University of Leeds International Student Handbook 2013 14

I NTERNATI ONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK
2013 - 2014
2
International Student Handbook 2013-14
Arrival checklist 3
Key dates 3
Arrival Guide 4
Your International Student Office 10
Immigration advice 12
Accommodation 15
Before you sign 16
In your accommodation 18
Healthcare 20
Keeping safe 23
Security and safety services 25
Help@Leeds 26
Computers and IT 28
Campus map 29-32
British and International food 33
Opening a bank account 34
Managing your money 36
New cultural experiences 38
Social life 40
Travel in Leeds and the UK 42
Sport and physical activity 46
Families and couples 48
Developing your future 50
Volunteering 51
Working during your studies 52
Essential services 55
I f you have a question:
On Campus
Visit the I nternational Student Office.
Level 11, Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building.
Telephone: 0113 343 3930
Email
Advice and immigration services: internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk
Global Community activity: globalcommunity@leeds.ac.uk
Website
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk
Like us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/globalcommunityleeds
Follow us on Twitter
@LeedsGloCo
Cont ent s
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www.leeds.ac.uk
How can I make phone calls/email home/get
onto the internet/find postal services? 4
Where can I get information and help when I
arrive? 4
Where can I buy food, equipment for my
accommodation, warm clothes etc? 4
Where can I keep money securely before I
open a bank account? 5
How can I find permanent accommodation? 5
How do I open a bank account? 5
What do I need to know about safety and
security in Leeds? 5
Do I need to have insurance for my
possessions? 5
How can I travel around in Leeds? 6
How can I get to know the city and the
campus? 6
Where can I meet new friends? 6
How can I find my academic department/
school? 6
How do I register with the police? 6
How do I pay my fees? 6
How do I register with the University? 7
How can I access medical care? 7
How can I register with a local doctor and
where can I buy medication? 7
How do I find out about places of religious
worship in Leeds? 7
How can I get help with my computer? 7
Do I need to take the University English
Language Test? 7
How can I get an internet connection/phone
line in my accommodation? 7
Do I need to buy a TV licence? 8
How can I plan my budget and make the
most of my money? 8
Will I experience culture shock? 8
How can I find out how to use the library
facilities? 8
How can I find out more about UK study
methods? 8
Why must I collect my student ID card? 8
Visit the International Student Office
websites and add to your favourites 8
Like the University of Leeds Global
Community Facebook page 8
Follow the University of Leeds Global
Community on Twitter 8
Take a tour of the sports facilities at
The Edge 8
Key dat es
I nternational Welcome Week:
16-22 September 2013
Freshers Week:
23-27 September 2013
Term 1: 30 September - 13 December 2013
Term 2: 13 J anuary - 28 March 2014
Term 3: 28 April - 20 J une 2014
Arrival checklist
1. How can I make phone calls/email home/get
onto the internet/find postal services?
Phone cards: available to buy from Leeds
University Union's Essentials supermarket.
Public phone boxes: next to the Parkinson
Building, outside Unipol Student Homes, in
Leeds University Union and as you walk from the
Parkinson Building to the Houldsworth Building.
Problems phoning home: visit the International
Student Office for help.
Mobile phone: to assist you in your first few days,
the International Student Office will provide you
with a no obligation SIM card with enough credit
for you to make a quick phone call home. You
can use this in an unlocked phone you have
brought with you from home, or in a new phone.
If you want to buy a new mobile phone here, its
worth researching the best phone and network
for you by comparing services from a range of
mobile network providers try phone shops on
Commercial Street in the city centre.
Email and internet: Visit the IT website for
information about IT services at the University.
The IT helpdesk is located on level 10 in the
Edward Boyle Library.
Tel: 0113 343 3333
helpdesk@leeds.ac.uk
http://helpdesk.leeds.ac.uk
Post Offices: Post Offices convenient for the
University and student residences are in the St
J ohns Centre shopping arcade (15 minutes walk
from the University on your left as you go
downhill towards the city centre), in the Arndale
Centre in Headingley and on Woodhouse Street,
at the bottom of St Marks Road just 5 minutes
walk from the Parkinson Building. For other post
offices check the branch finder on the Post
Office website.
www.postoffice.co.uk
2. Where can I get information and help when I
arrive?
Visit the I nternational Student Office:
friendly staff to answer your questions
Arrival Briefing and Welcome Pack
help to open a bank account
information about services on campus and in
the city
help to register with the University
and the police
information about social activities
Outside office hours you can get urgent
information and help 24 hours a day from the
University Security Office, 175 Woodhouse Lane
(Building 65 on the campus map)
3. Where can I buy food, equipment for my
accommodation, warm clothes etc?
Hot and cold food: Cafs around campus and in
Leeds University Union. During term-time the
Refectory serves breakfast, lunch and evening
meals. You can also get a Refresh card to
purchase food and drinks at all University
catering outlets, and receive 10% off selected
products.
www.leeds.ac.uk/greatfoodatleeds
Snacks: Leeds University Union's Essentials
shop. Essentials sells a wide range of food and
is open Monday Friday 08.30 22.00,
Saturday 09.30 22.00, and Sunday 12.00
21.30.
Specialist international, halal and kosher food
shops: See page 33 of this handbook.
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Ar r i val Gui de
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www.leeds.ac.uk
Food, bedding, kitchen equipment, electrical
items, cleaning and bathroom products:
Morrisons supermarket is a 10-minute walk
from the University on your left as you go
downhill towards the city centre. Open Monday
Saturday 08.00 20.00, and 11.00 17.00
on Sunday. This store sells all of the above
items.
Sainsburys have a small and a large
supermarket not far from campus. The small
store is a few steps downhill from Morrisons
and is open Monday Sunday 07.00 23.00.
The large store is on The Headrow and is open
Monday Saturday 07.00 23.00 and 11.00
17.00 on Sunday. Both stores sell most items.
A Wilkinson Plus store is in the same shopping
centre as Morrisons, and sells household
items. This store is open Monday Saturday
08.00 18.00, and 11.00 17.00 on Sunday.
A bigger selection of household items is
available at the larger Wilkinson store on
Albion Street. This is open 07.30 20.00,
Monday Friday, 08.00 - 20.00 on Saturday
and 11.00 17.00 on Sunday.
Kirkgate Market in the city centre is a
traditional market. It sells essential items on
market stalls, many are very good value for
money. It is open Monday - Wednesday 08.00 -
17.30 and Thursday - Saturday 07.30 - 17.30.
There is also a Farmers and Crafts Market on the
first and third Sunday of every month from
09.00 14.00.
Argos Extra is a superstore for household and
electrical items. It is on The Headrow and is
open Monday to Friday 08.00 20.00,
Saturday 09.00 18.00 and Sunday 11.00
17.00.
4. Where can I keep money securely before I open
a bank account? Visit the International Student
Office to arrange secure storage.
5. How can I find permanent accommodation?
If you arrive in September the Welcome Team
Accommodation Assistants can help you find
University or private-sector accommodation. If
you plan to live in private-sector accommodation
it is essential to have your contract checked
before you sign it. More advice on finding
accommodation is on pages 15-19 of this
handbook.
6. How do I open a bank account?
Read pages 34-35 of this handbook for
information on bank accounts.
Attend a How to open a bank account talk
during the International Welcome Programme in
September.
Ask at the International Student Office for help
with any problems opening your account.
7. What do I need to know about safety and
security in Leeds?
Leeds is like any UK city. You must take safety
precautions as part of your daily routine.
Always lock your doors and windows when you
leave your room, keep valuable items out of
sight and dont walk home alone in the dark.
For more information on keeping safe in Leeds
please visit:
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/
living_in_the_uk/safety
essential safety and security information and
visit the student safety website Knowledge.
www.knowledge-leeds.co.uk
8. Do I need to have insurance for my possessions?
This is strongly recommended if you have a
laptop or other valuable possessions. (Theft of
laptops and mobile phones is quite common).
In University accommodation: insurance is
included in the rent. Read the conditions to see
what the insurance covers. Your online
accommodation induction explains this.
In private-sector accommodation: you usually
need to buy your own insurance. You can buy it
from a bank or insurance company. See page 18.
9. How can I travel around in Leeds?
There are bus stops outside the Parkinson
Building and outside the Tesco supermarket to
catch buses to University accommodation and
the city centre. Timetables are at bus stops. For
more information about public transport, buying
or hiring a bicycle, or driving in Leeds read pages
42-45.
10. How can I get to know the city
and the campus?
In September you can join guided tours which
are part of the International Welcome
Programme.
11. Where can I meet new friends?
At social events during International Welcome
Week (16 - 22 September) and Freshers Week
(23 - 27 September).
At the free Global Caf on Mondays at 17.30 in
the Lounge in Leeds University Union.
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/cafe
At Global Saturdays trips which take place
throughout the year. Global Saturdays are day
trips to some of the UKs best visitor
destinations. Escape from campus for a day and
come back with a network of friends.
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/saturdays
At the International Students Club in the
Emmanuel Centre on Wednesdays at 18.00.
In Leeds University Union by joining student
societies, the 'Give it a Go' programme and other
Union activities.
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/
clubsandsocieties
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/giag
By taking part in a volunteering project where
you can meet other students with similar
interests. See page 51 for more ideas.
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/volunteering
12. How can I find my academic department/
school?
Ask at the International Student Office for
directions or check the location on:
www.leeds.ac.uk/campusmap
13. How do I register with the police?
If a stamp in your passport tells you to register
with the police, you should do this within 7 days
of your arrival. Apply for your bank account first
because the police may need to keep your
passport while they process your registration.
You can find police registration instructions and
download an application form from the Police
Registration section at:
immigration/police_registration
14. How do I pay my fees?
Uni-Pay is a quick and simple way for you (or
your parent/sponsor) to transfer money to the
University of Leeds, in your local currency. To
use Uni-Pay you need to set up an online
account through their secure portal, and then
choose to make a payment from one of 35
countries, in the local currency. They offer
competitive exchange rates, and provide you with
an exact payment amount in your local currency.
You can then make the payment by bank transfer
or credit/debit card (additional charges apply for
card payments).
To set up an account and make a payment via
Uni-Pay, please go to:
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/financial_
admin/unipay.htm
Alternatively, you can pay online:
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/financial_
admin/index_ar
or you can pay at the Student Services Centre
(see page 55). For your safety and to ensure
compliance by the University with banking and
financial legal requirements, you should not pay
your fees using cash. Please note: the University
is unable to accept any cash payments above
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3,500. 3,500 is the maximum we can accept
in any one academic year.
15. How do I register with the University?
Undergraduates, Taught Postgraduates and
Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Get
registration instructions from the International
Student Office when you attend your Arrival
Briefing.
I nternational Foundation Year Students:
Collect registration instructions from the
International Foundation Year Office
(see page 58). Make sure you also visit the
International Student Office to receive your
Arrival Briefing.
Research Postgraduates: Collect registration
instructions from your academic school. Make
sure you also visit the International Student
Office to receive your Arrival Briefing.
More information on registration is on
travel_and_arrival/registration
16. How can I access medical care?
information on healthcare.
17. How can I register with a local doctor and
where can I buy medication?
Take your passport, offer letter and proof of
Leeds address to the Leeds Student Medical
Practice or another local doctor. You can find a
list of local doctors on the NHS website
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search
www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk
It is important to register with a local doctor as
soon as possible after you arrive, even if you plan
to continue consulting your doctor back home.
There is a pharmacy (chemist) opposite the
Parkinson Building on Woodhouse Lane.
Boots Pharmacy at Leeds City Train Station
opens daily until midnight. Headingley Medical
Centre Pharmacy in the centre of Headingley
opens until 23.00 on weekdays, until 20.00 on
Saturday and 19.00 on Sunday.
18. How do I find out about places of religious
worship in Leeds?
A guide for contacts for different faiths in Leeds
is available at:
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/us
eful_links/information_leaflets/
A student guide to churches is available from
the Chaplaincy and on their website.
www.leeds.ac.uk/chaplaincy
19. How can I get help with my computer?
Visit the IT Help Desk in the Edward Boyle
Library.
20. Do I need to take the University English
Language Test?
This test is compulsory for most students whose
first language is not English*. If your test result
shows you would benefit from extra language
support, you will be offered a place on a free
part-time English course. To take the test,
attend one of the test sessions during the
International Welcome Programme. Visit the
Language Centre in the Parkinson Building if
you arrive after this.
* You do not need to take the test if:
1) all your education has been through the
medium of English
2) you have completed other courses of study at
the University of Leeds or your first degree is
from a university in the UK, USA, Canada,
Australia, New Zealand or English-speaking
countries in the Caribbean
3) you have lived in the UK for 5 years or longer
21. How can I get an internet connection/phone line
in my accommodation?
Visit the Student Advice Centre in Leeds
University Union for information about how to
do this.
22. Do I need to buy a TV licence?
If you have a television in the UK or use
internet services to watch live TV on your
laptop/computer/mobile device (see link below
for more information on when this applies) you
must, by law, have a TV licence. You risk a
1,000 fine and a criminal conviction if you
dont buy one. More information is on page 22
of this handbook and in the students section at
www.tvlicensing.co.uk
23. How can I plan my budget and make the most
of my money?
Read pages 36-37 of this handbook and use
the Student Advice Centre web pages on the
Leeds University Union website for money and
budgeting advice
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice
24. Will I experience culture shock?
You may experience this during your time in the
UK, so its important to be prepared. If you
know what to expect, you will cope better if it
happens to you. Go to see the Culture Shock
Comedy Drama if you are here during the
International Welcome Programme. Read pages
38-39 of this handbook or visit the UKCISA
website: www.ukcisa.org.uk
25. How can I find out how to use the
library facilities?
Take a guided library tour during the
International Welcome period or do your own
podcast tour. There is an interactive Library
Guide which gives lots of information about
library services including orientation, getting
started with the catalogue, and how to make
the best use of all the resources.
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/tutorials/libraryguide/
Each library has a dedicated team of enquiry
staff who can offer help and advice. There are
also specialist subject librarians who can assist
you with your studies.
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/subjects
26. How can I find out more about
UK study methods?
You can find information on the Skills@Library
website or on the UKCISA website:
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/skills
www.ukcisa.org.uk
27. Why must I collect my student I D card?
UK government regulations mean that the
University will, by law, have to report students
who do not fully complete the registration
process. Your registration is not complete until
you have collected your ID card. You will also
need your ID card for long-term access to
library and IT services.
28. Visit the I nternational Student Office websites
and add to your favourites.
Adding our websites to your favourites will
enable you to access the useful information
online more easily.
29. Like the University of Leeds Global
Community Facebook page
Click the like button to keep up to date with
events, activities and opportunities on campus
and around the city.
