Settling in at university
If you have any questions as you’re settling in to university, contact our friendly colleagues in the Student Information Service.
They can help you navigate your studies, find out what you need to know, and put you in touch with the right people if you need more specialist support or advice.
The following links can help you settle in, feel in control and make the most of your time at university.
Settling in to your course
Library
Bookmark the library website to explore opening hours, study space bookings, online resources and more at our four campus libraries.
Skills@library can help you with writing essays, referencing and managing your time.
Study help and resources
- Flying Start resources can help you understand what it will be like studying at university.
- Preparing to study at University
- Where to get help with assessments and how to avoid breaking the rules
- Top tips for Joint Honours students
- Adapting to University learning
- Life as a postgraduate student at Leeds
Your academic personal tutor
Have you met your academic personal tutor yet? They’ll work in partnership with you to help you maximise your success.
Making changes
Sometimes you realise that you’re going to need to make changes to things, perhaps module changes, course changes or other arrangements. We’ve got processes in place to help you along the way.
Imposter syndrome
Read how to deal with imposter syndrome at university.
Support and self-help resources
There will be times when things don’t go according to plan. Knowing there is support and resources available if you need it can be reassuring, even if you don’t need them now.
University support services
Visit our support pages for details of all the support services we have, including:
Support for homesickness
Everyone will miss home, even if they don’t talk about it. It’s normal to feel homesick in all years of university.
- If you’re living in University accommodation, why not speak to your Residence Life Assistant? They’re experienced students living in your halls who’ve been there and done it when it comes to moving away to university.
- Global Café is a great event to come and speak to other students who might be feeling just like you.
- How I learnt to feel less homesick at University – a blog by second year student Katie.
Support when you’re feeling ill
Find our about University arrangements if you’re ill.
We strongly recommend you register with a doctor as soon as you arrive in Leeds.
Settling in support for international students
Our preparing to move to Leeds and living in Leeds pages have everything you’ll need to know for the first few weeks and months at university.
- Check our ‘A week in my student life’ blog post series to hear more about settling in Leeds from our Link to Leeds ambassadors.
- Moving to Leeds is a blog written by students from all over the world talking about their experiences of moving to Leeds.
- Five ways to improve your English – Wing Yan Lui (Cheryl), Fashion Marketing (Industry) shares her tips for improving your English during your time at Leeds.
Togetherall self-help resources
Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. As a student at Leeds, you’ll have free access.
Mental health and wellbeing blogs
Leading a more independent life
Whether you’re living away from home for the first time, or leading a more independent life, then getting organised, learning new skills and developing your independence can help you feel more settled.
Shopping
Managing your money
- Our money management pages have links and guides to help keep your finances on track.
- Five money management tips for students
- Three money saving websites and apps every student should know about
- Nine things to know about student finance as a mature student
- How to manage your money as a student
Part-time work alongside your studies
- Joblink at Leeds University Union can help you find temporary and part-time work to supplement your income whilst you’re studying at Leeds.
- Looking for a part time job in Leeds
Sustainability
Experiences and opportunities
From learning a language to getting involved with raising money or working in schools, there are experiences and opportunities for everyone.
Volunteering
Volunteering can be a highly rewarding and enjoyable experience and a chance to give back to the local community.
Find out about our volunteering opportunities.
Career planning
- Speak to our friendly careers staff at the Careers Service.
- Sign up to MyCareer to discover the latest career events, workshops and vacancies.
- Check out the huge range of FutureLearn and LinkedIn Learning online courses.
- Be the voice of your peers by taking on the role of a student representative.
- Join a mentoring scheme.
- Explore your study abroad or work placement options.
- Already got a business idea? See if Spark could help you make it a reality during your studies.
- Campaigning for change: read how you can make a difference with LUU.
Sport and exercise
- Visit the Leeds Sport website
- Visit The Edge website for gym, swimming pool, climbing wall, classes and more.
- Get involved in sport and activities for fun
- Aishwarya’s tips on staying fit and active in Leeds
Clubs and societies
Discover over 300 clubs and societies at Leeds University Union. You won’t be short of ways to have fun and find friends for life.