International Student Handbook - International Student Office
International Student Handbook - International Student Office
International Student Handbook - International Student Office
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK<br />
2013 - 2014
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Contents<br />
2<br />
Arrival checklist 3<br />
Key dates 3<br />
Arrival Guide 4<br />
Your <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> 10<br />
Immigration advice 12<br />
Accommodation 15<br />
Before you sign 16<br />
In your accommodation 18<br />
Healthcare 20<br />
Keeping safe 23<br />
Security and safety services 25<br />
Help@Leeds 26<br />
Computers and IT 28<br />
Campus map 29-32<br />
British and <strong>International</strong> food 33<br />
Opening a bank account 34<br />
Managing your money 36<br />
New cultural experiences 38<br />
Social life 40<br />
Travel in Leeds and the UK 42<br />
Sport and physical activity 46<br />
Families and couples 48<br />
Developing your future 50<br />
Volunteering 51<br />
Working during your studies 52<br />
Essential services 55<br />
If you have a question:<br />
On Campus<br />
Visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong>.<br />
Level 11, Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building.<br />
Telephone: 0113 343 3930<br />
Email<br />
Advice and immigration services: internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk<br />
Global Community activity: globalcommunity@leeds.ac.uk<br />
Website<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Like us on Facebook<br />
www.facebook.com/globalcommunityleeds<br />
Follow us on Twitter<br />
@LeedsGloCo
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Arrival checklist<br />
How can I make phone calls/email home/get<br />
onto the internet/find postal services 4<br />
Where can I get information and help when I<br />
arrive 4<br />
Where can I buy food, equipment for my<br />
accommodation, warm clothes etc 4<br />
Where can I keep money securely before I<br />
open a bank account 5<br />
How can I find permanent accommodation 5<br />
How do I open a bank account 5<br />
What do I need to know about safety and<br />
security in Leeds 5<br />
Do I need to have insurance for my<br />
possessions 5<br />
How can I travel around in Leeds 6<br />
How can I get to know the city and the<br />
campus 6<br />
Where can I meet new friends 6<br />
How can I find my academic department/<br />
school 6<br />
How do I register with the police 6<br />
How do I pay my fees 6<br />
How do I register with the University 7<br />
How can I access medical care 7<br />
How can I register with a local doctor and<br />
where can I buy medication 7<br />
How do I find out about places of religious<br />
worship in Leeds 7<br />
How can I get help with my computer 7<br />
Do I need to take the University English<br />
Language Test 7<br />
How can I get an internet connection/phone<br />
line in my accommodation 7<br />
Do I need to buy a TV licence 8<br />
How can I plan my budget and make the<br />
most of my money 8<br />
Will I experience culture shock 8<br />
How can I find out how to use the library<br />
facilities 8<br />
How can I find out more about UK study<br />
methods 8<br />
Why must I collect my student ID card 8<br />
Visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
websites and add to your favourites 8<br />
Like the University of Leeds Global<br />
Community Facebook page 8<br />
Follow the University of Leeds Global<br />
Community on Twitter 8<br />
Take a tour of the sports facilities at<br />
The Edge 8<br />
3<br />
Key dates<br />
<strong>International</strong> Welcome Week:<br />
16-22 September 2013<br />
Freshers’ Week:<br />
23-27 September 2013<br />
Term 1: 30 September - 13 December 2013<br />
Term 2: 13 January - 28 March 2014<br />
Term 3: 28 April - 20 June 2014
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
4<br />
Arrival Guide<br />
1. How can I make phone calls/email home/get<br />
onto the internet/find postal services<br />
Phone cards: available to buy from Leeds<br />
University Union's ‘Essentials’ supermarket.<br />
Public phone boxes: next to the Parkinson<br />
Building, outside Unipol <strong>Student</strong> Homes, in<br />
Leeds University Union and as you walk from the<br />
Parkinson Building to the Houldsworth Building.<br />
Problems phoning home: visit the <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> for help.<br />
Mobile phone: to assist you in your first few days,<br />
the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> will provide you<br />
with a no obligation SIM card with enough credit<br />
for you to make a quick phone call home. You<br />
can use this in an unlocked phone you have<br />
brought with you from home, or in a new phone.<br />
If you want to buy a new mobile phone here, it’s<br />
worth researching the best phone and network<br />
for you by comparing services from a range of<br />
mobile network providers – try phone shops on<br />
Commercial Street in the city centre.<br />
Email and internet: Visit the IT website for<br />
information about IT services at the University.<br />
The IT helpdesk is located on level 10 in the<br />
Edward Boyle Library.<br />
Tel: 0113 343 3333<br />
helpdesk@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://helpdesk.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Post <strong>Office</strong>s: Post <strong>Office</strong>s convenient for the<br />
University and student residences are in the St<br />
John’s Centre shopping arcade (15 minutes walk<br />
from the University on your left as you go<br />
downhill towards the city centre), in the Arndale<br />
Centre in Headingley and on Woodhouse Street,<br />
at the bottom of St Mark’s Road just 5 minutes<br />
walk from the Parkinson Building. For other post<br />
offices check the branch finder on the Post<br />
<strong>Office</strong> website.<br />
www.postoffice.co.uk<br />
2. Where can I get information and help when I<br />
arrive<br />
Visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong>:<br />
• friendly staff to answer your questions<br />
• Arrival Briefing and Welcome Pack<br />
• help to open a bank account<br />
• information about services on campus and in<br />
the city<br />
• help to register with the University<br />
and the police<br />
• information about social activities<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Outside office hours you can get urgent<br />
information and help 24 hours a day from the<br />
University Security <strong>Office</strong>, 175 Woodhouse Lane<br />
(Building 65 on the campus map)<br />
3. Where can I buy food, equipment for my<br />
accommodation, warm clothes etc<br />
Hot and cold food: Cafés around campus and in<br />
Leeds University Union. During term-time the<br />
Refectory serves breakfast, lunch and evening<br />
meals. You can also get a Refresh card to<br />
purchase food and drinks at all University<br />
catering outlets, and receive 10% off selected<br />
products.<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/greatfoodatleeds<br />
Snacks: Leeds University Union's ‘Essentials’<br />
shop. ‘Essentials’ sells a wide range of food and<br />
is open Monday – Friday 08.30 – 22.00,<br />
Saturday 09.30 – 22.00, and Sunday 12.00 –<br />
21.30.<br />
Specialist international, halal and kosher food<br />
shops: See page 33 of this handbook.
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Food, bedding, kitchen equipment, electrical<br />
items, cleaning and bathroom products:<br />
‘Morrisons’ supermarket is a 10-minute walk<br />
from the University on your left as you go<br />
downhill towards the city centre. Open Monday<br />
– Saturday 08.00 – 20.00, and 11.00 – 17.00<br />
on Sunday. This store sells all of the above<br />
items.<br />
‘Sainsburys’ have a small and a large<br />
supermarket not far from campus. The small<br />
store is a few steps downhill from ‘Morrisons’<br />
and is open Monday – Sunday 07.00 – 23.00.<br />
The large store is on The Headrow and is open<br />
Monday – Saturday 07.00 – 23.00 and 11.00 –<br />
17.00 on Sunday. Both stores sell most items.<br />
A ‘Wilkinson Plus’ store is in the same shopping<br />
centre as ‘Morrisons’, and sells household<br />
items. This store is open Monday – Saturday<br />
08.00 – 18.00, and 11.00 – 17.00 on Sunday.<br />
A bigger selection of household items is<br />
available at the larger ‘Wilkinson’ store on<br />
Albion Street. This is open 07.30 – 20.00,<br />
Monday – Friday, 08.00 - 20.00 on Saturday<br />
and 11.00 – 17.00 on Sunday.<br />
‘Kirkgate Market’ in the city centre is a<br />
traditional market. It sells essential items on<br />
market stalls, many are very good value for<br />
money. It is open Monday - Wednesday 08.00 -<br />
17.30 and Thursday - Saturday 07.30 - 17.30.<br />
There is also a Farmers and Crafts Market on the<br />
first and third Sunday of every month from<br />
09.00 – 14.00.<br />
‘Argos Extra’ is a superstore for household and<br />
electrical items. It is on The Headrow and is<br />
open Monday to Friday 08.00 – 20.00,<br />
Saturday 09.00 – 18.00 and Sunday 11.00 –<br />
17.00.<br />
4. Where can I keep money securely before I open<br />
a bank account Visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> to arrange secure storage.<br />
5. How can I find permanent accommodation<br />
If you arrive in September the Welcome Team<br />
Accommodation Assistants can help you find<br />
University or private-sector accommodation. If<br />
you plan to live in private-sector accommodation<br />
it is essential to have your contract checked<br />
before you sign it. More advice on finding<br />
accommodation is on pages 15-19 of this<br />
handbook.<br />
6. How do I open a bank account<br />
Read pages 34-35 of this handbook for<br />
information on bank accounts.<br />
Attend a ‘How to open a bank account’ talk<br />
during the <strong>International</strong> Welcome Programme in<br />
September.<br />
Ask at the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> for help<br />
with any problems opening your account.<br />
7. What do I need to know about safety and<br />
security in Leeds<br />
Leeds is like any UK city. You must take safety<br />
precautions as part of your daily routine.<br />
Always lock your doors and windows when you<br />
leave your room, keep valuable items out of<br />
sight and don’t walk home alone in the dark.<br />
For more information on keeping safe in Leeds<br />
please visit:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
living_in_the_uk/safety<br />
Read pages 23-25 of this handbook for<br />
essential safety and security information and<br />
visit the student safety website ‘Knowledge’.<br />
www.knowledge-leeds.co.uk<br />
8. Do I need to have insurance for my possessions<br />
This is strongly recommended if you have a<br />
laptop or other valuable possessions. (Theft of<br />
laptops and mobile phones is quite common).<br />
5
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
6<br />
In University accommodation: insurance is<br />
included in the rent. Read the conditions to see<br />
what the insurance covers. Your online<br />
accommodation induction explains this.<br />
In private-sector accommodation: you usually<br />
need to buy your own insurance. You can buy it<br />
from a bank or insurance company. See page 18.<br />
9. How can I travel around in Leeds<br />
There are bus stops outside the Parkinson<br />
Building and outside the Tesco supermarket to<br />
catch buses to University accommodation and<br />
the city centre. Timetables are at bus stops. For<br />
more information about public transport, buying<br />
or hiring a bicycle, or driving in Leeds read pages<br />
42-45.<br />
10. How can I get to know the city<br />
and the campus<br />
In September you can join guided tours which<br />
are part of the <strong>International</strong> Welcome<br />
Programme.<br />
11. Where can I meet new friends<br />
At social events during <strong>International</strong> Welcome<br />
Week (16 - 22 September) and Freshers’ Week<br />
(23 - 27 September).<br />
At the free Global Café on Mondays at 17.30 in<br />
the Lounge in Leeds University Union.<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/cafe<br />
At Global Saturdays trips which take place<br />
throughout the year. Global Saturdays are day<br />
trips to some of the UK’s best visitor<br />
destinations. Escape from campus for a day and<br />
come back with a network of friends.<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/saturdays<br />
At the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong>s’ Club in the<br />
Emmanuel Centre on Wednesdays at 18.00.<br />
In Leeds University Union by joining student<br />
societies, the 'Give it a Go' programme and other<br />
Union activities.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/<br />
clubsandsocieties<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/giag<br />
By taking part in a volunteering project where<br />
you can meet other students with similar<br />
interests. See page 51 for more ideas.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/volunteering<br />
12. How can I find my academic department/<br />
school<br />
Ask at the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> for<br />
directions or check the location on:<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/campusmap<br />
13. How do I register with the police<br />
If a stamp in your passport tells you to register<br />
with the police, you should do this within 7 days<br />
of your arrival. Apply for your bank account first<br />
because the police may need to keep your<br />
passport while they process your registration.<br />
You can find police registration instructions and<br />
download an application form from the ‘Police<br />
Registration’ section at:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
immigration/police_registration<br />
14. How do I pay my fees<br />
Uni-Pay is a quick and simple way for you (or<br />
your parent/sponsor) to transfer money to the<br />
University of Leeds, in your local currency. To<br />
use Uni-Pay you need to set up an online<br />
account through their secure portal, and then<br />
choose to make a payment from one of 35<br />
countries, in the local currency. They offer<br />
competitive exchange rates, and provide you with<br />
an exact payment amount in your local currency.<br />
You can then make the payment by bank transfer<br />
or credit/debit card (additional charges apply for<br />
card payments).<br />
To set up an account and make a payment via<br />
Uni-Pay, please go to:<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/financial_<br />
admin/unipay.htm<br />
Alternatively, you can pay online:<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/financial_<br />
admin/index_ar<br />
or you can pay at the <strong>Student</strong> Services Centre<br />
(see page 55). For your safety and to ensure<br />
compliance by the University with banking and<br />
financial legal requirements, you should not pay<br />
your fees using cash. Please note: the University<br />
is unable to accept any cash payments above
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
£3,500. £3,500 is the maximum we can accept<br />
in any one academic year.<br />
15. How do I register with the University<br />
Undergraduates, Taught Postgraduates and<br />
Study Abroad/Exchange <strong>Student</strong>s: Get<br />
registration instructions from the <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> when you attend your Arrival<br />
Briefing.<br />
<strong>International</strong> Foundation Year <strong>Student</strong>s:<br />
Collect registration instructions from the<br />
<strong>International</strong> Foundation Year <strong>Office</strong><br />
(see page 58). Make sure you also visit the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> to receive your<br />
Arrival Briefing.<br />
Research Postgraduates: Collect registration<br />
instructions from your academic school. Make<br />
sure you also visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> to receive your Arrival Briefing.<br />
More information on registration is on<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
travel_and_arrival/registration<br />
16. How can I access medical care<br />
Read pages 43-45 of this handbook for<br />
information on healthcare.<br />
17. How can I register with a local doctor and<br />
where can I buy medication<br />
Take your passport, offer letter and proof of<br />
Leeds address to the Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical<br />
Practice or another local doctor. You can find a<br />
list of local doctors on the NHS website<br />
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search<br />
www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk<br />
It is important to register with a local doctor as<br />
soon as possible after you arrive, even if you plan<br />
to continue consulting your doctor back home.<br />
There is a pharmacy (chemist) opposite the<br />
Parkinson Building on Woodhouse Lane.<br />
Boots Pharmacy at Leeds City Train Station<br />
opens daily until midnight. Headingley Medical<br />
Centre Pharmacy in the centre of Headingley<br />
opens until 23.00 on weekdays, until 20.00 on<br />
Saturday and 19.00 on Sunday.<br />
18. How do I find out about places of religious<br />
worship in Leeds<br />
A guide for contacts for different faiths in Leeds<br />
is available at:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/us<br />
eful_links/information_leaflets/<br />
A student guide to churches is available from<br />
the Chaplaincy and on their website.<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/chaplaincy<br />
19. How can I get help with my computer<br />
Visit the IT Help Desk in the Edward Boyle<br />
Library.<br />
20. Do I need to take the University English<br />
Language Test<br />
This test is compulsory for most students whose<br />
first language is not English*. If your test result<br />
shows you would benefit from extra language<br />
support, you will be offered a place on a free<br />
part-time English course. To take the test,<br />
attend one of the test sessions during the<br />
<strong>International</strong> Welcome Programme. Visit the<br />
Language Centre in the Parkinson Building if<br />
you arrive after this.<br />
*You do not need to take the test if:<br />
1) all your education has been through the<br />
medium of English<br />
2) you have completed other courses of study at<br />
the University of Leeds or your first degree is<br />
from a university in the UK, USA, Canada,<br />
Australia, New Zealand or English-speaking<br />
countries in the Caribbean<br />
3) you have lived in the UK for 5 years or longer<br />
21. How can I get an internet connection/phone line<br />
in my accommodation<br />
Visit the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre in Leeds<br />
University Union for information about how to<br />
do this.<br />
7
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
8<br />
22. Do I need to buy a TV licence<br />
If you have a television in the UK or use<br />
internet services to watch live TV on your<br />
laptop/computer/mobile device (see link below<br />
for more information on when this applies) you<br />
must, by law, have a TV licence. You risk a<br />
£1,000 fine and a criminal conviction if you<br />
don’t buy one. More information is on page 22<br />
of this handbook and in the students section at<br />
www.tvlicensing.co.uk<br />
23. How can I plan my budget and make the most<br />
of my money<br />
Read pages 36-37 of this handbook and use<br />
the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre web pages on the<br />
Leeds University Union website for money and<br />
budgeting advice<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
24. Will I experience culture shock<br />
You may experience this during your time in the<br />
UK, so it’s important to be prepared. If you<br />
know what to expect, you will cope better if it<br />
happens to you. Go to see the Culture Shock<br />
Comedy Drama if you are here during the<br />
<strong>International</strong> Welcome Programme. Read pages<br />
38-39 of this handbook or visit the UKCISA<br />
website: www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
25. How can I find out how to use the<br />
library facilities<br />
Take a guided library tour during the<br />
<strong>International</strong> Welcome period or do your own<br />
podcast tour. There is an interactive Library<br />
Guide which gives lots of information about<br />
library services including orientation, getting<br />
started with the catalogue, and how to make<br />
the best use of all the resources.<br />
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/tutorials/libraryguide/<br />
Each library has a dedicated team of enquiry<br />
staff who can offer help and advice. There are<br />
also specialist subject librarians who can assist<br />
you with your studies.<br />
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/subjects<br />
26. How can I find out more about<br />
UK study methods<br />
You can find information on the Skills@Library<br />
website or on the UKCISA website:<br />
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/skills<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
27. Why must I collect my student ID card<br />
UK government regulations mean that the<br />
University will, by law, have to report students<br />
who do not fully complete the registration<br />
process. Your registration is not complete until<br />
you have collected your ID card. You will also<br />
need your ID card for long-term access to<br />
library and IT services.<br />
28. Visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> websites<br />
and add to your favourites.<br />
Adding our websites to your favourites will<br />
enable you to access the useful information<br />
online more easily.<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
29. Like the University of Leeds Global<br />
Community Facebook page<br />
Click the ‘like’ button to keep up to date with<br />
events, activities and opportunities on campus<br />
and around the city.<br />
www.facebook.com/globalcommunityleeds<br />
30. Follow University of Leeds Global Community<br />
on Twitter<br />
This will keep you updated with the latest<br />
Global Community news alongside other events<br />
and news taking place in the University and<br />
beyond.<br />
http://twitter.com/leedsgloco<br />
31. Take a tour of the sports facilities at<br />
The Edge<br />
Please refer to the <strong>International</strong> Welcome<br />