30. Follow University of Leeds Global Community
on Twitter
This will keep you updated with the latest
Global Community news alongside other events
and news taking place in the University and
beyond.
http://twitter.com/leedsgloco
31. Take a tour of the sports facilities at
The Edge
Please refer to the International Welcome
Programme for tour dates. You can also visit
the Edge to arrange a tour outside of those
dates. For details of times see
http://sport.leeds.ac.uk
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How can the I nternational Student
Office help me?
Our friendly team at the International Student
Office is here to help you have the best possible
experience in Leeds. As well as helping you
settle in, we have a specialist information and
advice service you can use throughout your time
at the University. We also organise regular social
activities to help you make new British and
international friends.
What services does the International Student
Office provide?
Confidential Advice
Immigration
Problems affecting your studies
Personal concerns
I nformation
Arrival Briefing
Opening a bank account
Police registration
Healthcare
Safety and security
Working in the UK
Council Tax
Driving
Activities at the University
Local activities and events
Travel
British culture
Local shops and services
Facilities for couples and families
General support
Settling in
Life in Leeds
Academic life and study methods
Homesickness and culture shock
Schools and childcare
Social activities
Global Caf on Mondays
Global Saturdays trips
HOST - Visit a family in the UK
University of Leeds Global Community
Websites
Check our websites for information and advice
on a wide range of issues relevant to
international students from:
How can I find out about trips
and social activities?
Visit www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk
Visit our Facebook page and click the Like
button to receive updates about social and
cultural activities taking place on campus and
around the city.
Follow the University of Leeds Global
Community on Twitter
Can I visit the office without
an appointment?
Yes. You can visit our enquiry desk for general
information and guidance without an
appointment.
When is the office open?
Open weekdays, 09.00 17.00 Monday
Friday (Wednesday 10.00 17.00)
Your I nt er nat i onal Student Office
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www.leeds.ac.uk
How can I get specialist advice?
If you need immigration advice, the drop-in
service allows you to see an International
Student Adviser to ask a quick question. You will
be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop-
in sessions are held Monday Friday at 10.30.
If you want to have your visa extension
application form checked you will need to book
an appointment by visiting the enquiry desk at
the International Student Office. You cannot
book these appointments by phone.
We try to make sure you can see an adviser as
soon as possible, but at very busy times you may
have to wait if your enquiry is not urgent.
I s the advice service confidential?
Yes. You can discuss issues privately with one of
our advisers. Your adviser will not discuss your
case with anyone outside the International
Student Office unless you give your permission.
The only exceptions to this are if we are required
by law to provide information, or if we believe
you will seriously harm yourself or someone else.
How can I contact the I nternational
Student Office?
Advice and immigration services
Level 11, Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building
Tel: 0113 343 3930
Email: internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk
Global Community Team
Tel: 0113 343 6920
Email: globalcommunity@leeds.ac.uk
What kinds of questions can I ask at
the I nternational Student Office?
I nformation about life in Leeds and the UK
Where is the nearest ?
Where can I buy ?
Who can I ask about ?
What activities can I take part in?
How can I find my child a school?
What is usual/polite in the UK?
Advice on problem-solving and how to
enjoy life in Leeds
Im feeling homesick, can you help?
How can I make more friends?
How do I keep safe in Leeds?
How can I meet local people?
Im worried about my studies, who can
I talk to?
How can I visit a UK home?
Confidential advice on immigration
and UK regulations
How do I extend my student visa?
Can I stay in the UK if I change my study
plans?
Can I work in the UK?
How do I get a National Insurance Number?
Do I need to pay Council Tax?
What are the rules for international students
driving in the UK?
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I mportant note
The UK immigration system has undergone a
period of change, with the introduction of a
points-based system. Changes are still being
made. For this reason it is essential that you seek
up-to-date advice about any immigration matters,
and do not rely on information that may not
reflect recent changes. If in doubt, contact the
International Student Office.
Who can I ask for immigration advice?
The I nternational Student Office
There are strict rules on who is allowed to provide
immigration advice in the UK. The International
Student Office is the only university service that is
allowed to give immigration advice to students.
Staff in your school/department or elsewhere in
the University cannot give advice relating to
immigration.
immigration
External organisations
If you are seeking advice at the last minute, or if
your query is outside the expertise of the
International Student Office, you can seek
external advice from an immigration solicitor.
You may need to pay for this advice.
The International Student Office can provide
a list of local immigration solicitors for you.
Dont ask your friends
UK immigration law and regulations are very
complex. Your friends may want to be helpful but
they will not have the expertise to give correct
answers to questions about immigration.
Even if their situation seems similar to yours,
it is essential that you seek expert immigration
advice. If you take the wrong advice you risk
having your visa extension refused and/or being
required to return home.
When do I need to get
immigration advice?
I f you are an EEA student
Read about your immigration status on:
www.ukcisa.org.uk
I f you need to extend your visa as a student
The process is complicated and takes time so
it is essential that you start to prepare your visa
extension application 8 weeks before your visa
expiry date. Find information about how to apply
on the International Student Office and UKCISA
websites
immigration
www.ukcisa.org.uk
I f your visa has expired (Dont let this happen!)
It is illegal to stay in the UK longer than your visa
expiry date (overstay). If you overstay, you risk
being sent home and this may prevent you from
making any future application to come to the UK
for up to ten years. If your visa expires before you
apply to extend it this is very serious. Seek advice
immediately from the International Student
Office.
I f your visa expiry date is before your course ends
You must extend your visa in order to complete
your course. If the early expiry date is the result of
an error by the office issuing your visa, you can
apply to have this corrected free of charge. Visit
the International Student Office for assistance
with visa correction.
I f you want to work in the UK during your studies.
Check the visa stamp in your passport to see if
you are allowed to work. If you are not sure, take
your passport to the International Student Office
to be checked.
Make sure you know the rules on working by
reading the Working During Study' page
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/imm
igration/working_during_study
Research degree students should be aware of the
extra restrictions on working set by sponsors and
University regulations.
More information on working during your studies
is on pages 52-53 of this handbook.
I mmi gr at i on advice
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I f you want to work in the UK after your studies
The International Student Office are able to check
Tier 2 application forms and documents. They will
not be able to post the forms and documents for
you, but can check everything in advance for you
to then send to the Home Office. As the
International Student Office's main focus and
commitment remains with Tier 4 student
applications, the service is only offered between
February and J uly. If you require advice outside of
this period, please visit the International Student
Office for a list of local immigration solicitors.
Employment after studies for completing PhD students
On 6 April 2013 the UK government introduced a
scheme to allow doctoral students to remain in the
UK for 12 months following completion of their
PhD. If you are given permission to stay under the
Doctorate Extension Scheme you will have full
unrestricted work rights, except for some limited
professions such as doctors or dentists in training or
sportspersons (including coaches). You will be able
to work without restrictions once your Tier 4 sponsor
has confirmed that you have finished your PhD.
The International Student Office can check and
submit these applications to the Home Office.
You can read about the different schemes at:
immigration/working_after_study
or www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-
immigration/working
I f you want to do a work placement or a period
of study abroad
Visit the International Student Office to check
whether this is allowed and meets the conditions
of your visa.
I f you make a change to your studies
It is essential to visit the International Student
Office for immigration advice if you have any of
these questions:
I need to take re-sit examinations, how does this
affect my immigration status?
If I change my course/the timing of my studies,
will I be able to extend my visa?
If I withdraw temporarily or permanently from my
course, am I allowed to stay in the UK until my
visa expires?
You must get permission from the Home Office if
you want to change the length of your course or
your university. To do this you must make a new
Tier 4 application. You should visit the Home
Office website below for further information
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-
immigration/studying/adult-students/changes
I f you will have a period of absence from your course
If you applied for your visa using a Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies (CAS) the University will,
by law, have to report periods of unexplained
absence to the UK Border Agency. Remember to
talk to your tutor/supervisor if you are going to miss
part of your course. To notify the University if you
have been sick and missed classes, follow the
instructions on
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/
counterservices/sickness
I f you want to invite your family or friends to the UK
Read the International Student Office webpages or
visit the UKCISA website. For more advice on
bringing your family to the UK, visit the
International Student Office.
immigration/immigration_for_families
immigration/family_visits
www.ukcisa.org.uk
I f you plan to get married/enter into a civil partnership
Read about the rules and the immigration status of
your spouse/partner on the UKCISA website:
www.ukcisa.org.uk
Scams / Hoax Calls
Be aware of telephone fraud from criminals
pretending to work for the UK Border Agency or
claiming to be an immigration official. They may
ask for personal details or request that you make a
payment to prevent further action being taken.
If you receive such a call:
Do not give the caller any personal information,
nor confirm that any information they have is
correct. Do not make any payment over the phone
Report the incident to Action Fraud
www.actionfraud.police.uk
If you have any remaining concerns, you can
report them at the International Student Office
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Can I live in University accommodation?
Visit Accommodation Services (see page 55) to
find out more about University accommodation
and whether there is a room available for you. Even
if you do not qualify for the accommodation
guarantee, the University may be able to offer you
a place.
You can usually arrange to see the accommodation
before you sign your contract.
If you have any concerns, talk to Accommodation
Services again before signing your University
accommodation contract.
If you are in University of Leeds Accommodation
you automatically have Edge Club membership
included in your rent, giving you access to all the
Sport and Physical Activity facilities at certain
times. You can upgrade your membership to give
you more flexible time access.
How can I find good private-sector
accommodation?
Accommodation Assistant
During September the International Welcome Team
Accommodation Assistants can help you with
house-hunting and finding other suitable
accommodation.
You can ask for their support when you need it, for
example if you have questions after visiting a
house, or you are unclear about something a
landlord has said.
Student Advice Centre Housing Advice
Dont start house-hunting until you have read the
advice on the Student Advice Centre website
including their guide for international students.
They also have a free contract-checking service for
private sector housing.
You can also visit them in Leeds University Union
for face-to-face advice.
Unipol Student Homes
Unipol (see page 56) works closely with the
University to provide a central point for students
for house hunting. You are recommended to use
Unipol to find accommodation in the private
rented sector. Their website has lots of useful
information and advice as well as advertisements
for hundreds of houses, flats and studio
apartments available to rent. There is also an
online student notice-board where you can find
housemates to share with.
As well as advertising for a large number of
landlords, Unipol has a number of properties it
owns and and manages that you can rent directly.
There is a wide choice available and you will be
able to rent some online before you come to Leeds.
These property adverts are clearly marked with
Rent Online. You should be aware that if you rent
online without seeing the property you will be
entering into a legal contract for the rent for the
full period of the contract. Unipol owned or
managed properties will be shown on their website
with a green banding. All of Unipols properties will
meet the requirements of the Unipol Code.
Many private landlords advertise via the Unipol
website and most of these are members of the
Unipol Code. You are advised to rent from a Unipol
Code member as these owners have agreed to
provide a property which complies with a set of
health and safety standards; has good amenity
levels and a responsive property management
operation. A list of these owners is available on the
Unipol website and all their properties are
advertised with a blue banding. Although this is
not a guarantee that you will have no problems at
all, the Code provides an additional safety net and
you can use Unipols complaints system if the
landlord fails to comply with the Code.
www.unipol.org.uk/leeds
If you accept or sign a contract for University or
private-sector accommodation, you cannot usually
cancel it and will be legally bound to pay rent until
the end of the contract, even if you move out
before.
Accommodation
16
Do this before you sign a private-
sector accommodation contract:
I nspect the property
Make sure you are happy with the quality and
the location and that it has all the furniture and
equipment you need. Check safety features
including the gas safety certificate(s) and
security. Also check whether repairs or
redecoration are required and, if so, make sure
these are written into the rental contract with a
deadline for when the work will be completed.
It is not a good idea to rent a property if major
renovation work needs doing, even if the
landlord promises it will be done before you
move in. It is often very difficult for landlords
to make builders do the work on time.
Househunting/property viewing checklist
Use a checklist to make sure you are checking
your property correctly and asking the
landlord/agent all the necessary questions.
Useful checklists are available from Unipol
Student Homes and the Student Advice Centre.
www.unipol.org.uk/leeds/I FS
Calculate all the costs
Check which charges are included in your rent
and which extra costs you are responsible for
paying. If costs like gas and electricity are not
included in your rent, estimate how much these
will be. If there will be adults sharing the house
who are not students (or are students spouses)
check whether you will be charged Council Tax
(see page 21).
If you need extra furniture or equipment (for
example a washing machine), allow for these
costs in your budget. Make sure that you can
afford the rent and all additional costs before
you sign your contract. Information about
budgeting for your household costs is available
from the Student Advice Centre.
Take your rental contract to the Student Advice
Centre to be checked before you sign it
It is essential you make sure that the contract
you plan to sign is reasonable, and with a
landlord who treats tenants fairly. The Student
Advice Centre can help you do this. To make
sure you fully understand the terms of your
legally binding contract and dont agree to
conditions that could cause unexpected
difficulties in the future, use the Student
Advice Centres free contract-checking service.
They advise on:
whether you are getting a good deal
whether they are aware of any problems with
the landlord
whether you need to get additional items
added to the contract
Once the contract is signed, you are legally
bound to pay rent to the landlord until the end
of the contract, even if you decide to move out
before this. So think carefully and take advice
before you sign. Never sign a contract on behalf
of housemates or friends. If you sign for them
and then they decide not to move in, you could
be held liable for their share of the rent.
Never pay a landlord any money before you sign
the contract.
Do I need to have an accommodation contract?
It is important for your protection that you have
a contract for your accommodation. Contact the
Student Advice Centre for more information
about why this is necessary.
Can I rent out part of my accommodation to
another student?
Your accommodation contract will usually have
a clause which forbids sub-letting. You should
never sub-let without permission and never
have an unauthorised person staying in your
property, other than guests visiting for a few
days.
Befor e you sign
I s it ok to pay rent to another tenant rather than
directly to the landlord?
This is not recommended, as you will not have
the protection of a contract. If you are
considering doing this, get advice from the
Student Advice Centre first. If you are in a
shared house with a joint contract, you should
each pay your landlord the agreed amount on the
agreed dates. It is not safe to give your rent to
another tenant to pay on your behalf.
Can I live in council housing?
If you come from outside the European Economic
Area, the answer is no. Council housing is
accommodation provided by the local
government. It is a public fund, so if you were
given permission to stay in the UK with no
recourse to public funds or no public funds,
you will not be entitled to council housing.
There can be severe legal consequences if you
break this rule.
Council Tax
Full-time students
Council Tax is a charge the local government
makes for services it provides. Students who are
registered full-time, on courses of 25 weeks or
more (and their spouses if they are from outside
the EEA), are disregarded for Council Tax
purposes. This means that if all your housemates
are students (or their spouses) you will not have
to pay Council Tax.
Research Postgraduates in the writing up period
Students in their writing up period should be
eligible for council tax exemption provided they
are registered on a full time programme of study.
Further advice is available from the Student
Advice Centre.
Email: advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk
Part-time/short course students
If you study part-time or on a short course
lasting less than 25 weeks you may have to
pay Council Tax.
