Parents’ Guide
Welcome to the
the University of Leeds
Your guide to higher education and university life.
Contents
03 Welcome to the University of Leeds 04 A future full of opportunities 06 Over a century of excellence 08 Student support 10 A place to live 12 Life in the city 14 FAQ’S
C
ommitting three or four years to higher education is a big decision and often a difficult one for all involved – especially students and their parents. Although the choice of university ultimately lies with the student, here at the University of Leeds we recognise your need for information as parents. As part of the decision-making process you will need to consider which university and which course is the most suitable, together with important issues such as accommodation, finance and student welfare. As one of the UK’s leading and most popular universities, students are the heart and soul of our vision for the future.
We are continually investing to give them an exceptional student experience so that their years at university are the best they can be. Situated in a growing and successful city, the University prides itself on delivering excellence in learning and teaching all within a safe, friendly and supportive environment. The University of Leeds is here to help support students and parents, providing access to information and advice. We know that you, as parents, will have many questions that need to be answered and we hope the information given in this publication will help you guide your son or daughter into higher education.
ll of opportunities
hy is it that students of today choose to go into higher education? After years of studying why do they commit to another few years at a university?
A future full of
Delivering excellence to the students of today and the leaders of tomrrow
W
Although each student has a different reason for choosing a university degree, the one constant is that higher education opens the door to a world full of wonderful opportunities and experiences. Not only can a degree lead to fulfilling jobs with higher salaries and better promotional prospects, it equips students with essential life skills. Today's career market is such that it demands capable, well-motivated graduates with a vast range of transferable skills as well as academic qualifications. At Leeds, we work hard to ensure that our graduates are fully equipped to successfully embark on their chosen career, by facilitating academic and social development.
Every year more than 5,000 new graduates leave the University armed with the skills and knowledge to contribute to all aspects of the economy and society. Leeds graduates are highly regarded amongst bluechip employers and many have gone on to varied and exciting careers. Some have become household names such as the Rt. Hon Jack Straw, the Rt. Hon Clare Short, impressionist Alistair McGowan, GMTV presenter Jenni Falconer, NASA Astronaut Dr Piers Sellers, 02 Chief Executive (Ireland) Danuta Gray, Dire Straits singer Mark Knopfler and Creative Director for the BBC Alan Yentob. Others are stars in the making… Irrespective of the subject studied, if your son/daughter has a degree from the University of Leeds they can look forward to a future full of opportunities.
A world-class university providing an exceptional student experience
cclaimed world-wide for the quality of its teaching and research, Leeds is one of the largest universities in the UK and remains a popular choice for UK students applying for undergraduate courses.
A
As part of our strategic vision to secure our position as a leading world-class university, major investment will be made in the campus, equipment and staff to ensure that our students enjoy the best possible university experience. The campus itself is an eclectic mixture of old and new, offering students the best of both worlds; a friendly, campus community and a thriving city life. Everything students are likely to need is located on campus, with the added benefit of the bustling city centre only a 10-minute walk down the road. The influence of the University stretches far and wide. Our links with the community, business and enterprise make a vital contribution to the city's future social and economic development, and provides our students with access to a wide range of opportunities during their course and after graduation. For further information visit www.leeds.ac.uk
Leeds offers an exciting choice of courses ranging from traditional degrees to the more innovative subject areas. The University also offers a vast range of joint honours courses allowing students to pursue their interests across a range of disciplines, as well as opportunities to study abroad or work in industry. At Leeds, we pride ourselves on providing our students with a fulfilling education as well as an active social life. In a century of teaching, the University has invested to provide students with first-class facilities, including modern, wellequipped lecture theatres and laboratories, an internationally acclaimed University library, first-rate computing resources, a well resourced language centre and one of the biggest and most active Students' Unions in the country.
Over a century
of excellence
Student support
Committed to the personal wellbeing of our students for added peace of mind
change in lifestyle can bring many challenges as well as opportunities. That’s why at Leeds we make it a priority to provide your son/daughter with the maximum amount of help and support in a confidential and friendly environment.
A
Leeds Student Medical Practice: An NHS practice specialising in all aspects of student health. The Equality Unit: Home to Disability Services which provides a range of support to disabled and dyslexic students. Skills Centre: Utilising the latest technology and resources, the Skills Centre focuses on improving skills development. International Office: This office provides practical advice and guidance for international students and their families. Leeds University Union (LUU) LUU has range of support services for students including the Advice Centre which provides independent information and advice on issues regarding housing, money, immigration, academic and various other procedures. Together with Joblink, a service that sources student-friendly jobs for termtime and vacation work, and Nightline, a confidential information and support service run by trained students, for students. For further information visit www.leeds.ac.uk/ssn or www.luuonline.com
Whilst studying at university your son/daughter may encounter challenges whether they are financial, work-related or personal. The University is here to offer help and guidance to students, and of course parents, delivering a dedicated support service for added peace of mind. Personal tutor: Each student will be allocated a personal tutor who is available to advise on academic and personal issues. Careers Centre: The Careers Centre provides information on career planning, work experience, CV’s and business start up. Chaplaincy: The Chaplaincy offers links to all major religious faiths and is committed to providing a spiritual and pastoral service to students. Student Counselling Centre: The Student Counselling Centre offers professional, free and confidential counselling to all university students.