Programme for tour dates. You can also visit<br />
the Edge to arrange a tour outside of those<br />
dates. For details of times see<br />
http://sport.leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
9
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Your <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
10<br />
How can the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> help me<br />
Our friendly team at the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> is here to help you have the best possible<br />
experience in Leeds. As well as helping you<br />
settle in, we have a specialist information and<br />
advice service you can use throughout your time<br />
at the University. We also organise regular social<br />
activities to help you make new British and<br />
international friends.<br />
What services does the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> provide<br />
Confidential Advice<br />
• Immigration<br />
• Problems affecting your studies<br />
• Personal concerns<br />
Information<br />
• Arrival Briefing<br />
• Opening a bank account<br />
• Police registration<br />
• Healthcare<br />
• Safety and security<br />
• Working in the UK<br />
• Council Tax<br />
• Driving<br />
• Activities at the University<br />
• Local activities and events<br />
• Travel<br />
• British culture<br />
• Local shops and services<br />
• Facilities for couples and families<br />
General support<br />
• Settling in<br />
• Life in Leeds<br />
• Academic life and study methods<br />
• Homesickness and culture shock<br />
• Schools and childcare<br />
Social activities<br />
• Global Café on Mondays<br />
• Global Saturdays trips<br />
• HOST - Visit a family in the UK<br />
• University of Leeds Global Community<br />
Websites<br />
Check our websites for information and advice<br />
on a wide range of issues relevant to<br />
international students from:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
How can I find out about trips<br />
and social activities<br />
Visit www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Visit our Facebook page and click the ‘Like’<br />
button to receive updates about social and<br />
cultural activities taking place on campus and<br />
around the city.<br />
www.facebook.com/globalcommunityleeds<br />
Follow the University of Leeds Global<br />
Community on Twitter<br />
http://twitter.com/leedsgloco<br />
Can I visit the office without<br />
an appointment<br />
Yes. You can visit our enquiry desk for general<br />
information and guidance without an<br />
appointment.<br />
When is the office open<br />
Open weekdays, 09.00 – 17.00 Monday –<br />
Friday (Wednesday 10.00 –17.00)
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
How can I get specialist advice<br />
If you need immigration advice, the drop-in<br />
service allows you to see an <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> Adviser to ask a quick question. You will<br />
be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Dropin<br />
sessions are held Monday – Friday at 10.30.<br />
If you want to have your visa extension<br />
application form checked you will need to book<br />
an appointment by visiting the enquiry desk at<br />
the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong>. You cannot<br />
book these appointments by phone.<br />
We try to make sure you can see an adviser as<br />
soon as possible, but at very busy times you may<br />
have to wait if your enquiry is not urgent.<br />
Is the advice service confidential<br />
Yes. You can discuss issues privately with one of<br />
our advisers. Your adviser will not discuss your<br />
case with anyone outside the <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> unless you give your permission.<br />
The only exceptions to this are if we are required<br />
by law to provide information, or if we believe<br />
you will seriously harm yourself or someone else.<br />
How can I contact the <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
Advice and immigration services<br />
Level 11, Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 3930<br />
Email: internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Global Community Team<br />
Tel: 0113 343 6920<br />
Email: globalcommunity@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
What kinds of questions can I ask at<br />
the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
Information about life in Leeds and the UK<br />
• Where is the nearest …<br />
• Where can I buy …<br />
• Who can I ask about …<br />
• What activities can I take part in<br />
• How can I find my child a school<br />
• What is usual/polite in the UK<br />
Advice on problem-solving and how to<br />
enjoy life in Leeds<br />
• I’m feeling homesick, can you help<br />
• How can I make more friends<br />
• How do I keep safe in Leeds<br />
• How can I meet local people<br />
• I’m worried about my studies, who can<br />
I talk to<br />
• How can I visit a UK home<br />
Confidential advice on immigration<br />
and UK regulations<br />
• How do I extend my student visa<br />
• Can I stay in the UK if I change my study<br />
plans<br />
• Can I work in the UK<br />
• How do I get a National Insurance Number<br />
• Do I need to pay Council Tax<br />
• What are the rules for international students<br />
driving in the UK<br />
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<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Immigration advice<br />
12<br />
Important note<br />
The UK immigration system has undergone a<br />
period of change, with the introduction of a<br />
points-based system. Changes are still being<br />
made. For this reason it is essential that you seek<br />
up-to-date advice about any immigration matters,<br />
and do not rely on information that may not<br />
reflect recent changes. If in doubt, contact the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong>.<br />
Who can I ask for immigration advice<br />
The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
There are strict rules on who is allowed to provide<br />
immigration advice in the UK. The <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> is the only university service that is<br />
allowed to give immigration advice to students.<br />
Staff in your school/department or elsewhere in<br />
the University cannot give advice relating to<br />
immigration.<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
immigration<br />
External organisations<br />
If you are seeking advice at the last minute, or if<br />
your query is outside the expertise of the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong>, you can seek<br />
external advice from an immigration solicitor.<br />
You may need to pay for this advice.<br />
The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> can provide<br />
a list of local immigration solicitors for you.<br />
Don’t ask your friends<br />
UK immigration law and regulations are very<br />
complex. Your friends may want to be helpful but<br />
they will not have the expertise to give correct<br />
answers to questions about immigration.<br />
Even if their situation seems similar to yours,<br />
it is essential that you seek expert immigration<br />
advice. If you take the wrong advice you risk<br />
having your visa extension refused and/or being<br />
required to return home.<br />
When do I need to get<br />
immigration advice<br />
If you are an EEA student<br />
Read about your immigration status on:<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
If you need to extend your visa as a student<br />
The process is complicated and takes time so<br />
it is essential that you start to prepare your visa<br />
extension application 8 weeks before your visa<br />
expiry date. Find information about how to apply<br />
on the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> and UKCISA<br />
websites<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
immigration<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
If your visa has expired (Don’t let this happen!)<br />
It is illegal to stay in the UK longer than your visa<br />
expiry date (overstay). If you overstay, you risk<br />
being sent home and this may prevent you from<br />
making any future application to come to the UK<br />
for up to ten years. If your visa expires before you<br />
apply to extend it this is very serious. Seek advice<br />
immediately from the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong>.<br />
If your visa expiry date is before your course ends<br />
You must extend your visa in order to complete<br />
your course. If the early expiry date is the result of<br />
an error by the office issuing your visa, you can<br />
apply to have this corrected free of charge. Visit<br />
the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> for assistance<br />
with visa correction.<br />
If you want to work in the UK during your studies.<br />
Check the visa stamp in your passport to see if<br />
you are allowed to work. If you are not sure, take<br />
your passport to the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
to be checked.<br />
Make sure you know the rules on working by<br />
reading the ‘Working During Study' page<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/imm<br />
igration/working_during_study<br />
Research degree students should be aware of the<br />
extra restrictions on working set by sponsors and<br />
University regulations.<br />
More information on working during your studies<br />
is on pages 52-53 of this handbook.
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
If you want to work in the UK after your studies<br />
The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> are able to check<br />
Tier 2 application forms and documents. They will<br />
not be able to post the forms and documents for<br />
you, but can check everything in advance for you<br />
to then send to the Home <strong>Office</strong>. As the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong>'s main focus and<br />
commitment remains with Tier 4 student<br />
applications, the service is only offered between<br />
February and July. If you require advice outside of<br />
this period, please visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> for a list of local immigration solicitors.<br />
Employment after studies for completing PhD students<br />
On 6 April 2013 the UK government introduced a<br />
scheme to allow doctoral students to remain in the<br />
UK for 12 months following completion of their<br />
PhD. If you are given permission to stay under the<br />
Doctorate Extension Scheme you will have full<br />
unrestricted work rights, except for some limited<br />
professions such as doctors or dentists in training or<br />
sportspersons (including coaches). You will be able<br />
to work without restrictions once your Tier 4 sponsor<br />
has confirmed that you have finished your PhD.<br />
The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> can check and<br />
submit these applications to the Home <strong>Office</strong>.<br />
You can read about the different schemes at:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
immigration/working_after_study<br />
or www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration/working<br />
If you want to do a work placement or a period<br />
of study abroad<br />
Visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> to check<br />
whether this is allowed and meets the conditions<br />
of your visa.<br />
If you make a change to your studies<br />
It is essential to visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> for immigration advice if you have any of<br />
these questions:<br />
• I need to take re-sit examinations, how does this<br />
affect my immigration status<br />
• If I change my course/the timing of my studies,<br />
will I be able to extend my visa<br />
• If I withdraw temporarily or permanently from my<br />
course, am I allowed to stay in the UK until my<br />
visa expires<br />
You must get permission from the Home <strong>Office</strong> if<br />
you want to change the length of your course or<br />
your university. To do this you must make a new<br />
Tier 4 application. You should visit the Home<br />
<strong>Office</strong> website below for further information<br />
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration/studying/adult-students/changes<br />
If you will have a period of absence from your course<br />
If you applied for your visa using a Confirmation of<br />
Acceptance for Studies (CAS) the University will,<br />
by law, have to report periods of unexplained<br />
absence to the UK Border Agency. Remember to<br />
talk to your tutor/supervisor if you are going to miss<br />
part of your course. To notify the University if you<br />
have been sick and missed classes, follow the<br />
instructions on<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/<br />
counterservices/sickness<br />
If you want to invite your family or friends to the UK<br />
Read the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> webpages or<br />
visit the UKCISA website. For more advice on<br />
bringing your family to the UK, visit the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong>.<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
immigration/immigration_for_families<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
immigration/family_visits<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
If you plan to get married/enter into a civil partnership<br />
Read about the rules and the immigration status of<br />
your spouse/partner on the UKCISA website:<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
Scams / Hoax Calls<br />
Be aware of telephone fraud from criminals<br />
pretending to work for the UK Border Agency or<br />
claiming to be an immigration official. They may<br />
ask for personal details or request that you make a<br />
payment to prevent further action being taken.<br />
If you receive such a call:<br />
• Do not give the caller any personal information,<br />
nor confirm that any information they have is<br />
correct. Do not make any payment over the phone<br />
• Report the incident to Action Fraud<br />
www.actionfraud.police.uk<br />
• If you have any remaining concerns, you can<br />
report them at the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
13
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<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Accommodation<br />
Can I live in University accommodation<br />
Visit Accommodation Services (see page 55) to<br />
find out more about University accommodation<br />
and whether there is a room available for you. Even<br />
if you do not qualify for the accommodation<br />
guarantee, the University may be able to offer you<br />
a place.<br />
You can usually arrange to see the accommodation<br />
before you sign your contract.<br />
If you have any concerns, talk to Accommodation<br />
Services again before signing your University<br />
accommodation contract.<br />
If you are in University of Leeds Accommodation<br />
you automatically have Edge ‘Club’ membership<br />
included in your rent, giving you access to all the<br />
Sport and Physical Activity facilities at certain<br />
times. You can upgrade your membership to give<br />
you more flexible time access.<br />
http://sport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
How can I find good private-sector<br />
accommodation<br />
Accommodation Assistant<br />
During September the <strong>International</strong> Welcome Team<br />
Accommodation Assistants can help you with<br />
house-hunting and finding other suitable<br />
accommodation.<br />
You can ask for their support when you need it, for<br />
example if you have questions after visiting a<br />
house, or you are unclear about something a<br />
landlord has said.<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre Housing Advice<br />
Don’t start house-hunting until you have read the<br />
advice on the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre website<br />
including their guide for international students.<br />
They also have a free contract-checking service for<br />
private sector housing.<br />
You can also visit them in Leeds University Union<br />
for face-to-face advice.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
Unipol <strong>Student</strong> Homes<br />
Unipol (see page 56) works closely with the<br />
University to provide a central point for students<br />
for house hunting. You are recommended to use<br />
Unipol to find accommodation in the private<br />
rented sector. Their website has lots of useful<br />
information and advice as well as advertisements<br />
for hundreds of houses, flats and studio<br />
apartments available to rent. There is also an<br />
online student notice-board where you can find<br />
housemates to share with.<br />
As well as advertising for a large number of<br />
landlords, Unipol has a number of properties it<br />
owns and and manages that you can rent directly.<br />
There is a wide choice available and you will be<br />
able to rent some online before you come to Leeds.<br />
These property adverts are clearly marked with<br />
‘Rent Online’. You should be aware that if you rent<br />
online without seeing the property you will be<br />
entering into a legal contract for the rent for the<br />
full period of the contract. Unipol owned or<br />
managed properties will be shown on their website<br />
with a green banding. All of Unipol’s properties will<br />
meet the requirements of the Unipol Code.<br />
Many private landlords advertise via the Unipol<br />
website and most of these are members of the<br />
Unipol Code. You are advised to rent from a Unipol<br />
Code member as these owners have agreed to<br />
provide a property which complies with a set of<br />
health and safety standards; has good amenity<br />
levels and a responsive property management<br />
operation. A list of these owners is available on the<br />
Unipol website and all their properties are<br />
advertised with a blue banding. Although this is<br />
not a guarantee that you will have no problems at<br />
all, the Code provides an additional safety net and<br />
you can use Unipol’s complaints system if the<br />
landlord fails to comply with the Code.<br />
www.unipol.org.uk/leeds<br />
If you accept or sign a contract for University or<br />
private-sector accommodation, you cannot usually<br />
cancel it and will be legally bound to pay rent until<br />
the end of the contract, even if you move out<br />
before.<br />
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<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
16<br />
Before you sign<br />
Do this before you sign a privatesector<br />
accommodation contract:<br />
Inspect the property<br />
Make sure you are happy with the quality and<br />
the location and that it has all the furniture and<br />
equipment you need. Check safety features<br />
including the gas safety certificate(s) and<br />
security. Also check whether repairs or<br />
redecoration are required and, if so, make sure<br />
these are written into the rental contract with a<br />
deadline for when the work will be completed.<br />
It is not a good idea to rent a property if major<br />
renovation work needs doing, even if the<br />
landlord promises it will be done before you<br />
move in. It is often very difficult for landlords<br />
to make builders do the work on time.<br />
Househunting/property viewing checklist<br />
Use a checklist to make sure you are checking<br />
your property correctly and asking the<br />
landlord/agent all the necessary questions.<br />
Useful checklists are available from Unipol<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Homes and the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre.<br />
www.unipol.org.uk/leeds/IFS<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
Calculate all the costs<br />
Check which charges are included in your rent<br />
and which extra costs you are responsible for<br />
paying. If costs like gas and electricity are not<br />
included in your rent, estimate how much these<br />
will be. If there will be adults sharing the house<br />
who are not students (or are students’ spouses)<br />
check whether you will be charged Council Tax<br />
(see page 21).<br />
If you need extra furniture or equipment (for<br />
example a washing machine), allow for these<br />
costs in your budget. Make sure that you can<br />
afford the rent and all additional costs before<br />
you sign your contract. Information about<br />
budgeting for your household costs is available<br />
from the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
Take your rental contract to the <strong>Student</strong> Advice<br />
Centre to be checked before you sign it<br />
It is essential you make sure that the contract<br />
you plan to sign is reasonable, and with a<br />
landlord who treats tenants fairly. The <strong>Student</strong><br />
Advice Centre can help you do this. To make<br />
sure you fully understand the terms of your<br />
legally binding contract and don’t agree to<br />
conditions that could cause unexpected<br />
difficulties in the future, use the <strong>Student</strong><br />
Advice Centre’s free contract-checking service.<br />
They advise on:<br />
• whether you are getting a good deal<br />
• whether they are aware of any problems with<br />
the landlord<br />
• whether you need to get additional items<br />
added to the contract<br />
Once the contract is signed, you are legally<br />
bound to pay rent to the landlord until the end<br />
of the contract, even if you decide to move out<br />
before this. So think carefully and take advice<br />
before you sign. Never sign a contract on behalf<br />
of housemates or friends. If you sign for them<br />
and then they decide not to move in, you could<br />
be held liable for their share of the rent.<br />
Never pay a landlord any money before you sign<br />
the contract.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
Do I need to have an accommodation contract<br />
It is important for your protection that you have<br />
a contract for your accommodation. Contact the<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre for more information<br />
about why this is necessary.<br />
Can I rent out part of my accommodation to<br />
another student<br />
Your accommodation contract will usually have<br />
a clause which forbids sub-letting. You should<br />
never sub-let without permission and never<br />
have an unauthorised person staying in your<br />
property, other than guests visiting for a few<br />
days.
