University of Leeds

Here are the top five pieces of advice / tips that is important based on my experience : 1. I highly recommend students to sign up for platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans as soon as they arrive. These websites / App offer substantial discounts on everything from clothing to electronics, helping you stretch your budget further. Leeds has a vibrant student community, so take advantage of these perks both online and in local stores. 2. Whether you're planning a trip back home or exploring Europe, staying updated on travel promotions can save you money. Platforms like Trip.com or airline-specific apps such as Ryanair provide real-time updates on flight deals and travel packages. Being proactive about booking can lead to major savings. 3. For Asian students, bringing a rice cooker can provide a taste of home and make daily life more comfortable. While Leeds offers diverse dining options, having familiar foods can be reassuring. It’s also a good idea to check if your accommodation allows such appliances beforehand. 4. Working part-time not only helps cover living expenses but also allows you to explore nearby European destinations during weekends or holidays. Leeds is well-connected by rail and air, making it convenient to travel affordably once you've saved up. Planning trips in advance can further reduce costs. 5. Utilize the career services offered by the university to enhance your job prospects post-graduation. Leeds provides workshops, networking events, and one-on-one career counseling sessions. Building a strong professional network and gaining relevant work experience can significantly boost your employability, whether you plan to stay in the UK or return home.

Here are 5 things I think international students should know about studying at the University of Leeds from someone who just completed their first year. 1. There is a lot of support for international students at the University of Leeds. The university hosts a welcome orientation for international students that begins a week before regular orientation. There are both in person and online sessions and it aims to help international students with adjusting to life in Leeds. International students can also apply for a welcome food box of snacks and a new SIM card to help them adjust to Leeds! 2. Leeds is a student city. There are multiple universities in the city and as such there are plenty of events catered towards students. Most stores and restaurants also offer student discounts because of the high number of students, so don’t be afraid to ask for one! 3. Whether you want to travel internationally or across England, travel is easy from Leeds! Leeds Bradford Airport is a short Uber or bus ride away and offers international flights to a number of countries. Students can also fly from Manchester airport which is a 1-2 hour bus or train ride away. Leeds has a large train station that has multiple trains to London and other cities daily! 4. The University of Leeds supports its students in multiple ways. Each school offers support programs for students. Students are assigned an academic personal tutor who they meet with every semester to discuss how they’re doing academically and mentally. Writing workshops are put on by the library through the university to help students! 5. It’s very easy to feel at home in Leeds due to the large population of international students. Throughout the school year there are plenty of cultural exchanges in the form of dance and food. There’s even an international week in December. Many of the societies in Leeds link people of similar cultures and allow them to interact to make their time at Leeds easier.

What are the five things I'd like to tell every international student thinking of going to the University of Leeds? 1. Your accommodation is assured here--as long as you apply for a university accommodation by a deadline. Check out your deadline here: https://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk/info/4/applying/3/deadlines_and_apply. When I was an incoming student, my biggest worry (apart from getting a scholarship) was securing my accommodation. Turns out that isn't an issue in Leeds. Rent in university accommodations also covers Wi-Fi, water, heating, and electricity, so there's no need to pay your bill separately. It's a different story if you intend to secure private accommodation. The University can't guarantee that, but there's still plenty of choices for yo through the University's partner, Unipol. 2. Cost of living was my other big worry coming in, so much so that I didn't even want to spend at all! Turns out Leeds isn't as expensive as the EU or London. Personally, apart from rent, I spend about GBP 250 monthly on groceries, the occasional night out, transpo, haircut, mobile data, and small miscellaneous expenses. Your own budget might be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle, but you can use this as a benchmark. 3. Just buy your winter clothes here especially if you come from a tropical country like me. Winter clothes are cheaper and of better quality in Leeds. Explore TK Maxx, Primark, and the many charity shops around Leeds (Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, Yorkshire Cancer Research, St. Gemma's, etc.) 4. Google Maps is all you need to get around Leeds. Buses are easy--all bus rides cost GBP 2.00, and you can pay at the bus itself using a contactless card or cash. You may also buy tickets via an app (FirstBus). 5. Get a Railcard. A Railcard costs GBP 30.00, but shaves off 1/3 the price of every train ticket you buy for one year. It's so ridiculously cost-effective that you shouldn't even think twice about getting it.