Preparation and arrival

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. 

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 Wednesday 22 January and Sunday 2 February for new students only.

You can make your transport service booking by completing the International arrivals booking form.

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. You can read further information about the service on the Arrival Support page.

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.

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. 

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.

Before you arrive, read our accommodation page.

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

• visit our accommodation website
• email the accommodation team at accom@leeds.ac.uk 
• Phone the accommodation team on +44 (0)113 343 777.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.