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Is it ok to pay rent to another tenant rather than<br />
directly to the landlord<br />
This is not recommended, as you will not have<br />
the protection of a contract. If you are<br />
considering doing this, get advice from the<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre first. If you are in a<br />
shared house with a joint contract, you should<br />
each pay your landlord the agreed amount on the<br />
agreed dates. It is not safe to give your rent to<br />
another tenant to pay on your behalf.<br />
Can I live in council housing<br />
If you come from outside the European Economic<br />
Area, the answer is no. Council housing is<br />
accommodation provided by the local<br />
government. It is a public fund, so if you were<br />
given permission to stay in the UK with ‘no<br />
recourse to public funds’ or ‘no public funds’,<br />
you will not be entitled to council housing.<br />
There can be severe legal consequences if you<br />
break this rule.<br />
Council Tax<br />
Full-time students<br />
Council Tax is a charge the local government<br />
makes for services it provides. <strong>Student</strong>s who are<br />
registered full-time, on courses of 25 weeks or<br />
more (and their spouses if they are from outside<br />
the EEA), are disregarded for Council Tax<br />
purposes. This means that if all your housemates<br />
are students (or their spouses) you will not have<br />
to pay Council Tax.<br />
Research Postgraduates in the writing up period<br />
<strong>Student</strong>s in their writing up period should be<br />
eligible for council tax exemption provided they<br />
are registered on a full time programme of study.<br />
Further advice is available from the <strong>Student</strong><br />
Advice Centre.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
Email: advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Part-time/short course students<br />
If you study part-time or on a short course<br />
lasting less than 25 weeks you may have to<br />
pay Council Tax.<br />
If you live with non-students<br />
If you rent a property in the private sector with<br />
adults who are not full-time registered students,<br />
the property will not be exempt from Council Tax<br />
and you may be liable to pay the bill. <strong>Student</strong>s<br />
living with their spouse/civil partner should read<br />
page 48-49 of this handbook.<br />
If you have completed your course<br />
If you have completed your course and have<br />
received your results, you are no longer a student<br />
and you are therefore liable to pay Council Tax.<br />
If you receive a Council Tax bill<br />
Don’t ignore a Council Tax bill even if you think<br />
you should not have to pay. If you do not<br />
complete an exemption form and you fail to pay<br />
your bill, you may face legal proceedings. Avoid<br />
this by getting advice from the <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> or <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre as soon<br />
as possible.<br />
More information is on the UKCISA webiste:<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
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<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
In your accommodation<br />
18<br />
Do this as soon as you move into<br />
University or private-sector<br />
accommodation:<br />
Take out insurance/additional insurance<br />
Insurance is included in the rent for University<br />
accommodation. Most of your belongings will be<br />
covered by this policy but if you have expensive<br />
items, or a bicycle or musical instrument check<br />
the conditions of the insurance policy.<br />
You may need to arrange extra cover. Visit the<br />
Cover4<strong>Student</strong>s website for further information.<br />
If you are living in private-sector<br />
accommodation and you have a computer or<br />
other valuable possessions it is important to<br />
buy possessions insurance as burglaries are<br />
fairly common in areas of student housing. You<br />
can buy insurance from banks and specialist<br />
insurance companies such as Cover4students<br />
and Endsleigh.<br />
www.cover4students.com<br />
www.endsleigh.co.uk<br />
Follow security advice<br />
Make security part of your daily routine in and<br />
around your accommodation. Read pages 46-48<br />
of this handbook and follow the advice in the<br />
Safety section of the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> website:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
living_in_the_uk/safety<br />
Buy a television licence<br />
If you have a television in the UK or you use the<br />
University’s IPTV or internet services to watch<br />
live television, you must, by law, have a TV<br />
licence. The Television Licensing Authority can<br />
easily check if you have a licence and if you are<br />
caught without one you can receive a criminal<br />
conviction and a fine of £1,000.<br />
A colour licence costs £145.50 for the year. You<br />
can pay in instalments by direct debit and if you<br />
leave the UK 3 months or more before the end<br />
of the licence, you can reclaim some of the cost.<br />
You must cancel your direct debit before you<br />
leave, to stop the payments.<br />
www.tvlicensing.co.uk<br />
Arrange the payment of bills<br />
If you are sharing private-sector accommodation<br />
with housemates, make sure that all your names<br />
are on each bill - for example each tenant is on<br />
the electricity, gas, and water bills. Contact the<br />
utility companies letting them know all your<br />
names and when you are moving in and out. You<br />
will also need to get final bills from them to<br />
prove you have paid before your landlord will<br />
return your deposit.<br />
Only one person is allowed to have their name<br />
on some types of bill, so work out who this will<br />
be and how everyone will pay. This will protect<br />
you from having to pay more than your fair share<br />
if you and your housemates have a<br />
disagreement.<br />
Check your rights and responsibilities<br />
• Landlords are bound by law to maintain the<br />
property to a decent level and to ensure it is<br />
safe.<br />
• They must also treat it as your home and give<br />
at least 24 hours notice before they visit you.<br />
• You, the tenant, are responsible for treating<br />
the property well, keeping it clean and tidy<br />
and doing minor maintenance like changing<br />
light bulbs.
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
If you pay a security deposit to a private landlord,<br />
the landlord has to register the deposit with a<br />
government-backed protection scheme within 30<br />
days. If you don’t receive any information from<br />
your landlord to show your deposit is protected,<br />
contact the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre.<br />
More information is available on<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
How can I get help with a problem in<br />
University accommodation<br />
First talk to your residence manager or warden.<br />
Your residence manager can help with problems<br />
like repairs. Your warden can help if you are<br />
unhappy in your accommodation, for example<br />
because your neighbours are noisy or unfriendly,<br />
or you feel unsafe. The Accommodation Services<br />
website explains how to contact the residence<br />
manager and warden. For further help, visit the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> or <strong>Student</strong> Advice<br />
Centre.<br />
http://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Can I change rooms or move out of<br />
University accommodation before the<br />
end of my contract<br />
The Accommodation Service may be able to offer<br />
you a different room in University<br />
accommodation if there is a place available.<br />
You may also be able to arrange to swap rooms<br />
with another student. You can apply to move any<br />
time after the first two weeks of term using the<br />
transfer or swap form on the Accommodation<br />
Services website. It is not usually possible to<br />
change to private-sector accommodation or to<br />
move out to stay with friends before the end of<br />
your University contract.<br />
http://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk<br />
How can I get help with a problem in<br />
private-sector accommodation<br />
First speak to your landlord/landlady or agent.<br />
If you are not happy with their answer, talk to<br />
Unipol to see if your landlord is registered with<br />
them. You can also visit the <strong>Student</strong> Advice<br />
Centre for specialist advice. They can help with<br />
a wide range of housing problems including<br />
negotiating with landlords or assisting with<br />
worries about your property or your housemates.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
www.unipol.org.uk/leeds<br />
Can I move out of private-sector<br />
accommodation before the end of my<br />
contract<br />
You will need to find another student to replace<br />
you and seek your landlord’s agreement to you<br />
moving out. If you do this, make sure you give<br />
your landlord a signed letter which says that you<br />
have left the property and gives the name of the<br />
person who has taken your place. Keep a copy of<br />
the letter for yourself. You should also make sure<br />
the names are changed on the contract, with the<br />
dates of you leaving and the other person taking<br />
over. <strong>Student</strong>s often use the Unipol student-tostudent<br />
noticeboard to find replacements.<br />
www.unipol.org.uk/leeds<br />
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Healthcare<br />
Emergency and out of<br />
hours healthcare<br />
Health advice at any time of the day or night<br />
NHS 111 Service 24-hour helpline and website<br />
Tel: 111<br />
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk<br />
Hospital Accident and Emergency Department<br />
The nearest A&E Department to campus is:<br />
Leeds General Infirmary (LGI)<br />
Jubilee Wing, Clarendon Way<br />
Tel: 0113 243 2799<br />
To call an ambulance<br />
Make a free call from any phone to the<br />
emergency services:<br />
Tel: 999<br />
Out of hours Pharmacy<br />
If your local pharmacy is closed you can buy<br />
medication every day of the week until midnight<br />
at Boots Pharmacy, Leeds City Train Station<br />
Tel: 0113 242 1713<br />
Emergency hormonal contraception<br />
(within 72 hours)<br />
• Your local doctor (free for NHS patients)<br />
• A local pharmacy<br />
• Lloyds Pharmacy *<br />
24 Kirkstall Lane<br />
Tel: 0113 278 5559<br />
• Cardigan Road Pharmacy *<br />
136 Cardigan Road<br />
Tel: 0113 278 3976<br />
* These pharmacies offer a free service for<br />
under 25s<br />
See also other pharmacies listed on<br />
www.leedssexualhealth.com<br />
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search<br />
Emergency dental treatment<br />
NHS 111 Service, 24 hour helpline: 111<br />
Leeds Dental Advice Line<br />
0800 298 5787<br />
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00<br />
Voicemail message for out-of-hours<br />
emergency service<br />
Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice<br />
www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk<br />
How can I access medical care<br />
The UK Government is reviewing the rules on<br />
charges for medical care for nationals from<br />
outside the European Union. The information<br />
below was correct when the handbook was<br />
printed, but the rules may have changed<br />
when you read this. You must check the latest<br />
information on rules for medical care by visiting<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
living_in_the_uk/health<br />
If your course of study is for MORE than six months<br />
If you have permission to be in the UK as a<br />
student for more than 6 months, you will be<br />
entitled to free medical treatment on the<br />
National Health Service (NHS). You must<br />
register as a patient with a doctor and you will<br />
be entitled to free treatment in NHS hospitals<br />
(as long as the UK is your main home at that<br />
time).<br />
If your studies are for LESS than six months<br />
You will only get a very limited number of health<br />
services free, unless your studies are<br />
substantially funded by the UK government.<br />
You will be charged for all other treatments and<br />
services, including consultations with a doctor.<br />
You won’t be able to register with the Leeds<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice or other local doctor,<br />
but you can use their services as a fee-paying<br />
patient. If your home country has a reciprocal<br />
health agreement with the UK, you may be able<br />
to reclaim some of these costs. If your country<br />
has no reciprocal health agreement with the UK,<br />
take out health insurance.<br />
Information about health entitlements<br />
You can find out more about your entitlements<br />
to healthcare on the UKCISA website:<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk and in the Services section<br />
of the Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice website:<br />
www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Can I have free medication<br />
Medication prescribed by your doctor is<br />
subsidised by the NHS but there is a standard<br />
charge of £7.85 that you must pay for each item<br />
when you collect it at the pharmacy. (Children<br />
and women who are pregnant or have given birth<br />
in the previous year do not have to pay for<br />
prescribed medication). Contraceptive and family<br />
planning prescriptions are free for female<br />
patients.<br />
Can I get free dental and<br />
optical services<br />
Dentists<br />
Services from dentists are not free (except for<br />
children who are aged under 18 or aged 18 and<br />
in full-time education or women eligible for NHS<br />
treatment who are pregnant or have had a baby<br />
in the 12 months before treatment starts).<br />
If you are entitled to free NHS healthcare, you<br />
may be able to have subsidised dental treatment<br />
from a dentist who accepts NHS patients.<br />
However there is a long waiting list for NHS<br />
dentists so if you can’t find a dentist willing to<br />
register you as an NHS patient, you will need to<br />
register as a private patient which is more<br />
expensive.<br />
For a list of local dentists visit:<br />
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search<br />
If you are experiencing difficulties registering<br />
with an NHS dentist, you can call the Leeds<br />
Dental Advice Line.<br />
Tel: 0800 298 5787<br />
Opticians<br />
Optical treatment is not free under the NHS. If<br />
you are entitled to free NHS treatment, you can<br />
get a subsidised eye test but there will still be a<br />
charge to pay and glasses are not free. Children<br />
under 16 years, or under 19 and in full time<br />
education are eligible for an NHS voucher which<br />
entitles them to free eye tests and glasses.<br />
You can find details of local opticians from<br />
the NHS website:<br />
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search<br />
Can I claim help to pay for<br />
health costs<br />
If you are entitled to free NHS healthcare, you<br />
may be able to claim help towards the cost of<br />
NHS prescriptions, dental charges and optical<br />
costs. This is a health benefit, not a public fund.<br />
To find out if you are eligible, fill in an HC1 form<br />
which you can get from the <strong>Student</strong> Advice<br />
Centre, a doctor, dentist or optician.<br />
Should I take out health insurance<br />
If you are not entitled to free NHS care you<br />
should definitely buy health insurance. Even if<br />
you do qualify for free medical care, you should<br />
consider taking out health insurance to cover any<br />
treatment that you cannot receive free on the<br />
NHS (or non-emergency treatment that you may<br />
want to pay for privately because of long waiting<br />
lists).<br />
Do I need to register with a<br />
local doctor<br />
If you are entitled to free or subsidised<br />
healthcare, it is very important you register with<br />
a local doctor as soon as possible after you<br />
arrive. Don’t wait until you are ill. Even if you<br />
expect to continue taking advice from your doctor<br />
in your home country, you should still register<br />
with a local doctor in the UK. This will make sure<br />
you can receive treatment quickly if you need it.<br />
If you are ill and your studies may be affected,<br />
you will need a letter from a doctor in the UK.<br />
You will need to use this letter to prove to the<br />
University and the immigration authorities that<br />
you have health circumstances which should be<br />
taken into account when assessing your progress.<br />
If you are ill for less than 7 days and cannot<br />
study, you can complete a form online at:<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/counter<br />
services/sickness to inform your department.<br />
If you have to miss an exam or assessment work<br />
for health reasons, you may need a letter of<br />
confirmation from a doctor. It is essential that<br />
you see a doctor to request this letter during your<br />
illness. Letters issued after the illness will not be<br />
accepted.<br />
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How do I register with a doctor<br />
Take proof of your identity (your passport) and<br />
student status (student card) and proof of your<br />
Leeds address (accommodation contract) to a<br />
doctors surgery and ask to register. Most<br />
students choose to register with the Leeds<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice located near the<br />
University campus. You can find a list of other<br />
local doctors on the NHS website.<br />
www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk<br />
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search<br />
Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice<br />
This medical centre next to the campus has<br />
expertise in dealing with all the common<br />
problems international students and their<br />
families encounter. They also provide internet<br />
services for booking appointments and ordering<br />
repeat prescriptions, and their website has over<br />
100 student-specific health advice leaflets.<br />
They have good contacts with all University<br />
departments/schools, which is essential if<br />
illness interrupts your studies. Check their<br />
website to see if you are eligible to register.<br />
www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk<br />
How can I get healthcare in Leeds<br />
West Yorkshire Urgent Care services<br />
Urgent care is for when you have minor<br />
accidents or unexpected health problems and<br />
need help within the next few hours.<br />
Tel: 0345 605 99 99<br />
www.wyucservices.nhs.uk<br />
Minor health problems<br />
If you have a minor health problem you can visit<br />
a pharmacy (chemist) where the pharmacist will<br />
be able to offer advice and sell you treatments,<br />
for example for a winter cold, sore throat or<br />
dry skin.<br />
NHS 111 Service<br />
NHS 111 is a service to make it easier for you<br />
to access local NHS healthcare services. You<br />
can call 111 when you need medical help fast<br />
but it's not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is a fast<br />
and easy way to get the right help, whatever the<br />
time.<br />
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days<br />
a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile<br />
phones.<br />
Tel: 111<br />
Local doctor (GP)<br />
For other health problems use the services of<br />
your local doctor (GP-General Practitioner) as a<br />
first step. The Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice<br />
has health advice on their website that you can<br />
consult and you can make an appointment to<br />
see your doctor to discuss concerns.<br />
You should only go to a hospital before seeing<br />
your doctor if you are in an emergency situation.<br />
For any non-emergency medical treatment you<br />
need a doctors referral before going to a<br />
hospital.<br />
www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk<br />
University Sick Bay<br />
If you are unwell and have no-one to look after<br />
you in your accommodation, you may be referred<br />
to the University Sick Bay. This is a small unit<br />
with beds within the Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical<br />
Practice. It is open during Leeds <strong>Student</strong><br />
Medical Practice opening hours in term time<br />
and is staffed by qualified nurses.<br />
Sick Bay is a day resting facility used for<br />
students who have an illness which does not<br />
need them to go to hospital, but is serious<br />
enough for them to need short-term care.<br />
Hospital<br />
You can go to one of the local hospitals if you<br />
need to use emergency services or if your GP<br />
refers you for specialist treatment. More<br />
information about local hospitals is on<br />
www.leedsth.nhs.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Keeping safe<br />
What do I need to know to keep<br />
safe in Leeds<br />
Leeds is a great place to live, but as with all big<br />
cities it does have some crime, so you need to<br />
take sensible precautions as part of your daily<br />
routine. You also need to be aware of health and<br />
safety risks in your accommodation and in places<br />
where you study. The situation in the UK may be<br />
different to what you are used to at home so it is<br />
essential that you learn about UK crime<br />
prevention and health and safety advice and<br />
follow this while you are here.<br />
Crime prevention<br />
Each year some students are affected by crimes<br />
including burglary, street theft, or verbal abuse.<br />
By following basic crime prevention advice you<br />
can reduce the risk of this happening to you.<br />
Visit the Knowledge website<br />
The Knowledge website aims to give students in<br />
Leeds the knowledge you need to keep yourself<br />
and your possessions safe. It gives safety advice,<br />
information on the types of crime affecting<br />
students and the crime statistics for different<br />
areas. www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/<br />
knowledge<br />
Ask the Crime Prevention Manager<br />
You can also get expert email and face-to-face<br />
advice from the Crime Prevention Manager, Andy<br />
Gordon-Platt in the University Security Service.<br />
Email: crimeprevention@leeds.ac.uk<br />
0113 343 5005<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/estate_services/security/<br />
CrimePrevention.htm<br />
Protect your possessions<br />
• Always close your window and lock your door if<br />
you are away from your room, even if only for a<br />
short time.<br />
• Make sure valuable items can’t be seen<br />
through the window of your room and are out of<br />
sight when you leave.<br />
• Use an ultraviolet (UV) pen to mark your<br />
valuable items with UoL (University of Leeds)<br />
and your student ID number. If your<br />
possessions are stolen and the police find<br />
them, they can return them to you.<br />
• Register your phone with the service provider<br />
and, if it is stolen, ask them to block the SIM<br />
card. Make a note of your 15-digit serial<br />
number or IMEI. You can find this by dialling<br />
*#06# on your phone.<br />
• Keep a note of the telephone number of your<br />
credit/cash card provider so you can inform<br />
them immediately if your cards are lost or<br />
stolen.<br />
• Make sure you have insurance so you can<br />
replace possessions if they are stolen. See page<br />
18 of this handbook.<br />
• Register your details on the Immobilise website<br />
www.immobilise.com. Immobilise helps the<br />
police trace the owners of stolen property.<br />
• Back up work regularly and keep copies in a<br />
safe place in case your laptop is stolen.<br />
Protect against identity theft<br />
• Don’t let criminals use your personal<br />
information for fraud.<br />
• Don’t throw away bank statements, bills or<br />
credit card statements.<br />
• If your documents are lost or stolen, report this<br />
immediately to the organisation which issued<br />
them.<br />
• Never give your bank security passwords or PIN<br />
to anyone.<br />
• Beware of emails or phone calls from criminals<br />
pretending to be banks, the Home <strong>Office</strong> or<br />
other immigration officials. They may be trying<br />
to get access to your personal details.<br />
• More information on how to protect yourself<br />
against identity theft is at<br />
www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud_protection/<br />
identity_fraud<br />
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Safety when you go out<br />
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be<br />
especially careful if you are using headphones<br />
or talking on your mobile phone.<br />
• Don't wear expensive jewellery to avoid<br />
attracting attention and disguise your laptop<br />
by using a sports bag.<br />
• After dark, don’t walk alone or use outside<br />
cash machines. Travel home on the LUU<br />
