If the University of Leeds wasn’t your first choice
The first thing is, you did it. Years of balancing studying, working, personal struggles and lots of resilience have paid off. You’re here at the University of Leeds, and we can’t wait to meet you.
Leeds might not have been your first choice. Whether you got results you didn’t quite expect or you changed your plans on purpose, you’ll probably be feeling a lot of mixed emotions. Before you start panic googling, here’s some advice to get through the next few days.
Leeds, your new plan A
You made it to university, period! Take your time feel all the feelings, but always remind yourself that you did your best. You might be thinking about what you liked about your first choice or plans you had made that now have to change.
The good news? The University of Leeds is full of new and exciting opportunities that are here to welcome you. We’ve got a bustling Student Union that hosts over 300 clubs and societies for you to get involved with. We’ve got a thriving sports community, solidarity groups for issues that matter to you, and opportunities to try things like hiking, sign language, or creating music.
Start exploring
The best way to get to know your new University is to start exploring. You might already be based in Leeds, or live close enough for a visit. You might think you already know Leeds really well, however take it from us, Leeds is completely different when you’re a student (in the best way). Take a walk around campus, say an early hello to the bunnies, or take yourself to student haunts like Old Bar to start, or head down to Headingley for your new favourite artsy coffee shop.
If Leeds, or even Yorkshire is a far-away land to you, don’t worry. The city of Leeds is made up of a tight-knit, diverse community. It’s often said that Leeds feels huge when you first arrive, and then it feels smaller every year. That’s because Leeds is a place that quickly feels like home, especially for a student. Alongside your favourite high-street shops, Leeds is a treasure trove for art and music lovers, and there’s always something to watch at the theatre, arena, or sports venue.
There’s truly something for everyone here in Leeds, and it’s all waiting to welcome you.
We’re glad you’re here
Not getting into your first choice university is more common than you think, and does not mean you did something wrong or there is anything wrong with you. You should feel really proud that you faced a setback, overcame it, and landed on your feet at a fantastic University.
You might feel extra stressed if you’re now having to travel further from home, or you picked a certain University because you felt safe there. Here at Leeds, we have a wonderful diverse community of staff and students. You can read more about LGBTQ+ spaces in Leeds, learn about support for disabled students, and read about other diverse student’s experiences of living in Leeds.
However you came to Leeds, our University community is better for having you in it. The experiences, skills, and perspective you’re bringing is really valuable, and there are plenty of staff and students that are here to help you succeed, every step of the way.
Welcome to Leeds!
