Enjoying freshers as an international student

What to expect

At the beginning of each semester, the Leeds Beckett Students Union hosts a freshers fair to introduce students to the sports and communities the university offers, along with companies around Leeds that come in to promote their business. There are both societies and communities, though societies are also a subgroup of communities. There are specific religious, nationality, academic, and equality-based communities, while societies are often more interest based.

Along with exploring the communities and sports Leeds Beckett offers, there are also a number of freebies you can win, whether that’s a voucher for a local restaurant, a succulent plant, or the much-enjoyed free slice of Domino's pizza.

How long does it run for?

The fair normally runs for four days during the week (ex. Monday - Thursday) and is at both City campus and Headingley campus, depending on the day. Because there are so many societies, sports, and businesses, there will likely be different stalls depending on which day you go. There are usually two days at each campus. For example, Monday – Headingley, sports. Tuesday – City, sports. Wednesday – Headingley, societies. Thursday – City, societies.

Advice for new students

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even if you don’t think you will have time to balance societies or sports with coursework, it is still worth inquiring. Student leaders understand that everyone has their own schedule and will be willing to work with you to figure out a middle ground. 

Join a sport or athletic society. It has long been proven that staying active helps the brain, and participating in a sport or athletic society is a very enjoyable way to keep in shape alongside your studies. And don’t worry about not having much experience; many sports have opportunities for those who are new.

I would also say

Don’t hold back if you are an international student. Although there are many societies and communities catered towards specific ethnic or religious groups, don’t feel obligated to just stick with those societies. As an international student myself, I was a bit nervous about joining societies that have a majority home-student population, but now I see there was nothing to worry about. Everyone is friendly, and you are there not because you are different but because you are similar in some way. The freshers fair is for all students, and you can treat it the same regardless of whether or not you are an international student.

Have a look online. Sometimes, societies will not have a stall at the fair, but that does not necessarily mean they don't exist. Check out the full list of communities on the Student Union website. Many societies also have an Instagram page.

Something to take away

Regardless of whether you are a home student, international student, first year, or third year, you should go check out the freshers fair. Joining a society, community, or sport is a great way to meet new people and explore your hobbies, and can lead to opportunities you never would have imagined. If nothing else, it is something to add to your resume. You will likely only be a university student once, so take advantage of it!