Nightbus, or take a taxi, or walk with friends<br />
using well-lit streets.<br />
• Take precautions to keep yourself safe when<br />
you are in pubs, bars and clubs - you can find<br />
advice about this at:<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/<br />
helpandadvice<br />
Use the LUU Nightbus<br />
This service takes students home to their<br />
accommodation from the University after dark.<br />
It is for students travelling home alone or in<br />
pairs. The Nightbus costs £1 and runs every<br />
night during term-time. You can book the<br />
Nightbus at the front door of the Union building<br />
with the security staff. The service takes you to<br />
the entrance of your accommodation so you<br />
don’t have to walk home from a bus stop.<br />
Information about the service including a<br />
timetable is available from the Union building<br />
reception and on<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice/<br />
healthandwellbeing/gethomesafe<br />
Use Amber Cars ‘no cash’ taxi service<br />
If you have no cash, Amber Cars has an<br />
arrangement with Leeds University Union which<br />
allows students without cash to take a taxi and<br />
give the driver their student card, then pay the<br />
fare later. See page 43 of this handbook for<br />
information about the service.<br />
Safety at home<br />
Check the safety of your accommodation<br />
• Check regularly that your accommodation<br />
has working smoke alarms and a current gas<br />
safety certificate.<br />
• Make sure you are aware of fire safety<br />
precautions and how to avoid carbon<br />
monoxide poisoning.<br />
• Keep your accommodation secure by locking<br />
all windows and doors when you leave your<br />
room and don’t let anyone you don’t know into<br />
the building.<br />
• More home safety advice is at:<br />
www.knowledge-leeds.co.uk<br />
If you have concerns about safety in your<br />
accommodation you can get expert advice<br />
from the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre.<br />
Email: advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Crime<br />
In the unlikely event that you are a victim of<br />
personal or property crime, please refer to our<br />
website for guidance about what to do, who to<br />
speak to and how to report the crime. You can<br />
also come and see us in the <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> for help and support.<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
living_in_the_uk/safety/coping_with_crime
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Security and safety services<br />
West Yorkshire Police<br />
The role of the Police service includes<br />
receiving reports of crime and lost property;<br />
giving crime prevention advice; patrolling<br />
the city; investigating crimes; and responding<br />
to emergencies.<br />
What number do I phone to report a<br />
crime or emergency situation to the<br />
Police<br />
Tel: 101 (non-emergencies)<br />
Tel: 999 (emergencies only)<br />
Who can I talk to for information about<br />
the Police or crime in Leeds<br />
Police <strong>Student</strong> Liaison <strong>Office</strong>r<br />
PC Matthew Guy<br />
Tel: 0113 343 0274<br />
Email: M.Guy@leeds.ac.uk<br />
mg7@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk<br />
Where can I report a crime to<br />
Police face-to-face<br />
You should visit the police station responsible for<br />
the area where the crime was committed.<br />
Telephone in advance to check which station<br />
you should visit.<br />
Leeds Police Stations<br />
City Centre<br />
Millgarth Police Station,<br />
Millgarth Street,<br />
Leeds<br />
LS2 7HX<br />
Tel: 101<br />
Headingley/Adel<br />
Weetwood Police Station,<br />
300 Otley Road,<br />
Leeds<br />
LS16 6RG<br />
Tel: 101<br />
University Security Service<br />
This service operates 24-hours a day, every day<br />
of the year. Security staff offer crime prevention<br />
advice, patrol the campus, investigate crimes,<br />
respond to alarms and emergencies and deal<br />
with lost property. Contact them for information<br />
and advice or to report a crime, at 175<br />
Woodhouse Lane (200m downhill from the<br />
Parkinson Building, on the same side of the<br />
road).<br />
Tel: 0113 343 5494/5 (non-emergencies)<br />
Tel: 0113 343 2222 (emergencies only)<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/estate_services/security<br />
University Health and Safety Services<br />
Provides advice and support to help staff and<br />
students work and study safely and healthily.<br />
Contact them for information, advice or to report<br />
any health and safety concern.<br />
Tel: 0113 343 4201<br />
Email: safety@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/safety<br />
Keeping you safe<br />
Your school/department will give you information<br />
about health and safety in your induction,<br />
including health and safety protocols, how to<br />
report an accident or near miss and your health<br />
and safety responsibilities as a student. Fire<br />
safety information is posted in all University<br />
buildings. The University’s Health and Safety<br />
Policy and other health and safety information is<br />
at www.leeds.ac.uk/safety Ask your Tutor if you<br />
have any questions.<br />
Emergency Services<br />
Tel: 999<br />
For Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coast Guard<br />
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Help@Leeds<br />
How can we help you<br />
All students will have questions and need<br />
support with personal and academic issues at<br />
various times during their studies. Help@Leeds<br />
website makes it really easy for you to find an<br />
answer or help when you need it. You can<br />
access Help@Leeds via the `Help' tab on the<br />
Portal and Help@leeds information is also<br />
available offline on the UniLeeds app and on<br />
http://help.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Help@Leeds has a changing menu of<br />
information and help to match the needs of<br />
students at different times of the year. It also<br />
contains the contact details of all the support<br />
services on campus and quick links to other<br />
useful information, including safety advice,<br />
health support, exam information and<br />
opportunities for career development.<br />
Help@Leeds makes it easy to find help online,<br />
but if you want to talk to someone, staff in the<br />
University's specialist student services and the<br />
support staff in your academic school are there<br />
to help you. If you have a question or problem,<br />
ask for help as soon as possible. Don't wait for<br />
someone to offer to help. In the UK it is unusual<br />
for someone to offer you help unless you have<br />
asked for it. Asking for help is viewed as taking<br />
responsibility for ensuring a successful<br />
experience, not as a sign of weakness, so don't<br />
hesitate to ask and make use of all the help on<br />
offer at Leeds.<br />
Your school and faculty<br />
As soon as possible, find out which staff in<br />
your school and faculty are your key support<br />
contacts and how they can help you.<br />
Your Personal Tutor/Supervisor<br />
They are there to give you a range of academic<br />
and pastoral (non-academic) support. As well as<br />
talking to them about academic questions or<br />
problems, you must tell them if you are ill or<br />
have personal problems that might affect your<br />
studies. Your personal tutor/supervisor will also<br />
refer you to other staff or services for help with<br />
any questions and problems that he/she is not<br />
able to assist with.<br />
Your School Rep<br />
If you have a problem to do with your<br />
course or school, or ideas about how to make<br />
improvements, you can speak to your school<br />
representative who can advise you who to talk to<br />
and can help you raise your issue with staff. To<br />
find out who is your school rep, by checking on:<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/yourreps/<br />
academicreps<br />
Your friends<br />
It is natural to ask your friends for help and they<br />
will give you very valuable support. But it is<br />
important that you also ask University staff. Your<br />
friends may not always be able to give you the<br />
best information and they may give you incorrect<br />
advice. University services are trained to give<br />
you reliable specialist support and advice.<br />
Contact details for the following support services<br />
can be found in the ‘Essential Services’ section<br />
on pages 51-54<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
This office offers information and confidential<br />
advice for international students including:<br />
• Immigration advice<br />
• Settling in and understanding UK systems<br />
• Support with worries and problems<br />
Drop-in service available Monday – Friday<br />
at 10.30<br />
Appointments with specialist advisers to have<br />
your visa application checked can be booked at<br />
the enquiry desk.<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre<br />
This is a professional, friendly service which<br />
provides help with any problems concerning life<br />
as a student. All help is free and confidential<br />
and the service is independent of the University.
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Specialist advice and support is available in<br />
these areas:<br />
• Academic procedures<br />
Help with University regulations; advice and<br />
representation with progression difficulties,<br />
plagiarism, appeals or disciplinary cases; help to<br />
explain problems to your tutors.<br />
• Money<br />
Advice on budgeting and financial problems;<br />
negotiating with services and with creditors if you<br />
have debts; help to find alternative sources of<br />
funding; and in extreme cases emergency<br />
funding if you have a family crisis or similar<br />
problem.<br />
• Housing<br />
Advice on house-hunting; help with disrepair and<br />
poor housing conditions including compensation;<br />
help to resolve difficulties with landlords or<br />
flatmates; disciplinary cases.<br />
• Victim support<br />
Help to report a crime; support to help victims<br />
deal with the consequences of a crime.<br />
• Your rights<br />
Help with questions about employment and legal<br />
rights and if you have problems with a shop or<br />
service.<br />
Drop-in advice service: 12.30 - 16.00<br />
Please call first to check availability.<br />
Appointments with specialist advisers can be<br />
booked if required.<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Counselling Centre<br />
The Centre provides a confidential counselling<br />
service where you can find help with a wide<br />
range of worries or concerns relating to issues<br />
such as:<br />
• Academic difficulties<br />
• Personal relationships<br />
• Homesickness and settling in to UK life<br />
• Traumatic experiences<br />
Drop-in at 15.00 on weekdays throughout the<br />
year or fill in a self-referral form online. Further<br />
counselling sessions can be booked by<br />
appointment if required.<br />
University Chaplaincy<br />
Chaplains listen to and help students with<br />
questions and problems and at difficult times in<br />
their lives. They provide support to students of<br />
all faiths and to those who have no religious<br />
beliefs. They have an out of hours phone number<br />
on their website for students in distress.<br />
Nightline<br />
Offers an information and listening support<br />
service provided by trained student volunteers.<br />
• Information<br />
about student life and services in the University<br />
and in Leeds.<br />
• Listening support<br />
for students who are worried, confused,<br />
distressed, in trouble or even if they just need to<br />
talk. The service is confidential and anonymous<br />
(they will not ask for your name).<br />
Disability Team, Equality Service<br />
The Disability Team provides support, advice and<br />
guidance to disabled students. If you have a<br />
disability, or you find you are struggling whilst at<br />
university because of your disability, you can<br />
meet with a disability coordinator to discuss your<br />
support needs. Support packages range from<br />
loan of equipment, such as digital recorders to<br />
personal assistants to help you with access<br />
around campus.<br />
How can I get help in an emergency<br />
Off Campus - Call Emergency Services<br />
Dial 999<br />
Ask for police/fire brigade/ambulance and give<br />
your name and location. (It is free to call 999).<br />
Only use 999 in an emergency, for example if a<br />
life is at risk or if a crime is being committed.<br />
On Campus - University Security Services<br />
Dial 0113 343 2222<br />
If an emergency takes place on campus, call the<br />
University Security Services emergency number.<br />
Contact your warden/subwarden/residence manager<br />
If you are in University accommodation, contact<br />
your warden/subwarden or the Residence<br />
Manager as well in an emergency situation.<br />
27
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
28<br />
Computers and IT<br />
Logging in to a Cluster PC<br />
To use a computer in one of the University’s<br />
computer clusters, you will need your username<br />
and password. To get your initial username and<br />
password, follow these steps:<br />
• Go to a computer cluster<br />
• Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on the keyboard<br />
• Type mypassword in the User name box<br />
• Type mypassword in the Password box<br />
• Click the arrow<br />
• Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be<br />
asked for your student ID number (found on<br />
your offer letter) and your date of birth.<br />
Find the locations and further details of computer<br />
clusters at:<br />
http://helpdesk.leeds.ac.uk/info/76/pc_clusters<br />
IT induction<br />
Once you have registered, you can access all the<br />
IT services at the University via the Portal using<br />
your username and password, and you can also<br />
use the University’s two mobile apps.<br />
As well as access to email, file storage and the<br />
internet, there are also computer clusters across<br />
campus. All of the clusters are open 09.00 to<br />
17.00 weekdays and there are some clusters that<br />
open 24/7, ensuring you can study when it suits<br />
you. You can check the availability of PCs in the<br />
clusters by downloading the UniLeeds app.<br />
There are about 1,700 networked PCs available<br />
on campus for you to use. If you would rather use<br />
your own laptop, most areas have high-speed<br />
wi-fi.<br />
We advise that you go through the online IT<br />
induction course which introduces you to the<br />
many IT facilities available on and off campus –<br />
you will be able to access this at any time via the<br />
Portal’s ‘IT and Libraries’ tab.<br />
If you ever need any help, experienced Help Desk<br />
staff are here seven days a week to give you IT<br />
support by phone, email or in person.<br />
The IT Help Desk is located on level 10 in the<br />
Edward Boyle Library.<br />
Tel: 0113 343 3333<br />
Email: helpdesk@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://helpdesk.leeds.ac.uk<br />
The Portal<br />
Once you have registered, the Portal is your way to<br />
access everything at University. It is where you<br />
access your student email, your personal<br />
timetable, your Library account, announcements,<br />
useful links and much more. It is also where you<br />
update your personal details such as address,<br />
which can be used on official University<br />
documents. You should familiarise yourself with<br />
the website when you first arrive in Leeds.<br />
http://portal.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)<br />
Also accessible through the Portal is the Virtual<br />
Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE contains a<br />
range of learning resources, including module<br />
information, handouts and lecture notes, reading<br />
lists and past examination papers. It is also where<br />
you submit assignments electronically. You can<br />
access each module’s VLE area from your ‘My<br />
Modules’ list on the ‘My Studies’ tab of the<br />
Portal.<br />
Mobile apps<br />
If you have a smartphone, you can download<br />
these two free apps to access useful information<br />
on the go.<br />
UniLeeds – this app features your personalised<br />
timetable, your library record and the full library<br />
catalogue, campus maps, computer cluster<br />
availability, staff directory search, University news<br />
and events, and information from Leeds<br />
University Union.<br />
Blackboard Mobile Learn – this app gives you<br />
access to the Virtual Learning Environment,<br />
where you can view announcements, get module<br />
information and documents, participate in<br />
discussion boards and check your grades.<br />
Download now at: www.leeds.ac.uk/apps
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Campus map key - alphabetical<br />
(64) Access & Community Engagement (ACE)<br />
(58) Baines Wing<br />
(93) Biological Sciences<br />
(19) Business School<br />
(26) Careers Centre<br />
(86) Charles Morris Hall Including Storm<br />
Jameson Court, Dobree and Whetton<br />
(62) Chaplaincy / Emmanuel Centre<br />
(55) Chemistry<br />
(49) Civil Engineering<br />
(60) Classics<br />
(56) Colour Chemistry Building<br />
(73) Computing<br />
(100) Conference Auditorium<br />
(95) Dentistry<br />
(34) Design<br />
(82) Disability Team<br />
(84) Earth and Environment<br />
(70) Education<br />
(83) Edward Boyle Library<br />
(51) Electronic and Electrical Engineering<br />
(22) Ellerslie Hall<br />
(76) English<br />
(82) Equality Service<br />
(53) Fine Art<br />
(102) Food Science and Nutrition<br />
(90) Garstang Building<br />
(38) Geography<br />
(57) Great Hall<br />
(17) Gryphon Sports Centre<br />
(58) Healthcare<br />
(44) Henry Price Building<br />
(78) History<br />
(48) Houldsworth Building<br />
(77) <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
(16) Law<br />
(110) Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice<br />
(77) Lifelong Learning Centre<br />
(30) Lyddon Hall<br />
(35) Man Made Fibres Building<br />
(77) Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
(84) Mathematics<br />
(50) Mechanical Engineering<br />
(95) Medicine<br />
(78) Michael Sadler Building<br />
(78) Modern Languages<br />
(75) Music / Clothworkers’ Concert Hall<br />
(53) Old Mining Building / Fine Art<br />
(60) Parkinson Building<br />
(31) Performance & Cultural Industries<br />
(78) Philosophy<br />
(73) Physics and Astronomy<br />
(37) Psychology<br />
(29) Refectory<br />
(89) Roger Stevens Building<br />
(65) Security Service<br />
(64) Skills@Library<br />
(82) Social Sciences Building<br />
(82) Sociology and Social Policy<br />
(101) The Edge (Sports Centre)<br />
(31) Stage@Leeds<br />
(25) <strong>Student</strong> Counselling Centre<br />
(77) <strong>Student</strong> Services Centre<br />
(32) <strong>Student</strong>s’ Union (Leeds University Union)<br />
(77) Study Abroad <strong>Office</strong><br />
(65) Theology and Religious Studies<br />
(43) Transport Studies<br />
(67) Unipol Bureau<br />
(28) University House<br />
(61) Workshop Theatre<br />
(95) Worsley Building<br />
29
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Campus map<br />
30
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
31
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Campus map key - numerical<br />
32<br />
(16) Law<br />
(19) Business School<br />
(22) Ellerslie Hall<br />
(25) <strong>Student</strong> Counselling Centre<br />
(26) Careers Centre<br />
(28) University House<br />
(29) Refectory<br />
(30) Lyddon Hall<br />
(31) Performance & Cultural Industries<br />
(31) Stage@Leeds<br />
(32) <strong>Student</strong>s’ Union (Leeds University Union)<br />
(34) Design<br />
(35) Man Made Fibres Building<br />
(37) Psychology<br />
(38) Geography<br />
(43) Transport Studies<br />
(44) Henry Price Building<br />
(48) Houldsworth Building<br />
(49) Civil Engineering<br />
(50) Mechanical Engineering<br />
(51) Electronic and Electrical Engineering<br />
(53) Old Mining Building / Fine Art<br />
(55) Chemistry<br />
(56) Colour Science Building<br />
(57) Great Hall<br />
(58) Baines Wing<br />
(58) Healthcare<br />
(60) Classics<br />
(60) Parkinson Building & Tower<br />
(61) Workshop Theatre<br />
(62) Chaplaincy / Emmanuel Centre<br />
(64) Access & Community Engagement (ACE)<br />
(64) Skills@Library<br />
(65) Security Service<br />
(65) Theology and Religious Studies<br />
(67) Unipol Bureau<br />
(70) Education<br />
(73) Computing<br />
(73) Physics and Astronomy<br />
(75) Music / Clothworkers’ Concert Hall<br />
(76) English<br />
(77) Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
(77) Lifelong Learning Centre<br />
(77) <strong>Student</strong> Services Centre<br />
(77) <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
(77) Study Abroad <strong>Office</strong><br />
(78) History<br />
(78) Michael Sadler Building<br />
(78) Modern Languages<br />
(78) Philosophy<br />
(82) Disability Team<br />
(82) Equality Service<br />
(82) Social Sciences Building<br />
(82) Sociology and Social Policy<br />
(83) Edward Boyle Library<br />
(84) Mathematics<br />
(84) Earth and Environment<br />
(86) Charles Morris Hall Including Storm<br />
Jameson Court, Dobree and Whetton<br />
(89) Roger Stevens Building<br />
(90) Garstang Building<br />
(93) Biological Sciences<br />
(95) Dentistry<br />
(95) Medicine<br />
(95) Worsley Building<br />
(100) Conference Auditorium<br />
(101) The Edge (Sports Centre)<br />
(102) Food Science and Nutrition<br />
(110) Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
British and international food<br />
Will I eat well in Leeds<br />
Food will definitely be a central part of your<br />
experience here. You can buy a very wide variety<br />
of international food ingredients in Leeds. Below<br />
is just a selection of the many international food<br />
shops around the city.<br />
Healthy eating<br />
Remember to make sure you eat a balanced diet<br />
so you stay healthy while you’re here. Be sure to<br />
follow food hygiene rules, especially if you are<br />
new to cooking. More information about<br />
preparing healthy food is available on the<br />
UKCISA website:<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
If you are new to cooking<br />
Ask for simple recipes from friends or family<br />
back home, and find new ideas on the BBC food<br />
website. Use the search function and select<br />
‘quick recipes’ to find the easiest ones!<br />
www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes<br />
Places to buy food<br />
Kirkgate Market<br />
34 George Street<br />
Sells a wide range of British and international<br />
foods including fish, meat, fruit and vegetables<br />
Wing Lee Hong<br />
117 Vicar Lane<br />
Sells food from South East Asia<br />
Various Thai and Chinese supermarkets<br />
China Town area, from Vicar Lane to<br />
Templar Lane<br />
Andalusian Halal Meats<br />
67 Brudenell Grove, Hyde Park<br />
AAA Supermarket<br />
22-24 Woodsley Road, Hyde Park<br />
Includes Halal food<br />
Maumoniat <strong>International</strong> Supermarket<br />
35-45 Brudenell Grove, Hyde Park<br />
Includes Halal food<br />
Mahmood Halal Butchers<br />
23 Alexandra Road, Hyde Park<br />
Abu Bakar <strong>International</strong> Supermarket<br />
37 Queens Road, Hyde Park<br />
Noshi Foodstore<br />
22 Harehills Road, Leeds (Bus number: 49,<br />
50, 50A from The Headrow, Leeds city centre)<br />
Sells good quality fruit and vegetables and<br />
Halal food<br />
Harehills area including Roundhay Road<br />
and Harehills Road<br />
Has many small shops that sell Halal food<br />
Myers Famous Kosherie<br />
410 Harrogate Road (Bus Number: 36 from the<br />
Bus Station 2, 3, 3A, 7A, 7S from Vicar Lane,<br />
Leeds city centre)<br />
Sells Kosher food<br />
Medina Costcutter<br />
199 Chapeltown Road (Bus Number: 2, 3,<br />
3A, 48 from Vicar Lane, Leeds city centre)<br />
Afro-Caribbean food<br />
Chapeltown Road area<br />
(Bus Number: 2, 3, 3A from Vicar Lane, Leeds<br />
city centre). Many shops specialising in Afro-<br />
Caribbean food<br />
Karim Brothers Food Store<br />
40-42 Harehills Road (Bus number: 49, 50,<br />
50A from The Headrow, Leeds city centre)<br />
Includes Halal food<br />
33
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Opening a bank account<br />
34<br />
Can I open a bank account<br />
Most students are able to open a basic bank<br />
account in the UK. If you are here for 12<br />
months or more, you will have the widest choice<br />
of bank accounts available to you, but students<br />
here for less time are still able to open<br />
accounts. The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> has<br />
created a Bank Account Comparison Table to<br />
help you decide which bank account you wish to<br />
open. Please check the Bank Account<br />
Comparison Table to see how long you need to<br />
be in the UK for to open each specific account.<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
useful_links/information_leaflets<br />
What do I need to open<br />
a bank account<br />
What you require to open a bank account will<br />
depend on which bank and which bank account<br />
