International Orientation
Welcome to your global community of students and staff. This international orientation will guide you through information you’ll need as you begin your journey as an international student at Leeds.
Please note, this information was last updated on 19 February 2021 and is correct for students arriving now and for programmes starting in January 2021. Please check back regularly for updates.
International Student Welcome sessions
Join the International Student Office team for an interactive online session to welcome you to your global community at Leeds. You can meet other new students and hear about opportunities to make the most of your international experience.
Throughout February and March sessions will take place every Tuesday at either 10am or 5pm GMT and will last one hour. This session is repeated regularly and this page will be updated when new sessions become available.
Sign up here so we can send you a link to the session. We look forward to seeing you there.
If you are preparing to arrive in Leeds:
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You’ll find important travel and arrival information on our Preparing for Leeds webpages and in our pre-departure briefings. Make sure you also check what to bring.
What to do if you have questions:
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If you have any questions about arriving in Leeds or need immediate help when you first arrive, contact the International Arrivals helpdesk (East Entrance, Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building)
- internationalwelcome@leeds.ac.uk
- +44 (0)113 343 9599
- International Arrivals helpdesk service hours (open 7 days a week, helpdesk 9am - 5pm; email and phone 8am – 8pm)
- For other questions about getting started, contact the Student Information Helpline (see opening times)
- Email studentinfo@leeds.ac.uk
- Call +44 (0)113 343 7000 (from outside of the UK)
- Call 0800 915 0402 (from inside the UK – this is free phone number, and you won’t be charged for calling this from your mobile or landline).
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You can also talk directly to current student ambassadors to find out about their experiences
Support from our current student ambassadors:
Our friendly team of Link to Leeds ambassadors can tell you more about student life, help answer any questions you have, and help you meet other new students.
- Send ambassadors a chat message from 10am - 10pm daily
- The ambassadors host online social activities every week
- Read ambassador’s blogs about topics like coming to Leeds for the first time
Coronavirus information and support:
- Read the University’s latest advice to students by visiting our coronavirus website
When you start, all new students need to:
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Read the key information for new students, including information about online registration, online IT induction, and module enrolment
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Read your International Welcome Guide
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For all taught students, explore your Getting Started at Leeds or Transition to Leeds guides. Access these resources through the ‘Learn’ tab in Minerva or by following the links given in this key information for new students
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Attend your school induction or research induction (you will receive information from your school about this)
Key things you'll need to do when you arrive in Leeds:
We know there’s lots to organise when you first arrive and it can feel a bit overwhelming. Take some time to read about the processes you’ll need to complete. You can start and complete many of them online.
For those processes that require you to attend in person, it is understood by the University and external organisations, that anyone self-isolating will complete face-to-face processes when they have finished self-isolation. You can find more information about the different start-up processes, including what you can do while you are self-isolating, on these pages.
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Complete your online registration and online identity check
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Collect your Biometric Residence Permit if you have the relevant visa
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Register with the police if this is a requirement of your visa
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Open a UK bank account
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Register with a doctor and understand how to access healthcare provision in the UK
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If you haven't yet arranged permanent accommodation, contact the Accommodation team (for University-owned accommodation) or Unipol (for private-sector housing), or for help with any housing issues contact Leeds University Union’s Help and Support team
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Don’t forget you can attend the Link to Leeds ambassadors’ socials or send them a chat message from 10am - 10pm every day during the arrival period
We know that you’ll want to find out about:
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Where to buy food and equipment - as well as information about shops in Leeds and where to buy international food, this page includes useful information about online deliveries and getting a UK phone number, which may be useful if you are self-isolating
You may also be looking for information about:
We’ve also got advice on these important areas:
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How to stay safe in Leeds, and how to protect yourself from fraud
We also want to help you to meet new people and make the most of your experience as an international student (whether you are online or in Leeds)
Being part of the Global Community at Leeds gives an amazing and perhaps unique opportunity to try new things and get to know people from many different backgrounds, bringing you a world of ideas and experiences. There’s also lots to explore and join in with online if you are self-isolating when you arrive.
- Join our Global Community Microsoft TEAMs space to connect with other students and take part in activities. Join now using your @leeds.ac.uk email or use the join code loq5x6z by selecting ‘join or create a TEAM’ at the bottom of your teams list
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Explore LUU’s welcome website, including their fantastic guide for international students, advice on making friends and an exciting range of events
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Meet Franks, your International Officer on Leeds University Union’s Student Exec or nominate yourself or a friend to become an LUU Student Executive Officer for 2021/22 through the LeadLUU elections
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Explore other online activities to help you connect with others
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Contact current student ambassadors, send a chat message, take part in global community socials or read a range of blogs to find out about life in Leeds
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Explore the Feeling at Home in Leeds online guides to hear students’ experiences and advice about settling in, making friends and navigating change and cultural differences. We’ll also be running group workshops later in the semester.
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Explore students’ experiences of living in Leeds in this photoblog
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To find out what’s happening in Leeds and Yorkshire go to Visit Leeds and Leeds Inspired