Your international pre-arrival checklist

1. Try to find your accommodation early

Finding somewhere to live is one of the first (and most important) things to tick off your list. Leeds Beckett offers a variety of student accommodation options, including en-suite rooms and shared flats. These university-managed accommodations are safe, well-located, and a great way to meet other students in your first year.

If you're looking for something private, start your search through trusted student housing providers like Unipol or Unite Students, who specialise in helping students find safe, high-quality housing in Leeds. If your budget allows, you can also check out Prestige Student Living - all are linked below:

• Leeds Beckett Accommodation
• Unipol Student Homes
• Unite Students
• Prestige Student Living

Tip: Try to finalise your accommodation by early August. The best spots get booked quickly, and having a place confirmed will give you peace of mind for the rest of the summer.

Personally, I live in one of Hello Student’s branches right in the city centre. It’s a 10-minute walk to City campus, and 5 minutes to the train station. Most student accommodations are bills-included, so you can study without worrying about surprise expenses.

2. Get your UK student visa

If you're an international student, sorting your visa is a top priority. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Confirm your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and begin your visa application as soon as possible.

If you have questions about applying for a visa, Leeds Beckett has you covered.

You’ll also need to gather documents for travel and enrolment. These include:

• Passport
• Visa approval letter
• CAS letter (for international students)
• University offer letter
• Accommodation confirmation
• Travel insurance and medical info (if applicable)

Tip: Keep both physical and digital copies of all your documents, stored safely in a folder or cloud drive. It might sound simple, but having everything in one place can save you a lot of stress.

3. Research life in Leeds and the UK

Honestly, I was a UK buff before coming here, but I still felt the need to research the city I was about to live in.

Leeds is a vibrant, student-friendly city with a rich music scene, amazing food, and lots of history. It’s also very diverse, welcoming students from all over the world. Familiarising yourself with the city will help ease the transition.

Things to explore:

• Local transport (buses, trains, walking routes)
• The UK weather (pack layers and waterproofs - it changes fast!)
• British culture and slang
• Where to shop on a budget or otherwise
• Food options (Leeds caters to most dietary needs, including religious restrictions)

Join the Leeds Beckett International Student community on Unibuddy to ask questions and connect with others. You’ll be invited to this once you receive your offer to study. 

Tip: Watch student vlogs and day-in-the-life videos on YouTube. They’ll give you a glimpse of what to expect - though your own experience might be completely different (I liked British food more than I expected!).

4. Sort out your budget and finances

Budgeting isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. Start by estimating your monthly costs — rent, groceries, travel, books, and fun. Knowing what to expect helps reduce stress and avoid surprises. Budgeting apps like Emma or Cleo can also help keep track of your spending.

Set up a UK bank account or use international-friendly apps like Wise or Monzo. HSBC is widely used and offers student accounts with a Global Money feature for international transfers.

Tip: If you can activate a UK bank account before you arrive, this will be really helpful as many places in the UK (including campus cafes) do not accept cash.  

5. Practice your English

Being confident in English can make a big difference, both academically and socially. If you’re looking to improve, now’s the time!

• Practice listening and speaking through films, podcasts, or conversations
• Try academic writing exercises or sample essays
• Check out Leeds Beckett’s English language support. 

Tip: Don’t stress about perfection. Clarity matters more. People are kind and understanding - your confidence will grow naturally.

6. Pack smart

When it comes to packing, less is more. Focus on essentials:

• Important documents
• Plug adaptors 
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, coats, comfy shoes - you'll walk a lot!)
• A few personal items to make your room feel like home

Tip: Don’t bring bulky items like bedding or kitchenware - buy them once you’re in Leeds from places like Argos, IKEA, or Wilko. Amazon Prime (free 6-month trial for students!) is a lifesaver too.

Another tip: If you’re planning to overpack, check airline limits and register excess baggage online. I learned the hard way - those airport fines are no joke.

7. Check out Global Arrival and Welcome Week

Leeds Beckett offers a fantastic Welcome Week filled with campus tours, social events, and helpful sessions for international students. There are also airport pickup services available.

Keep an eye on your email and the university website so you can stay up-to-date on this information.

Tip: Welcome Week is the best time to meet new friends and get familiar with how things work at university. It’s the perfect soft landing for your new adventure.

8. Start meeting other students

Don’t wait until you arrive to make friends! Join WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram groups for your course or accommodation.

Introduce yourself, ask questions, or arrange a casual meetup when you arrive. Having a familiar face can make a big difference.

Tip: Use Unibuddy to reach out to current and incoming students. If you've received an offer to study, you will also receive an invite to join the LBU Unibuddy Community. Also register for events through Leeds Beckett Global Village - that’s how I found my closest friends. They’re not on my course, but having someone to depend on here has made all the difference.

Final thoughts

Preparing for university can feel overwhelming, but it’s all part of the journey. Taking the time now to get organised means you’ll arrive feeling more confident and ready to embrace this exciting chapter.

Enjoy your summer, take care of yourself, and we’ll see you in Leeds very soon! Safe travels and welcome to the Leeds Beckett family!