you choose. You may find the following<br />
information helpful as general guidance about<br />
what you may need to open a UK bank account:<br />
1. Proof of your identity:<br />
Evidence of your identity = passport or EU<br />
national identity card<br />
2. Proof of your status as a student (if you are<br />
opening a student account):<br />
Evidence of your status as a student: your offer<br />
letter or a bank letter from the University<br />
3. Proof of address:<br />
Some banks will require proof of your UK<br />
address and/or your home/overseas residential<br />
address. Different banks accept different<br />
documents as proof of address: See the Bank<br />
Account Comparison Table:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
useful_links/information_leaflets<br />
4. Minimum deposits and fees:<br />
Some banks require a minimum deposit to open<br />
certain accounts and charge a monthly fee.<br />
(Some bank accounts also require you to<br />
maintain a minimum balance in your account).<br />
Where can I get a bank introduction<br />
letter from the University<br />
A banking letter can be used as proof of student<br />
status and proof of both your UK and oversees<br />
addresses. You can get one from the <strong>Student</strong><br />
Services Counter in the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff<br />
Building. You need to decide which bank<br />
account you wish to open before you get your<br />
bank letter as <strong>Student</strong> Services will address your<br />
letter to the bank of your choice.<br />
How do I decide which bank<br />
to choose<br />
The University does not recommend any<br />
particular bank. Everyone is different, and<br />
different banks have different services and<br />
opening requirements for different bank<br />
accounts. The Bank Account Comparison Table<br />
has initial guidance to help you compare the<br />
different banks, but you also need to read<br />
further information from the banks before you<br />
make your final choice.<br />
There are three banks on campus and many<br />
other banks have several branches in the city<br />
centre. The nearest Bank of China branch is in<br />
Manchester.<br />
How long does it take to open<br />
an account<br />
Some accounts can be opened quickly<br />
(less than 48 hours) – others may take longer,<br />
particularly during the busiest periods, such<br />
as September. If you pay your University tuition<br />
fees in instalments you will need your bank<br />
account to be open before you can complete<br />
your University registration. However, if your<br />
bank account takes time to open, this is not a<br />
problem. Once you have paid the first<br />
instalment of your tuition fees you can receive<br />
a temporary registration card to use until your<br />
bank account is open and you can complete<br />
your University registration. A temporary<br />
registration card enables you to use the<br />
computer and library facilities.
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Important information about bank<br />
accounts<br />
• Keep your bank statements. You will need<br />
these original statements if you have to extend<br />
your visa/leave to stay in the UK. Some banks<br />
charge for duplicate statements and it may<br />
take them several weeks to produce the<br />
documents.<br />
• Only use a bank account for which you are a<br />
named holder. You should not allow others to<br />
use your account to do their banking.<br />
• Keep your personal details and account details<br />
secret to prevent someone stealing your<br />
identity. For more information, visit:<br />
www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud_protection/<br />
identity_fraud<br />
• Do not go into debt on your account unless you<br />
have a pre-agreed overdraft facility with the<br />
bank.<br />
Banks advertising Sharia-compliant<br />
services<br />
For further information, please contact the banks<br />
directly or visit their website.<br />
Islamic Bank of Britain: www.islamic-bank.com/<br />
personal-banking<br />
Lloyds TSB:<br />
www.lloydstsb.com/current_accounts/<br />
islamic_account.asp<br />
Where can I ask for help if I have<br />
questions or problems<br />
Please visit the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> if<br />
you need further information and advice on<br />
opening a UK bank account.<br />
35<br />
Details of local banks offering student accounts and/or cash accounts<br />
Name of Bank Nearest branch (to campus) Website<br />
Bank of China Limited Manchester (city centre) www.bankofchina.com/uk<br />
Barclays Blenheim Terrace (campus) www.barclays.co.uk<br />
Co-operative Bank Vicar Lane (city centre) www.co-operativebank.co.uk<br />
Halifax The Headrow (city centre) www.halifax.co.uk<br />
HSBC Blenheim Terrace (campus) www.hsbc.co.uk<br />
Lloyds TSB Park Row (city centre) www.lloydstsb.com<br />
Nationwide 36 – 38 Albion Street, Leeds (city centre) www.nationwide.co.uk<br />
NatWest 8 Park Row, Leeds (city centre) www.natwest.com<br />
Royal Bank of Scotland 27 Park Row, Leeds (city centre) www.rbs.co.uk<br />
Santander Leeds University Union (campus) www.santander.co.uk<br />
Yorkshire Bank Albion Street, Leeds (city centre) www.ybonline.co.uk
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Managing your money<br />
36<br />
How can I make my money go further<br />
Budget<br />
The best way to make your money go further is to<br />
decide on a budget and stick to it. It’s important<br />
to have a clear idea of how much money you<br />
have to spend each week and what your essential<br />
costs are, so you know how much you have left<br />
to spend on non-essential things. You could start<br />
by using the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> Calculator to<br />
create your budget or you could design your own<br />
spreadsheet. You can visit the <strong>Student</strong> Advice<br />
Centre for confidential face-to-face advice on<br />
budgeting.<br />
http://international.studentcalculator.org<br />
Shop around<br />
It‘s always worth checking several different<br />
shops and service providers to compare prices<br />
before buying. When shopping online always<br />
search on more than one site to be sure you have<br />
found a good deal. Online price comparison<br />
websites can be very useful. Remember that<br />
online reviews can only give you an idea about<br />
the product – for factual information check the<br />
official product details before you buy.<br />
www.moneysavingexpert.com<br />
<strong>Student</strong> discounts<br />
Carry your student ID card with you. It’s always<br />
worth asking places whether they offer a student<br />
discount. You can also find out about the latest<br />
deals, discounts and special offers for students<br />
in Leeds on: www.studentbeans.com<br />
Transport and travel<br />
You can save money by walking or cycling. Bus<br />
passes, railcards, coachcards and booking in<br />
advance can make a big difference if you are<br />
travelling longer distances. Read pages 42-45<br />
to find out about other ways you can save money<br />
on travel.<br />
Utility bills<br />
Remember to switch off electrical appliances<br />
and heating whenever you don’t need them. If<br />
you are paying your utility bills separately in<br />
private-sector housing, make sure you are with<br />
the cheapest supplier for gas and electricity. You<br />
can use the uSwitch website to compare costs.<br />
www.uswitch.com<br />
Buy second hand<br />
You can find great bargains on clothes, books<br />
and household items in charity shops and help a<br />
good cause at the same time. Charity shops can<br />
be found on Otley Road in Headingley and in the<br />
city centre. The online auction website eBay has<br />
a huge range of second hand as well as new<br />
goods to buy and you can also use it to make<br />
money by selling any of your unwanted<br />
possessions. The Amazon website is also very<br />
useful for second hand books, DVDs and CDs.<br />
www.ebay.co.uk<br />
www.amazon.co.uk<br />
Buy Second Hand<br />
Leeds University Union's Love Leeds Charity<br />
Shop is on level -1 of the Union building. It sells<br />
second hand clothing, books, cookware,<br />
homeware and bedding at low prices. All the<br />
money raised in the shop supports the work of<br />
Leave Leeds Tidy which helps students love<br />
Leeds by keeping it clean.<br />
Freecycle is an online group which helps people<br />
to find new homes for things that they want to<br />
give away for free. If you join the group you can<br />
receive emails about things that are being<br />
offered and you can send a request for anything<br />
you are looking for.<br />
www.freecycle.org<br />
How can I avoid financial problems<br />
and get help if I need it<br />
Don’t rush into a contract<br />
Never sign a contract for a phone, housing,<br />
insurance, internet/broadband, cable or satellite<br />
TV or other product or service unless you have<br />
read it and you are sure that you are happy with<br />
the conditions, including the length of the<br />
contract. Sales people can be very persuasive<br />
and once you have signed, you will be legally
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
bound to pay for the duration of the contract, even<br />
if you later realise that it is not right for you. If you<br />
are being pushed, rushed or even bullied, don’t<br />
sign.<br />
Say no and hang up the phone or walk away.<br />
If you take a copy of the contract to the <strong>Student</strong><br />
Advice Centre, they can check it and give you<br />
advice to help you decide whether it is a good idea<br />
to sign it.<br />
Avoid failed direct debit costs<br />
If you arrange to pay bills by direct debit, make<br />
sure the money is in your bank account two<br />
working days before the direct debit payment is<br />
collected. If not, the bank may make a penalty<br />
charge. If you arrange to pay tuition or<br />
accommodation fees in instalments and then<br />
cancel your direct debit, you will lose the right to<br />
pay your fees in instalments and must make the<br />
full payment immediately. You will also be charged<br />
extra fees for every month the payment remains<br />
unpaid.<br />
Remember that direct debit is the only method<br />
you can use to pay the second instalment of<br />
tuition fees. If you change your bank after you set<br />
up your direct debit, you must give the Accounts<br />
Receivable office your new bank account details at<br />
least 7 days before any direct debit payment is<br />
due to be collected. Information is at:<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre<br />
Tell the University immediately if you cannot pay<br />
your tuition or accommodation fees on time.<br />
If you are having difficulties paying your tuition or<br />
accommodation fees to the University on time,<br />
visit the Accounts Receivable <strong>Office</strong> in the<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Services Centre immediately to explain<br />
your situation. Don’t wait until your payment<br />
deadline has passed as there is an extra monthly<br />
charge for late payment. If you have an unforeseen<br />
and exceptional change of circumstances which<br />
means you are unable to pay on time, you should<br />
put details of these circumstances in writing to<br />
the Accounts Receivable <strong>Office</strong>: fees@leeds.ac.uk<br />
Don’t pay money for your University fees to a third<br />
party unless you are sure they are reputable.<br />
<strong>Student</strong>s are sometimes approached by<br />
organisations or individuals who claim to be able<br />
to offer them a discount on their fees.<br />
They will offer to pay your full fee to the<br />
University, in return for a partial payment from<br />
you. We recommend that you do not pay money to<br />
anyone that approaches you making such an offer,<br />
as it is very likely to be fraud.<br />
Don’t claim UK state benefits without taking advice<br />
If you entered the UK as an international student<br />
and you are not an EEA (European Economic Area)<br />
national, it is very unlikely you can receive any<br />
state benefits. Never try to claim benefits without<br />
taking advice from the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre.<br />
Making a claim for benefits when you are not<br />
entitled can have serious legal consequences.<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
Problems with goods or services<br />
If you have a problem with something you have<br />
bought or with a service or company and you need<br />
help, visit the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre. They will<br />
give you information about your rights and advice<br />
about possible courses of action. In some cases<br />
they may be able to negotiate on your behalf.<br />
Take with you all the paperwork you have related<br />
to the case.<br />
Keep evidence<br />
If there is a problem or dispute relating to<br />
something at the University or to a shop or service,<br />
you will need to provide evidence to support your<br />
case. For this reason it is essential to keep<br />
documents such as receipts, contracts, bills,<br />
emails, letters and statements safely. In some<br />
cases it can also be useful to write notes as a<br />
record of conversations and actions and to have<br />
photographic evidence, for example in a dispute<br />
with a landlord over repairs.<br />
Unexpected financial difficulties<br />
If you can show you had enough funding for the<br />
whole of your course when you came to the UK,<br />
but you have financial difficulties because of<br />
unexpected circumstances, such as a crisis back<br />
home, visit the <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre as soon as<br />
possible. If an adviser assesses you as a suitable<br />
case, it may be possible for you to apply for a<br />
small amount of additional financial help from the<br />
University or Leeds University Union.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
37
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
38<br />
New cultural experiences<br />
What can I expect from life in a new<br />
cultural environment<br />
Living in a different cultural environment will be<br />
challenging, exciting and life-changing. As an<br />
international student you will probably<br />
experience some homesickness and culture<br />
shock as you get used to living in the UK, but<br />
you will also have some amazing experiences<br />
through being part of the University of Leeds<br />
Global Community. Here at Leeds, our<br />
international and multicultural University gives<br />
you a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to<br />
know students from over 140 different<br />
countries; enjoy new experiences; broaden your<br />
horizons; and develop your intercultural skills.<br />
The University of Leeds Global<br />
Community<br />
Find out how you can get the most out of being<br />
part of our Global Community by using the<br />
website, Facebook page and Twitter. You can<br />
meet friends from all over the world at the<br />
weekly Global Café (see page 40); explore the<br />
UK with Global Saturdays day trips; join or help<br />
organise intercultural activities with the<br />
Intercultural Ambassadors and take part in the<br />
fantastic World Unite Festival in February. There<br />
are also over 30 Leeds University Union cultural<br />
societies you can join to meet other students<br />
interested in different languages and cultures;<br />
and language exchange activities organised by<br />
the Language Centre and in Leeds University<br />
Union, all giving you plenty of opportunities to<br />
share your culture and make a global network of<br />
friends.<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.facebook.com/globalcommunityleeds<br />
http://twitter.com/leedsgloco<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/<br />
clubsandsocieties/culture<br />
What can help with homesickness and<br />
culture shock<br />
You can meet other students who are going<br />
through similar experiences at the <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong>s’ Club and the Global Café (see page<br />
40) and by joining student cultural societies. It<br />
can be helpful to know that you are not alone in<br />
feeling unsettled away from home and to get<br />
together with new friends to cook favourite food<br />
from home and compare things you miss or find<br />
unusual. Learning more about UK culture can<br />
also help you feel more at home, so you might<br />
like to arrange a HOST visit to a British home or<br />
a language exchange partner, which will give you<br />
the chance to ask questions and discuss<br />
differences and similarities between your<br />
background and your experience in Leeds.<br />
Many students will experience culture shock<br />
during their first year in Leeds. Differences in<br />
things you take for granted at home - like the<br />
weather, food, living environment, rules and<br />
behaviour - can stop seeming interesting and<br />
become instead upsetting and disorientating.<br />
Living in a situation where you are surrounded<br />
by things and experiences which are unfamiliar<br />
or unexpected can be exciting, but it can also<br />
make you feel uncomfortable and sometimes<br />
unwell, and can affect your ability to<br />
concentrate on studies and feel positive about<br />
your time in the UK. The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong>, Chaplaincy, <strong>Student</strong> Counselling Centre<br />
and Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice can all<br />
provide support to help with homesickness and<br />
culture shock, so please contact them if you are<br />
experiencing this. You can also find out more<br />
about culture shock by visting the UKCISA<br />
website:<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Find a Language Exchange Partner<br />
You can apply to be matched with a language<br />
exchange partner – a student who has an interest<br />
in your language and culture. This is a great way<br />
to learn about another culture, practise language<br />
skills and make friends. For more information<br />
visit the Language Centre Self-Access Area, 2nd<br />
Floor Parkinson Building.<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/124995/learning_<br />
facilities/1443/language_exchange_scheme<br />
Visit a British home with HOST UK<br />
The HOST programme arranges for international<br />
students to visit British homes for weekends<br />
during term time and over holiday periods. This<br />
is a great way to make new friends, share your<br />
culture and understand more about British<br />
culture. The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> pays<br />
half the cost of your first visit. Visit the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> website for more<br />
information:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
living_in_the_uk/social_life<br />
www.hostuk.org.uk<br />
Visit the UK with Global Saturdays<br />
These day trips run by the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> give you the chance to take a break from<br />
studies and campus for a day, visit some of the<br />
UK’s best cities, countryside, seaside and<br />
attractions, and come back with new friends<br />
from around the world. To find out about the trip<br />
destinations and to buy tickets visit:<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/saturdays<br />
Equality and Diversity Support<br />
The University of Leeds is committed to<br />
providing a safe, supportive and welcoming<br />
environment for all and requires staff and<br />
students to be aware of and to follow the<br />
University’s equality and diversity policy which<br />
you can find on: www.equality.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Leeds City Council has policies to support<br />
equality and diversity and to tackle prejudice and<br />
antisocial behaviour in the city.<br />
If you are a witness or victim of negative<br />
comments or actions related to race, religion or<br />
faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender<br />
identity, on campus or in the city, please report<br />
this to the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> or to the<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre who will help you get<br />
support and report to the relevant authorities.<br />
Intercultural Ambassadors and World<br />
Unite Festival<br />
The University of Leeds Intercultural<br />
Ambassadors are a group of UK and international<br />
student volunteers who create and lead<br />
intercultural activities to connect students from<br />
different cultural backgrounds and explore and<br />
celebrate the diversity of the University of Leeds<br />
Global Community. The World Unite Festival is<br />
an annual festival hosted by Leeds University<br />
Union in February bringing together students<br />
from all over the world for an inspirational week<br />
of cultural experiences. If you would like to be<br />
involved in Intercultural Ambassadors’ activities<br />
or you want to help organise the 2014 World<br />
Unite Festival, visit:<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
39
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
40<br />
Social life<br />
How can I make friends and enjoy time<br />
off from studying<br />
Even the most dedicated student needs regular<br />
breaks and social contact to keep feeling positive<br />
and healthy so make the time to relax and<br />
socialise while you’re here in Leeds.<br />
The Global Café<br />
This free café is every Monday from 17.30 –<br />
19.30 in the Lounge in Leeds University Union<br />
(opposite Essentials supermarket). It’s a great<br />
place to make friends and enjoy conversations<br />
with people from all over the world.<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/cafe<br />
University of Leeds Global Community<br />
Visit our website, like our Facebook page<br />
and follow us on Twitter to network, share ideas<br />
and plans and find out what’s happening in our<br />
vibrant multicultural University and our fabulously<br />
diverse city. Remember to click the ‘Like’ button<br />
to receive Facebook updates.<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.facebook.com/globalcommunityleeds<br />
https://twitter.com/leedsgloco<br />
The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong>s’ Club<br />
This friendly club offers a programme of activities<br />
and cultural exchange in the Emmanuel Centre on<br />
Wednesday from 18.00 – 19.45.<br />
www.iscleeds.org.uk<br />
Leeds University Union<br />
The Union building is based in the centre of<br />
campus. It provides social opportunities, facilities<br />
and a wide range of services to meet the needs of<br />
students at the University of Leeds. When you<br />
register as a student, you automatically become a<br />
member of Leeds University Union. This means<br />
you can:<br />
• join any of the Union societies and sports clubs<br />
• make use of the facilities and services<br />
• elect student representatives who campaign on<br />
student issues and influence University policy<br />
• stand for election to represent the interests of<br />
your fellow students<br />
• campaign on issues that affect you, via the<br />
Assemblies<br />
Leeds University Union is a democratic<br />
organisation led by an executive committee of<br />
elected student representatives with specific<br />
areas of responsibility. These are welfare, equality<br />
and diversity, activities, education, community,<br />
and communications and internal affairs.<br />
For more information about Leeds University<br />
Union visit the Union building or:<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Societies and Sports Clubs<br />
There is a fantastic range of student societies and<br />
sports clubs available for everyone to join in Leeds<br />
University Union. These activity groups are run by<br />
students for students who share the same interest<br />
in sports, music, hobbies or a particular faith or<br />
culture. Many societies give you the opportunity to<br />
develop employability skills, for example doing<br />
volunteer work in the local community or<br />
organising events. Some groups will take you<br />
outside campus to experience different aspects of<br />
UK culture or explore other parts of the country.<br />
<strong>Student</strong> clubs and societies offer you the chance<br />
to try something you haven’t done before, or to<br />
enjoy a favourite leisure activity, in the company<br />
of friends from all over the world. To view the<br />
variety of student activities on offer visit:<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk<br />
Joining a society or sports club is easy and is a<br />
great way to meet new people, try new things and<br />
make new friends. Everyone can join a club or<br />
society and you can join one at any time<br />
throughout the year.<br />
To join a club or society<br />
All you need to do is:<br />
Step 1: Find out about the group by attending one<br />
of the <strong>Student</strong> Activities fairs in September or<br />
visiting the Union's activities webpages.<br />
Step 2: Contact the club or society group and go<br />
to a session.