I f you live with non-students
If you rent a property in the private sector with
adults who are not full-time registered students,
the property will not be exempt from Council Tax
and you may be liable to pay the bill. Students
living with their spouse/civil partner should read
page 48-49 of this handbook.
I f you have completed your course
If you have completed your course and have
received your results, you are no longer a student
and you are therefore liable to pay Council Tax.
I f you receive a Council Tax bill
Dont ignore a Council Tax bill even if you think
you should not have to pay. If you do not
complete an exemption form and you fail to pay
your bill, you may face legal proceedings. Avoid
this by getting advice from the International
Student Office or Student Advice Centre as soon
as possible.
More information is on the UKCISA webiste:
www.ukcisa.org.uk
17
www.leeds.ac.uk
18
Do this as soon as you move into
University or private-sector
accommodation:
Take out insurance/additional insurance
Insurance is included in the rent for University
accommodation. Most of your belongings will be
covered by this policy but if you have expensive
items, or a bicycle or musical instrument check
the conditions of the insurance policy.
You may need to arrange extra cover. Visit the
Cover4Students website for further information.
If you are living in private-sector
accommodation and you have a computer or
other valuable possessions it is important to
buy possessions insurance as burglaries are
fairly common in areas of student housing. You
can buy insurance from banks and specialist
insurance companies such as Cover4students
and Endsleigh.
www.cover4students.com
www.endsleigh.co.uk
Follow security advice
Make security part of your daily routine in and
around your accommodation. Read pages 46-48
of this handbook and follow the advice in the
Safety section of the International Student
Office website:
living_in_the_uk/safety
Buy a television licence
If you have a television in the UK or you use the
Universitys IPTV or internet services to watch
live television, you must, by law, have a TV
licence. The Television Licensing Authority can
easily check if you have a licence and if you are
caught without one you can receive a criminal
conviction and a fine of 1,000.
A colour licence costs 145.50 for the year. You
can pay in instalments by direct debit and if you
leave the UK 3 months or more before the end
of the licence, you can reclaim some of the cost.
You must cancel your direct debit before you
leave, to stop the payments.
www.tvlicensing.co.uk
Arrange the payment of bills
If you are sharing private-sector accommodation
with housemates, make sure that all your names
are on each bill - for example each tenant is on
the electricity, gas, and water bills. Contact the
utility companies letting them know all your
names and when you are moving in and out. You
will also need to get final bills from them to
prove you have paid before your landlord will
return your deposit.
Only one person is allowed to have their name
on some types of bill, so work out who this will
be and how everyone will pay. This will protect
you from having to pay more than your fair share
if you and your housemates have a
disagreement.
Check your rights and responsibilities
Landlords are bound by law to maintain the
property to a decent level and to ensure it is
safe.
They must also treat it as your home and give
at least 24 hours notice before they visit you.
You, the tenant, are responsible for treating
the property well, keeping it clean and tidy
and doing minor maintenance like changing
light bulbs.
In your accommodation
If you pay a security deposit to a private landlord,
the landlord has to register the deposit with a
government-backed protection scheme within 30
days. If you dont receive any information from
your landlord to show your deposit is protected,
contact the Student Advice Centre.
More information is available on
How can I get help with a problem in
University accommodation?
First talk to your residence manager or warden.
Your residence manager can help with problems
like repairs. Your warden can help if you are
unhappy in your accommodation, for example
because your neighbours are noisy or unfriendly,
or you feel unsafe. The Accommodation Services
website explains how to contact the residence
manager and warden. For further help, visit the
International Student Office or Student Advice
Centre.
http://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk
Can I change rooms or move out of
University accommodation before the
end of my contract?
The Accommodation Service may be able to offer
you a different room in University
accommodation if there is a place available.
You may also be able to arrange to swap rooms
with another student. You can apply to move any
time after the first two weeks of term using the
transfer or swap form on the Accommodation
Services website. It is not usually possible to
change to private-sector accommodation or to
move out to stay with friends before the end of
your University contract.
How can I get help with a problem in
private-sector accommodation?
First speak to your landlord/landlady or agent.
If you are not happy with their answer, talk to
Unipol to see if your landlord is registered with
them. You can also visit the Student Advice
Centre for specialist advice. They can help with
a wide range of housing problems including
negotiating with landlords or assisting with
worries about your property or your housemates.
Can I move out of private-sector
accommodation before the end of my
contract?
You will need to find another student to replace
you and seek your landlords agreement to you
moving out. If you do this, make sure you give
your landlord a signed letter which says that you
have left the property and gives the name of the
person who has taken your place. Keep a copy of
the letter for yourself. You should also make sure
the names are changed on the contract, with the
dates of you leaving and the other person taking
over. Students often use the Unipol student-to-
student noticeboard to find replacements.
19
www.leeds.ac.uk
20
Emergency and out of
hours healthcare
Health advice at any time of the day or night
NHS 111 Service 24-hour helpline and website
Tel: 111
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Hospital Accident and Emergency Department
The nearest A&E Department to campus is:
Leeds General Infirmary (LGI)
J ubilee Wing, Clarendon Way
Tel: 0113 243 2799
To call an ambulance
Make a free call from any phone to the
emergency services:
Tel: 999
Out of hours Pharmacy
If your local pharmacy is closed you can buy
medication every day of the week until midnight
at Boots Pharmacy, Leeds City Train Station
Tel: 0113 242 1713
Emergency hormonal contraception
(within 72 hours)
Your local doctor (free for NHS patients)
A local pharmacy
Lloyds Pharmacy *
24 Kirkstall Lane
Tel: 0113 278 5559
Cardigan Road Pharmacy *
136 Cardigan Road
Tel: 0113 278 3976
* These pharmacies offer a free service for
under 25s
See also other pharmacies listed on
www.leedssexualhealth.com
Emergency dental treatment
NHS 111 Service, 24 hour helpline: 111
Leeds Dental Advice Line
0800 298 5787
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00
Voicemail message for out-of-hours
emergency service
Leeds Student Medical Practice
How can I access medical care?
The UK Government is reviewing the rules on
charges for medical care for nationals from
outside the European Union. The information
below was correct when the handbook was
printed, but the rules may have changed
when you read this. You must check the latest
information on rules for medical care by visiting
living_in_the_uk/health
I f your course of study is for MORE than six months
If you have permission to be in the UK as a
student for more than 6 months, you will be
entitled to free medical treatment on the
National Health Service (NHS). You must
register as a patient with a doctor and you will
be entitled to free treatment in NHS hospitals
(as long as the UK is your main home at that
time).
I f your studies are for LESS than six months
You will only get a very limited number of health
services free, unless your studies are
substantially funded by the UK government.
You will be charged for all other treatments and
services, including consultations with a doctor.
You wont be able to register with the Leeds
Student Medical Practice or other local doctor,
but you can use their services as a fee-paying
patient. If your home country has a reciprocal
health agreement with the UK, you may be able
to reclaim some of these costs. If your country
has no reciprocal health agreement with the UK,
take out health insurance.
I nformation about health entitlements
You can find out more about your entitlements
to healthcare on the UKCISA website:
www.ukcisa.org.uk and in the Services section
of the Leeds Student Medical Practice website:
Healthcar e
21
www.leeds.ac.uk
Can I have free medication?
Medication prescribed by your doctor is
subsidised by the NHS but there is a standard
charge of 7.85 that you must pay for each item
when you collect it at the pharmacy. (Children
and women who are pregnant or have given birth
in the previous year do not have to pay for
prescribed medication). Contraceptive and family
planning prescriptions are free for female
patients.
Can I get free dental and
optical services?
Dentists
Services from dentists are not free (except for
children who are aged under 18 or aged 18 and
in full-time education or women eligible for NHS
treatment who are pregnant or have had a baby
in the 12 months before treatment starts).
If you are entitled to free NHS healthcare, you
may be able to have subsidised dental treatment
from a dentist who accepts NHS patients.
However there is a long waiting list for NHS
dentists so if you cant find a dentist willing to
register you as an NHS patient, you will need to
register as a private patient which is more
expensive.
For a list of local dentists visit:
If you are experiencing difficulties registering
with an NHS dentist, you can call the Leeds
Dental Advice Line.
Tel: 0800 298 5787
Opticians
Optical treatment is not free under the NHS. If
you are entitled to free NHS treatment, you can
get a subsidised eye test but there will still be a
charge to pay and glasses are not free. Children
under 16 years, or under 19 and in full time
education are eligible for an NHS voucher which
entitles them to free eye tests and glasses.
You can find details of local opticians from
the NHS website:
Can I claim help to pay for
health costs?
If you are entitled to free NHS healthcare, you
may be able to claim help towards the cost of
NHS prescriptions, dental charges and optical
costs. This is a health benefit, not a public fund.
To find out if you are eligible, fill in an HC1 form
which you can get from the Student Advice
Centre, a doctor, dentist or optician.
Should I take out health insurance?
If you are not entitled to free NHS care you
should definitely buy health insurance. Even if
you do qualify for free medical care, you should
consider taking out health insurance to cover any
treatment that you cannot receive free on the
NHS (or non-emergency treatment that you may
want to pay for privately because of long waiting
lists).
Do I need to register with a
local doctor?
If you are entitled to free or subsidised
healthcare, it is very important you register with
a local doctor as soon as possible after you
arrive. Dont wait until you are ill. Even if you
expect to continue taking advice from your doctor
in your home country, you should still register
with a local doctor in the UK. This will make sure
you can receive treatment quickly if you need it.
If you are ill and your studies may be affected,
you will need a letter from a doctor in the UK.
You will need to use this letter to prove to the
University and the immigration authorities that
you have health circumstances which should be
taken into account when assessing your progress.
If you are ill for less than 7 days and cannot
study, you can complete a form online at:
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/counter
services/sickness to inform your department.
If you have to miss an exam or assessment work
for health reasons, you may need a letter of
confirmation from a doctor. It is essential that
you see a doctor to request this letter during your
illness. Letters issued after the illness will not be
accepted.
22
How do I register with a doctor?
Take proof of your identity (your passport) and
student status (student card) and proof of your
Leeds address (accommodation contract) to a
doctors surgery and ask to register. Most
students choose to register with the Leeds
Student Medical Practice located near the
University campus. You can find a list of other
local doctors on the NHS website.
This medical centre next to the campus has
expertise in dealing with all the common
problems international students and their
families encounter. They also provide internet
services for booking appointments and ordering
repeat prescriptions, and their website has over
100 student-specific health advice leaflets.
They have good contacts with all University
departments/schools, which is essential if
illness interrupts your studies. Check their
website to see if you are eligible to register.
How can I get healthcare in Leeds?
West Yorkshire Urgent Care services
Urgent care is for when you have minor
accidents or unexpected health problems and
need help within the next few hours.
Tel: 0345 605 99 99
www.wyucservices.nhs.uk
Minor health problems
If you have a minor health problem you can visit
a pharmacy (chemist) where the pharmacist will
be able to offer advice and sell you treatments,
for example for a winter cold, sore throat or
dry skin.
NHS 111 Service
NHS 111 is a service to make it easier for you
to access local NHS healthcare services. You
can call 111 when you need medical help fast
but it's not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is a fast
and easy way to get the right help, whatever the
time.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile
phones.
Tel: 111
Local doctor (GP)
For other health problems use the services of
your local doctor (GP-General Practitioner) as a
first step. The Leeds Student Medical Practice
has health advice on their website that you can
consult and you can make an appointment to
see your doctor to discuss concerns.
You should only go to a hospital before seeing
your doctor if you are in an emergency situation.
For any non-emergency medical treatment you
need a doctors referral before going to a
hospital.
University Sick Bay
If you are unwell and have no-one to look after
you in your accommodation, you may be referred
to the University Sick Bay. This is a small unit
with beds within the Leeds Student Medical
Practice. It is open during Leeds Student
Medical Practice opening hours in term time
and is staffed by qualified nurses.
Sick Bay is a day resting facility used for
students who have an illness which does not
need them to go to hospital, but is serious
enough for them to need short-term care.
Hospital
You can go to one of the local hospitals if you
need to use emergency services or if your GP
refers you for specialist treatment. More
information about local hospitals is on
www.leedsth.nhs.uk
What do I need to know to keep
safe in Leeds?
Leeds is a great place to live, but as with all big
cities it does have some crime, so you need to
take sensible precautions as part of your daily
routine. You also need to be aware of health and
safety risks in your accommodation and in places
where you study. The situation in the UK may be
different to what you are used to at home so it is
essential that you learn about UK crime
prevention and health and safety advice and
follow this while you are here.
Crime prevention
Each year some students are affected by crimes
including burglary, street theft, or verbal abuse.
By following basic crime prevention advice you
can reduce the risk of this happening to you.
Visit the Knowledge website
The Knowledge website aims to give students in
Leeds the knowledge you need to keep yourself
and your possessions safe. It gives safety advice,
information on the types of crime affecting
students and the crime statistics for different
areas. www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/
knowledge
Ask the Crime Prevention Manager
You can also get expert email and face-to-face
advice from the Crime Prevention Manager, Andy
Gordon-Platt in the University Security Service.
Email: crimeprevention@leeds.ac.uk
0113 343 5005
www.leeds.ac.uk/estate_services/security/
CrimePrevention.htm
Protect your possessions
Always close your window and lock your door if
you are away from your room, even if only for a
short time.
Make sure valuable items cant be seen
through the window of your room and are out of
sight when you leave.
Use an ultraviolet (UV) pen to mark your
valuable items with UoL (University of Leeds)
and your student ID number. If your
possessions are stolen and the police find
them, they can return them to you.
Register your phone with the service provider
and, if it is stolen, ask them to block the SIM
card. Make a note of your 15-digit serial
number or IMEI. You can find this by dialling
*#06# on your phone.
Keep a note of the telephone number of your
credit/cash card provider so you can inform
them immediately if your cards are lost or
stolen.
Make sure you have insurance so you can
replace possessions if they are stolen. See page
18 of this handbook.
Register your details on the Immobilise website
www.immobilise.com. Immobilise helps the
police trace the owners of stolen property.
Back up work regularly and keep copies in a
safe place in case your laptop is stolen.
Protect against identity theft
Dont let criminals use your personal
information for fraud.
Dont throw away bank statements, bills or
credit card statements.
If your documents are lost or stolen, report this
immediately to the organisation which issued
them.
Never give your bank security passwords or PIN
to anyone.
Beware of emails or phone calls from criminals
pretending to be banks, the Home Office or
other immigration officials. They may be trying
to get access to your personal details.
More information on how to protect yourself
against identity theft is at
www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud_protection/
identity_fraud
23
www.leeds.ac.uk
Keeping safe
Safety when you go out
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be
especially careful if you are using headphones
or talking on your mobile phone.
Don't wear expensive jewellery to avoid
attracting attention and disguise your laptop
by using a sports bag.
