International Students A-Z

Accommodation

Where do you want to live? How much will it cost? The Student Accommodation Service and Unipol Student Home can help.

You may also find our UK Money Explained and Budgeting Tools and Tips useful.

Computing

Computers with access to MyBeckett, email and printers are available in the Libraries and Student Hubs at both Headingley and City Campuses.

Council Tax

If you are studying full-time and living in Halls of Residence, or in a student-only private house, you do not have to pay Council Tax.  If you live in private housing, you may need to get a Council Tax Exemption form.

For further information, see the UKCISA guidelines about Council Tax.

Counselling

Counselling is a free service that offers you a safe, confidential time and place to talk with someone who is trained to listen and to help you improve issues you are experiencing.  

Please complete the online registration form to register for Counselling with the Student Wellbeing Centre - it just takes a few minutes.  We aim to contact you within 3 working days of receiving your form.

Please note that while we aim see students as quickly as possible, we are not usually able to offer appointments immediately.

Crime

It is important that you look after your own safety and the security of your belongings at university, in public and at home.  For advice on what to do, see the page of our website called ‘International Students Health & Wellbeing’. If you need the police, telephone the Emergency Services on 999.

Culture Shock

Coming to a new country with a new way of life and language, without your friends and family, is often very stressful. The Student Hub can help.  During Induction, the Chaplaincy will present a comedy drama which many students have found helpful.  Visit www.leeds.ac.uk/chaplaincy or call 0113 343 5071 for more information.

Doctors

You should register with a doctor's surgery shortly after arriving in Leeds, doctors in the community are called General Practitioners or GPs.  See the page of our website ‘International Students Health and Wellbeing’.  

Driving
Motoring in the UK – will your licence cover you? 

Not many of you will be driving whilst staying in the UK but if you do one of the most important things to notice is that we drive on the left. 
You must hold a licence which is valid in the UK. Please follow the following link to find out more information:  http://www.direct.gov.uk

If you’re convicted of a motoring offence, the courts can fine you and endorse your driving licence with penalty points. 

Each endorsement has a unique offence code and is allocated „penalty points‟ on a scale from one to eleven, depending on the severity of the offence. Endorsements must stay on your driving licence for four or eleven years depending on the offence. 

You’ll need to produce your driving licence to the police, fixed penalty office (FPO) or when you appear at court.

Disability Advice

If you have a disability, please contact us as early as possible to discuss support that may be required.  Contact the Disability Advice team for more details.

Discounts

An NUS card (National Union of Students) will give you discounts in many shops, cinemas and Student Union-run events, and an ISIC card (International Student Identity Card) gives discounts on national and international travel. Find out more from the Student’s Union.

Entertainment & Eating Out

Leeds has a large range of restaurants and bars that cater for all tastes.  The West Yorkshire Playhouse and Grand Theatre in Leeds show dances, musicals and opera, and there are many cinemas.  Going out can be as expensive or as cheap as you like.  Remember to take your NUS card with you!  

English Language

Academic English and Study Skills classes for International Students - can help you improve your academic English and adapt to life in Leeds.  For more, see the page of our website ‘University Support and Advice Services: Support That Stays’ or email elt@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.  

Emergency Services

Call 999 on any phone if you need the police, fire service or an ambulance in an emergency.

EU Students during and after Brexit

• If you are a current EU student your fee status and student loan will not be affected by the UK's departure from the EU. If you are a EU citizen who is beginning their course in the academic year 2019/2020, you will be eligible to apply for home fee status and a student loan. Your fee status and student loan will remain the same for the duration of the course you are registered on, even if your course finishes after the UK has fully exited the EU on 31 December 2020.
• If you are resident in the UK before it withdraws from the EU you will still be able to exercise your EU citizens' treaty rights during the subsequent implementation period of the UK's departure from the EU. The implementation period is likely to last until 31 December 2020 but the implementation period is still subject to the ongoing withdrawal negotiations.
• If you are intending to stay in the UK after 31 December 2020, including to complete your studies, you will have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme in order to get pre-settled or settled status which will allow you to continue residing in the UK.
• You can now apply to the EU settlement scheme, the scheme fully opened on the 29 March 2019. If an agreement is reached, EU citizens resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 will have until 30 June 2021 to apply. In the case of a no deal you will have until 31 December 2020 to apply if you are resident in the UK before the exit date. To apply follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families and click Apply along the right hand side of the page.
• If you have been continuously resident in the UK for 5 years prior to 31 December 2020 you can apply for settled status or if you have been resident for a shorter period of time you can apply for pre-settled status. You can gain pre-settled status, continue living in the UK after the exit date, and then apply for settled status once you have met the 5 year threshold.
• You will need to apply to the EU settlement scheme even if you have a permanent residence document but you will not have to prove your 5 year residency.
• The Erasmus+ programme will still be available for EU and UK students until the current programme ends in 2020. The participation of the UK in the Erasmus programmes after that date are currently unclear due to the ongoing withdrawal negotiations.

Fees

For information on tuition fees and how to pay, see the page of our website ‘UK Money Explained'.

Graduation

Coming back to the UK for Graduation? Need visa and immigration advice on planning your return? Contact Student Immigration Advice & Compliance on SIAC@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Graduating this year? book your tickets and gown in advance on our graduation website:

http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/graduation/

Health

See the page of our website ‘International Students Health & Wellbeing’.

Immigration Advice

See Student Immigration Advice and Compliance team and UKCISA.  

Insurance

Contact Endsleigh at www.endsleigh.co.uk or ask the Student’s Union for advice.

International Students Club

The International Students Club is open to all international students. They run trips, social activities and fun events throughout the year.

https://www.facebook.com/ISCLeeds/

http://www.iscleeds.org.uk/

Student Immigration Advice and Compliance

Our Student Immigration Advisors are available to talk in confidence to discuss any matters that may be troubling you. Appointments and Visa Workshops are available at City Campus and at Headingley Campus. Contact Karen Griffith the Student Immigration Advice & Compliance Manager at k.griffith@leedsbeckett.ac.uk 

JobCentre Plus

The Jobcentre Plus can help you find part-time work in Leeds as well as give advice about National Insurance and Income Tax. Email contact-us@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk for more information.

Kirkgate Market

Kirkgate Market on Vicar Lane in the city centre is a covered market with over 800 stalls, you’ll find everything from fresh fruit and fish to household goods and clothing. The market is often much cheaper than supermarkets and local shops!

Law
Compliance with the UK Laws

Most of the laws about alcohol are contained in the Licensing Act 2003. 

Social customs and laws on drinking in public vary significantly around the world. Currently it isn't illegal to drink in public. However many areas have alcohol-free zones that target town centres and/or residential areas where there is a particular issue with drinking in public. 

Drugs 

The law on drugs is complex; but if you're caught with an illegal substance, ignorance is not a defence. 

“Talk to FRANK” is the national drugs helpline offering free, confidential information and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also have a useful website at http://www.talktofrank.com/. You can call FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 or text a question on 82111. The cost of sending a text to FRANK is the same as a standard text message, which will depend on your network tariff. Information and advice is also available via the website.

If you are arrested for any reason 

When a police officer makes an arrest, he or she is taking you under the care and control of the law. This means that for the time being you lose certain freedoms, such as to go and do as you please... but in return you are given certain rights which protect you against unreasonable treatment. 

If you are arrested, you have the right to know why you have been arrested. At the police station you will be entitled to: 

1. See a solicitor - Whether you are arrested or go to a police station voluntarily, you are entitled to free legal advice from a solicitor who will advise you while you are being questioned. 
2. Read a copy of the Codes of Practice, which explains the procedures the police should follow in such circumstances. 

You can be detained by the police only if they do not have enough evidence to charge you and they have good reason to believe that they can obtain further evidence. You cannot normally be held for more than 24 hours without being charged or released.

Leeds

There are so many things to see and do in and around Leeds that it has its own website! Visit Leeds has tourism information and dates for open air festivals, concerts, clubs, restaurants, art galleries and more.  You may also like to try Leeds Inspired.  

Libraries

Our libraries can be found in the Leslie Silver Building, City Campus and the James Graham Building, Headingley Campus. Find our more about everything on offer on the Library website.

The Living Room

A Tuesday night home away from home for international students living in Leeds! Make new friends, have fun and discover British culture!

https://www.facebook.com/livingroomleeds/

Lost Property

Lost Property can be handed in to staff at any of the Student Hubs or Security desks.  If you lose something, tell the staff and they will let you know if anyone finds it and help you to report it to the police if necessary. Find out more about Lost Property.

Mail

See Post Office.

Metro

Metro co-ordinates the bus and train services in Leeds and West Yorkshire.  You can buy a Student Plus Metrocard for cheaper bus and train travel around West Yorkshire. Go to www.wymetro.com for lots of useful information.

National Insurance

You will need a National Insurance number if you want to work part-time. For more information, see the UKCISA website.   

Nightline

Is an independent confidential listening service, which you can call on 0113 380 1380 (Information) or 0113 380 1381 (Listening) between 8.00pm- 8.00am during term-time. You can talk to the volunteers about anything bothering you, however they cannot give you advice. Their website is here: www.leedsnightline.co.uk.

Online
MyBeckett provides internet access to University information, email and other services, 24 hours a day, from home or at university. Find out more about the MyBeckett portal.

Police Registration

For more information about registering with the police on arrival, or informing them of a change of address, see the page of our website, Registering with the Police.  

Post Offices

Post Offices are usually open from 9.00 am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00 am – 12pm on Saturdays. You can post mail, buy stamps and pay bills at most offices.

Racism

Discrimination against anyone, or abuse- verbal or physical- because of their race is not acceptable!  If you or anyone you know has been affected by racism, contact the Students' Union Advice Service.

Religious support

Leeds Beckett welcomes and support students of all faiths, beliefs and nationalities. Facilities include prayer rooms on each campus for Muslim students. The Chaplaincy offers friendship and support for individual students, and runs events and clubs such as the International Students Club. For more information, call 0113 343 5071 or go to their website.

Safety

• stick to well-lit busy streets and avoid walking home alone after dark 
• lock windows and doors at all times, especially when you leave the house 
• don’t leave valuables unattended, even for a few minutes. 

If you have any safety questions, or in the unlikely event that you are a victim of crime, there is lots of support available to you. 

James Graham Building

Headingley Campus

Leeds, LS6 3HF

Telephone: +44 113 812 3716

Creating Confidence – Personal Safety 

Download the Creating Confidence personal safety guide here.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed inside any of the Leeds Beckett buildings, in shops, cinemas and public transport, and in parts of most restaurants and bars. From 1st July 2007 there was a total ban on smoking anywhere indoors, unless you are at home. Be aware of other people’s feelings, even when you are outside- they might not like you smoking near them!  

Student Accommodation Service

For advice about living in Halls of Residence, call the Student Accommodation Service on 0113 812 5972 or email: accommodation@leedsbeckett.ac.uk    

Student Hub

Staff at the Student Hub at both City Campus and Headingley Campus may be able to help you with non-academic matters, and they can also help you access a range of student support services.  Click here or visit them in person.    

Student’s Union

The Leeds Beckett Student’s Union (LBSU) is a central part of Leeds Beckett social and academic life, for staff and students! They also run their own Student Advice Service.  For more information, go to the Students' Union website.

Taxis

Amber Cars ‘no cash’ taxi service
If you find yourself stuck without money and unable to get home, Amber Cars (taxi firm) will take you home in exchange for your student ID card. Your card will be dropped off at Leeds University Union and you can pick it up and pay your taxi fare when it’s convenient.
Tel: 0113 202 2117
Web: Amber Cars

TV Licence

If you want to watch television in your Halls of Residence or private housing, you will need to get a TV Licence. You can buy one online from tvlicensing.co.uk.

UKCISA

UKCISA is the Council for International Student Affairs in the UK, which provides essential information and advice for international students. Go to the website www.ukcisa.org.uk to see their range of factsheets.  

Uniforms

Police generally wear black and white uniforms, often with a bright yellow jacket.  Officers of The Fire Service in Leeds and Paramedics (staff who attend accidents and emergencies) also wear uniforms while they are on duty.  All uniforms have badges identifying which Emergency Service they work for.   University Security staff wear black trousers with a blue shirt and jacket.  

Unipol

Unipol is an organisation which helps students find private rented accommodation. They are based at 155-157 Woodhouse Lane, (near the City Campus).  Call them on 0113 243 0169, email: info@unipol.leeds.ac.uk or visit their website.

Visas

The Student Immigration Advice and Compliance team can help you to fill in your visa extension form and can assist you with any queries that you may have.  Please make sure to let us know well in advance of your visa expiry date if at all possible to allow us to provide you with any help you need.

Contact us to book an appointment.

Women

In Britain women have the right to be regarded as equal to men in all areas of life.  It is normal to see women having careers, socialising together and going out alone.  The following organisations may be helpful for women:  

Family Planning Association: information and advice on all aspects of sexual health, contraception and related issues.  Call 0845 122 8690 or visit www.fpa.org.uk    

Equal Opportunities Commission: this agency is working to eliminate discrimination on grounds of gender.  Call the Equality Advisory Support Service on 0808 800 0082 for confidential advice or visit https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/.

Work

If you are thinking about working, take a look at the up to the minute information provided by UKCISA.

Yorkshire Dales

Leeds is less than 20 miles from the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which is famous for its beauty. You can get there easily by bus or train; for more information see the Metro website www.wymetro.com.

Zebra Crossings

Roads in Leeds- especially in the city centre- are very busy, sometimes with fast moving traffic, and crossing the road safely can be difficult.  Use ‘Zebra crossings’, where you can wait for the traffic to stop.  There are other types of pedestrian crossings where you push a button and wait for the symbol of a walking man to turn from red to green before you cross. Try to use crossings whenever you can.