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Step 3: Join the group: If you enjoy yourself, fill out<br />
a membership form, pay your fee, and you are part<br />
of that club or society! If you don’t enjoy yourself,<br />
you don’t have to join.<br />
Give it a Go<br />
If you don’t have much spare time, try one of<br />
the exciting one-off activities organised by the<br />
Union. ‘Give it a Go’ is a social programme with<br />
lots of different sessions to choose from, such as<br />
tai chi, cookery, photography and day trips. You<br />
can book for one session<br />
or more.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/giag<br />
Volunteering<br />
Volunteering is a great way to try different<br />
activities, make new friends and build experience<br />
to put on your CV, whilst helping people who can<br />
really benefit from your time and skills. There are<br />
lots of opportunities for you to volunteer for just a<br />
few hours or to be involved in regular volunteering<br />
activity such as working to support local school<br />
children. Find out more about volunteering on<br />
page 51 of this guide and by emailing<br />
volunteer@leeds.ac.uk<br />
Entertainment at Leeds University Union<br />
If you enjoy music, dancing, clubbing, cafés or<br />
bars, you can make friends in some of the Union’s<br />
great social venues. Choose from karaoke, live<br />
bands, sports on the big screen, an award-winning<br />
night-club or just a good cup of coffee and a<br />
comfortable sofa.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk<br />
For information and tickets for club nights and<br />
concerts visit<br />
www.leedstickets.com<br />
Entertainment in the city<br />
There are lots of fantastic attractions and<br />
entertainment venues in the city and local area.<br />
Many places sell tickets at a discount to students<br />
so remember to have your student ID card with<br />
you. You can find information and buy tickets for<br />
activities in Leeds at the City Centre Box <strong>Office</strong>,<br />
which is located on the Ground Floor of The<br />
Carriageworks, in the Electric Press, Millennium<br />
Square.<br />
You can also find information at Leeds Visitor<br />
Centre, the tourist information office based in<br />
Leeds City Train Station, and by checking the<br />
following links:<br />
www.leeds.gov.uk (select 'Leisure')<br />
www.digyorkshire.com<br />
www.leedsliveitloveit.com/students/home<br />
LeedsCard<br />
This gives you free or discounted entry to many<br />
attractions, museums, Leeds City Council sport<br />
and leisure facilities, shops, theatres and<br />
restaurants. It costs £7.50 per year. For more<br />
information visit the LeedsCard team at the One<br />
Stop Centre, 2 Great George Street, Leeds city<br />
centre or visit Leeds City Council’s website to<br />
download an application form:<br />
www.leeds.gov.uk<br />
Proof of age card<br />
It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy<br />
alcohol in the UK. If you look as though you might<br />
be under 25 you will need to take proof of your age<br />
with you when you go out. Most organizations<br />
require a passport or driver’s licence as proof of<br />
age. Additionally, you can buy an official proof of<br />
age card which is accepted by some (but not all)<br />
organizations.<br />
www.validateuk.co.uk<br />
www.citizencard.com<br />
Sexual relationships in the UK<br />
Many international students notice differences in<br />
views and behaviour in the UK related to sexual<br />
relationships, compared to their experience at<br />
home. <strong>Student</strong>s at the University are supported to<br />
follow their own beliefs about what is appropriate<br />
for them in a relationship. Information on sexual<br />
health, contraception and support related to sexual<br />
relationships is available from the <strong>Student</strong> Advice<br />
Centre. There are also useful links on:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
living_in_the_uk/health/sexual_health_and_<br />
relationships/<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice/<br />
healthandwellbeing<br />
41
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Travel in Leeds and the UK<br />
42<br />
Where can I find out about places to<br />
visit in Leeds and the local area<br />
Leeds has a very rich variety of historic buildings<br />
and award-winning museums and galleries that<br />
are well worth a visit when you have a spare few<br />
hours. There are also many wonderful natural<br />
spaces to enjoy. These include parks, woodland,<br />
a city farm in Meanwood and Tropical World in<br />
Roundhay, where you can see landscapes<br />
ranging from Amazonian rainforest, to<br />
Australasian desert.<br />
www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure<br />
There are also many other interesting places to<br />
explore within easy reach of Leeds by public<br />
transport. Find out more by visiting the Leeds<br />
Visitor Centre in Leeds City Train Station or on:<br />
www.yorkshire.com<br />
www.leedsliveitloveit.com<br />
How can I find out about transport in<br />
Leeds and the UK<br />
University Travel Guide<br />
Read the University of Leeds Travel Guide and<br />
visit: www.leeds.ac.uk/sustainabledevelopment/<br />
transport<br />
Cycling and Walking<br />
Most student residences and local facilities are<br />
within a 3-mile radius of the University. This is<br />
ideal for making journeys either by walking or<br />
cycling, which are both popular, convenient and<br />
inexpensive ways of getting around. For a<br />
University cycling and walking map and other<br />
information about facilities for cyclists on<br />
campus visit:<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/sustainabledevelopment/<br />
transport<br />
For advice on how to prevent your bicycle from<br />
being stolen, visit the Leeds Bicycle Users<br />
Group website. www.leeds.ac.uk/leedsbug<br />
Bicycle hire and campus bike hub<br />
<strong>Student</strong>s can hire a bicycle for a small charge<br />
from Velocampus Leeds for the academic year or<br />
part year. You can arrange bicycle hire at the<br />
Velocampus bike hub on campus, which also<br />
provides maintenance facilities and advice as<br />
well as information on cycle storage, local cycle<br />
routes and cycle safety. For more information<br />
and how to find the hub see:<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/velocampus or email<br />
transport@leeds.ac.uk<br />
Bicycle shops<br />
You can buy bicycles from:<br />
Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op<br />
www.edinburghbicycle.com<br />
Bikology Cycles<br />
www.bikology.co.uk<br />
Re-Cycle Engineering (second-hand bikes)<br />
www.rceuk.co.uk<br />
Bike Rescue (second-hand bikes)<br />
www.bikerescueproject.org.uk<br />
Taxis<br />
How to catch a taxi<br />
If you are in the street, put out your arm to stop<br />
a black and white taxi, or go to a taxi rank<br />
(where taxis wait to pick up passengers). There<br />
are taxi ranks outside the Parkinson Building, at<br />
the railway station and on the road on the left<br />
after ‘Morrisons’ supermarket in the city centre.<br />
In Leeds, only black and white taxis are allowed<br />
to pick up passengers who stop them in the<br />
street/at a taxi rank.<br />
Other taxis, which are usually cheaper, must be<br />
booked in advance by phone. Some local taxi<br />
companies are:<br />
Amber Cars* - 0113 231 1366<br />
Arrow Cars - 0113 258 5888<br />
City Cabs - 0113 246 9999<br />
Streamline Telecabs - 0113 244 3322
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Taxi if you have no money with you<br />
*Amber Cars taxis will take you home if you<br />
don’t have any money with you and it is after<br />
dark and late at night when no buses are<br />
running. Give the driver your student card and<br />
ask for a receipt.<br />
After 3 working days, take your receipt, other ID<br />
and money for the fare to the Cash <strong>Office</strong><br />
upstairs in Leeds University Union and collect<br />
your student card from there.<br />
Amber Cars - 0113 231 1366<br />
Bus travel<br />
Buses that connect the University with the city<br />
centre and Headingley are: 1, 6, 28, 28B, 56,<br />
92, 97. It is usual to queue at bus stops and to<br />
put your arm out to signal to the bus driver that<br />
you want the bus to stop. You can either buy a<br />
ticket from the driver when you get on the bus<br />
or show your multiple-use ticket or MetroCard if<br />
you have one (see MetroCard section page 44).<br />
LUU Nightbus<br />
To travel home after dark during term time, keep<br />
safe by using the LUU Night Bus which is cheap<br />
and takes you from the <strong>Student</strong>s’ Union to your<br />
accommodation. The Nightbus is for students<br />
travelling home on their own or in pairs. You can<br />
book the Nightbus at the front door of the Union<br />
building with the security staff.<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice/<br />
healthandwellbeing/gethomesafe<br />
Leeds CityBus<br />
Leeds CityBus service links up key locations<br />
around the city centre. The cost is 50p per<br />
journey. Day and Season ticket holders travel for<br />
free, as do those with MetroCards, MetroDay<br />
tickets and Blind Concessionary Passes. Other<br />
concessionary passes and Metro DayRovers are<br />
valid after 09.30. For details see<br />
www.wymetro.com/BusTravel/Leeds<br />
Travel maps and bus timetables<br />
These are available at the Leeds City Bus<br />
Station and Train Station or at<br />
www.wymetro.com/bustravel/mapsandguides<br />
www.wymetro.com/BusTravel/BusTimetables<br />
www.wymetro.com/TrainTravel<br />
Online journey planner and public<br />
transport helpline<br />
Metro, the company that coordinates public<br />
transport in the region, can help you plan a<br />
journey from start to finish. Use their online<br />
journey planner or call MetroLine on 0113 245<br />
7676. www.wymetro.com<br />
Fares<br />
Bus and train fares are cheapest when you travel<br />
off-peak i.e. on weekdays from 09.30 and all<br />
day on weekends and bank holidays.<br />
First Bus<br />
Please note: all these prices may be subject to<br />
changes so please check on the website given<br />
below.<br />
First Bus is the main bus company in Leeds.<br />
Tickets are available for First buses:<br />
• FirstDay: unlimited one-day bus travel in<br />
Leeds / West Yorkshire (£3.90 off-peak /<br />
£4.60 peak)<br />
• FirstWeek: unlimited weekly bus travel<br />
(£13.50 Green Boundary / £19.50<br />
throughout West Yorkshire)<br />
• FirstTerm: unlimited bus travel for one<br />
university term in West Yorkshire (£104)<br />
• FirstTerm Green: unlimited travel for one<br />
university term, Green Boundary only (£86)<br />
• FirstMonth <strong>Student</strong>: unlimited bus travel for<br />
one calendar month, all of West Yorkshire<br />
(£50)<br />
On services 1, 6, 28, 97 you can buy a single<br />
ticket for £1 when travelling between<br />
Headingley Arndale Centre and University steps.<br />
Prices and ticket information online from<br />
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/leeds/tickets/st<br />
udent_bus_travel/tickets.php<br />
*Note that ticket prices are correct at time of<br />
printing this handbook, but may change during<br />
the year<br />
43
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44<br />
You can buy daily or weekly tickets on the bus.<br />
All other tickets are available online or from the<br />
Metro Travel Centre in Leeds City Bus Station,<br />
Leeds Visitor Centre in Leeds City Train Station,<br />
or the First Travel Shop on New Market Street.<br />
The Green Boundary includes the city centre<br />
and the University campus and ends at<br />
Headingley Arndale Centre.<br />
www.firstgroup.com<br />
www.firstgroup.com/students/leeds<br />
MetroCard<br />
With a <strong>Student</strong> Plus MetroCard you can travel on<br />
virtually all rail and bus services in West<br />
Yorkshire for £20.90/week or £77.40/month.<br />
Visit the Metro Travel Centre at Leeds City Bus<br />
Station or Train Station or the Metro website<br />
www.wymetro.com<br />
Coach travel<br />
Coach travel is generally the cheapest option for<br />
travelling around the UK, but the journey time is<br />
often longer than travelling by train.<br />
Coach trips<br />
The University, Leeds University Union and<br />
student societies all regularly run trips to cities,<br />
towns, countryside, seaside locations and<br />
attractions around the UK. The Global<br />
Community Team runs Global Saturdays trips<br />
and Leeds University Union runs trips as part of<br />
the ‘Give it a Go’ programme. Both of these are<br />
a cheap and fun way to explore the UK and<br />
make new friends.<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/saturdays<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/giag<br />
Travel agents can give you information about<br />
longer trips around England, Scotland, Wales<br />
and Northern Ireland. A popular student travel<br />
agent is STA Travel at 182 Woodhouse Lane,<br />
across the road from the Parkinson Building.<br />
www.statravel.co.uk<br />
National Express Coaches<br />
National Express is one of the largest coach<br />
companies. For information about coach<br />
timetables and fares or to buy a Young Persons<br />
Coachcard, Family Coachcard or Brit Xplorer,<br />
visit the National Express ticket office at Leeds<br />
City Bus Station or www.nationalexpress.com<br />
National Express Coachcards<br />
<strong>Student</strong>s save up to 1/3 on National Express<br />
coach journeys with a Young Persons Coachcard,<br />
which costs £10 for 1 year. Families can also<br />
buy a family coach card. If you‘re planning a<br />
tour around the UK, you can buy a Brit Xplorer<br />
coach pass to travel on National Express<br />
coaches for periods of 7 days (£79), 14 days<br />
(£139) or 28 days (£219).<br />
Megabus<br />
Also offers low-cost inter-city coach travel.<br />
www.megabus.com<br />
Train travel<br />
Trains are often faster but usually more<br />
expensive than coach travel. If you book a week<br />
or more in advance, you are more likely to get a<br />
cheaper fare. Also, you can save money with a<br />
railcard, by being flexible with your travel dates<br />
and times and by checking for special<br />
promotions. Buying two single tickets may<br />
sometimes be cheaper than buying a return<br />
ticket. You can buy tickets at Leeds City Station<br />
or through the National Rail Enquiries website.<br />
National Rail Enquiries<br />
Advice on train timetables, routes, ticket prices,<br />
discounts and special offers throughout the UK.<br />
Tel: 08457 48 49 50<br />
www.nationalrail.co.uk<br />
Railcards<br />
If you’re a full-time student, disabled, or have<br />
your family with you, you can buy a Railcard to<br />
get discounts off train tickets. A Railcard for a<br />
student costs £30 per year. It gives you 1/3 off<br />
the price of most standard rail fares. For more<br />
information about Railcards, visit Leeds City<br />
Train Station ticket office or: www.railcard.co.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Driving<br />
Driving in the UK is not cheap. Before you<br />
decide to buy a car, calculate the cost of buying,<br />
maintaining and repairing it as well as paying for<br />
insurance, MOT tests and car tax, which could<br />
add up to more than £3000 per year.<br />
City Car Club<br />
Rather than owning a car and struggling with car<br />
parking, repairs and other costs, you can hire<br />
cars by the hour by joining City Car Club.<br />
This club provides cars at more than 20<br />
locations in Leeds.<br />
www.citycarclub.co.uk<br />
45<br />
Driving licence and legal requirements<br />
If you are here for more than 12 months and you<br />
come from outside the European Economic Area,<br />
you may be required to pass a UK driving test<br />
after your first year in the UK or you will be<br />
driving illegally and will invalidate your<br />
insurance. Check with the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong><br />
<strong>Office</strong> whether this applies to you.<br />
Make sure that your car, and anyone who drives<br />
it, complies with all legal requirements<br />
(including having valid insurance and keeping<br />
within speed and alcohol limits). Otherwise, as<br />
well as risking injuring or killing someone, you<br />
could be prosecuted by the police.<br />
To read essential information before you drive,<br />
search for ‘Driving in the UK’ on the UKCISA<br />
website:<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Sport and physical activity<br />
46<br />
University Sports Facilities<br />
The University provides excellent facilities for you<br />
to participate in sport and physical activity for<br />
fun, at club level or elite level.<br />
http://sport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
The Edge<br />
The Edge is our flagship indoor facility and<br />
provides state-of-the-art fitness, sport and<br />
wellbeing opportunities, including:<br />
• 200 station state-of-the-art gym (one of the<br />
largest in UK Higher Education) complete with<br />
Technogym equipment and Sky TV<br />
• 25m, 8 lane swimming pool with moveable floor<br />
• Sauna and steam room<br />
• Squash courts<br />
• Studios<br />
• Café<br />
• Climbing Wall<br />
• Sports Halls<br />
• Changing rooms with under floor heating<br />
A comprehensive class programme is also<br />
available with over 125 classes a week including<br />
yoga, pilates, spinning, aqua aerobics and also a<br />
wide selection of courses for complete beginners<br />
e.g. swimming lessons. More information is on:<br />
http://sport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Outdoor facilities<br />
In addition the University has excellent outdoor<br />
facilities at the Weetwood Playing Fields<br />
including:<br />
• 7 x floodlit 5-a-side football courts<br />
• 6 x floodlit tennis courts<br />
• 2 x floodlit sand dressed hockey pitches<br />
• 3G floodlit rubber crumb synthetic pitch<br />
• 32 x grass pitches (for rugby, football, lacrosse,<br />
American football, ultimate frisbee)<br />
• 5 x cricket squares<br />
The University also has two Outdoor Centres in<br />
the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, which<br />
are available for students to hire.<br />
Sport and Physical Activity (EDGE) membership<br />
Membership start from as little as £74 per year<br />
If you are in University accommodation Edge<br />
‘club’ membership is included in your rent<br />
(excluding families and summer contracts), giving<br />
you access to all the Sport and Physical Activity<br />
facilities at certain times. You can upgrade your<br />
membership online to give you more flexible time<br />
access.<br />
Recreational Sport<br />
Intra Mural Sport (IMS) are regular internal sport<br />
leagues and competitions for staff and students of<br />
the University. The University of Leeds<br />
programme is one of the largest in the country,<br />
and the combination of individual and team<br />
sports, a wide range of playing times and variety<br />
of locations provides the perfect opportunity for<br />
you to socialise and play your favourite sport.<br />
http://sport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Compete for the University of Leeds<br />
Would you like to represent the University in<br />
sport There are over 60 different sports/activity<br />
clubs, many of which compete every week against<br />
other universities around the country and provide<br />
training and coaching for the students taking part.<br />
To find out more about joining a club visit<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/clubsandsocietie<br />
s/sports<br />
Sports Scholarships<br />
If you have competed in a sport at a high level<br />
(e.g. represented your country) you may be<br />
eligible to apply for a sports scholarship. This<br />
provides both financial aid and access to a wide<br />
range of support services including physiotherapy,<br />
sports massage and sports science support.<br />
If you would like more information please email<br />
Patrick Craig, Sports Development Manager:<br />
p.m.craig@leeds.ac.uk<br />
For more information visit:<br />
http://sport.leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
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<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Families and couples<br />
48<br />
What visa regulations affect my family<br />
To find out if your family needs permission to<br />
come to the UK, visit the Home <strong>Office</strong> website<br />
and select ‘Do I need a visa’, then select the<br />
section ‘How to apply’. Even if your family is<br />
coming for a short visit and there is no<br />
requirement to have a visa, it is advisable for<br />
them to obtain entry clearance before travelling.<br />
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk<br />
Information on how to write a letter of invitation to<br />
accompany your family’s visa application is on:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
immigration/family_visits<br />
Regulations and entitlements for families<br />
