Draft schedule

As well as classes and field trips, Leeds International Summer School (LISS) has a busy social programme to help you make friends and explore the UK.

All field trips and excursions are included in your LISS programme fee and socials and activities are either free or low cost.

We provide breakfast and lunch from Monday to Friday and a packed lunch when you’re on an excursion or field trip.

LISS 2024 schedule

This is a draft schedule and subject to change. 

Pre-arrival (online)

Thursday 25 May

9–9.45am: Information session for offer holders 

Join the session on Microsoft Teams

4–4.45pm: Information session for offer holders

Join the session on Microsoft Teams

Thursday 22 June 

4–5.15pm: Essential study skills

Join the session on Zoom

This online session is designed to help you prepare to study successfully at the University of Leeds.

​​​​Monday 26 June

9–10am: Welcome orientation

Join the session on Microsoft Teams

In this online session you’ll find out how to make the most of your summer school experience and get other essential information for your time in Leeds.

4–5pm: Welcome orientation

Join the session on Microsoft Teams

In this online session you’ll find out how to make the most of your summer school experience and get other essential information for your time in Leeds.

Week 1 (Saturday 29 June – Friday  5July)

Saturday 29 June

2–6pm: Check in at accommodation

Our friendly social assistants will meet you at your accommodation to give you your welcome pack and direct you to your room.

3.30–4.30pm: Groceries trip

The social assistants will show you the best places to buy groceries so you can stock up on all the essentials.

5–6.30pm: Campus tour

Our campus combines the traditional 'red brick' styles of the Russell Group universities with modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, in a beautiful green space at the heart of the city.

7pm: Ice breaker social

Get to know the social assistants, your fellow LISS students and other students from across the University during this informal social event.

Sunday 30 June

10.30am–12pm: Campus tour

Our campus combines the traditional 'red brick' styles of the Russell Group universities with modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, in a beautiful green space at the heart of the city.

11am–12pm: Groceries trip

The social assistants will show you the best places to buy groceries so you can stock up on all the essentials.

1.30–4pm: City chase

The city chase is a treasure hunt activity where you’ll explore the city centre and find useful and fun locations as part of a team. There’s a small prize for the winning team.

Monday 1 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9am–12.30pm: Class

First day of block 1 teaching.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory.

Afternoon: Tours of the Laidlaw library, the Edge and Leeds University Union

The Laidlaw library offers state-of-the-art facilities, undergraduate core texts and a high-demand section. It has a wide variety of study spaces, from individual desks to bookable group pods and classrooms. It also has a Caffe Nero.

The Edge is our flagship indoor leisure facility providing excellent fitness, sport and wellbeing opportunities, all located on campus.

Leeds University Union (LUU) exists to make sure students love their time at Leeds. Located at the heart of campus, LUU has a range of shops, bars and cafes for every taste and occasion.

Tuesday 2 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast 

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip
12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory.

Afternoon: Tours of the Laidlaw library, the Edge and Leeds University Union

The Laidlaw library offers state of the art facilities, undergraduate core texts and a high-demand section. It has a wide variety of study spaces, from individual desks to bookable group pods and classrooms. It also has a Caffe Nero.

The Edge is our flagship indoor leisure facility providing excellent fitness, sport and wellbeing opportunities, all located on campus.

Leeds University Union (LUU) exists to make sure students love their time at Leeds. Located at the heart of campus, LUU has a range of shops, bars and cafes for every taste and occasion.

Wednesday 3 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast 

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory. You’ll pick up a packed lunch at breakfast if you’re on a field trip.

5.30pm: Welcome party

We’ll celebrate your arrival at the University of Leeds and serve a buffet meal.

The social assistants are current Leeds students who’ll show you the best parts of student life on campus and in the city.

Thursday 4 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast 

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch 

In the Refectory. You’ll pick up a packed lunch at breakfast if you’re on a field trip.

Friday 5 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast 

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory. You’ll pick up a packed lunch at breakfast if you’re on a field trip.

6pm: Campus summer welcome party

Join your fellow LISS students and other students from across the University to get the summer on campus off to a great start!

Week 2 (Saturday 6 - Saturday 13 July)

Saturday 6 July

10.30am–3pm: Kirkstall Festival

Join the social assistants for a day of festivities in the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country, founded over 800 years ago. There’ll be music, rides, performers and street food.

