10am – 12pm: Go to Rupert Beckett lecture theatre (Michael Sadler building), if you are a Postgraduate student from these Faculties:
- Faculty of Earth and Environment
- Faculty of Medicine and Health
- Faculty of Biological Sciences
Not sure what your Faculty is? Check our Faculties and Schools page to find out which session to join.
12:15 – 1:15pm: LUU British Tea Party – Leeds University Union
Find out the location of this event on the Leeds University Union website.
Postgraduate – International Orientation
1 – 3pm: Go to Mechanical Engineering LT A (1.33), if you are an Postgraduate student from this Faculty:
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
1 – 3pm: Go to Conference Auditorium 2, if you are an Postgraduate student from this Faculty:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
Not sure what your Faculty is? Check our Faculties and Schools page to find out which session to join.
3:15 – 4:15pm: LUU British Tea Party
Find out the location of this event on the Leeds University Union website.
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
4:30–5:30pm: Culture Shock Comedy Drama
Where: Clothworkers North cinema (2.31)
Join this fun live performance on adapting to life in the UK every day (Monday to Friday) this week.
5 – 7pm: LUU Board game social
Find out the location of this event on the Leeds University Union website.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
Monday 26th September to Friday 30th September
Meet and chat with new and current students on our social spaces on campus while enjoying free refreshments.
Missed our live webinars and in-person talk? Sign up to attend our online international orientation talk and watch the recordings of our online webinars on our Microsoft Stream channel.
Monday 26th September
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
Tuesday 27th September
10am – 12pm – Online International Orientation Talk
Click here to join this live online session
Missed our in-person international orientation talk last week? Join the talk online. This session is available to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students.
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
Wednesday 28th September
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
Thursday 29th September
10 – 10:45pm: Money and banking
Click here to join this live online session
How to open a bank account, what documents you need and how to manage your money, find it all here!
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
2 – 4pm – Online International Orientation Talk
Click here to join this live online session
Missed our in-person international orientation talk last week? Join the talk online. This session is available to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
Friday 30th September
11am – 4:30pm: Welcome Lounge
Where: Michael Sadler Building (entrance opposite the Marjorie and Ziff Building)
Come and chat to our friendly student hosts, enjoy refreshments and find out more about student life in Leeds. Drop by between sessions or whenever you have time.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Global Café
Where: Common Ground, Leeds University Union
Global Café welcomes everyone from everywhere! Come and meet new and current Leeds students and postgraduate researchers, have great conversations and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café will be taking place every day of the week during international orientation. After international orientation, you can join Global Café every Monday, 5:30-7:30pm in Common Ground.
From Monday 3rd October onwards
Watch the recordings of our webinars, sessions and talks on our Microsoft Stream channel and find out more about the university and life in Leeds in your own time.
Check back here for more information on live online talks and webinars on offer.