Preparation and arrival

If you'll be arriving in Leeds to start an on-campus Language Centre course, we expect you to arrive in time for the start of your course.

We want you to have the best possible learning experience at Leeds, where you can actively engage with the people around you. This means you'll need to be in Leeds for your pre-sessional classes, including seminars, lectures and tutorials on campus.

Throughout your studies, there will also be opportunities to join in social activities giving you the chance to practise your language and get to know the University, the city and the region. Face to face learning will be complemented and supported by a variety of digital technologies.

If you have specific concerns about your ability to travel to Leeds, you’ll need to let us know in advance. If you’re experiencing any difficulties with travel, email the Language Centre at langc@leeds.ac.uk.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit our Covid-19 travel and safety requirements page, which is updated in response to any changes.

Applying for accommodation

You can apply to stay in University accommodation during your pre-sessional English course. Living in University residences makes it easy for you to meet other students.

Alternatively, if you want to find private accommodation, Unipol can help with your search. 

It is very important that you book accommodation in advance of your travel to prevent any issues following arrival. 

Pre-travel COVID-19 guidance

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions on travel to the UK, which is confirmed in the latest government guidance.

Read our travel information to help you plan your journey to Leeds.

Travelling to Leeds

Our nearest airports are Leeds Bradford Airport (a 30-minute taxi ride away) and Manchester Airport (one and a half hours by direct train).

The University runs a pre-booked transport service from Manchester Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport to the University. The service is available between 24 January and 4 February 2024 for new students only.

You should book airport pick-up at least five days in advance of your arrival. If you request transportation less than five days in advance of your arrival date, we cannot guarantee transportation will be available. Please email the Language Centre at langc@leeds.ac.uk to request access to the arrival booking form.

You will need your student ID number and confirmed arrival address to fill out the form. The international welcome team will contact you to confirm the details of your transport at least two to three days before your arrival.

Read our detailed travel information.

What to bring

Check our advice on essential documents, money and what to pack in your luggage.

We also strongly recommended carrying the University’s Security Office contact details in case of an emergency. 

Ask a current student

What's it really like to be a student at Leeds? Our team of Link to Leeds ambassadors will be happy to answer your questions.

You can also read about our students’ experiences of taking pre-sessional courses.

Arriving at your accommodation

Before you arrive, read our accommodation page.

If you have any questions about accommodation arrangements, you can:

If you are arriving before your accommodation contract start date, you must arrange alternative accommodation from the date of your arrival.

While it is not a requirement to self-isolate upon arrival to the UK, you can read information about support available from the University if you are unwell and need to isolate.

Registering as a student

All students need to complete registration. You can begin the registration process before you travel to UK and complete the final part after arriving.

We encourage you to begin registering as soon as you can. Find out how you can register.

If you are studying on campus, it is an important part of registration to complete an identity check once you have arrived in the UK, so, please ensure you do this once you have arrived to fully complete your registration.

The Language Centre will also send you information by email about University registration.

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Collection

If you have a Student visa, or a Short-term study visa and will be studying for six months or longer, you'll need to collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Check how you can collect your BRP from the University or another location.

Police registration

The police registration scheme has ended. There is now no requirement to register with the police. 

Opening a bank account

It can take a few weeks to open a UK bank account. Plan to use an alternative to cash, such as a credit card, while you're waiting for your bank account to open. Don't bring large amounts of money with you in cash. Find out more about opening a UK bank account.

Registering with a doctor and dentist

You should register with a UK doctor and then a dentist when you arrive in Leeds. There is no charge for registering with a doctor. If your visa is for less than six months, you'll need to pay for some medical services, so take out medical insurance before you travel to the UK. 

Find out more about your health entitlements and registering with a doctor and dentist.

Disability support

Our Disability Services provide specialist support for disabled students, including students with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, autism spectrum condition, specific learning needs (eg dyslexia or dyspraxia), students who are deaf and hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted and students with long-term medical conditions.

Read more about our disability services to see if you might benefit.

Before you come to Leeds, we encourage you to email Disability Services via disability@leeds.ac.uk so we can discuss your needs and additional arrangements.

We’d also advise you to email the Language Centre Student Support team at lcstudentsupport@leeds.ac.uk so we can support you when you get here and during your course.

The information you give us will be treated confidentially and won't affect your offer.

Support for families

Leeds is a family-friendly city. If you're coming with your family, read our information for families

Social activities

Leeds University Union (LUU) runs more than 300 student-led clubs and societies, so you’ll find something whatever your interests. Football, debating, theatre, gaming, dance, photography and even skydiving are just a few of your options. There are also different national and faith societies too. 

Throughout the year the University plans a number of events and activities which can help you to meet new people and find out more about Leeds and surrounding areas. 

Further information

You can read more information to help you feel at home in Leeds and make the most of your time here.

If you need any assistance accessing IT equipment, please email the Language Centre Student Support team at lcstudentsupport@leeds.ac.uk.

If you have any further questions, email the Language Centre at langc@leeds.ac.uk