A place to
Secure, quality accommodation to suit individual lifestyles
live
A
s well as a place to study, learn, interact and develop, a university is also a place to live. When your son or daughter chooses a university they are not only choosing a degree, they are choosing the place where they will be living for the next three or four years. Here at the University of Leeds we aim to make it as easy as possible by helping students find quality accommodation to suit their individual needs. The University guarantees accommodation for all single, first year undergraduates who apply by the deadline and also strives to help clearing students find a place. We have a wide range of catered and self-catering accommodation and take great care to place students in residences which meet their requirements. From large, contemporary accommodation to smaller traditional halls, each of our six catered residences has a
vibrant community with its own distinctive character. University self-catered accommodation provides an ideal environment for those who prefer a greater degree of independence and flexibility, but who still want to be part of a close-knit student environment with a lively social scene. Our emphasis is on providing a safe, welcoming atmosphere where students can study and relax. Each residence has one or more wardens, who are available to listen and advise on personal and academic issues, as well as a lively social andsporting scene. Rents and contract terms for each academic year are usually set in January or February. The latest information will be available on the website, together with detailed descriptions of each residence. For further information visit www.leeds.ac.uk/accommodation
Life in the
A city full of opportunity, excitement and community
city
O
ne of the most vibrant and thriving cities in the UK, Leeds has seen extensive regeneration over the years with a buoyant business economy, exciting new housing developments and a cosmopolitan culture. It has been voted the UK’s best university destination (The Independent) and the students who come to Leeds often stay on to live and work in the city after graduation. With its rich history and interesting cultural scene, Leeds stands proud as a city of regional, national and international importance. It is unrivalled in the north of England as a major shopping destination and centre for entertainment, nightlife, the arts and leisure and is surrounded by beautiful, accessible countryside. The city centre is a mere 10minute walk from the campus, with fast, frequent and cheap transport. With such a large student population, it is no surprise that Leeds is fully equipped for students. Most areas have a wide
range of shops, supermarkets, banks, restaurants and frequent transport into the city centre. The large number of students living in the city has created many opportunities for part-time work and work experience in a variety of different sectors for students who want to earn some extra money or develop their CV. Leeds is ideally located in the heart of the UK and enjoys excellent communication links with the rest of the country. London and Edinburgh are two hours away by rail and Leeds/Bradford airport provides regular flights to an increasing number of destinations. For further information visit www.leeds.gov.uk THE UK’S FAVOURITE CITY (Conde Nast Traveller magazine) BRITAIN’S BEST CITY FOR BUSINESS (OMIS Research) BEST PLACE IN BRITAIN TO LIVE (Urban Behaviours survey)
FAQ’s
You will have your own specific queries about university, but here are a few of our most commonly asked questions to help you with your quest for information
Can I visit the campus to find out about the facilities and university first-hand? We welcome parents at open days and if you would like to visit please email openday@leeds.ac.uk or telephone 0113 343 3920. What are the fees? From 2006 tuition fees at most universities, including Leeds, for full-time UK and EU undergraduates will be £3,000 per year. This is likely to increase by inflation in subsequent years. Students will be able to take out a student loan for fees which will be paid directly to the University by the Student Loans Company. Your son/daughter will not pay anything until they have left university and are earning over £15,000 a year. For further information, please request a copy of our fees guide. What forms of support are available? To help fund individual study, the University offers a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries. Funding is also available from the Government through your Local Education Authority (LEA) and students can apply to the Student Loan Company for loans to cover basic living costs. Some courses also have different funding arrangements. For all up-to-date information visit www.leeds.ac.uk or www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport
What are the general living costs? Students at Leeds benefit from a low cost of living. Accommodation is very affordable and with the city only a 10-minute walk from the campus, travel costs are kept at a minimum. The main costs include rent, food, domestic bills, travel, clothing, books, equipment, insurance and socialising. Part-time work can be an excellent way of supplementing income, with many jobs available on the University campus and in the city. How does my son/daughter apply to study at university? Applications for full-time places in higher education are coordinated by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Your son or daughter can apply online at www.ucas.com/apply/index.html What are the deadlines for applications? The first closing date for all applications is 15 January, except for applications to Medicine and Dentistry when the deadline is 15 October. Up to six courses ( four for Medicine and Dentistry) can be applied for initially. Your son/daughter can hold up to two offers, one 'firm' and one 'insurance', which will generally be conditional on exam results. Students who have not been made an offer or who have declined can make use of UCAS Extra. For further information visit www.ucas.ac.uk
Is there any advice or support available for those first few weeks when my son/daughter starts university? The University provides a comprehensive induction programme for all students. From dedicated social events to personal meetings within departments, each student will receive information to make the transition to university life easier. Your son/daughter will receive a detailed information pack in advance of the start of term to help them begin planning their arrival. How can I help them settle into university life? First and foremost discuss finances and how you will help fund your son/daughter through university. Stay in contact whether that is by email, phone or even a weekend visit. Going to university is an exciting time for all involved and you can share in the experience. Be on hand to offer encouragement and support, and utilise the support services available at the University should your son/daughter have any difficulties or concerns whilst here at Leeds. We hope this information has answered some of your questions and given you a brief introduction to the University of Leeds. Our website www.leeds.ac.uk can give you further insight into life here at Leeds and our staff are more than happy to discuss detailed course information at open days or departmental visits.
University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT t 0113 343 2336 e ask@leeds.ac.uk w www.leeds.ac.uk