After dark, dont walk alone or use outside
cash machines. Travel home on the LUU
Nightbus, or take a taxi, or walk with friends
using well-lit streets.
Take precautions to keep yourself safe when
you are in pubs, bars and clubs - you can find
advice about this at:
helpandadvice
Use the LUU Nightbus
This service takes students home to their
accommodation from the University after dark.
It is for students travelling home alone or in
pairs. The Nightbus costs 1 and runs every
night during term-time. You can book the
Nightbus at the front door of the Union building
with the security staff. The service takes you to
the entrance of your accommodation so you
dont have to walk home from a bus stop.
Information about the service including a
timetable is available from the Union building
reception and on
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice/
healthandwellbeing/gethomesafe
Use Amber Cars no cash taxi service
If you have no cash, Amber Cars has an
arrangement with Leeds University Union which
allows students without cash to take a taxi and
give the driver their student card, then pay the
fare later. See page 43 of this handbook for
information about the service.
Safety at home
Check the safety of your accommodation
Check regularly that your accommodation
has working smoke alarms and a current gas
safety certificate.
Make sure you are aware of fire safety
precautions and how to avoid carbon
monoxide poisoning.
Keep your accommodation secure by locking
all windows and doors when you leave your
room and dont let anyone you dont know into
the building.
More home safety advice is at:
www.knowledge-leeds.co.uk
If you have concerns about safety in your
accommodation you can get expert advice
from the Student Advice Centre.
Crime
In the unlikely event that you are a victim of
personal or property crime, please refer to our
website for guidance about what to do, who to
speak to and how to report the crime. You can
also come and see us in the International
Student Office for help and support.
living_in_the_uk/safety/coping_with_crime
24
25
www.leeds.ac.uk
West Yorkshire Police
The role of the Police service includes
receiving reports of crime and lost property;
giving crime prevention advice; patrolling
the city; investigating crimes; and responding
to emergencies.
What number do I phone to report a
crime or emergency situation to the
Police?
Tel: 101 (non-emergencies)
Tel: 999 (emergencies only)
Who can I talk to for information about
the Police or crime in Leeds?
Police Student Liaison Officer
PC Matthew Guy
Tel: 0113 343 0274
Email: M.Guy@leeds.ac.uk
mg7@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
Where can I report a crime to
Police face-to-face?
You should visit the police station responsible for
the area where the crime was committed.
Telephone in advance to check which station
you should visit.
Leeds Police Stations
City Centre
Millgarth Police Station,
Millgarth Street,
Leeds
LS2 7HX
Tel: 101
Headingley/Adel
Weetwood Police Station,
300 Otley Road,
Leeds
LS16 6RG
Tel: 101
University Security Service
This service operates 24-hours a day, every day
of the year. Security staff offer crime prevention
advice, patrol the campus, investigate crimes,
respond to alarms and emergencies and deal
with lost property. Contact them for information
and advice or to report a crime, at 175
Woodhouse Lane (200m downhill from the
Parkinson Building, on the same side of the
road).
Tel: 0113 343 5494/5 (non-emergencies)
Tel: 0113 343 2222 (emergencies only)
www.leeds.ac.uk/estate_services/security
University Health and Safety Services
Provides advice and support to help staff and
students work and study safely and healthily.
Contact them for information, advice or to report
any health and safety concern.
Tel: 0113 343 4201
Email: safety@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/safety
Keeping you safe
Your school/department will give you information
about health and safety in your induction,
including health and safety protocols, how to
report an accident or near miss and your health
and safety responsibilities as a student. Fire
safety information is posted in all University
buildings. The Universitys Health and Safety
Policy and other health and safety information is
at www.leeds.ac.uk/safety Ask your Tutor if you
have any questions.
Emergency Services
Tel: 999
For Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coast Guard
Secur i t y and saf et y ser vi ces
How can we help you?
All students will have questions and need
support with personal and academic issues at
various times during their studies. Help@Leeds
website makes it really easy for you to find an
answer or help when you need it. You can
access Help@Leeds via the `Help' tab on the
Portal and Help@leeds information is also
available offline on the UniLeeds app and on
http://help.leeds.ac.uk
Help@Leeds has a changing menu of
information and help to match the needs of
students at different times of the year. It also
contains the contact details of all the support
services on campus and quick links to other
useful information, including safety advice,
health support, exam information and
opportunities for career development.
Help@Leeds makes it easy to find help online,
but if you want to talk to someone, staff in the
University's specialist student services and the
support staff in your academic school are there
to help you. If you have a question or problem,
ask for help as soon as possible. Don't wait for
someone to offer to help. In the UK it is unusual
for someone to offer you help unless you have
asked for it. Asking for help is viewed as taking
responsibility for ensuring a successful
experience, not as a sign of weakness, so don't
hesitate to ask and make use of all the help on
offer at Leeds.
Your school and faculty
As soon as possible, find out which staff in
your school and faculty are your key support
contacts and how they can help you.
Your Personal Tutor/Supervisor
They are there to give you a range of academic
and pastoral (non-academic) support. As well as
talking to them about academic questions or
problems, you must tell them if you are ill or
have personal problems that might affect your
studies. Your personal tutor/supervisor will also
refer you to other staff or services for help with
any questions and problems that he/she is not
able to assist with.
Your School Rep
If you have a problem to do with your
course or school, or ideas about how to make
improvements, you can speak to your school
representative who can advise you who to talk to
and can help you raise your issue with staff. To
find out who is your school rep, by checking on:
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/yourreps/
academicreps
Your friends
It is natural to ask your friends for help and they
will give you very valuable support. But it is
important that you also ask University staff. Your
friends may not always be able to give you the
best information and they may give you incorrect
advice. University services are trained to give
you reliable specialist support and advice.
Contact details for the following support services
can be found in the Essential Services section
on pages 51-54
I nternational Student Office
This office offers information and confidential
advice for international students including:
Immigration advice
Settling in and understanding UK systems
Support with worries and problems
Drop-in service available Monday Friday
at 10.30
Appointments with specialist advisers to have
your visa application checked can be booked at
the enquiry desk.
Student Advice Centre
This is a professional, friendly service which
provides help with any problems concerning life
as a student. All help is free and confidential
and the service is independent of the University.
26
Hel p@Leeds
27
www.leeds.ac.uk
Specialist advice and support is available in
these areas:
Academic procedures
Help with University regulations; advice and
representation with progression difficulties,
plagiarism, appeals or disciplinary cases; help to
explain problems to your tutors.
Money
Advice on budgeting and financial problems;
negotiating with services and with creditors if you
have debts; help to find alternative sources of
funding; and in extreme cases emergency
funding if you have a family crisis or similar
problem.
Housing
Advice on house-hunting; help with disrepair and
poor housing conditions including compensation;
help to resolve difficulties with landlords or
flatmates; disciplinary cases.
Victim support
Help to report a crime; support to help victims
deal with the consequences of a crime.
Your rights
Help with questions about employment and legal
rights and if you have problems with a shop or
service.
Drop-in advice service: 12.30 - 16.00
Please call first to check availability.
Appointments with specialist advisers can be
booked if required.
Student Counselling Centre
The Centre provides a confidential counselling
service where you can find help with a wide
range of worries or concerns relating to issues
such as:
Academic difficulties
Personal relationships
Homesickness and settling in to UK life
Traumatic experiences
Drop-in at 15.00 on weekdays throughout the
year or fill in a self-referral form online. Further
counselling sessions can be booked by
appointment if required.
University Chaplaincy
Chaplains listen to and help students with
questions and problems and at difficult times in
their lives. They provide support to students of
all faiths and to those who have no religious
beliefs. They have an out of hours phone number
on their website for students in distress.
Nightline
Offers an information and listening support
service provided by trained student volunteers.
I nformation
about student life and services in the University
and in Leeds.
Listening support
for students who are worried, confused,
distressed, in trouble or even if they just need to
talk. The service is confidential and anonymous
(they will not ask for your name).
Disability Team, Equality Service
The Disability Team provides support, advice and
guidance to disabled students. If you have a
disability, or you find you are struggling whilst at
university because of your disability, you can
meet with a disability coordinator to discuss your
support needs. Support packages range from
loan of equipment, such as digital recorders to
personal assistants to help you with access
around campus.
How can I get help in an emergency?
Off Campus - Call Emergency Services
Dial 999
Ask for police/fire brigade/ambulance and give
your name and location. (It is free to call 999).
Only use 999 in an emergency, for example if a
life is at risk or if a crime is being committed.
On Campus - University Security Services
Dial 0113 343 2222
If an emergency takes place on campus, call the
University Security Services emergency number.
Contact your warden/subwarden/residence manager
If you are in University accommodation, contact
your warden/subwarden or the Residence
Manager as well in an emergency situation.
28
Logging in to a Cluster PC
To use a computer in one of the Universitys
computer clusters, you will need your username
and password. To get your initial username and
password, follow these steps:
Go to a computer cluster
Press Ctrl +Alt +Delete on the keyboard
Type mypassword in the User name box
Type mypassword in the Password box
Click the arrow
Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be
asked for your student ID number (found on
your offer letter) and your date of birth.
Find the locations and further details of computer
clusters at:
http://helpdesk.leeds.ac.uk/info/76/pc_clusters
I T induction
Once you have registered, you can access all the
IT services at the University via the Portal using
your username and password, and you can also
use the Universitys two mobile apps.
As well as access to email, file storage and the
internet, there are also computer clusters across
campus. All of the clusters are open 09.00 to
17.00 weekdays and there are some clusters that
open 24/7, ensuring you can study when it suits
you. You can check the availability of PCs in the
clusters by downloading the UniLeeds app.
There are about 1,700 networked PCs available
on campus for you to use. If you would rather use
your own laptop, most areas have high-speed
wi-fi.
We advise that you go through the online IT
induction course which introduces you to the
many IT facilities available on and off campus
you will be able to access this at any time via the
Portals IT and Libraries tab.
If you ever need any help, experienced Help Desk
staff are here seven days a week to give you IT
support by phone, email or in person.
The IT Help Desk is located on level 10 in the
Edward Boyle Library.
Tel: 0113 343 3333
Email: helpdesk@leeds.ac.uk
The Portal
Once you have registered, the Portal is your way to
access everything at University. It is where you
access your student email, your personal
timetable, your Library account, announcements,
useful links and much more. It is also where you
update your personal details such as address,
which can be used on official University
documents. You should familiarise yourself with
the website when you first arrive in Leeds.
http://portal.leeds.ac.uk
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Also accessible through the Portal is the Virtual
Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE contains a
range of learning resources, including module
information, handouts and lecture notes, reading
lists and past examination papers. It is also where
you submit assignments electronically. You can
access each modules VLE area from your My
Modules list on the My Studies tab of the
Portal.
Mobile apps
If you have a smartphone, you can download
these two free apps to access useful information
on the go.
UniLeeds this app features your personalised
timetable, your library record and the full library
catalogue, campus maps, computer cluster
availability, staff directory search, University news
and events, and information from Leeds
University Union.
Blackboard Mobile Learn this app gives you
access to the Virtual Learning Environment,
where you can view announcements, get module
information and documents, participate in
discussion boards and check your grades.
Download now at: www.leeds.ac.uk/apps
Computers and IT
(64) Access & Community Engagement (ACE)
(58) Baines Wing
(93) Biological Sciences
(19) Business School
(26) Careers Centre
(86) Charles Morris Hall I ncluding Storm
Jameson Court, Dobree and Whetton
(62) Chaplaincy / Emmanuel Centre
(55) Chemistry
(49) Civil Engineering
(60) Classics
(56) Colour Chemistry Building
(73) Computing
(100) Conference Auditorium
(95) Dentistry
(34) Design
(82) Disability Team
(84) Earth and Environment
(70) Education
(83) Edward Boyle Library
(51) Electronic and Electrical Engineering
(22) Ellerslie Hall
(76) English
(82) Equality Service
(53) Fine Art
(102) Food Science and Nutrition
(90) Garstang Building
(38) Geography
(57) Great Hall
(17) Gryphon Sports Centre
(58) Healthcare
(44) Henry Price Building
(78) History
(48) Houldsworth Building
(77) I nternational Student Office
(16) Law
(110) Leeds Student Medical Practice
(77) Lifelong Learning Centre
(30) Lyddon Hall
(35) Man Made Fibres Building
(77) Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building
(84) Mathematics
(50) Mechanical Engineering
(95) Medicine
(78) Michael Sadler Building
(78) Modern Languages
(75) Music / Clothworkers Concert Hall
(53) Old Mining Building / Fine Art
(60) Parkinson Building
(31) Performance & Cultural I ndustries
(78) Philosophy
(73) Physics and Astronomy
(37) Psychology
(29) Refectory
(89) Roger Stevens Building
(65) Security Service
(64) Skills@Library
(82) Social Sciences Building
(82) Sociology and Social Policy
(101) The Edge (Sports Centre)
(31) Stage@Leeds
(25) Student Counselling Centre
(77) Student Services Centre
(32) Students Union (Leeds University Union)
(77) Study Abroad Office
(65) Theology and Religious Studies
(43) Transport Studies
(67) Unipol Bureau
(28) University House
(61) Workshop Theatre
(95) Worsley Building
29
www.leeds.ac.uk
Campus map key - al phabet i cal
30
Campus map
31
www.leeds.ac.uk
(16) Law
(19) Business School
(22) Ellerslie Hall
(25) Student Counselling Centre
(26) Careers Centre
(28) University House
(29) Refectory
(30) Lyddon Hall
(31) Performance & Cultural I ndustries
(31) Stage@Leeds
(32) Students Union (Leeds University Union)
(34) Design
(35) Man Made Fibres Building
(37) Psychology
(38) Geography
(43) Transport Studies
(44) Henry Price Building
(48) Houldsworth Building
(49) Civil Engineering
(50) Mechanical Engineering
(51) Electronic and Electrical Engineering
(53) Old Mining Building / Fine Art
(55) Chemistry
(56) Colour Science Building
(57) Great Hall
(58) Baines Wing
(58) Healthcare
(60) Classics
(60) Parkinson Building & Tower
(61) Workshop Theatre
(62) Chaplaincy / Emmanuel Centre
(64) Access & Community Engagement (ACE)
(64) Skills@Library
(65) Security Service
(65) Theology and Religious Studies
(67) Unipol Bureau
(70) Education
(73) Computing
(73) Physics and Astronomy
(75) Music / Clothworkers Concert Hall
(76) English
(77) Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building
(77) Lifelong Learning Centre
(77) Student Services Centre
(77) I nternational Student Office
(77) Study Abroad Office
(78) History
(78) Michael Sadler Building
(78) Modern Languages
(78) Philosophy
(82) Disability Team
(82) Equality Service
(82) Social Sciences Building
(82) Sociology and Social Policy
(83) Edward Boyle Library
(84) Mathematics
(84) Earth and Environment
(86) Charles Morris Hall I ncluding Storm
Jameson Court, Dobree and Whetton
(89) Roger Stevens Building
(90) Garstang Building
(93) Biological Sciences
(95) Dentistry
(95) Medicine
(95) Worsley Building
(100) Conference Auditorium
(101) The Edge (Sports Centre)
(102) Food Science and Nutrition
(110) Leeds Student Medical Practice
32
Campus map key - numer i cal
Will I eat well in Leeds?
