Leeds and You Events
New or returning to Leeds? Whether you’re finding your way around your new home, coming back from a year abroad or just continuing your studies here’s your go-to programme of activity to stay connected this Autumn.
Ask questions and get involved in activities
Welcome Hub
The hub is about more than just finding information; it's about finding your place. Visit us to:
- Get answers to questions
- Get involved in games and activities
- Connect with current and new students
Open from Monday 18 September until Friday 6 October.
Discover our city and campus
Campus Walking Tours
New to Leeds and need some help finding your way around campus? Register to join a walking tour of our campus, led by friendly student ambassadors.
Morning, lunchtime and afternoon slots are available from Monday 18 September until Sunday 15 October. If you’re busy during the week, we have weekend slots available to book too.
Check times and book your free ticket
City Chase
Want to explore Leeds city centre and compete to win prizes? Come and join a group of up to six teammates for City Chase, a fast paced hunt for answers to questions about the city’s history, culture, food and more! Join on your own and be matched with a group, or bring team members with you.
Lunchtime slots are available from Monday 18 September until Sunday 15 October. If you’re busy during the week, we have weekend slots available to book too.
Check times and book your free ticket
Muslim Faith Tours
Join these tours to find out more about local halal food places, prayer areas, shops and other important campus locations. Our Muslim faith tours will be offered on:
- Thursday 28 September 14:00 – 16:00
Meet at the Parkinson Building steps!
Meet people and get involved
University Buddy Scheme
Whether you’re new to Leeds or returning to campus, apply for the Buddy scheme! The scheme is open to all students and you can apply at any point during your student journey. You'll be matched with a new or returning student from anywhere in the University at the same study level as you who has similar interest, giving you the opportunity to get to know someone new who you might not otherwise meet.
What’s on in LUU
Looking for an event to meet new people or just looking to settle back onto campus? Check LUU Engage regularly to see what student societies are up to!
Check events happening in LUU this week!
What’s on campus this week
Wednesday 27 September
10:00 – 16:00 Visit the Marks & Spencer Archive
The Marks & Spencer Archive is located in the Michael Marks Building on campus. Admission is free, and the archive is open Monday to Friday and second Saturdays of the month, 10:00-16:00. Our new-look, family-friendly exhibition tells the story of over 135 years of history on the high street. Featuring vintage fashion and merchandise, archive films and photographs, interactive features and regularly changing displays.
10:00 – 17:00 Visit our Galleries
The Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery and the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery are in the Parkinson Building of the University of Leeds. Both galleries are open Tuesday–Saturday (10:00 – 17:00). Current exhibitions include:
- Shifting Borders: A Journey to the Centre of our World(s)
- Becoming the Brontës
- FUAM 2023: The Friends of University Art and Music Graduate Art Prize
12:30 – 15:30 Pen to Paper, Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery
Join us at Pen to Paper, a free and open event where you can write. Whether you have ten minutes or three hours, connect with fellow writers, and immerse yourself in a creative atmosphere, with all materials provided.
Thursday 28 September
10:00 – 16:00 Visit the Marks & Spencer Archive
The Marks & Spencer Archive is located in the Michael Marks Building on campus. Admission is free, and the archive is open Monday to Friday and second Saturdays of the month, 10:00-16:00. Our new-look, family-friendly exhibition tells the story of over 135 years of history on the high street. Featuring vintage fashion and merchandise, archive films and photographs, interactive features and regularly changing displays.
10:00 – 17:00 Visit our Galleries
The Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery and the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery are in the Parkinson Building of the University of Leeds. Both galleries are open Tuesday–Saturday (10:00 – 17:00). Current exhibitions include:
- Shifting Borders: A Journey to the Centre of our World(s)
- Becoming the Brontës
- FUAM 2023: The Friends of University Art and Music Graduate Art Prize
12:00 – 14:00 Chaplaincy trolley, outside Emmanuel Centre
Meet our friendly chaplains and pick up a free drink or snack from the trolley to keep your energy levels up during the busy welcome period. Please note this activity is weather dependent; in the case of rain or strong wind the session will be cancelled.
Friday 29 September
12:00 - 13:00 What I wish I'd known at the start of my PhD, Wilson Room, first floor of the Emmanuel Centre (level access via lifts).
