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.
- Learn more about social events to help you 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.
Pre-arrival webinars
Join our pre-arrival webinars between 14 and 19 January to prepare for your studies at Leeds and get the essential information you need for a confident start before you even arrive on campus.
Essential study skills webinar
Make the most of your academic journey at the University of Leeds. Join our webinar to explore what studying at Leeds might feel like compared to your home university, learn about the support available to you, and pick up practical tips to help you thrive.
- Date and time: Wednesday 14 January, 9–10am or Thursday 15 January, 3–4pm
- Sign up for the Essential study skills webinar on Wednesday 14 January 9–10am
- Sign up for the Essential study skills webinar on Thursday 15 January 3–4pm
Orientation essentials webinar
This webinar will give you essential information on staying safe on and off campus, understanding your visa, managing money and banking, registering with a UK doctor and navigating support services to help you have a smooth and successful stay.
- Date and time: Monday 19 January, 12–12.45pm
- Sign up for the Orientation essentials webinar on Monday 19 January 12–12.45pm
International Orientation Week
International Orientation Week takes place on campus and online from Friday 23 to Friday 30 January.
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.
Friday 23 January
Welcome to Leeds talk
Don’t miss our Welcome to Leeds talk, your official welcome to Leeds as an international student. 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.
- Time: 10–11.15am
- Location: Esther Simpson LT (LG.08)
- Sign up for the Welcome to Leeds talk on Friday 23 January 10-11.15am.
Orientation essentials talk
This session will give you essential information on staying safe on and off campus, understanding your visa, managing money and banking, registering with a UK doctor and navigating support services to help you have a smooth and successful stay.
- Time: 11.45am–12.15pm
- Location: Esther Simpson LT (LG.08)
- Sign up for the Orientation essentials talk on Friday 23 January 11.45am–12.15pm.
Monday 26 January
Welcome to Leeds talk
Don’t miss our Welcome to Leeds talk, your official welcome to Leeds as an international student. 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.
- Time: 4–5.15pm
- Location: Maurice Keyworth SR (G.31)
- Sign up for the Welcome to Leeds talk on Monday 26 January 4–5.15pm.
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
- No need to pre-book – drop in at Common Ground.
Friday 30 January
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: 10.30am–12.30pm
- Location: meet at the Parkinson steps
- Sign up for our Muslim faith tour from January 2026.
Welcome social for exchange students
Join the Study Abroad team for a warm welcome to campus. Connect with other new incoming exchange students as you enjoy tea, coffee, delicious cake, and fun ice-breaker activities designed to help you make new friends from day one.
- Time: 5.30–7.30pm
- Location: The Refectory, Leeds University Union
- No need to pre-book – drop in at The Refectory.
Pre-recorded webinars
Access presentation slides for useful tips, guidance, and support throughout your time at Leeds.
Bridging academic expectations
Reflect on similarities and differences between your past study experiences, and academic life at the University of Leeds.
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.
Jobs, careers and volunteering in the UK
A session run by the Careers and Volunteering team providing guidance on part–time and post–study opportunities and practical tips for finding a job.
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.
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.
Safety and support in Leeds
Gain essential knowledge to help you stay safe on and off campus. Find out more about the SafeZone app and which teams on campus you can report incidents to.
Campus and city tours
Join one of our campus tours to discover your new home. You’ll be guided round the key locations by friendly student hosts, giving you a chance to get familiar with campus hotspots, facilities and green spaces, and to ask questions.
Book a campus or city chase tour from 15 January 2026.
Fresh Start festival
Don’t miss Fresh Start festival (26 January to 1 February).
The festival offers a week packed with chances to find your place, your people, and your passions at Leeds. From big social events and subject networking to drop-ins with support teams and fun days out, there’s something for everyone.
Keep checking the programme – more events will be added in January.
Events in January and beyond
Explore Engage and join fun social events offered by the Leeds University Student Union throughout the year.
Our Leeds and You page will be updated soon with even more events and opportunities to get involved.
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.