Food will definitely be a central part of your
experience here. You can buy a very wide variety
of international food ingredients in Leeds. Below
is just a selection of the many international food
shops around the city.
Healthy eating
Remember to make sure you eat a balanced diet
so you stay healthy while youre here. Be sure to
follow food hygiene rules, especially if you are
new to cooking. More information about
preparing healthy food is available on the
UKCISA website:
www.ukcisa.org.uk
I f you are new to cooking
Ask for simple recipes from friends or family
back home, and find new ideas on the BBC food
website. Use the search function and select
quick recipes to find the easiest ones!
www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes
Places to buy food
Kirkgate Market
34 George Street
Sells a wide range of British and international
foods including fish, meat, fruit and vegetables
Wing Lee Hong
117 Vicar Lane
Sells food from South East Asia
Various Thai and Chinese supermarkets
China Town area, from Vicar Lane to
Templar Lane
Andalusian Halal Meats
67 Brudenell Grove, Hyde Park
AAA Supermarket
22-24 Woodsley Road, Hyde Park
Includes Halal food
Maumoniat I nternational Supermarket
35-45 Brudenell Grove, Hyde Park
Includes Halal food
Mahmood Halal Butchers
23 Alexandra Road, Hyde Park
Abu Bakar I nternational Supermarket
37 Queens Road, Hyde Park
Noshi Foodstore
22 Harehills Road, Leeds (Bus number: 49,
50, 50A from The Headrow, Leeds city centre)
Sells good quality fruit and vegetables and
Halal food
Harehills area including Roundhay Road
and Harehills Road
Has many small shops that sell Halal food
Myers Famous Kosherie
410 Harrogate Road (Bus Number: 36 from the
Bus Station 2, 3, 3A, 7A, 7S from Vicar Lane,
Leeds city centre)
Sells Kosher food
Medina Costcutter
199 Chapeltown Road (Bus Number: 2, 3,
3A, 48 from Vicar Lane, Leeds city centre)
Afro-Caribbean food
Chapeltown Road area
(Bus Number: 2, 3, 3A from Vicar Lane, Leeds
city centre). Many shops specialising in Afro-
Caribbean food
Karim Brothers Food Store
40-42 Harehills Road (Bus number: 49, 50,
50A from The Headrow, Leeds city centre)
Includes Halal food
33
www.leeds.ac.uk
British and international food
Can I open a bank account?
Most students are able to open a basic bank
account in the UK. If you are here for 12
months or more, you will have the widest choice
of bank accounts available to you, but students
here for less time are still able to open
accounts. The International Student Office has
created a Bank Account Comparison Table to
help you decide which bank account you wish to
open. Please check the Bank Account
Comparison Table to see how long you need to
be in the UK for to open each specific account.
useful_links/information_leaflets
What do I need to open
a bank account?
What you require to open a bank account will
depend on which bank and which bank account
you choose. You may find the following
information helpful as general guidance about
what you may need to open a UK bank account:
1. Proof of your identity:
Evidence of your identity =passport or EU
national identity card
2. Proof of your status as a student (if you are
opening a student account):
Evidence of your status as a student: your offer
letter or a bank letter from the University
3. Proof of address:
Some banks will require proof of your UK
address and/or your home/overseas residential
address. Different banks accept different
documents as proof of address: See the Bank
Account Comparison Table:
useful_links/information_leaflets
4. Minimum deposits and fees:
Some banks require a minimum deposit to open
certain accounts and charge a monthly fee.
(Some bank accounts also require you to
maintain a minimum balance in your account).
Where can I get a bank introduction
letter from the University?
A banking letter can be used as proof of student
status and proof of both your UK and oversees
addresses. You can get one from the Student
Services Counter in the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff
Building. You need to decide which bank
account you wish to open before you get your
bank letter as Student Services will address your
letter to the bank of your choice.
How do I decide which bank
to choose?
The University does not recommend any
particular bank. Everyone is different, and
different banks have different services and
opening requirements for different bank
accounts. The Bank Account Comparison Table
has initial guidance to help you compare the
different banks, but you also need to read
further information from the banks before you
make your final choice.
There are three banks on campus and many
other banks have several branches in the city
centre. The nearest Bank of China branch is in
Manchester.
How long does it take to open
an account?
Some accounts can be opened quickly
(less than 48 hours) others may take longer,
particularly during the busiest periods, such
as September. If you pay your University tuition
fees in instalments you will need your bank
account to be open before you can complete
your University registration. However, if your
bank account takes time to open, this is not a
problem. Once you have paid the first
instalment of your tuition fees you can receive
a temporary registration card to use until your
bank account is open and you can complete
your University registration. A temporary
registration card enables you to use the
computer and library facilities.
34
Opening a bank account
I mportant information about bank
accounts
Keep your bank statements. You will need
these original statements if you have to extend
your visa/leave to stay in the UK. Some banks
charge for duplicate statements and it may
take them several weeks to produce the
documents.
Only use a bank account for which you are a
named holder. You should not allow others to
use your account to do their banking.
Keep your personal details and account details
secret to prevent someone stealing your
identity. For more information, visit:
www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud_protection/
identity_fraud
Do not go into debt on your account unless you
have a pre-agreed overdraft facility with the
bank.
Banks advertising Sharia-compliant
services
For further information, please contact the banks
directly or visit their website.
Islamic Bank of Britain: www.islamic-bank.com/
personal-banking
Lloyds TSB:
www.lloydstsb.com/current_accounts/
islamic_account.asp
Where can I ask for help if I have
questions or problems?
Please visit the International Student Office if
you need further information and advice on
opening a UK bank account.
35
www.leeds.ac.uk
Name of Bank Nearest branch (to campus) Website
Bank of China Limited Manchester (city centre) www.bankofchina.com/uk
Barclays Blenheim Terrace (campus) www.barclays.co.uk
Co-operative Bank Vicar Lane (city centre) www.co-operativebank.co.uk
Halifax The Headrow (city centre) www.halifax.co.uk
HSBC Blenheim Terrace (campus) www.hsbc.co.uk
Lloyds TSB Park Row (city centre) www.lloydstsb.com
Nationwide 36 38 Albion Street, Leeds (city centre) www.nationwide.co.uk
NatWest 8 Park Row, Leeds (city centre) www.natwest.com
Royal Bank of Scotland 27 Park Row, Leeds (city centre) www.rbs.co.uk
Santander Leeds University Union (campus) www.santander.co.uk
Yorkshire Bank Albion Street, Leeds (city centre) www.ybonline.co.uk
Details of local banks offering student accounts and/or cash accounts
How can I make my money go further?
Budget
The best way to make your money go further is to
decide on a budget and stick to it. Its important
to have a clear idea of how much money you
have to spend each week and what your essential
costs are, so you know how much you have left
to spend on non-essential things. You could start
by using the International Student Calculator to
create your budget or you could design your own
spreadsheet. You can visit the Student Advice
Centre for confidential face-to-face advice on
budgeting.
http://international.studentcalculator.org
Shop around
Its always worth checking several different
shops and service providers to compare prices
before buying. When shopping online always
search on more than one site to be sure you have
found a good deal. Online price comparison
websites can be very useful. Remember that
online reviews can only give you an idea about
the product for factual information check the
official product details before you buy.
www.moneysavingexpert.com
Student discounts
Carry your student ID card with you. Its always
worth asking places whether they offer a student
discount. You can also find out about the latest
deals, discounts and special offers for students
in Leeds on: www.studentbeans.com
Transport and travel
You can save money by walking or cycling. Bus
passes, railcards, coachcards and booking in
advance can make a big difference if you are
travelling longer distances. Read pages 42-45
to find out about other ways you can save money
on travel.
Utility bills
Remember to switch off electrical appliances
and heating whenever you dont need them. If
you are paying your utility bills separately in
private-sector housing, make sure you are with
the cheapest supplier for gas and electricity. You
can use the uSwitch website to compare costs.
www.uswitch.com
Buy second hand
You can find great bargains on clothes, books
and household items in charity shops and help a
good cause at the same time. Charity shops can
be found on Otley Road in Headingley and in the
city centre. The online auction website eBay has
a huge range of second hand as well as new
goods to buy and you can also use it to make
money by selling any of your unwanted
possessions. The Amazon website is also very
useful for second hand books, DVDs and CDs.
www.ebay.co.uk
www.amazon.co.uk
Buy Second Hand
Leeds University Union's Love Leeds Charity
Shop is on level -1 of the Union building. It sells
second hand clothing, books, cookware,
homeware and bedding at low prices. All the
money raised in the shop supports the work of
Leave Leeds Tidy which helps students love
Leeds by keeping it clean.
Freecycle is an online group which helps people
to find new homes for things that they want to
give away for free. If you join the group you can
receive emails about things that are being
offered and you can send a request for anything
you are looking for.
www.freecycle.org
How can I avoid financial problems
and get help if I need it?
Dont rush into a contract
Never sign a contract for a phone, housing,
insurance, internet/broadband, cable or satellite
TV or other product or service unless you have
read it and you are sure that you are happy with
the conditions, including the length of the
contract. Sales people can be very persuasive
and once you have signed, you will be legally
36
Managing your money
www.leeds.ac.uk
37
bound to pay for the duration of the contract, even
if you later realise that it is not right for you. If you
are being pushed, rushed or even bullied, dont
sign.
Say no and hang up the phone or walk away.
If you take a copy of the contract to the Student
Advice Centre, they can check it and give you
advice to help you decide whether it is a good idea
to sign it.
Avoid failed direct debit costs
If you arrange to pay bills by direct debit, make
sure the money is in your bank account two
working days before the direct debit payment is
collected. If not, the bank may make a penalty
charge. If you arrange to pay tuition or
accommodation fees in instalments and then
cancel your direct debit, you will lose the right to
pay your fees in instalments and must make the
full payment immediately. You will also be charged
extra fees for every month the payment remains
unpaid.
Remember that direct debit is the only method
you can use to pay the second instalment of
tuition fees. If you change your bank after you set
up your direct debit, you must give the Accounts
Receivable office your new bank account details at
least 7 days before any direct debit payment is
due to be collected. Information is at:
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre
Tell the University immediately if you cannot pay
your tuition or accommodation fees on time.
If you are having difficulties paying your tuition or
accommodation fees to the University on time,
visit the Accounts Receivable Office in the
Student Services Centre immediately to explain
your situation. Dont wait until your payment
deadline has passed as there is an extra monthly
charge for late payment. If you have an unforeseen
and exceptional change of circumstances which
means you are unable to pay on time, you should
put details of these circumstances in writing to
the Accounts Receivable Office: fees@leeds.ac.uk
Dont pay money for your University fees to a third
party unless you are sure they are reputable.
Students are sometimes approached by
organisations or individuals who claim to be able
to offer them a discount on their fees.
They will offer to pay your full fee to the
University, in return for a partial payment from
you. We recommend that you do not pay money to
anyone that approaches you making such an offer,
as it is very likely to be fraud.
Dont claim UK state benefits without taking advice
If you entered the UK as an international student
and you are not an EEA (European Economic Area)
national, it is very unlikely you can receive any
state benefits. Never try to claim benefits without
taking advice from the Student Advice Centre.
Making a claim for benefits when you are not
entitled can have serious legal consequences.
www.ukcisa.org.uk
Problems with goods or services
If you have a problem with something you have
bought or with a service or company and you need
help, visit the Student Advice Centre. They will
give you information about your rights and advice
about possible courses of action. In some cases
they may be able to negotiate on your behalf.
Take with you all the paperwork you have related
to the case.
Keep evidence
If there is a problem or dispute relating to
something at the University or to a shop or service,
you will need to provide evidence to support your
case. For this reason it is essential to keep
documents such as receipts, contracts, bills,
emails, letters and statements safely. In some
cases it can also be useful to write notes as a
record of conversations and actions and to have
photographic evidence, for example in a dispute
with a landlord over repairs.
Unexpected financial difficulties
If you can show you had enough funding for the
whole of your course when you came to the UK,
but you have financial difficulties because of
unexpected circumstances, such as a crisis back
home, visit the Student Advice Centre as soon as
possible. If an adviser assesses you as a suitable
case, it may be possible for you to apply for a
small amount of additional financial help from the
University or Leeds University Union.
www.ukcisa.org.uk
What can I expect from life in a new
cultural environment?
Living in a different cultural environment will be
challenging, exciting and life-changing. As an
international student you will probably
experience some homesickness and culture
shock as you get used to living in the UK, but
you will also have some amazing experiences
through being part of the University of Leeds
Global Community. Here at Leeds, our
international and multicultural University gives
you a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to
know students from over 140 different
countries; enjoy new experiences; broaden your
horizons; and develop your intercultural skills.
The University of Leeds Global
Community
Find out how you can get the most out of being
part of our Global Community by using the
website, Facebook page and Twitter. You can
meet friends from all over the world at the
weekly Global Caf (see page 40); explore the
UK with Global Saturdays day trips; join or help
organise intercultural activities with the
Intercultural Ambassadors and take part in the
fantastic World Unite Festival in February. There
are also over 30 Leeds University Union cultural
societies you can join to meet other students
interested in different languages and cultures;
and language exchange activities organised by
the Language Centre and in Leeds University
Union, all giving you plenty of opportunities to
share your culture and make a global network of
friends.
clubsandsocieties/culture
What can help with homesickness and
culture shock?
You can meet other students who are going
through similar experiences at the International
Students Club and the Global Caf (see page
40) and by joining student cultural societies. It
can be helpful to know that you are not alone in
feeling unsettled away from home and to get
together with new friends to cook favourite food
from home and compare things you miss or find
unusual. Learning more about UK culture can
also help you feel more at home, so you might
like to arrange a HOST visit to a British home or
a language exchange partner, which will give you
the chance to ask questions and discuss
differences and similarities between your
background and your experience in Leeds.
Many students will experience culture shock
during their first year in Leeds. Differences in
things you take for granted at home - like the
weather, food, living environment, rules and
behaviour - can stop seeming interesting and
become instead upsetting and disorientating.
