10 things to help you get started
We know starting university is an exciting time, but we also understand that it can be a bit daunting. Knowing what to do and when can seem complicated.
Here are 10 things you need to do and know, to help you get started.
If you have any questions or need support with any of these, you can contact our friendly Student Information Service.
Activate your IT account
All taught students and postgraduate researchers are given a username and password so they can connect to the University’s IT services. Your username will be sent to the email address you used in your course application.
If you’re a full-time undergraduate student joining us directly from sixth form or college, it’s important to use a personal email address for your UCAS account that you will continue to have access to after leaving.
Find out how to update your email address with UCAS.
Once you have received your username, you can set up your IT account.
You'll also need to follow the instructions for registering for Two-Factor Authentication (Duo) and Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) to activate your account.
If you haven't received login instructions or have any issues trying to access your account, please ask for help using the IT Service Desk contact form or get in touch with the Student Information Service for further advice.
Complete your student registration and identity check
Once you’ve activated your IT account, you can complete online registration. You can begin from one month before your official start date.
Registration is the official process of becoming a student at university. It allows you to:
- confirm your place on your course
- verify your personal information
- confirm how you’ll be paying your tuition fees
- access your timetable and modules
- get your student loan.
All taught students and postgraduate researchers need to complete student registration for each year of their studies.
All new taught students and postgraduate researchers also need to complete an identity check. This is needed for a number of reasons, including to confirm your registration with the Student Loans Company (SLC) to release the first instalment of your Maintenance Loan (if you’ve been assessed as eligible to receive SLC funding), and to complete a Right to Study check for UKVI compliance.
Pay your fees
Visit our paying your fees page for information about how to pay your fees and what instalment plans are available.
If you’re starting a higher or degree apprenticeship, you don’t pay fees.
Module enrolment
If you’re studying on a course that requires you to choose optional or discovery modules, you’ll need to complete module enrolment after you’ve registered. This is a separate exercise to registration and is a first come, first served online process.
Accommodation
Your accommodation will be more than just the place where you study and sleep – it will be your own space to call home.
There are different deadlines to apply depending on your situation.
Accommodation deadlines and when to expect your room to be allocated
If you haven't applied for University accommodation by the relevant deadline and would like a room in one of our residences, contact our Accommodation team at accom@leeds.ac.uk for your next steps.
Extra help for international students
If you’re an international taught student or postgraduate researcher, we know you’ll have additional questions and requirements.
What to bring checklist
Make sure you bring any important documents and items that you’ll need.
Look through our ‘what to bring’ checklist.
Use our international ‘what to bring’ checklist if you’re an international student.
Set up a bank account
We recommend that you set up a student bank account if you are eligible as it’ll give you more benefits than a standard current account. You’ll need to consider account fees and charges, what type of card to get, and how long it takes to open an account.
Term dates
The 2025/26 term dates are:
- Autumn term: 29 Sept - 12 Dec 2025
- Spring term: 12 Jan - 27 March 2026
- Summer term: 27 April - 19 June 2026
More about term dates, teaching, examination and holiday periods
When to arrive if you are an international student or postgraduate researcher.
Induction
If you are a taught student, your academic school will send you information about your course induction.
If you are a postgraduate researcher, you will receive local induction information from your Faculty Graduate School before you start your programme of study. You can also find information about pre-arrival and your induction on our starting your research pages.
All taught students and postgraduate researchers can also look at our other induction information: