Making arrangements
Visas
The UK immigration system is changing and the British government is introducing new immigration rules over the next few years.
You must seek up-to-date advice about any immigration matter from the International Student Office at the University of Leeds.
EEA and Swiss students
If you are an EEA student, you can learn about your immigration status at the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Non-EEA students
If you wish to come to the UK and study for six months or more, you must apply for 'entry clearance' as a 'student', not a visitor, before you leave the country where you live to travel to the UK.
You apply for entry clearance from your nearest British diplomatic post (Embassy or High Commission). You can find contact details of your nearest diplomatic post at the UK Border Agency Visa Service.
You can find further information at the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Accommodation
Leeds has plenty of accommodation for students that is good value for money, and reflects the fact that Leeds has a lower cost of living than London and much of the south of England.
University accommodation
We guarantee you a place in University accommodation for the year if you apply by the stated deadlines, usually in March, and you are:
- an international undergraduate and pay fees at the international rate. You are guaranteed a place in our accommodation until you finish your course, provided you apply by the stated deadlines
- an undergraduate exchange student
- an international postgraduate student and pay fees at the international rate, and you are new to Leeds.
For more information about the types of halls and flats owned by the university, deadlines and how to apply, please visit the accommodation office.
Private accommodation
Some students opt to live in private sector housing, as it allows them more flexibility on location and space.
Unipol Student Homes
Unipol is a housing charity that works closely with the University to provide a central point for students for house hunting. We recommended you use Unipol to find accommodation in the private rented sector.
The Unipol website has lots of useful information and advice as well as advertisements for houses, flats and bed-sits available to rent. There is also an online student notice board where you can find housemates.
Unipol has a Code of Standards for student housing, and the code's provisions run substantially beyond legal minimum requirements. The charity advises students to rent only from a Code of Standards owner.
Accommodation Assistant
During September, the International Welcome Team Accommodation Assistant can help you with househunting and finding other students to live with.
You can ask for your Accommodation Assistant's support whenever you need it, for example if you have questions after visiting a house, or you are unclear about something a landlord has said.
Student Advice Centre Housing Advice
Don't start house-hunting until you have read the advice on the Student Advice Centre website including their guide for international students. You can also visit them in the Students' Union for face-to-face advice.
Do I need a visa?
Check whether you require permission to study in the UK with the visa questionnaire at www.ukvisas.gov.uk