Living in a situation where you are surrounded
by things and experiences which are unfamiliar
or unexpected can be exciting, but it can also
make you feel uncomfortable and sometimes
unwell, and can affect your ability to
concentrate on studies and feel positive about
your time in the UK. The International Student
Office, Chaplaincy, Student Counselling Centre
and Leeds Student Medical Practice can all
provide support to help with homesickness and
culture shock, so please contact them if you are
experiencing this. You can also find out more
about culture shock by visting the UKCISA
website:
www.ukcisa.org.uk
38
New cultural experiences
www.leeds.ac.uk
39
Find a Language Exchange Partner
You can apply to be matched with a language
exchange partner a student who has an interest
in your language and culture. This is a great way
to learn about another culture, practise language
skills and make friends. For more information
visit the Language Centre Self-Access Area, 2nd
Floor Parkinson Building.
www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/124995/learning_
facilities/1443/language_exchange_scheme
Visit a British home with HOST UK
The HOST programme arranges for international
students to visit British homes for weekends
during term time and over holiday periods. This
is a great way to make new friends, share your
culture and understand more about British
culture. The International Student Office pays
half the cost of your first visit. Visit the
International Student Office website for more
information:
living_in_the_uk/social_life
www.hostuk.org.uk
Visit the UK with Global Saturdays
These day trips run by the International Student
Office give you the chance to take a break from
studies and campus for a day, visit some of the
UKs best cities, countryside, seaside and
attractions, and come back with new friends
from around the world. To find out about the trip
destinations and to buy tickets visit:
Equality and Diversity Support
The University of Leeds is committed to
providing a safe, supportive and welcoming
environment for all and requires staff and
students to be aware of and to follow the
Universitys equality and diversity policy which
you can find on: www.equality.leeds.ac.uk
Leeds City Council has policies to support
equality and diversity and to tackle prejudice and
antisocial behaviour in the city.
If you are a witness or victim of negative
comments or actions related to race, religion or
faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender
identity, on campus or in the city, please report
this to the International Student Office or to the
Student Advice Centre who will help you get
support and report to the relevant authorities.
I ntercultural Ambassadors and World
Unite Festival
The University of Leeds Intercultural
Ambassadors are a group of UK and international
student volunteers who create and lead
intercultural activities to connect students from
different cultural backgrounds and explore and
celebrate the diversity of the University of Leeds
Global Community. The World Unite Festival is
an annual festival hosted by Leeds University
Union in February bringing together students
from all over the world for an inspirational week
of cultural experiences. If you would like to be
involved in Intercultural Ambassadors activities
or you want to help organise the 2014 World
Unite Festival, visit:
40
How can I make friends and enjoy time
off from studying?
Even the most dedicated student needs regular
breaks and social contact to keep feeling positive
and healthy so make the time to relax and
socialise while youre here in Leeds.
The Global Caf
This free caf is every Monday from 17.30
19.30 in the Lounge in Leeds University Union
(opposite Essentials supermarket). Its a great
place to make friends and enjoy conversations
with people from all over the world.
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/cafe
University of Leeds Global Community
Visit our website, like our Facebook page
and follow us on Twitter to network, share ideas
and plans and find out whats happening in our
vibrant multicultural University and our fabulously
diverse city. Remember to click the Like button
to receive Facebook updates.
https://twitter.com/leedsgloco
The I nternational Students Club
This friendly club offers a programme of activities
and cultural exchange in the Emmanuel Centre on
Wednesday from 18.00 19.45.
www.iscleeds.org.uk
Leeds University Union
The Union building is based in the centre of
campus. It provides social opportunities, facilities
and a wide range of services to meet the needs of
students at the University of Leeds. When you
register as a student, you automatically become a
member of Leeds University Union. This means
you can:
join any of the Union societies and sports clubs
make use of the facilities and services
elect student representatives who campaign on
student issues and influence University policy
stand for election to represent the interests of
your fellow students
campaign on issues that affect you, via the
Assemblies
Leeds University Union is a democratic
organisation led by an executive committee of
elected student representatives with specific
areas of responsibility. These are welfare, equality
and diversity, activities, education, community,
and communications and internal affairs.
For more information about Leeds University
Union visit the Union building or:
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk
Student Societies and Sports Clubs
There is a fantastic range of student societies and
sports clubs available for everyone to join in Leeds
University Union. These activity groups are run by
students for students who share the same interest
in sports, music, hobbies or a particular faith or
culture. Many societies give you the opportunity to
develop employability skills, for example doing
volunteer work in the local community or
organising events. Some groups will take you
outside campus to experience different aspects of
UK culture or explore other parts of the country.
Student clubs and societies offer you the chance
to try something you havent done before, or to
enjoy a favourite leisure activity, in the company
of friends from all over the world. To view the
variety of student activities on offer visit:
J oining a society or sports club is easy and is a
great way to meet new people, try new things and
make new friends. Everyone can join a club or
society and you can join one at any time
throughout the year.
To join a club or society
All you need to do is:
Step 1: Find out about the group by attending one
of the Student Activities fairs in September or
visiting the Union's activities webpages.
Step 2: Contact the club or society group and go
to a session.
Social life
www.leeds.ac.uk
Step 3: J oin the group: If you enjoy yourself, fill out
a membership form, pay your fee, and you are part
of that club or society! If you dont enjoy yourself,
you dont have to join.
Give it a Go
If you dont have much spare time, try one of
the exciting one-off activities organised by the
Union. Give it a Go is a social programme with
lots of different sessions to choose from, such as
tai chi, cookery, photography and day trips. You
can book for one session
or more.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to try different
activities, make new friends and build experience
to put on your CV, whilst helping people who can
really benefit from your time and skills. There are
lots of opportunities for you to volunteer for just a
few hours or to be involved in regular volunteering
activity such as working to support local school
children. Find out more about volunteering on
page 51 of this guide and by emailing
volunteer@leeds.ac.uk
Entertainment at Leeds University Union
If you enjoy music, dancing, clubbing, cafs or
bars, you can make friends in some of the Unions
great social venues. Choose from karaoke, live
bands, sports on the big screen, an award-winning
night-club or just a good cup of coffee and a
comfortable sofa.
For information and tickets for club nights and
concerts visit
www.leedstickets.com
Entertainment in the city
There are lots of fantastic attractions and
entertainment venues in the city and local area.
Many places sell tickets at a discount to students
so remember to have your student ID card with
you. You can find information and buy tickets for
activities in Leeds at the City Centre Box Office,
which is located on the Ground Floor of The
Carriageworks, in the Electric Press, Millennium
Square.
You can also find information at Leeds Visitor
Centre, the tourist information office based in
Leeds City Train Station, and by checking the
following links:
www.leeds.gov.uk (select 'Leisure')
www.digyorkshire.com
www.leedsliveitloveit.com/students/home
LeedsCard
This gives you free or discounted entry to many
attractions, museums, Leeds City Council sport
and leisure facilities, shops, theatres and
restaurants. It costs 7.50 per year. For more
information visit the LeedsCard team at the One
Stop Centre, 2 Great George Street, Leeds city
centre or visit Leeds City Councils website to
download an application form:
www.leeds.gov.uk
Proof of age card
It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy
alcohol in the UK. If you look as though you might
be under 25 you will need to take proof of your age
with you when you go out. Most organizations
require a passport or drivers licence as proof of
age. Additionally, you can buy an official proof of
age card which is accepted by some (but not all)
organizations.
www.validateuk.co.uk
www.citizencard.com
Sexual relationships in the UK
Many international students notice differences in
views and behaviour in the UK related to sexual
relationships, compared to their experience at
home. Students at the University are supported to
follow their own beliefs about what is appropriate
for them in a relationship. Information on sexual
health, contraception and support related to sexual
relationships is available from the Student Advice
Centre. There are also useful links on:
living_in_the_uk/health/sexual_health_and_
relationships/
healthandwellbeing
41
42
Where can I find out about places to
visit in Leeds and the local area?
Leeds has a very rich variety of historic buildings
and award-winning museums and galleries that
are well worth a visit when you have a spare few
hours. There are also many wonderful natural
spaces to enjoy. These include parks, woodland,
a city farm in Meanwood and Tropical World in
Roundhay, where you can see landscapes
ranging from Amazonian rainforest, to
Australasian desert.
www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure
There are also many other interesting places to
explore within easy reach of Leeds by public
transport. Find out more by visiting the Leeds
Visitor Centre in Leeds City Train Station or on:
www.yorkshire.com
www.leedsliveitloveit.com
How can I find out about transport in
Leeds and the UK?
University Travel Guide
Read the University of Leeds Travel Guide and
visit: www.leeds.ac.uk/sustainabledevelopment/
transport
Cycling and Walking
Most student residences and local facilities are
within a 3-mile radius of the University. This is
ideal for making journeys either by walking or
cycling, which are both popular, convenient and
inexpensive ways of getting around. For a
University cycling and walking map and other
information about facilities for cyclists on
campus visit:
www.leeds.ac.uk/sustainabledevelopment/
transport
For advice on how to prevent your bicycle from
being stolen, visit the Leeds Bicycle Users
Group website. www.leeds.ac.uk/leedsbug
Bicycle hire and campus bike hub
Students can hire a bicycle for a small charge
from Velocampus Leeds for the academic year or
part year. You can arrange bicycle hire at the
Velocampus bike hub on campus, which also
provides maintenance facilities and advice as
well as information on cycle storage, local cycle
routes and cycle safety. For more information
and how to find the hub see:
www.leeds.ac.uk/velocampus or email
transport@leeds.ac.uk
Bicycle shops
You can buy bicycles from:
Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op
www.edinburghbicycle.com
Bikology Cycles
www.bikology.co.uk
Re-Cycle Engineering (second-hand bikes)
www.rceuk.co.uk
Bike Rescue (second-hand bikes)
www.bikerescueproject.org.uk
Taxis
How to catch a taxi
If you are in the street, put out your arm to stop
a black and white taxi, or go to a taxi rank
(where taxis wait to pick up passengers). There
are taxi ranks outside the Parkinson Building, at
the railway station and on the road on the left
after Morrisons supermarket in the city centre.
In Leeds, only black and white taxis are allowed
to pick up passengers who stop them in the
street/at a taxi rank.
Other taxis, which are usually cheaper, must be
booked in advance by phone. Some local taxi
companies are:
Amber Cars* - 0113 231 1366
Arrow Cars - 0113 258 5888
City Cabs - 0113 246 9999
Streamline Telecabs - 0113 244 3322
Tr avel in Leeds and the UK
Taxi if you have no money with you
*Amber Cars taxis will take you home if you
dont have any money with you and it is after
dark and late at night when no buses are
running. Give the driver your student card and
ask for a receipt.
After 3 working days, take your receipt, other ID
and money for the fare to the Cash Office
upstairs in Leeds University Union and collect
your student card from there.
Amber Cars - 0113 231 1366
Bus travel
Buses that connect the University with the city
centre and Headingley are: 1, 6, 28, 28B, 56,
92, 97. It is usual to queue at bus stops and to
put your arm out to signal to the bus driver that
you want the bus to stop. You can either buy a
ticket from the driver when you get on the bus
or show your multiple-use ticket or MetroCard if
you have one (see MetroCard section page 44).
LUU Nightbus
To travel home after dark during term time, keep
safe by using the LUU Night Bus which is cheap
and takes you from the Students Union to your
accommodation. The Nightbus is for students
travelling home on their own or in pairs. You can
book the Nightbus at the front door of the Union
building with the security staff.
healthandwellbeing/gethomesafe
Leeds CityBus
Leeds CityBus service links up key locations
around the city centre. The cost is 50p per
journey. Day and Season ticket holders travel for
free, as do those with MetroCards, MetroDay
tickets and Blind Concessionary Passes. Other
concessionary passes and Metro DayRovers are
valid after 09.30. For details see
www.wymetro.com/BusTravel/Leeds
Travel maps and bus timetables
These are available at the Leeds City Bus
Station and Train Station or at
www.wymetro.com/bustravel/mapsandguides
www.wymetro.com/BusTravel/BusTimetables
www.wymetro.com/TrainTravel
Online journey planner and public
transport helpline
Metro, the company that coordinates public
transport in the region, can help you plan a
journey from start to finish. Use their online
journey planner or call MetroLine on 0113 245
7676. www.wymetro.com
Fares
Bus and train fares are cheapest when you travel
off-peak i.e. on weekdays from 09.30 and all
day on weekends and bank holidays.
First Bus
Please note: all these prices may be subject to
changes so please check on the website given
below.
First Bus is the main bus company in Leeds.
Tickets are available for First buses:
FirstDay: unlimited one-day bus travel in
Leeds / West Yorkshire (3.90 off-peak /
4.60 peak)
FirstWeek: unlimited weekly bus travel
(13.50 Green Boundary / 19.50
throughout West Yorkshire)
FirstTerm: unlimited bus travel for one
university term in West Yorkshire (104)
FirstTerm Green: unlimited travel for one
university term, Green Boundary only (86)
FirstMonth Student: unlimited bus travel for
one calendar month, all of West Yorkshire
(50)
On services 1, 6, 28, 97 you can buy a single
ticket for 1 when travelling between
Headingley Arndale Centre and University steps.
Prices and ticket information online from
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/leeds/tickets/st
udent_bus_travel/tickets.php
*Note that ticket prices are correct at time of
printing this handbook, but may change during
the year
43
www.leeds.ac.uk
You can buy daily or weekly tickets on the bus.
All other tickets are available online or from the
Metro Travel Centre in Leeds City Bus Station,
Leeds Visitor Centre in Leeds City Train Station,
or the First Travel Shop on New Market Street.
The Green Boundary includes the city centre
and the University campus and ends at
Headingley Arndale Centre.
www.firstgroup.com
www.firstgroup.com/students/leeds
MetroCard
With a Student Plus MetroCard you can travel on
virtually all rail and bus services in West
Yorkshire for 20.90/week or 77.40/month.
Visit the Metro Travel Centre at Leeds City Bus
Station or Train Station or the Metro website
www.wymetro.com
Coach travel
Coach travel is generally the cheapest option for
travelling around the UK, but the journey time is
often longer than travelling by train.
Coach trips
The University, Leeds University Union and
student societies all regularly run trips to cities,
towns, countryside, seaside locations and
attractions around the UK. The Global
Community Team runs Global Saturdays trips
and Leeds University Union runs trips as part of
the Give it a Go programme. Both of these are
a cheap and fun way to explore the UK and
make new friends.
Travel agents can give you information about
longer trips around England, Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland. A popular student travel
agent is STA Travel at 182 Woodhouse Lane,
across the road from the Parkinson Building.
www.statravel.co.uk
National Express Coaches
National Express is one of the largest coach
companies. For information about coach
timetables and fares or to buy a Young Persons
Coachcard, Family Coachcard or Brit Xplorer,
visit the National Express ticket office at Leeds
City Bus Station or www.nationalexpress.com
National Express Coachcards
Students save up to 1/3 on National Express
coach journeys with a Young Persons Coachcard,
which costs 10 for 1 year. Families can also
buy a family coach card. If youre planning a
tour around the UK, you can buy a Brit Xplorer
coach pass to travel on National Express
coaches for periods of 7 days (79), 14 days
(139) or 28 days (219).
