International preparation and arrival

Find out which type of visa you’ll need to study at the University of Leeds, based on your programme, length of your course or research period.  

You will be able to apply for your visa when you receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The earliest we can issue your CAS is six months before the start of your course. 

Our guidance video takes you through the student visa application process, including obtaining your CAS, preparing your finances, completing your application, and submitting it successfully. Watch the recording on YouTube or Bilibili.

Our Student Visa Advice service provides free guidance from experienced immigration advisers, offering the support you need to complete your application with confidence. 

Our Link to Leeds Ambassadors are current students who have already experienced the journey to studying in the UK. 

Join Link to Leeds events and learn more about what it’s like to live and study in Leeds, directly from current students. Connect with them to get practical advice and support as you prepare for your life in Leeds.

Follow Link to Leeds on Instagram. 

We offer a range of pre-arrival webinars to help you prepare for life in Leeds.  

Attend pre arrival webinars as part of International orientation to help you prepare for life in Leeds. These sessions cover practical topics such as banking, healthcare, jobs and careers, as well as preparing for academic life, helping you transition smoothly to studying and living in the UK. 

We host a range of events and activities for international offer holders, to help answer any questions you have before you start your studies with us. 

Our activities include global webinars, Q&As, Offer Holder groups and events in your region or country. 

Arriving in Leeds in good time will help you settle in and start your studies smoothly. 

Find out more about when to arrive this academic year. 

To help you have a smooth arrival in Leeds, all new international students can book our free airport pick-up service from Leeds Bradford or Manchester Airport. 

For anyone travelling from any other UK airport, we have more information about travelling to Leeds to help you arrange your journey to our campus.  

The Student Information Service provides year-round support to applicants, students, researchers and alumni, offering guidance and answering questions from pre-arrival through to graduation. 

Before you arrive, you can contact the team by phone with any queries. Once on campus, you can contact the team by email or phone, or visit one of the Student Information Points in person. 

If you’re starting in September

International Orientation takes place in September one week before Welcome Week, our main intake period. 

Arriving early gives you the chance to explore campus while it’s quieter, take part in tailored sessions, complete essential tasks and connect with both new and current students at a relaxed pace.  

It also means you can enjoy two full weeks of social events and activities, ensuring you feel settled, confident and fully prepared before your course begins. 

What to expect from International Orientation: 

• online and in‑person sessions providing practical information, insights from current students, and support to help you navigate cultural change with confidence
• campus, city chase and faith tours, offering a fun way to discover our campus and city of Leeds
• social events to help you connect with our student community and start making friends from day one
• school inductions to welcome you in your School and introduce you to your academic community. 

If you’re starting in January

If you’re an exchange student or postgraduate researcher starting in January, International Orientation will run again for the January intake.  

During this time, there will also be additional campus tours and events as part of the Fresh Start Festival, giving you plenty of opportunities to meet other students, explore campus, and become familiar with your new surroundings. 

If you’re starting at any other time

If you’re a postgraduate researcher or international student starting at any other point in the year, you will be able to:  

• access recordings and presentations slides from  International Orientation and explore resources in your own time 
• access self-guided campus tours  
• take part in campus and city events and activities hosted by Leeds University Union.

There are many opportunities to connect when you arrive in Leeds and throughout your time at university. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, find your community or try something new, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved, including:

• Clubs and societies – Leeds University Union (LUU) runs more than 350 groups for sport, music, gaming, volunteering and more.
• Buddy Scheme – get matched with another student who shares your interests and study level. Buddies meet up, swap tips and join free socials together.
• Global Café – every Monday excluding bank holidays. Drop in for free drinks, relaxed chat and new friends in our diverse community.
• Events offered through Leeds University Union (LUU) Engage, International Orientation, Welcome Week and throughout the year. 
• Experiences and opportunities – connect with new people, find your community, and share experiences that can lead to lasting friendships and personal growth.

Explore the dedicated academic and wellbeing support available to help you make the most of your time here and ensure a positive experience throughout your stay. 

Disability support in the UK may differ from what you’re used to. In the UK, the term disability includes a wide range of both visible and invisible conditions. Learn more about how disability is understood in the UK and the additional support available. 

Skill@library provides one-to-one sessions, workshops and online resources to support your academic development. 

The Language Zone provides free support, activities and resources to help you improve your English language skills independently.