Important information about immigration, work,<br />
education and healthcare is on:<br />
www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
Will my wife/husband/civil partner/children be<br />
entitled to NHS Healthcare<br />
If you are entitled to free NHS healthcare<br />
(check on page 20), your wife/husband/partner<br />
and children aged up to 16 (19 if in full-time<br />
education) will also be entitled to this if they have<br />
a passport stamp which confirms they are in the<br />
UK as the dependant of a student.<br />
However if your family travel in and out of the UK<br />
during your stay, the NHS may say they are just<br />
visiting and therefore not entitled to free<br />
healthcare, regardless of what their passport<br />
stamp says.<br />
It is essential to take out medical insurance to<br />
cover any healthcare your family cannot get from<br />
the NHS. Your dependants should also register<br />
with the Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice or<br />
another local doctor as soon as they arrive in the<br />
UK. For more information on healthcare read<br />
pages 20-22 of this handbook.<br />
How can I find accommodation for my family<br />
Temporary accommodation<br />
It is not a good idea to bring your family to Leeds<br />
until you have found permanent accommodation<br />
for them.<br />
Temporary accommodation is expensive and<br />
it can take several weeks to find permanent<br />
accommodation. The University has no temporary<br />
accommodation suitable for families. If you must<br />
bring your family to Leeds before finding<br />
permanent accommodation, there may be some<br />
short-stay family accommodation available in<br />
local hotels, bed and breakfasts and in serviced<br />
apartments. You can book this at Leeds Visitor<br />
Centre, based in Leeds City Train Station:<br />
Tel: 0113 242 5242<br />
www.visitleeds.co.uk or check online booking<br />
services like www.booking.com<br />
Successful house-hunting for family accommodation<br />
If you have come to Leeds on your own to look for<br />
family accommodation you should live in single<br />
temporary accommodation while you house-hunt<br />
for your family home. Don’t sign a long contract<br />
for a single room for yourself while you are househunting.<br />
If you sign a contract, you are legally<br />
responsible for paying rent until the end date of<br />
the contract. If you move into family<br />
accommodation before your contract ends, you<br />
will have to pay rent on both places, unless you<br />
can find someone else the landlord approves of to<br />
take your place. For advice about this, visit the<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre. It is essential you also<br />
read the accommodation advice on pages 15-19<br />
of this handbook and the advice on:<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
Where will my family live<br />
<strong>International</strong> students with families live in<br />
different places across the city. Some live in areas<br />
that are popular with single students, others live<br />
where there are lots of other families. Leeds has a<br />
good public transport system so many families do<br />
not necessarily live close to campus. When you<br />
are looking for family accommodation, it is also<br />
important to consider factors like the availability<br />
of useful services and facilities (such as shops,<br />
good schools, and parks) and whether the<br />
property has a garden.<br />
University family accommodation<br />
Find out about long-term University family<br />
accommodation on:<br />
http://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk/family
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Private-sector family accommodation<br />
As there is a waiting list for University<br />
accommodation, many families find a home in the<br />
private sector. The Unipol <strong>Student</strong> Homes website<br />
has information for families and an email list<br />
which notifies you when family accommodation<br />
becomes available, or you can visit the Unipol<br />
office to find out about available houses. Read<br />
pages 15-19 of this handbook for information on<br />
private-sector accommodation and visit:<br />
www.unipol.org.uk/leeds<br />
Council Tax<br />
If you do not pay this, your wife/husband/civil<br />
partner will not need to pay as long as their visa or<br />
passport stamp says that they have ‘no recourse to<br />
public funds’. More information is on page 17 of<br />
this handbook.<br />
How can I find a school place and childcare for my<br />
children<br />
Education Leeds<br />
Education Leeds can help you to find childcare<br />
and a school for your children. Please visit their<br />
website for details of how to apply for a school<br />
place for your child and available childcare. You<br />
should contact Education Leeds directly but if you<br />
experience any difficulties, contact the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> for assistance.<br />
www.educationleeds.co.uk<br />
Schools<br />
Children between the ages of 4 and 16 who are in<br />
the UK must, by law, attend school here. Once<br />
your child has a fixed arrival date and<br />
accommodation, contact Education Leeds to find<br />
out how to apply for a free school place. It is not<br />
possible to reserve a school place more than 3<br />
weeks in advance. If your child is aged between 16<br />
and 19, they can attend a local adult education<br />
centre or college but may have to pay.<br />
Childcare<br />
If you are on your own with your children, or if your<br />
partner is working or studying, you will need to pay<br />
for childcare for children under school age and<br />
also for older children needing supervision before<br />
and after school hours and in holiday periods.<br />
The Family Information Service is a useful<br />
resource to help you find information and support<br />
with your childcare needs. Many schools have<br />
economically-priced before- and after-school clubs.<br />
Pre-school childcare is often expensive and your<br />
child may have to go on a waiting list for a place.<br />
You can choose from nurseries, pre-schools and<br />
child minders.<br />
www.familyinformationleeds.co.uk<br />
Bright Beginnings Childcare Centre<br />
There is a childcare centre on the University<br />
campus called Bright Beginnings for children aged<br />
from 3 months to 4 years (and for older children in<br />
the school holidays). Bright Beginnings is very<br />
popular and there is a waiting list so contact them<br />
as early as possible to apply for a place for your<br />
child.<br />
www.brightbeginningschildcare.co.uk<br />
What activities can my family take part in<br />
Families are welcome to join the Global Saturdays<br />
day trips. Find out more about destinations, ticket<br />
options and more at:<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/saturdays<br />
The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong>s’ Club in the Emmanuel<br />
Centre welcomes families on a Wednesday evening<br />
and Leeds University Union also runs regular<br />
events open to student families including the ‘Give<br />
it a Go’ programme. Spouses/partners can also use<br />
the University Sports facilities.<br />
The Family Information Service has information<br />
about activities for families including the many<br />
leisure facilities that your family can enjoy, as well<br />
as parent and toddler play groups and other<br />
community groups and local classes. If your<br />
spouse/partner has permission to work they can do<br />
paid or voluntary work. Visit the <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> to check their eligibility to work and<br />
find out where they can look for a job.<br />
www.familyinformationleeds.co.uk<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
international_families<br />
How can I travel around with my family<br />
Information about taxis, buses and<br />
driving/buying/hiring a car is on pages 42-45 of<br />
this handbook. Children travelling in a car must by<br />
law use a child safety seat (see information on the<br />
RoSPA website). You can save money when<br />
travelling long-distance by buying a Family &<br />
Friends Railcard or Family Coachcard<br />
www.rospa.com/childsafety<br />
www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk<br />
www.nationalexpress.com/waystosave/familycoachcard.aspx<br />
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<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Developing your future<br />
50<br />
The Partnership<br />
The Leeds experience is delivered through a<br />
partnership between staff and students. The<br />
Partnership was created by University and Leeds<br />
University Union staff and students as a clear set<br />
of mutual expectations for all members of the<br />
University community to work together for the<br />
benefit of all. At the heart of the Partnership are<br />
the core values on which a Leeds education is<br />
based: Academic excellence, Community,<br />
Integrity, Inclusiveness and Professionalism.<br />
The partnership expectations cover all aspects of<br />
the Leeds student experience, including the<br />
academic environment, contact time, feedback,<br />
use of technology and access to high quality<br />
support services, as well as engagement with cocurricular<br />
activities for gaining experience and<br />
developing skills alongside your course. You will<br />
learn more about the Partnership during your first<br />
few weeks at Leeds. You can find out more<br />
information about the partnership and examples<br />
of how it works on http://partnership.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Leeds for Life<br />
Leeds for Life is a University-wide initiative<br />
designed to help you make the most of your Leeds<br />
experience and prepare you for your career from<br />
day one. The Leeds for Life website gives you<br />
access to a wide range of opportunities to develop<br />
your skills, broaden your experience and contact<br />
our alumni to discuss their career profiles. The<br />
Living CV section of the website provides a place<br />
to keep a personal and active record of all you<br />
have done and achieved. Leeds for Life is also an<br />
important part of personal tutoring at Leeds.<br />
The Leeds for Life Foundation offers cash grants<br />
if you have an idea for a project that will develop<br />
your own skills or benefit others for example you<br />
could attend an academic conference, get<br />
involved in local community projects in Leeds or<br />
be a volunteer in Cambodia.<br />
You can find out more information about Leeds<br />
for Life once you have registered by logging onto<br />
the Portal, or by visiting<br />
https://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Careers Support<br />
In addition to the employability and career<br />
development within your academic course, you<br />
have the support of one of the largest careers<br />
centres in the country, offering a range of services<br />
to help you plan your career and make wellinformed<br />
choices along the way. Staff at the<br />
Careers Centre can help students improve their<br />
CV, and find advice on job applications, interviews<br />
and what to do after University. The Centre also<br />
has a dedicated job site advertising hundreds of<br />
vacancies targeted at University of Leeds<br />
students.<br />
As well as providing a daily drop-in service, the<br />
Centre also runs a number of events throughout<br />
the year, including recruitment fairs where<br />
students can meet major graduate recruiters,<br />
presentations from employers and career planning<br />
workshops. The Leeds Network is also open to all<br />
current students, enabling you to make contact<br />
with University of Leeds graduates in different<br />
areas of work – you can ask for tips on how to get<br />
into specific careers or just ask advice on career<br />
options. Contact the Careers Centre for more<br />
information or access via the ‘Campus’ tab on the<br />
Portal.<br />
If your immigration status permits work<br />
experience, the Careers Centre can also advise on<br />
work experience opportunities and help you make<br />
a strong application.<br />
http://careerweb.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Study Abroad<br />
Studying abroad as part of your degree is a great<br />
way to develop skills valued by employers,<br />
experience another culture, make friends and<br />
have fun. Most undergraduate programmes offer<br />
the opportunity to study abroad as part of the<br />
degree and you can choose from over 300<br />
institutions – from Spain to Singapore. In most<br />
cases, students extend their degree to a four-year<br />
programme and spend their third year abroad.<br />
Gaining a place on the study abroad programme is<br />
competitive and depends on the grades you<br />
achieve in your first year. The <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> can give advice to international<br />
students with UK visas who are considering study<br />
abroad.<br />
http://studyabroad.leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Volunteering<br />
How can I meet new people, develop<br />
new skills and get involved with the<br />
community outside campus<br />
What is Volunteering<br />
Volunteering is a great way to meet local people,<br />
work with fellow students, improve your language<br />
skills and further develop your CV. Volunteering is<br />
unpaid work which gives you the chance to meet<br />
local people of all ages and backgrounds and to<br />
learn more about Leeds and your local<br />
community. Thousands of Leeds students<br />
volunteer in the community every year in a<br />
variety of different roles.<br />
Volunteering helps you develop employability<br />
skills such as leadership, communication and<br />
team-working while taking part in fun activities.<br />
It also enables you to provide a valuable service<br />
to the local community. You can volunteer for<br />
just a few hours, or make a longer-term<br />
commitment. Whatever your interest and<br />
whatever time you have to invest, there will be a<br />
volunteer opportunity to suit you. .<br />
Volunteering and your visa<br />
If you are in the UK on a student visa,<br />
volunteering counts towards your 20 hours per<br />
week term-time working limit (10 hours if you are<br />
studying below degree level). If you have a<br />
student visitor visa, you cannot volunteer, as your<br />
visa prohibits all work, paid or unpaid.<br />
Volunteering opportunities with Leeds<br />
University Union<br />
Through Leeds University Union you can find<br />
student societies which offer volunteering<br />
opportunities. These include Conservation<br />
Volunteers, <strong>Student</strong> Action for Refugees, and<br />
Action, which organise a diverse programme of<br />
activities, from day trips for young carers to<br />
befriending older people. RAG organises<br />
activities to raise funds to support various<br />
charities. Joining a volunteering group is also a<br />
great way to meet other students and make new<br />
friends.<br />
You can find out more through Leeds University<br />
Union by visiting the Clubs and Societies<br />
reception (level 2 of the Union building) between<br />
09.30 and 16.30, Monday to Friday. You can<br />
also email volunteering@luu.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/volunteering<br />
Volunteering in the Community<br />
The University and Leeds University Union have<br />
an online database, the Volunteering Hub, which<br />
gathers together the wide range of volunteering<br />
opportunities which are available. The database<br />
enables you to search for volunteering<br />
opportunities which complement your academic<br />
studies and support the local community at the<br />
same time. Projects range from mentoring or<br />
tutoring disadvantaged children in Leeds to<br />
supporting a huge number of arts, environment,<br />
sports, disability and other community groups<br />
throughout the Leeds area. For more information<br />
email volunteer@leeds.ac.uk or to search for the<br />
latest opportunities see:<br />
http://volunteering.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Volunteering is an integral part of LeedsforLife.<br />
If you have your own idea for a community<br />
project you can apply for funding from the Leeds<br />
for Life Foundation which provides financial<br />
assistance to make your plans a reality. The<br />
extraordinary achievements of student volunteers<br />
are celebrated each year at the University’s<br />
Leeds for Life Citizenship Awards. For more<br />
information see https://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk<br />
If you wish to volunteer with children or<br />
vulnerable adults you may be required to<br />
complete a criminal record check. It is advisable<br />
for you to bring a criminal record check, or<br />
certificate of good conduct from your own<br />
country with you.<br />
You can also find volunteering opportunities<br />
using the Do-it website www.do-it.org.uk or by<br />
visiting the Volunteer Centre on Great George<br />
Street in Leeds.<br />
51
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
Working during your studies<br />
52<br />
Can I work during my studies<br />
Paid and/or voluntary work is a great way to mix<br />
with people, get an insight into UK work-place<br />
culture and gain work experience. Before you<br />
apply for work, check whether you have<br />
permission to work in the UK and any<br />
restrictions on working which apply to you.<br />
Working too many hours can seriously affect<br />
your academic progress, so before you take a job<br />
think about whether the hours involved are<br />
compatible with your studies.<br />
EEA Nationals<br />
Most nationals from the European Economic<br />
Area (EAA) are free to work in the UK without<br />
restriction. Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania<br />
may need to apply for worker authorisation or a<br />
registration certificate. If you are not sure,<br />
please ask at the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong>.<br />
For more information search ‘EEA and Swiss<br />
students’ on: www.ukcisa.org.uk<br />
Nationals from outside the EEA<br />
Check the terms of your visa to see whether you<br />
are allowed to work and if you have questions,<br />
speak to one of the immigration advisers at the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong>. Information about<br />
working is in our 'Working During Study' page at:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
immigration/working_during_study<br />
<strong>Student</strong> visa<br />
If you have a student visa, your visa/passport<br />
stamp should state something like ‘work<br />
restricted’ or ‘able to work as authorised by the<br />
Secretary of State’ or that you cannot enter or<br />
change employment ‘without the consent of the<br />
Secretary of State for Employment’. This means<br />
you have permission to work for a restricted<br />
number of hours. Certain types of work are<br />
prohibited – see page 53.<br />
<strong>Student</strong> visitor visa<br />
If you are in the UK with permission as a<br />
student visitor, you are not allowed to do any<br />
paid or unpaid work - you are prohibited from<br />
working. Your visa or passport stamp will state<br />
something like ‘no work’ or ‘work prohibited’.<br />
<strong>Student</strong> working restrictions<br />
If you have permission to be in the UK as a<br />
student on a degree level course you can work -<br />
paid or unpaid - up to 20 hours per week during<br />
the academic term and full-time during<br />
University vacations. If you are studying a<br />
course at below degree level you can work – paid<br />
or unpaid – up to 10 hours per week during the<br />
academic term and full-time during University<br />
vacations. The restrictions apply even if you are<br />
on a reading week, or your course has finished<br />
before the end of term:<br />
Academic term dates for 2013 - 2014 are:<br />
Term 1: 30 September - 13 December 2013<br />
Term 2: 13 January - 28 March 2014<br />
Term 3: 28 April - 20 June 2014<br />
Masters students on 12-month courses should<br />
note that the summer period is set aside for fulltime<br />
study to focus on writing a dissertation and<br />
is not considered a vacation.<br />
Research degree students on full-time courses<br />
should be aware that University regulations<br />
restrict you to 250 hours of paid work per 12-<br />
month session. This limit is intended to allow<br />
you to enhance your experience through working<br />
but still complete your studies within the<br />
specified time period. The ‘Code of Practice for<br />
Research Degree Candidatures’ requires<br />
students to consult with their supervisor before<br />
taking any additional work. Your holiday<br />
entitlement is 5 weeks per year in addition to<br />
the days when the University is closed. You may<br />
work during this period if you wish. A condition<br />
of your acceptance as a research student is that<br />
you do not take paid work outside the University.