Megabus
Also offers low-cost inter-city coach travel.
www.megabus.com
Train travel
Trains are often faster but usually more
expensive than coach travel. If you book a week
or more in advance, you are more likely to get a
cheaper fare. Also, you can save money with a
railcard, by being flexible with your travel dates
and times and by checking for special
promotions. Buying two single tickets may
sometimes be cheaper than buying a return
ticket. You can buy tickets at Leeds City Station
or through the National Rail Enquiries website.
National Rail Enquiries
Advice on train timetables, routes, ticket prices,
discounts and special offers throughout the UK.
Tel: 08457 48 49 50
www.nationalrail.co.uk
Railcards
If youre a full-time student, disabled, or have
your family with you, you can buy a Railcard to
get discounts off train tickets. A Railcard for a
student costs 30 per year. It gives you 1/3 off
the price of most standard rail fares. For more
information about Railcards, visit Leeds City
Train Station ticket office or: www.railcard.co.uk
44
45
Driving
Driving in the UK is not cheap. Before you
decide to buy a car, calculate the cost of buying,
maintaining and repairing it as well as paying for
insurance, MOT tests and car tax, which could
add up to more than 3000 per year.
City Car Club
Rather than owning a car and struggling with car
parking, repairs and other costs, you can hire
cars by the hour by joining City Car Club.
This club provides cars at more than 20
locations in Leeds.
www.citycarclub.co.uk
Driving licence and legal requirements
If you are here for more than 12 months and you
come from outside the European Economic Area,
you may be required to pass a UK driving test
after your first year in the UK or you will be
driving illegally and will invalidate your
insurance. Check with the International Student
Office whether this applies to you.
Make sure that your car, and anyone who drives
it, complies with all legal requirements
(including having valid insurance and keeping
within speed and alcohol limits). Otherwise, as
well as risking injuring or killing someone, you
could be prosecuted by the police.
To read essential information before you drive,
search for Driving in the UK on the UKCISA
website:
www.ukcisa.org.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk
University Sports Facilities
The University provides excellent facilities for you
to participate in sport and physical activity for
fun, at club level or elite level.
The Edge
The Edge is our flagship indoor facility and
provides state-of-the-art fitness, sport and
wellbeing opportunities, including:
200 station state-of-the-art gym (one of the
largest in UK Higher Education) complete with
Technogym equipment and Sky TV
25m, 8 lane swimming pool with moveable floor
Sauna and steam room
Squash courts
Studios
Caf
Climbing Wall
Sports Halls
Changing rooms with under floor heating
A comprehensive class programme is also
available with over 125 classes a week including
yoga, pilates, spinning, aqua aerobics and also a
wide selection of courses for complete beginners
e.g. swimming lessons. More information is on:
Outdoor facilities
In addition the University has excellent outdoor
facilities at the Weetwood Playing Fields
including:
7 x floodlit 5-a-side football courts
6 x floodlit tennis courts
2 x floodlit sand dressed hockey pitches
3G floodlit rubber crumb synthetic pitch
32 x grass pitches (for rugby, football, lacrosse,
American football, ultimate frisbee)
5 x cricket squares
The University also has two Outdoor Centres in
the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, which
are available for students to hire.
Sport and Physical Activity (EDGE) membership
Membership start from as little as 74 per year
If you are in University accommodation Edge
club membership is included in your rent
(excluding families and summer contracts), giving
you access to all the Sport and Physical Activity
facilities at certain times. You can upgrade your
membership online to give you more flexible time
access.
Recreational Sport
Intra Mural Sport (IMS) are regular internal sport
leagues and competitions for staff and students of
the University. The University of Leeds
programme is one of the largest in the country,
and the combination of individual and team
sports, a wide range of playing times and variety
of locations provides the perfect opportunity for
you to socialise and play your favourite sport.
Compete for the University of Leeds
Would you like to represent the University in
sport? There are over 60 different sports/activity
clubs, many of which compete every week against
other universities around the country and provide
training and coaching for the students taking part.
To find out more about joining a club visit
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/clubsandsocietie
s/sports
Sports Scholarships
If you have competed in a sport at a high level
(e.g. represented your country) you may be
eligible to apply for a sports scholarship. This
provides both financial aid and access to a wide
range of support services including physiotherapy,
sports massage and sports science support.
If you would like more information please email
Patrick Craig, Sports Development Manager:
p.m.craig@leeds.ac.uk
For more information visit:
46
Sport and physical activity
47
www.leeds.ac.uk
What visa regulations affect my family?
To find out if your family needs permission to
come to the UK, visit the Home Office website
and select Do I need a visa?, then select the
section How to apply. Even if your family is
coming for a short visit and there is no
requirement to have a visa, it is advisable for
them to obtain entry clearance before travelling.
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Information on how to write a letter of invitation to
accompany your familys visa application is on:
immigration/family_visits
Regulations and entitlements for families
Important information about immigration, work,
education and healthcare is on:
www.ukcisa.org.uk
Will my wife/husband/civil partner/children be
entitled to NHS Healthcare?
If you are entitled to free NHS healthcare
(check on page 20), your wife/husband/partner
and children aged up to 16 (19 if in full-time
education) will also be entitled to this if they have
a passport stamp which confirms they are in the
UK as the dependant of a student.
However if your family travel in and out of the UK
during your stay, the NHS may say they are just
visiting and therefore not entitled to free
healthcare, regardless of what their passport
stamp says.
It is essential to take out medical insurance to
cover any healthcare your family cannot get from
the NHS. Your dependants should also register
with the Leeds Student Medical Practice or
another local doctor as soon as they arrive in the
UK. For more information on healthcare read
pages 20-22 of this handbook.
How can I find accommodation for my family?
Temporary accommodation
It is not a good idea to bring your family to Leeds
until you have found permanent accommodation
for them.
Temporary accommodation is expensive and
it can take several weeks to find permanent
accommodation. The University has no temporary
accommodation suitable for families. If you must
bring your family to Leeds before finding
permanent accommodation, there may be some
short-stay family accommodation available in
local hotels, bed and breakfasts and in serviced
apartments. You can book this at Leeds Visitor
Centre, based in Leeds City Train Station:
Tel: 0113 242 5242
www.visitleeds.co.uk or check online booking
services like www.booking.com
Successful house-hunting for family accommodation
If you have come to Leeds on your own to look for
family accommodation you should live in single
temporary accommodation while you house-hunt
for your family home. Dont sign a long contract
for a single room for yourself while you are house-
hunting. If you sign a contract, you are legally
responsible for paying rent until the end date of
the contract. If you move into family
accommodation before your contract ends, you
will have to pay rent on both places, unless you
can find someone else the landlord approves of to
take your place. For advice about this, visit the
Student Advice Centre. It is essential you also
read the accommodation advice on pages 15-19
of this handbook and the advice on:
Where will my family live?
International students with families live in
different places across the city. Some live in areas
that are popular with single students, others live
where there are lots of other families. Leeds has a
good public transport system so many families do
not necessarily live close to campus. When you
are looking for family accommodation, it is also
important to consider factors like the availability
of useful services and facilities (such as shops,
good schools, and parks) and whether the
property has a garden.
University family accommodation
Find out about long-term University family
accommodation on:
http://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk/family
48
Families and couples
49
www.leeds.ac.uk
Private-sector family accommodation
As there is a waiting list for University
accommodation, many families find a home in the
private sector. The Unipol Student Homes website
has information for families and an email list
which notifies you when family accommodation
becomes available, or you can visit the Unipol
office to find out about available houses. Read
pages 15-19 of this handbook for information on
private-sector accommodation and visit:
Council Tax
If you do not pay this, your wife/husband/civil
partner will not need to pay as long as their visa or
passport stamp says that they have no recourse to
public funds. More information is on page 17 of
this handbook.
How can I find a school place and childcare for my
children?
Education Leeds
Education Leeds can help you to find childcare
and a school for your children. Please visit their
website for details of how to apply for a school
place for your child and available childcare. You
should contact Education Leeds directly but if you
experience any difficulties, contact the
International Student Office for assistance.
www.educationleeds.co.uk
Schools
Children between the ages of 4 and 16 who are in
the UK must, by law, attend school here. Once
your child has a fixed arrival date and
accommodation, contact Education Leeds to find
out how to apply for a free school place. It is not
possible to reserve a school place more than 3
weeks in advance. If your child is aged between 16
and 19, they can attend a local adult education
centre or college but may have to pay.
Childcare
If you are on your own with your children, or if your
partner is working or studying, you will need to pay
for childcare for children under school age and
also for older children needing supervision before
and after school hours and in holiday periods.
The Family Information Service is a useful
resource to help you find information and support
with your childcare needs. Many schools have
economically-priced before- and after-school clubs.
Pre-school childcare is often expensive and your
child may have to go on a waiting list for a place.
You can choose from nurseries, pre-schools and
child minders.
www.familyinformationleeds.co.uk
Bright Beginnings Childcare Centre
There is a childcare centre on the University
campus called Bright Beginnings for children aged
from 3 months to 4 years (and for older children in
the school holidays). Bright Beginnings is very
popular and there is a waiting list so contact them
as early as possible to apply for a place for your
child.
www.brightbeginningschildcare.co.uk
What activities can my family take part in?
Families are welcome to join the Global Saturdays
day trips. Find out more about destinations, ticket
options and more at:
The International Students Club in the Emmanuel
Centre welcomes families on a Wednesday evening
and Leeds University Union also runs regular
events open to student families including the Give
it a Go programme. Spouses/partners can also use
the University Sports facilities.
The Family Information Service has information
about activities for families including the many
leisure facilities that your family can enjoy, as well
as parent and toddler play groups and other
community groups and local classes. If your
spouse/partner has permission to work they can do
paid or voluntary work. Visit the International
Student Office to check their eligibility to work and
find out where they can look for a job.
www.familyinformationleeds.co.uk
international_families
How can I travel around with my family?
Information about taxis, buses and
driving/buying/hiring a car is on pages 42-45 of
this handbook. Children travelling in a car must by
law use a child safety seat (see information on the
RoSPA website). You can save money when
travelling long-distance by buying a Family &
Friends Railcard or Family Coachcard
www.rospa.com/childsafety
www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk
www.nationalexpress.com/waystosave/family-
coachcard.aspx
The Partnership
The Leeds experience is delivered through a
partnership between staff and students. The
Partnership was created by University and Leeds
University Union staff and students as a clear set
of mutual expectations for all members of the
University community to work together for the
benefit of all. At the heart of the Partnership are
the core values on which a Leeds education is
based: Academic excellence, Community,
Integrity, Inclusiveness and Professionalism.
The partnership expectations cover all aspects of
the Leeds student experience, including the
academic environment, contact time, feedback,
use of technology and access to high quality
support services, as well as engagement with co-
curricular activities for gaining experience and
developing skills alongside your course. You will
learn more about the Partnership during your first
few weeks at Leeds. You can find out more
information about the partnership and examples
of how it works on http://partnership.leeds.ac.uk
Leeds for Life
Leeds for Life is a University-wide initiative
designed to help you make the most of your Leeds
experience and prepare you for your career from
day one. The Leeds for Life website gives you
access to a wide range of opportunities to develop
your skills, broaden your experience and contact
our alumni to discuss their career profiles. The
Living CV section of the website provides a place
to keep a personal and active record of all you
have done and achieved. Leeds for Life is also an
important part of personal tutoring at Leeds.
The Leeds for Life Foundation offers cash grants
if you have an idea for a project that will develop
your own skills or benefit others for example you
could attend an academic conference, get
involved in local community projects in Leeds or
be a volunteer in Cambodia.
You can find out more information about Leeds
for Life once you have registered by logging onto
the Portal, or by visiting
https://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk
Careers Support
In addition to the employability and career
development within your academic course, you
have the support of one of the largest careers
centres in the country, offering a range of services
to help you plan your career and make well-
informed choices along the way. Staff at the
Careers Centre can help students improve their
CV, and find advice on job applications, interviews
and what to do after University. The Centre also
has a dedicated job site advertising hundreds of
vacancies targeted at University of Leeds
students.
As well as providing a daily drop-in service, the
Centre also runs a number of events throughout
the year, including recruitment fairs where
students can meet major graduate recruiters,
presentations from employers and career planning
workshops. The Leeds Network is also open to all
current students, enabling you to make contact
with University of Leeds graduates in different
areas of work you can ask for tips on how to get
into specific careers or just ask advice on career
options. Contact the Careers Centre for more
information or access via the Campus tab on the
Portal.
If your immigration status permits work
experience, the Careers Centre can also advise on
work experience opportunities and help you make
a strong application.
http://careerweb.leeds.ac.uk
Study Abroad
Studying abroad as part of your degree is a great
way to develop skills valued by employers,
experience another culture, make friends and
have fun. Most undergraduate programmes offer
the opportunity to study abroad as part of the
degree and you can choose from over 300
institutions from Spain to Singapore. In most
cases, students extend their degree to a four-year
programme and spend their third year abroad.
Gaining a place on the study abroad programme is
competitive and depends on the grades you
achieve in your first year. The International
Student Office can give advice to international
students with UK visas who are considering study
abroad.
http://studyabroad.leeds.ac.uk
50
Developing your future
51
www.leeds.ac.uk
How can I meet new people, develop
new skills and get involved with the
community outside campus?
What is Volunteering?
Volunteering is a great way to meet local people,
work with fellow students, improve your language
skills and further develop your CV. Volunteering is
unpaid work which gives you the chance to meet
local people of all ages and backgrounds and to
learn more about Leeds and your local
community. Thousands of Leeds students
volunteer in the community every year in a
variety of different roles.
Volunteering helps you develop employability
skills such as leadership, communication and
team-working while taking part in fun activities.
It also enables you to provide a valuable service
to the local community. You can volunteer for
just a few hours, or make a longer-term
commitment. Whatever your interest and
whatever time you have to invest, there will be a
volunteer opportunity to suit you. .
Volunteering and your visa
If you are in the UK on a student visa,
volunteering counts towards your 20 hours per
week term-time working limit (10 hours if you are
studying below degree level). If you have a
student visitor visa, you cannot volunteer, as your
visa prohibits all work, paid or unpaid.
Volunteering opportunities with Leeds
University Union
Through Leeds University Union you can find
student societies which offer volunteering
opportunities. These include Conservation
Volunteers, Student Action for Refugees, and
Action, which organise a diverse programme of
activities, from day trips for young carers to
befriending older people. RAG organises
activities to raise funds to support various
charities. J oining a volunteering group is also a
great way to meet other students and make new
friends.
You can find out more through Leeds University
Union by visiting the Clubs and Societies
reception (level 2 of the Union building) between
09.30 and 16.30, Monday to Friday. You can
also email volunteering@luu.leeds.ac.uk
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/volunteering
Volunteering in the Community
The University and Leeds University Union have
an online database, the Volunteering Hub, which
gathers together the wide range of volunteering
opportunities which are available. The database
enables you to search for volunteering
opportunities which complement your academic
studies and support the local community at the
same time. Projects range from mentoring or
tutoring disadvantaged children in Leeds to
supporting a huge number of arts, environment,
sports, disability and other community groups
throughout the Leeds area. For more information
email volunteer@leeds.ac.uk or to search for the
latest opportunities see:
http://volunteering.leeds.ac.uk
Volunteering is an integral part of LeedsforLife.
