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 the webinars from 1 August 2026.
18 August to 11 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 18 August, 12–12.45pm
- Wednesday 2 September, 12–12.45pm
- Tuesday 8 September, 12–12.45pm
You can also join this online webinar when you’re on campus on Tuesday 15 September or Monday 21 September.
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 19 August, 12–12.45pm
- Tuesday 25 August, 12–12.45pm
- Monday 7 September, 12–12.45pm
You can also join this online webinar when you’re on campus on Monday 14 September or Wednesday 23 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:
- Wednesday 26 August, 12–1pm
- Friday 4 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:
- Thursday 27 August, 12–1pm
- Thursday 3 September, 12–1pm
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 9 September, 12–1.30pm
You can also join this session in person when you’re on campus on Wednesday 16 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:
- Wednesday 10 September, 12–1pm
You can also join this session in person when you’re on campus on Wednesday 16 September.
Safety and support in Leeds
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds:
- Friday 11 September, 12–1pm
You can also join this session online on Wednesday 16 September or meet our safety and support teams in person on Thursday 17 September.
International Orientation Week
International Orientation Week takes place on campus and online from Monday 14 September to Friday 18 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 throughout the welcome period – 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 activities and sessions 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 and share the experience of culture change
- City, campus and faith tours
- Global Café
- Social events
Explore our programme – sign up for talks, workshops and webinars from 1 August 2026.
Monday 14 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 will be confirmed soon
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 will be confirmed soon
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 15 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 will be confirmed soon
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 the Parkinson steps
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 will be confirmed soon
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 16 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 will be confirmed soon
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 will be confirmed soon
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 will be confirmed soon
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 17 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 will be confirmed soon
Safety and support in Leeds
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe and avoid problems while enjoying student life in Leeds.
- Time: 2–2.45pm
- Location will be confirmed soon
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: 2.30–4.30pm
- Location will be confirmed soon
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 18 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 will be confirmed soon
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 will be confirmed soon
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 will be confirmed soon
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
Welcome week
Welcome week takes place on campus and online from Monday 21 September to Friday 25 September. 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 21 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 22 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 23 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 will be confirmed soon
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 24 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 will be confirmed soon
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 25 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
Campus and city chase tours
Get to know your new home. Take a campus and city tour with friendly student hosts to guide you.
In 2026, you will be able to join a campus, city chase or Muslim faith tour from Wednesday 9 September to Sunday 27 September. Bookings for our campus tours will open on 1 September.
If you prefer to explore campus in your own time, you can also take a self-guided campus tour using our interactive campus map.
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.
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.