Sunday 7 July

Full day: Excursion to York or the Yorkshire Dales

York is a beautiful city, known for its Roman, Viking, and Medieval heritage. You’ll have free time to visit attractions like the iconic York Minster Cathedral and JORVIK Viking Centre, and explore the city’s exquisite architecture and tangle of quaint cobbled streets. 

The Yorkshire Dales is an area of great natural beauty, and a perfect example of beautiful English countryside. Our first stop is Bolton Abbey. The 12th century ruined Bolton Priory in the village of Bolton Abbey overlooks the River Wharfe, which you can cross either by bridge or, for the more adventurous, using the stepping stones! Next we’ll stop in the town of Ilkley where you can continue to explore the countryside by hiking up to the famous Cow and Calf rocks and Ilkley Moor. Or, you can take a more relaxed approach and go for traditional afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms!

Monday 8 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory. You’ll pick up a packed lunch at breakfast if you’re on a field trip.

7pm: Traditional British pub quiz social

You’ll team up with your fellow LISS students and other students from across the University to take on our pub quiz, a British tradition!

Tuesday 9 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class
12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory. You’ll pick up a packed lunch at breakfast if you’re on the Harewood excursion.

12.15–5.30pm: Excursion to Harewood House

Harewood House is a traditional English Country House, built between 1759 and 1771 for Edwin Lascelles. You’ll take a guided tour of the house and have free time to explore the extensive grounds. There are two cafes at Harewood if you’d like to experience traditional afternoon tea. You’ll either visit Harewood on this excursion or visit it in block 2

Wednesday 10 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip
12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory.

6pm: Karaoke social

We’ll also say goodbye to the students who are leaving after block 1 of the summer school. 

Thursday 11 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip
12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory.

Friday 12 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

Full day: Excursion to Whitby or Liverpool

Whitby is situated on the Yorkshire Coast and is well-known for the 199 steps that lead up to the parish church of St. Mary, whose churchyard on Whitby's East Cliff gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write his world-famous book, Dracula. Whitby's skyline is dominated by the ruins of St. Hilda's Abbey, high on Whitby's East Cliff. You can also visit various museums, head to the beach, take a photo under the whalebone arch and enjoy some fish and chips!

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in the North West of England. The city is noted for its culture, architecture and transport links. Liverpool is also closely associated with the arts, especially music. The popularity of the Beatles, widely regarded as the most influential band of all time, led to Liverpool becoming a tourist destination. 

Saturday 13 July

10am: Check out time for block 1 students
10.30am–4pm: Harrogate visit

Join the social assistants and take the train to Harrogate, a spa town in North Yorkshire. Attractions include the Royal Pump Museum, art galleries, Betty’s Tea Rooms, shopping and the Turkish Baths.
Or use this weekend for independent travel. We’ll email guides to visiting London and Edinburgh before the summer school begins so you can start planning.

Week 3 (Sunday 14 – Saturday 20 July)

Sunday 14 July

2–6pm: Check in at accommodation for block 2 students

Our friendly social assistants will meet you at your accommodation to give you your welcome pack and direct you to your room.

3.30–4.30pm: Groceries trip

The social assistants will show you the best places to buy groceries so you can stock up on all the essentials.

5–6.30pm: Campus tour

Our campus combines the traditional 'red brick' styles of the Russell Group universities with modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, in a beautiful green space at the heart of the city.

Monday 15 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast 

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class

First day of block 2 teaching.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory.

Afternoon: Tours of the Laidlaw library, the Edge and LUU for block 2 students

The Laidlaw library offers state-of-the-art facilities, undergraduate core texts and a high-demand section. It has a wide variety of study spaces, from individual desks to bookable group pods and classrooms. It also has a Caffe Nero.

The Edge is our flagship indoor leisure facility providing excellent fitness, sport and wellbeing opportunities, all located on campus.

Leeds University Union (LUU) exists to make sure students love their time at Leeds. Located at the heart of campus, LUU has a range of shops, bars and cafes for every taste and occasion.

Tuesday 16 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class
12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory.

1.45–3pm: Opportunities at Leeds event

Visit academic departments, learn about Postgraduate (Masters and PhD) opportunities and tour our world-class facilities.

Wednesday 17 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip 

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory. You’ll pick up a packed lunch at breakfast if you’re on a field trip.