If you have your own idea for a community
project you can apply for funding from the Leeds
for Life Foundation which provides financial
assistance to make your plans a reality. The
extraordinary achievements of student volunteers
are celebrated each year at the Universitys
Leeds for Life Citizenship Awards. For more
information see https://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk
If you wish to volunteer with children or
vulnerable adults you may be required to
complete a criminal record check. It is advisable
for you to bring a criminal record check, or
certificate of good conduct from your own
country with you.
You can also find volunteering opportunities
using the Do-it website www.do-it.org.uk or by
visiting the Volunteer Centre on Great George
Street in Leeds.
Volunteer ing
Can I work during my studies?
Paid and/or voluntary work is a great way to mix
with people, get an insight into UK work-place
culture and gain work experience. Before you
apply for work, check whether you have
permission to work in the UK and any
restrictions on working which apply to you.
Working too many hours can seriously affect
your academic progress, so before you take a job
think about whether the hours involved are
compatible with your studies.
EEA Nationals
Most nationals from the European Economic
Area (EAA) are free to work in the UK without
restriction. Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania
may need to apply for worker authorisation or a
registration certificate. If you are not sure,
please ask at the International Student Office.
For more information search EEA and Swiss
students on: www.ukcisa.org.uk
Nationals from outside the EEA
Check the terms of your visa to see whether you
are allowed to work and if you have questions,
speak to one of the immigration advisers at the
International Student Office. Information about
working is in our 'Working During Study' page at:
immigration/working_during_study
Student visa
If you have a student visa, your visa/passport
stamp should state something like work
restricted or able to work as authorised by the
Secretary of State or that you cannot enter or
change employment without the consent of the
Secretary of State for Employment. This means
you have permission to work for a restricted
number of hours. Certain types of work are
prohibited see page 53.
Student visitor visa
If you are in the UK with permission as a
student visitor, you are not allowed to do any
paid or unpaid work - you are prohibited from
working. Your visa or passport stamp will state
something like no work or work prohibited.
Student working restrictions
If you have permission to be in the UK as a
student on a degree level course you can work -
paid or unpaid - up to 20 hours per week during
the academic term and full-time during
University vacations. If you are studying a
course at below degree level you can work paid
or unpaid up to 10 hours per week during the
academic term and full-time during University
vacations. The restrictions apply even if you are
on a reading week, or your course has finished
before the end of term:
Academic term dates for 2013 - 2014 are:
Term 1: 30 September - 13 December 2013
Term 2: 13 J anuary - 28 March 2014
Term 3: 28 April - 20 J une 2014
Masters students on 12-month courses should
note that the summer period is set aside for full-
time study to focus on writing a dissertation and
is not considered a vacation.
Research degree students on full-time courses
should be aware that University regulations
restrict you to 250 hours of paid work per 12-
month session. This limit is intended to allow
you to enhance your experience through working
but still complete your studies within the
specified time period. The Code of Practice for
Research Degree Candidatures requires
students to consult with their supervisor before
taking any additional work. Your holiday
entitlement is 5 weeks per year in addition to
the days when the University is closed. You may
work during this period if you wish. A condition
of your acceptance as a research student is that
you do not take paid work outside the University.
52
Wor king dur ing your studies
53
www.leeds.ac.uk
Prohibited work
If you have a student visa you must not engage
in business, self-employment or provide services
as a professional sportsperson or entertainer,
or pursue a career by filling a permanent full-
time vacancy.
Working additional hours/breaking the terms of
your visa
The law on working restrictions is very strict and
the authorities check local employers to identify
students who break the rules. If you work more
hours than the 20-hour per week limit (10 hours
if you are studying below degree level), or if you
engage in work/provide services that are
prohibited, the authorities may detain you and/or
remove you from the UK without notice. This
could affect any future visa applications.
Work placements
You may be allowed to take a work placement,
which is part of a sandwich course, or an
internship. However, the requirements for these
categories are very specific. Contact the
International Student Office for further advice.
How can I find a part-time job?
Almost a third of the students at the University
work during term time, so the competition for
jobs is high. For the best possible chance of
finding a job, use the Careers Centre to learn
how to write a good CV and present yourself well
in application forms and at interviews.
Then apply for as many jobs as possible.
Careers Centre
It is a good idea to visit the Careers Centre before
you make a job application or attend
an interview. The Centre offers help with
understanding the skills employers require,
making good applications, presenting your
skills, writing effective CVs and developing
your interview skills. They also run events to help
you understand what UK employers
expect and how to present yourself well.
Joblink
To help you find a job with a student friendly
employer Leeds University Union runs J oblink.
By accessing their website or visiting the
foyer in the Union you can browse a range
of jobs, including part time and vacation
opportunities. J oblink will also point you in
the right direction for help with applications,
CVs and interviews. For full details see:
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/jobs
Newspaper advertisements
You can also look for part-time work in the
local newspaper, the Yorkshire Evening Post
on a Thursday, when jobs are advertised.
Recruitment/temping/employment agencies
These agencies recruit part-time temporary
staff for offices, telephone call centres,
hotels, bars, hospitals, care-homes and other
workplaces. Find their contact details listed
under employment agencies in the Yellow Pages
telephone directory or on: www.yell.com
Jobs, wages, terms and conditions
Typical student jobs are working in cafs or
restaurants, cleaning or clerical work. From
October 2013 the legal minimum wage is 6.31
per hour for workers 21 and over and 5.03 for
18-20 year olds. If you have any concerns about
the terms or conditions of your work, visit the
Student Advice Centre for advice.
National I nsurance and income tax
As soon as you receive a written job offer you
can apply for a National Insurance (NI) Number.
You should make sure your employer knows
that you are a student so that you complete the
correct tax form. This may avoid you having tax
deducted from your pay. For more information
read the Tax and National Insurance webpage
on:
immigration/working_during_study/national_
insurance_tax
54
Student Services Centre
Student Services Centre is open weekdays 09.00
17.00 Monday Friday (Wednesday 10.00
17.00)
Accommodation Services
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building
Tel: 0113 343 7777
Email: accom@leeds.ac.uk
Accommodation Services manage University
accommodation, advises and assists students
who have problems or queries.
Accounts Receivable (Fees)
Tel: 0113 343 6055
Email: fees@adm.leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/ssc/fees.htm
Accounts Receivable deals with University
accommodation payments and tuition fee
payments.
Counter and Cash Services
Tel: 0113 343 8877
Email: ssc@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/index
Counter and Cash Services provides information
and support on student services including
University registration, new and replacement
student ID cards, registration confirmation
certificates, council tax exemption certificates
and enquiries, bank letters, transcripts,
statements and module enrolment certificates
and handles all student transactions, including
face to face fee payments.
Postgraduate Scholarships
Tel: 0113 343 4007 or 343 4077
Email: pg_scholarships@leeds.ac.uk
http://scholarships.leeds.ac.uk
Postgraduate Scholarships provides help and
advice related to University postgraduate
scholarship programmes.
Research Student Administration
Tel: 0113 343 6534
Email: rp_applications@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa
Research Student Administration provides
services for postgraduate research students:-
applications and acceptance letters, registration
and progress support, examination and award
arrangements. Research Student Administration
can also provide statements to confirm awards
and assists with the production of Confirmation
of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Other Locations
I nternational Student Office
Level 11
Marjorie & Arnold Ziff Building
Tel: 0113 343 3930
Email: internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk
The International Student Office offers support,
information and advice for international students
and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
(CAS). Social and intercultural activities for UK
and international students.
Open weekdays 09.00 17.00 Monday Friday
(Wednesday 10.00 17.00)
Drop-in service available Monday Friday
at 10.30
55
www.leeds.ac.uk
Essential services
Student Advice Centre
Level 1, Leeds University Union Building
Tel: 0113 380 1290
The Student Advice Centre provides help with
any problems concerning life as a student. It
specialises in housing, money and academic
problems.
Open weekdays 09.30 - 17.00
Study Abroad Office
Level 11
Tel: 0113 343 7900
Email: studyabroad@leeds.ac.uk
http://studyabroad.leeds.ac.uk
The Study Abroad Office organises student
exchanges with universities across the globe.
Open weekdays 12.00 15.00
Careers Centre
5-7 Cromer Terrace
Tel: 0113 343 5295
Email: careerscentre@leeds.ac.uk
The Careers Centre offers careers information,
advice and guidance.
See website for opening hours
Language Centre
3rd floor of the Parkinson Building
Tel: 0113 343 3251
Email: langc@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/languages
The Language Centre provides high quality
training in English language and study skills.
Self-access facilities offer extensive resources in
English and foreign languages. See website for
opening hours.
4 Blenheim Court
Blenheim Walk
Tel: 0113 295 4488
Email: lsmp.enquiry@nhs.net
Leeds Student Medical Practice offers
healthcare services to students and
their families.
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 07.00 - 18.00
Wednesday and Thursday 08.30 - 18.00
Library
Located on several sites
Tel: 0113 343 5663
Email: library@leeds.ac.uk
http://library.leeds.ac.uk
Opening hours are on the website
Joblink
Opportunities Centre, Level 2, Leeds University
Union Building
Tel: 0113 380 1444
Email: joblink@luu.leeds.ac.uk
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/jobs
J oblink helps students to find part-time work as
well as volunteer opportunities.
Open weekdays 10.00 - 17.00
Unipol Student Homes
Unipol Accomodation Bureau
155/157 Woodhouse Lane
Tel: 0113 243 0169
Email: info@unipol.leeds.ac.uk
www.unipol.org.uk/Leeds
Unipol helps students to find homes to rent in
the private sector.
Unipol Outlet
Level -1 Leeds University Union
Tel: 0113 380 1247
Email: LUUbureau@unipol.org.uk
www.unipol.leeds.ac.uk/leeds
Open weekdays in term time 10.00 - 16.00
56
Nightline
Tel: Information 0113 380 1380
Tel: Listening/support 0113 380 1381
Email: nightline@leeds.ac.uk
www.leedsnightline.co.uk
Nightline offers a confidential information and
listening support service.
20.00 - 08.00 in term-time only
Security Services
175 Woodhouse Lane
Tel: 0113 343 5494 (non-emergency)
Tel: 0113 343 2222 (emergency)
Email: security@leeds.ac.uk
Email: crimeprevention@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/security
University Security Services provides crime
prevention advice, assistance in emergencies
and help when the University is closed.
Also a crime and lost property reporting centre.
Open 24 hours, 365 days a year.
Skills@Library
15 Blenheim Terrace
Tel: 0113 343 4096
Email: skills@library.leeds.ac.uk
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/skills
Skills@Library provides workshops, online
resources and practical information to help
develop your study skills.
Please see website for further details.
Sport & Physical Activity
The Edge
Willow Terrace Road
General Enquires/Bookings: 0113 343 5095
Membership Enquires: 0113 343 7406
Email: edgemembership@leeds.ac.uk
Sport & Physical Activity provides indoor
and outdoor sport and fitness activities,
for individuals and teams.
Weekends 08.30 17.30
Student Counselling Centre
19 Clarendon Place (between Leeds University
Union and the Business School)
Tel: 0113 343 4107
Email: stucouns@adm.leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentcounselling
The Student Counselling Centre offers
professional confidential counselling,
support groups and workshops.
Reception Hours 08.30 - 17.00 weekdays
Drop-in 15.00 weekdays (term time only)
Help@Leeds
Use this website to find answers to your
questions and the right people and services at
the University to help you with any problems
while you are in Leeds.
http://help.leeds.ac.uk
Chaplaincy
Emmanuel Centre
Tel: 0113 343 5071
Chaplaincy out of hours phone number on
website
Email: chaplaincy@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy offers support to students of any
faith and those with no religion. Chaplains can
also offer impartial advice and information on
religious issues.
Disability Team, Equality Service
Ground Floor, Social Sciences Building
Tel: 0113 343 3927
Textphone for deaf people (answerphone):
0113 343 2616
Email: disability@leeds.ac.uk
www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/forstudents/
international-disabled-students-2
The Disability Team provides advice, guidance
and support to disabled students
Drop-in sessions without appointment
every weekday lunchtime during term-time
12.30 13.30
57
www.leeds.ac.uk
I T Help Desk
Level 10 Edward Boyle Library
Tel: 0113 343 3333
Email: helpdesk@leeds.ac.uk
The IT Help Desk provide
IT facilities and support and also sells
computer software.
Open weekdays 08.00 21.00, weekends
12.00 17.00 (see website for hours outside
term-time)
I nternational Foundation Year
Level 12
Tel: 0113 343 3209
Email: intfyear@leeds.ac.uk
http://internationalfoundationyear.leeds.ac.uk
This office provides support to students on the
International Foundation Year Programme.
Graduate Training and Support Centre
Room 1.35 Parkinson Building
Tel: 0113 343 2544
Email: gtsc@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/sddu/gts
The Graduate Training and Support Centre
provides a wide range of personal and
professional training and development
opportunities for postgraduate researchers.
Health and Safety Services
5-9 Willow Terrace Road
Tel: 0113 343 4201
Email: safety@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/safety
Health and Safety Services provides health
and safety information and advice to help
students and staff keep safe in their study,
research and work environments.
Access and Community Engagement
18 Blenheim Terrace
Tel: 0113 343 3378
Email: volunteer@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/ace
Access and Community Engagement run a
broad range of volunteering opportunities for
all students.
Alumni Office
Room 11.56, E C Stoner Building
Tel: 0113 343 7520
Email: alumni@leeds.ac.uk
www.alumni.leeds.ac.uk
The Alumni Office helps Leeds graduates keep
in touch with each other and to continue to
play a part in the life of the University,
by co-ordinating alumni activities and
communications across the world.
58
59
www.leeds.ac.uk
Alternative formats
If you require any of the information contained in this guide in
an alternative format eg Braille, large print or audio, contact the
Disability Team.
Telephone: 0113 343 3927
Textphone: 0113 343 2616
disability@leeds.ac.uk
Legal
Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is
accurate at the date of publication, the University does not accept liability for any inaccuracies
contained within it. Where circumstances change outside the reasonable control of the
University, the University reserves the right to change or cancel parts of, or entire, programmes
of study or services at any time without liability, even after students have registered at the
University. Circumstances outside of the Universitys reasonable control include industrial action,
over or under demand from students, staff illness, lack of funding, severe weather, fire, civil
disorder, political unrest, government restrictions and concern with regard to the transmission of
serious illness. The Universitys contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for
the purposes of the Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
University of Leeds
Leeds
LS2 9JT
w: www.leeds.ac.uk

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