Hosted by Anthea Colledge & Samantha Sheehan, chaplains at the University, and Kristi Boon, lecturer at the University of Leeds. PGR networking sessions are for informal networking and peer support in a friendly environment. We have a different theme each time, and everyone is free to share their wisdom and their worries. Booking link
Saturday 30 September
10:00 – 17:00 Visit our Galleries
The Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery and the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery are in the Parkinson Building of the University of Leeds. Both galleries are open Tuesday–Saturday (10:00 – 17:00). Current exhibitions include:
Check back soon for information about events beyond Welcome Week.
We'd love to know about your experience of Welcome 2023.
Complete the Welcome 2023 survey to be in with a chance to win. We have 1 x £150 voucher, 3 x £100 vouchers and 6 x £50 vouchers up for grabs!
What’s on in the Marquee
Visit the marquee on the Precinct, opposite Leeds University Union throughout September and October and you’ll find a wide range of activities to get involved with. No need to book on events, just drop by and get involved!
Tuesday 26 September
10:00-16:00 Leeds University Union Welcome Fair (Marquee stalls)
Drop in to the marquee to meet Academic societies, Faith societies, Sports societies, Martial societies and Outdoor societies – check out the full list of stallholders in the marquee. Don’t forget, there are also many other stalls at The Edge and Riley Smith (LUU).
Can’t get to the fairs? Explore LUU clubs and societies wherever, whenever - Find Your Fit.
Wednesday 27 September
10:00-16:00 Leeds University Union Welcome Fair (Marquee stalls)
Drop in to the marquee to meet General Interest societies, Welfare societies, Volunteering societies, Sports societies, Martial Arts societies, Outdoor societies and Dance societies – check out the full list of stallholders in the marquee.
Don’t forget, there are also many other stalls at The Edge and Riley Smith (LUU).
Can’t get to the fairs? Explore LUU clubs and societies wherever, whenever - Find Your Fit.
Thursday 28 September
10:00 – 13:00 Leeds Student Medical Practice
Want to ask a question about registering with a doctor? Drop in to the marquee and chat to friendly staff from Leeds Student Medical Practice who can explain the steps for getting registered with a GP, whether you choose to register with them, or another health centre. You can also explore any questions you may have about how the National Health Service works if you’re new to the UK.
Can’t get to the drop in? Find out more about how to register for a doctor and a dentist online.
17:00 – 04:00 Night Market
The Night Market is a LUU staple, and definitely an event you don’t want to miss! We’ll be filling our precinct with craft stalls, independent food traders, live musical performances and even a circus!
Friday 29 September
10:00 – 17:00 Headlock Vintage
Packed light on your journey to Leeds, or just looking to freshen up your wardrobe for the new term? Headlock Vintage has what you need. Expect to find football shirts, knitwear, coats and jackets from brands including Adidas, Berghaus, Columbia, Dickies, Levi's, Nike, The North Face and more. Free entry to drop in any time, or get 10% off with a £1.79 ticket
Saturday 30 September
11:00 – 15:00 University Buddy Scheme Social
This event is only open to participants in the University Buddy Scheme. At this event there will be different activities for you to play so you can easily find connections and things you have in common with other buddies.
Not registered for the Buddy Scheme? Whether you’re new to Leeds or returning to campus, apply for the Buddy scheme! The scheme is open to all students and you can apply at any point during your student journey. You'll be matched with a new or returning student from anywhere in the University at the same study level as you who has similar interest, giving you the opportunity to get to know someone new who you might not otherwise meet.
What’s on in the University Chaplaincy
Find out more about inclusive faith-based events happening regularly at our University Chaplaincy and events hosted by our faith societies.
Residence Life events
If you’re living in University accommodation then you’ve got access to events and activities throughout the year organised by the Residence Life team. These events give you the chance to try new activities, learn new skills and meet other people with similar interests. There’s also a Residence Life Social Committee at every halls. These committees are run by residents of each accommodation and organise events for everyone in their halls!
Our programme of events and activities doesn’t stop after Welcome Week!
- Come along to our Leeds & You events and activities which we will be running throughout the year, to meet new people in a relaxed and informal setting.
- Our student-led events and activities will help you meet other students and postgraduate researchers, while taking part in activities on and off campus.
- Join our events on your own or bring your friends along. Our student hosts will be there to support you and make sure that you feel welcome. The majority of our Leeds&You events are free.
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact leedsandyou@leeds.ac.uk.