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Prohibited work<br />
If you have a student visa you must not engage<br />
in business, self-employment or provide services<br />
as a professional sportsperson or entertainer,<br />
or pursue a career by filling a permanent fulltime<br />
vacancy.<br />
Working additional hours/breaking the terms of<br />
your visa<br />
The law on working restrictions is very strict and<br />
the authorities check local employers to identify<br />
students who break the rules. If you work more<br />
hours than the 20-hour per week limit (10 hours<br />
if you are studying below degree level), or if you<br />
engage in work/provide services that are<br />
prohibited, the authorities may detain you and/or<br />
remove you from the UK without notice. This<br />
could affect any future visa applications.<br />
Work placements<br />
You may be allowed to take a work placement,<br />
which is part of a sandwich course, or an<br />
internship. However, the requirements for these<br />
categories are very specific. Contact the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> for further advice.<br />
How can I find a part-time job<br />
Almost a third of the students at the University<br />
work during term time, so the competition for<br />
jobs is high. For the best possible chance of<br />
finding a job, use the Careers Centre to learn<br />
how to write a good CV and present yourself well<br />
in application forms and at interviews.<br />
Then apply for as many jobs as possible.<br />
Careers Centre<br />
It is a good idea to visit the Careers Centre before<br />
you make a job application or attend<br />
an interview. The Centre offers help with<br />
understanding the skills employers require,<br />
making good applications, presenting your<br />
skills, writing effective CVs and developing<br />
your interview skills. They also run events to help<br />
you understand what UK employers<br />
expect and how to present yourself well.<br />
http://careerweb.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Joblink<br />
To help you find a job with a student friendly<br />
employer Leeds University Union runs Joblink.<br />
By accessing their website or visiting the<br />
foyer in the Union you can browse a range<br />
of jobs, including part time and vacation<br />
opportunities. Joblink will also point you in<br />
the right direction for help with applications,<br />
CVs and interviews. For full details see:<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/jobs<br />
Newspaper advertisements<br />
You can also look for part-time work in the<br />
local newspaper, the ‘Yorkshire Evening Post’<br />
on a Thursday, when jobs are advertised.<br />
Recruitment/temping/employment agencies<br />
These agencies recruit part-time temporary<br />
staff for offices, telephone call centres,<br />
hotels, bars, hospitals, care-homes and other<br />
workplaces. Find their contact details listed<br />
under ‘employment agencies’ in the Yellow Pages<br />
telephone directory or on: www.yell.com<br />
Jobs, wages, terms and conditions<br />
Typical student jobs are working in cafés or<br />
restaurants, cleaning or clerical work. From<br />
October 2013 the legal minimum wage is £6.31<br />
per hour for workers 21 and over and £5.03 for<br />
18-20 year olds. If you have any concerns about<br />
the terms or conditions of your work, visit the<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre for advice.<br />
National Insurance and income tax<br />
As soon as you receive a written job offer you<br />
can apply for a National Insurance (NI) Number.<br />
You should make sure your employer knows<br />
that you are a student so that you complete the<br />
correct tax form. This may avoid you having tax<br />
deducted from your pay. For more information<br />
read the ‘Tax and National Insurance’ webpage<br />
on:<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/<br />
immigration/working_during_study/national_<br />
insurance_tax<br />
53
54<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Essential services<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Services Centre<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Services Centre is open weekdays 09.00<br />
– 17.00 Monday – Friday (Wednesday 10.00 –<br />
17.00)<br />
Accommodation Services<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Services Centre<br />
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 7777<br />
Email: accom@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Accommodation Services manage University<br />
accommodation, advises and assists students<br />
who have problems or queries.<br />
Accounts Receivable (Fees)<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Services Centre<br />
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 6055<br />
Email: fees@adm.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/ssc/fees.htm<br />
Accounts Receivable deals with University<br />
accommodation payments and tuition fee<br />
payments.<br />
Counter and Cash Services<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Services Centre<br />
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 8877<br />
Email: ssc@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/index<br />
Counter and Cash Services provides information<br />
and support on student services including<br />
University registration, new and replacement<br />
student ID cards, registration confirmation<br />
certificates, council tax exemption certificates<br />
and enquiries, bank letters, transcripts,<br />
statements and module enrolment certificates<br />
and handles all student transactions, including<br />
face to face fee payments.<br />
Postgraduate Scholarships<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Services Centre<br />
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 4007 or 343 4077<br />
Email: pg_scholarships@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://scholarships.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Postgraduate Scholarships provides help and<br />
advice related to University postgraduate<br />
scholarship programmes.<br />
Research <strong>Student</strong> Administration<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Services Centre<br />
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 6534<br />
Email: rp_applications@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa<br />
Research <strong>Student</strong> Administration provides<br />
services for postgraduate research students:-<br />
applications and acceptance letters, registration<br />
and progress support, examination and award<br />
arrangements. Research <strong>Student</strong> Administration<br />
can also provide statements to confirm awards<br />
and assists with the production of Confirmation<br />
of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).<br />
Other Locations<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong><br />
Level 11<br />
Marjorie & Arnold Ziff Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 3930<br />
Email: internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk<br />
The <strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Office</strong> offers support,<br />
information and advice for international students<br />
and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies<br />
(CAS). Social and intercultural activities for UK<br />
and international students.<br />
Open weekdays 09.00 – 17.00 Monday – Friday<br />
(Wednesday 10.00 – 17.00)<br />
Drop-in service available Monday – Friday<br />
at 10.30<br />
55
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
56<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre<br />
Level 1, Leeds University Union Building<br />
Tel: 0113 380 1290<br />
Email: advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice<br />
The <strong>Student</strong> Advice Centre provides help with<br />
any problems concerning life as a student. It<br />
specialises in housing, money and academic<br />
problems.<br />
Open weekdays 09.30 - 17.00<br />
Study Abroad <strong>Office</strong><br />
Level 11<br />
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 7900<br />
Email: studyabroad@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://studyabroad.leeds.ac.uk<br />
The Study Abroad <strong>Office</strong> organises student<br />
exchanges with universities across the globe.<br />
Open weekdays 12.00 – 15.00<br />
Careers Centre<br />
5-7 Cromer Terrace<br />
Tel: 0113 343 5295<br />
Email: careerscentre@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://careerweb.leeds.ac.uk<br />
The Careers Centre offers careers information,<br />
advice and guidance.<br />
See website for opening hours<br />
Language Centre<br />
3rd floor of the Parkinson Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 3251<br />
Email: langc@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/languages<br />
The Language Centre provides high quality<br />
training in English language and study skills.<br />
Self-access facilities offer extensive resources in<br />
English and foreign languages. See website for<br />
opening hours.<br />
Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice<br />
4 Blenheim Court<br />
Blenheim Walk<br />
Tel: 0113 295 4488<br />
Email: lsmp.enquiry@nhs.net<br />
www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk<br />
Leeds <strong>Student</strong> Medical Practice offers<br />
healthcare services to students and<br />
their families.<br />
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 07.00 - 18.00<br />
Wednesday and Thursday 08.30 - 18.00<br />
Library<br />
Located on several sites<br />
Tel: 0113 343 5663<br />
Email: library@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://library.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Opening hours are on the website<br />
Joblink<br />
Opportunities Centre, Level 2, Leeds University<br />
Union Building<br />
Tel: 0113 380 1444<br />
Email: joblink@luu.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/jobs<br />
Joblink helps students to find part-time work as<br />
well as volunteer opportunities.<br />
Open weekdays 10.00 - 17.00<br />
Unipol <strong>Student</strong> Homes<br />
Unipol Accomodation Bureau<br />
155/157 Woodhouse Lane<br />
Tel: 0113 243 0169<br />
Email: info@unipol.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.unipol.org.uk/Leeds<br />
Unipol helps students to find homes to rent in<br />
the private sector.<br />
Open weekdays 09.30 – 16.45<br />
Unipol Outlet<br />
Level -1 Leeds University Union<br />
Tel: 0113 380 1247<br />
Email: LUUbureau@unipol.org.uk<br />
www.unipol.leeds.ac.uk/leeds<br />
Open weekdays in term time 10.00 - 16.00
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Nightline<br />
Tel: Information 0113 380 1380<br />
Tel: Listening/support 0113 380 1381<br />
Email: nightline@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leedsnightline.co.uk<br />
Nightline offers a confidential information and<br />
listening support service.<br />
20.00 - 08.00 in term-time only<br />
Security Services<br />
175 Woodhouse Lane<br />
Tel: 0113 343 5494 (non-emergency)<br />
Tel: 0113 343 2222 (emergency)<br />
Email: security@leeds.ac.uk<br />
Email: crimeprevention@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/security<br />
University Security Services provides crime<br />
prevention advice, assistance in emergencies<br />
and help when the University is closed.<br />
Also a crime and lost property reporting centre.<br />
Open 24 hours, 365 days a year.<br />
Skills@Library<br />
15 Blenheim Terrace<br />
Tel: 0113 343 4096<br />
Email: skills@library.leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/skills<br />
Skills@Library provides workshops, online<br />
resources and practical information to help<br />
develop your study skills.<br />
Please see website for further details.<br />
Sport & Physical Activity<br />
The Edge<br />
Willow Terrace Road<br />
General Enquires/Bookings: 0113 343 5095<br />
Membership Enquires: 0113 343 7406<br />
Email: edgemembership@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://sport.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Sport & Physical Activity provides indoor<br />
and outdoor sport and fitness activities,<br />
for individuals and teams.<br />
Open weekdays 06.30 – 22.30<br />
Weekends 08.30 – 17.30<br />
<strong>Student</strong> Counselling Centre<br />
19 Clarendon Place (between Leeds University<br />
Union and the Business School)<br />
Tel: 0113 343 4107<br />
Email: stucouns@adm.leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/studentcounselling<br />
The <strong>Student</strong> Counselling Centre offers<br />
professional confidential counselling,<br />
support groups and workshops.<br />
Reception Hours 08.30 - 17.00 weekdays<br />
Drop-in 15.00 weekdays (term time only)<br />
Help@Leeds<br />
Use this website to find answers to your<br />
questions and the right people and services at<br />
the University to help you with any problems<br />
while you are in Leeds.<br />
http://help.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Chaplaincy<br />
Emmanuel Centre<br />
Tel: 0113 343 5071<br />
Chaplaincy out of hours phone number on<br />
website<br />
Email: chaplaincy@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/chaplaincy<br />
The Chaplaincy offers support to students of any<br />
faith and those with no religion. Chaplains can<br />
also offer impartial advice and information on<br />
religious issues.<br />
Open weekdays 09.00 – 17.00<br />
Disability Team, Equality Service<br />
Ground Floor, Social Sciences Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 3927<br />
Textphone for deaf people (answerphone):<br />
0113 343 2616<br />
Email: disability@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/forstudents/<br />
international-disabled-students-2<br />
The Disability Team provides advice, guidance<br />
and support to disabled students<br />
Open weekdays 10.00 – 16.00<br />
Drop-in sessions without appointment<br />
every weekday lunchtime during term-time<br />
12.30 – 13.30<br />
57
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong> 2013-14<br />
58<br />
IT Help Desk<br />
Level 10 Edward Boyle Library<br />
Tel: 0113 343 3333<br />
Email: helpdesk@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://helpdesk.leeds.ac.uk<br />
The IT Help Desk provide<br />
IT facilities and support and also sells<br />
computer software.<br />
Open weekdays 08.00 – 21.00, weekends<br />
12.00 – 17.00 (see website for hours outside<br />
term-time)<br />
<strong>International</strong> Foundation Year<br />
Level 12<br />
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 3209<br />
Email: intfyear@leeds.ac.uk<br />
http://internationalfoundationyear.leeds.ac.uk<br />
This office provides support to students on the<br />
<strong>International</strong> Foundation Year Programme.<br />
Open weekdays 09.30 – 16.30<br />
Graduate Training and Support Centre<br />
Room 1.35 Parkinson Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 2544<br />
Email: gtsc@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/sddu/gts<br />
The Graduate Training and Support Centre<br />
provides a wide range of personal and<br />
professional training and development<br />
opportunities for postgraduate researchers.<br />
Open weekdays 09.30 – 16.30<br />
Health and Safety Services<br />
5-9 Willow Terrace Road<br />
Tel: 0113 343 4201<br />
Email: safety@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/safety<br />
Health and Safety Services provides health<br />
and safety information and advice to help<br />
students and staff keep safe in their study,<br />
research and work environments.<br />
Open weekdays 09.00 – 17.00<br />
Access and Community Engagement<br />
18 Blenheim Terrace<br />
Tel: 0113 343 3378<br />
Email: volunteer@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.leeds.ac.uk/ace<br />
Access and Community Engagement run a<br />
broad range of volunteering opportunities for<br />
all students.<br />
Open weekdays 09.00 – 17.00<br />
Alumni <strong>Office</strong><br />
Room 11.56, E C Stoner Building<br />
Tel: 0113 343 7520<br />
Email: alumni@leeds.ac.uk<br />
www.alumni.leeds.ac.uk<br />
The Alumni <strong>Office</strong> helps Leeds graduates keep<br />
in touch with each other and to continue to<br />
play a part in the life of the University,<br />
by co-ordinating alumni activities and<br />
communications across the world.<br />
Open weekdays 09.00 – 17.00
www.leeds.ac.uk<br />
Alternative formats<br />
If you require any of the information contained in this guide in<br />
an alternative format eg Braille, large print or audio, contact the<br />
Disability Team.<br />
Telephone: 0113 343 3927<br />
Textphone: 0113 343 2616<br />
disability@leeds.ac.uk<br />
59<br />
Legal<br />
Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is<br />
accurate at the date of publication, the University does not accept liability for any inaccuracies<br />
contained within it. Where circumstances change outside the reasonable control of the<br />
University, the University reserves the right to change or cancel parts of, or entire, programmes<br />
of study or services at any time without liability, even after students have registered at the<br />
University. Circumstances outside of the University’s reasonable control include industrial action,<br />
over or under demand from students, staff illness, lack of funding, severe weather, fire, civil<br />
disorder, political unrest, government restrictions and concern with regard to the transmission of<br />
serious illness. The University’s contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for<br />
the purposes of the Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
University of Leeds<br />
Leeds<br />
LS2 9JT<br />
w: www.leeds.ac.uk