7:00 – 10:00pm: Welcome social for block 2 students (all LISS students welcome)

We’ll celebrate your arrival at the University of Leeds and you’ll get to know the social assistants and your fellow LISS students during this informal social event.

Thursday 18 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory. You’ll pick up a packed lunch at breakfast if you’re on a field trip.

5pm: Film night social

Enjoy a movie with your fellow students at Leeds University Union offered in partnership with Hyde Park Picture House, our local independent cinema.

Friday 19 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory. 

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory. You’ll pick up a packed lunch at breakfast if you’re on a field trip.

Saturday 20 July

Full day: Excursion to York or the Yorkshire Dales

York is one of the most beautiful cities and is renowned for its Roman, Viking, and Medieval heritage. You’ll have free time to visit attractions like the iconic York Minster cathedral and JORVIK Viking Centre, and explore the city’s exquisite architecture and tangle of quaint cobbled streets. 

The Yorkshire Dales is an area of great natural beauty, and a perfect example of beautiful English countryside. Our first stop is Bolton Abbey, a village in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The 12th century ruined Bolton Priory in the village of Bolton Abbey overlooks the River Wharfe which you can cross either by bridge or, for the more adventurous, using the stepping stones! Next we’ll stop in the town of Ilkley where you can continue to explore the countryside by hiking up to the famous Cow and Calf rocks and Ilkley Moor. Or you can take a more relaxed approach and go for traditional afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms!

Week 4 (Sunday 21 - Saturday 28 July)

Sunday 21 July

10am–4pm: Knaresborough visit

Join the social assistants and take the train to Knaresborough, a historic market town in North Yorkshire. Behind the main High Street lies a charming market square and a warren of cobbled streets and stone staircases which weave their way up and down the hill. Built in the gorge of the River Nidd, the picturesque town spills down the riverbank while towering above are the ruins of Knaresborough Castle and the iconic viaduct. You can hire a boat or take a walk by the river while enjoying an ice cream. 

Monday 22 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch

In the Refectory. You’ll pick up a packed lunch at breakfast if you’re on the Harewood excursion

12.15–5.30pm: Excursion to Harewood House

Harewood House is a traditional English Country House, built between 1759 and 1771 for Edwin Lascelles. You’ll take a guided tour of the house and have free time to explore the extensive grounds. There are two cafes at Harewood if you’d like to experience traditional afternoon tea. You’ll either visit Harewood on this excursion or visit it in block 1.

7pm: Board games social

Enjoy a range of board games with your fellow students.

Tuesday 23 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch 

In the Refectory.

2–3.15pm: Life after LISS workshop

Join this employability workshop and explore how you can reflect on and articulate your study abroad experience – something that will help you with your skills development as well as future job applications and interviews.

7pm: Cocktail and mocktail making social

Get to know your fellow students and learn how to make a cocktail or hot drink at Leeds University Union.

Evening: Social led by the social assistants

The social assistants are current Leeds students who’ll show you the best parts of student life on campus and in the city.

Wednesday 24 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch 

In the Refectory.

Thursday 25 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

9.30am–12.30pm: Class or field trip

This will depend which academic module you’re enrolled on.

12.30–1.45pm: Lunch 

In the Refectory.

5.45–9pm: Farewell party

Say a fond farewell to your fellow LISS students and the social assistants and celebrate your time at Leeds. A buffet meal will be served.

Friday 26 July

7.30–9am: Breakfast

In the Refectory.

Full day: Excursion to Whitby or Chester

Whitby is situated on the Yorkshire Coast and is well-known for the 199 steps that lead up to the parish church of St. Mary, whose churchyard on Whitby's East Cliff gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write his world-famous book, Dracula. Whitby's skyline is dominated by the ruins of St. Hilda's Abbey, high on Whitby's East Cliff. You can also visit various museums, head to the beach, take a photo under the whalebone arch and enjoy some fish and chips!

Chester is a beautiful cathedral city in Northwest England, close to the border with Wales. The city is home to the most complete city walls in Britain, dating from the Roman occupation 2,000 years ago. The city is also home to the Roman Amphitheatre and the 1,000-year-old Chester Cathedral where you can climb the tower for a fantastic view over the city. And if retail therapy is your favourite hobby, the unique 700-year-old Rows (traditional shopping galleries) are home to both independent and high street names.

Saturday 27 July

10am: Check out