Leeds Beckett Student Services survival guide

Throughout your studies, there’s plenty of academic support available. One resource that has greatly helped me is the accessible virtual learning environment, MyBeckett. Through this platform, I can access all my reading materials via the virtual library. During my first few weeks at university, I found the sheer volume of reading, the need to reference correctly, and the variety of assignment types to be quite challenging because it was so different to college. Fortunately, the virtual learning environment provided easy access to academic skills and subject support, offering materials on report and essay writing, Harvard referencing tools (such as Quote, Unquote), and subject-specific resources that helped me gain a solid understanding of academic expectations and improve my research and writing skills.

If you find that the online materials aren’t enough and you’re struggling with your studies, I highly recommend setting up a meeting with your academic advisor. They can track your progress and offer guidance to help you improve. There are also plenty of workshops available to support you in specific areas. These workshops are offered as online webinars or in-person sessions on campus, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your needs.

Accessing support services can make a positive impact on your university experience. Leeds Beckett offer a variety of services to support your well-being, including counseling, medical services, and mental health support, all conveniently accessible through MyBeckett. Taking care of your mental health is essential, especially during times of change. When I moved to Leeds it was completely new to me. Living in a new city, meeting new people, and studying a new subject at a high level, I found it all a little challenging at first. However, knowing that support was available made all the difference.

Initially, I hadn’t explored all the resources the university provided, which is why I want to encourage new students to take advantage of them. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that help is just a call or click away. The Student Wellbeing Team at Leeds Beckett is staffed by experienced professionals who offer personalised and free services. They're here to support you, so feel free to reach out whenever you need to. Embrace these resources to help make your university experience both rewarding and enjoyable!

If you’re looking for a placement or job, exploring the career services available through Leeds Beckett’s online platform MyHub can be incredibly beneficial. Even if it feels like something to tackle later, investing your time in these resources will pay off. Leeds Beckett offers a wide range of opportunities through the Careers Team, from workshops to job fairs, all designed to support your career development.

I began exploring these services while searching for a placement during my second year, and I found them extremely helpful. I participated in workshops on placements, CV writing, and interview preparation, including a Gradcore workshop that provided valuable practice interview feedback. Additionally, attending various job fairs helped me broaden my search and identify the types of companies to apply to.

The university also offers hiring opportunities, as a member of the Student Blog Squad I have the exciting opportunity to write engaging blog posts and create TikToks, sharing my student experiences and insights about university life. In addition to the Student Blog Squad, Leeds Beckett offers other exciting opportunities to get involved in. As a UniBuddy Ambassador, you’ll help prospective students through online chats, offering insights and answering questions about university life. Alternatively, you can become a Student Ambassador, where you’ll assist with Open Days, Applicant Days, and other events, showcasing what the university has to offer. These roles provide flexible, well-paid work and valuable experience that complements your studies.

During your first year, living in halls can be an exciting experience. I stayed at Arena Village and found it to be a great choice, with friendly staff available 24/7 at reception to quickly address any maintenance issues. Knowing how to report any concerns is key, but if you need to make any changes, you have options available.

If you need extra support settling into your new home or adjusting to university life in Leeds, the Residence Life (Res Life) team is here to help. They’re dedicated to ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re dealing with flatmate issues, adjusting to a new environment, or just want to chat with a friendly face, the Res Life team is available at Arena Village, Carnegie Village, and Marsden House, and they also offer online support via Skype and MS Teams. They provide valuable information, advice, and can connect you with other university services. You’ll likely meet them during your check-in weekend or shortly after moving in. They’re enthusiastic about meeting new students, so don’t hesitate to reach out and make the most of their support!

If you’re struggling to make friends in your accommodation, be sure to check out the social events listed for your hall—they’re a fantastic way to connect with others and start building your university network.

Leeds Beckett offers a variety of financial support options, including budgeting advice, scholarships, emergency funds, and bursaries. It’s worth researching these resources to see if you qualify, as they can be incredibly helpful throughout your studies. I personally benefited from the Student Money Team’s budgeting advice service, which provided online tools to help me manage my finances more effectively.

Additionally, I recommend using services like Unidays, Student Beans, and a Totum card. These offer fantastic deals and discounts on essentials such as food, travel, clothing, and shopping, making your university experience more affordable. Taking advantage of these discounts can make a significant difference in how much you spend!

The Leeds Beckett SU is dedicated to enhancing your university experience. It offers a wide range of opportunities, including access to diverse societies, sports clubs, and creative groups. Whether you're interested in sports, arts, or something unique, the SU provides a platform to connect with like-minded students and engage in activities you’re passionate about.

I recommend attending the Freshers' Fair, where you can explore all the societies and clubs available. It’s a great opportunity to meet current members, learn more about what each group has to offer, and pick up some free goodies. Even if you try something and find it’s not quite for you, there’s no pressure to commit—just enjoy the chance to discover what interests you and make the most of the supportive SU community.

The SU also provides valuable support throughout your university journey, from organising social events to offering resources and advice. Whether you’re looking for ways to get involved or need help with adapting to university life, the SU is there to support you every step of the way.