your first few weeks

Tips for your arrival

1. Complete online welcome

   Before anything else, you need to ensure that you have completed your ‘Online Welcome’. This is a hub of super useful information, and it’s really important that you explore all of this site before you join us. It contains information on things such as student finance, timetables, and you’ll be able to upload your photo for your student ID card.

2. Get social

   If you don’t already, follow Leeds Beckett on social media. We recommend following or liking our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as we post different content on each. You’ll see that we share lots of important information and reminders, as well as exciting things like events on campus and giveaways. Oh, and you’ll also see that we’re fond of posting pictures of our campus cat! You’ll also be able to join our Freshers Facebook group, and get to know people before you even arrive.

3. Get snug as a bug...

   Well, plan for getting that university room snug we mean! Print off pictures that are special to you and buy yourself some nice frames. Why not also go shopping and grab lots of things to make your room homely, like fairy lights, cushions and posters? Posters are always a conversation starter, as well as a simple and cheap item to add character to your new bedroom. You might even have some random sentimental items hanging around the house that will remind you of good times, like that magnet you bought in Spain when you were little. Make sure you put these things on your packing list too – no matter how random. You’ll be amazed at how happy these memories can make you if you’re ever feeling a bit homesick.

4. Create a packing list

   For a stress-free move to uni, do your packing as far in advance as possible. It’s important that you make a list, to ensure that you don’t forget anything important, but also to ensure you’re not taking anything unnecessary.

   Take a look at the what to bring page on our accommodation site, as it will tell you what is included already in your halls (and therefore what you don’t need to bring). By creating your list nice and early, you’ll avoid any of the last-minute stress, and it gives you time to reflect on whether you really need to take that 15th pair of shoes.

   It’s also a good idea to include these (often forgotten) items on your list:

   • Hangers (the more the merrier)
   • Hot water bottle (for when it gets chilly, or for comfort)
   • Sewing kit (you’ll be amazed at how often this comes in handy)
   • Tupperware (these always go missing, fact!)
   • Recipe book (impress your new housemates)
   • Passport photos (these always come in handy for one thing or another)
   • Tea towels – (you can never have too many of these)

   If you do forget anything, there’s plenty of places to go and grab a replacement here in Leeds. Heading out on a shopping trip with your flatmates in your first week is actually a great way to break the ice and explore the city.

5. Think about transport

   Our advice is to leave your car at home. You won’t need a car to make the most of your student experience in Leeds and, due to City Council regulations, parking around campus is very limited. Before you arrive, it’s a good idea to plan your journey to and from university each day, and work out whether it’s a good idea to buy a travel pass.

   You could also consider a bike - you can hire a bike from us for £50 per semester (plus £50 deposit). If you decide to take out a new hire contract for another three months the cost is £20 and the next two 3 month contracts are £10. There are different ones to choose from and a D-lock and lights are included. We’ve provided tyre pumps and secure cycle storage on each campus too.

6. Food, glorious food

   Something which parents often worry about is that their children will live off a diet of instant noodles and cereal when they’re at university. Well, why not settle your parents’ nerves before you arrive by topping up one of our campus food cards? That way, they can be sure that you’ll always be able to afford a delicious and nutritious meal from one of our many campus food outlets.

7. Check out what support is available to you

   Our Wellbeing team is a team of professionals who can help you should you ever feel the need for support. It's worth taking a look at what support is available to you once you arrive here, just in case you may ever need it.

   If you have a long term health condition, such as diabetes, epilepsy, or a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression; a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia; or a physical disability, such a hearing or visual impairment you can speak to our Disability Advice team. Supporting our students is really important to us, and the earlier you make contact the better so we can try to get tailored support ready for when you arrive.

8. Take a look at your work

   Okay, we know that this one sounds a little bit nerdy. It is, however, always a good idea to take a look at what modules you’ll be studying, and get an overview of what you’ll be learning. By knowing in advance what will come up in your first few lectures, you’ll feel way more calm and prepared. You may even want to purchase some textbooks and begin to skim through them. We don’t advise buying too many textbooks though – usually, only the core one for each module is necessary to buy.

9. Spend time with family and friends

   Now, here’s a nice task for you. It’s always a great idea to cram in plenty of quality time with your nearest and dearest before you head off to university. We’re sure that when you do arrive, your diary will be jam packed and you may not get home as often as you like.

   And finally…. Get excited! You’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, and we’re sure you’re going to love it.