The Definitive A-Z of Leeds Freshers’
A is for... All About YOU
This is YOUR Freshers’ - and you can experience it any way that you want to. Explore a fascinating new world that revolves all around YOU with three jam-packed weeks of exciting events, experiences and entertainment that you can pick and choose from to make up your very own fantastic Freshers’ Week.
B is for... Big Nights Out
Freshers’ wouldn't be the same without those unbelievable big nights out - and there’s lots to choose from, so take your pick. It’s time to let your hair down and enjoy yourself - head over to Union Events to find out more and bag your tickets. If your Freshers’ is in need of some refreshing, our Wonder Water team will be on hand with their FREE fruit infused water at all our Union nights - sup up to keep dancing all night long!
At CATS - our Cards And Tickets Shop - you can find tickets for all our events and gigs without the booking fees as well as cards for your new-found friends, flatmates and family for any occasion. It’s also a treasure trove for presents, decorations for your new room and little treats just for you. Pop in and see what you can find.
Explore your brand new home and all that’s around it with one of our many day trips. You could be brand new to Leeds or maybe you’re a local student, but it doesn't matter where you’ve lived before - discovering your city and the wider region as a student opens up a brand new world. So what are you waiting for? The bus leaves from the Parkinson Building steps!
Mmmmmm. Eating. Want to do it in? Out? On the move? The Union is bursting with tasty options to please all your tummy’s desires. Head down to your Union supermarket Essentials to get everything you need to make a slap up meal and impress your new flatmates. Or if you want to leave the washing up to us, explore not one of our foody options, from cafe chic to slap-up pub grub, these include Terrace, Old Bar, Hidden Cafe, Salad Box and the new Balcony. Yum!
F is for... Freshers’ Fair
A fair entirely for you - with plenty of freebies and a chance to sign up to as many of our 300 clubs and societies that take your fancy! Kick-start your uni life by learning that hobby you always wanted to try, or keep faithful to one of your favourites. Want a little taster before you sign up to the society? That’s what our ‘Give it a Go’ events are all about.
You’re part of Leeds Uni now, so why not let everyone know? Our clothing shop has you covered for all your official University of Leeds merchandise - from hoodies to mugs, get them at Gear.
Most Freshers will start their new lives in one of our many Halls. You’ll get to meet loads of new friends and have some great nights (and days) out together. Break the ice and get the meetings and greetings underway by joining your Halls’ Facebook page - you can find your Halls’ page here.
Leeds University Union is a world that revolves entirely around… YOU! And the best thing is, if you want to make tweaks to your world, introduce new ideas, or campaign against things you want to change, you can! Any idea about the Union, the University or the City that passes we will strive to make sure becomes a reality.
Looking to get some more money to fill your relatively empty student pockets? Want to build up your CV and explore your career options? Joblink is your new best friend, providing tonnes of student-friendly jobs. Make Joblink your first stop on the job hunt.
This could be your moment of fame-or shame - as Old Bar kicks off Freshers’ with Karaoke on Tuesday 15th September. Grab the mic and push Beyonce aside, because what else says ‘bonding’ like a flatmate rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing”? And you don’t even have to ‘Journey’ far - Old Bar is our very own student bar, right in the basement of the Union, serving up Real Ale, Real Grub and Real Sport, with the occasional Karaoke fix and weekly pub quiz thrown in for good measure.
L is for... Love Leeds Charity Shop
Unpacked and realised you’ve forgotten that all important sieve, a useful but easily forgettable kitchen-friend, or maybe you only brought one plate and cup and worked out you’ll need a few more if you want to cook for your friends? Let the Love Leeds Charity Shop provide the answers to your needs. They’re holding a Free Shop this September for all you early arrivers; bringing you plates, bowls, cups, sieves, maybe even whisks, entirely for free. Visit them on Tuesday 15th September to pimp out your kitchen, or pop in any time of the year - they’re downstairs in the Union building.
Whatever genre gets you grooving, you can find your jam at Leeds University Union. Our gig nights and clubs have sounds to suit all ears, with live bands and singer/songwriters gracing our many stages. You can check here to see who’s on the horizon. Plus, in Freshers’ Week, Hidden Cafe are hosting their Hidden and Unplugged every Friday - a chance to find your new favourite band from our fresh local talent. You can even get up there and give it a go yourself!
After your great night out at the Union, you can go from dancefloor to front door for just £1 with your nocturnal pal the Nightbus. With trips running once every half an hour from the Union foyer, you can be sure to get home safe after a big night out.
O is for... Official Freshers’ Arrival Party
This is the only place you will want to be when you touchdown in Leeds! We’re throwing opening our doors and putting on an extra special party to welcome you all to what partying is like as a Leeds Uni student! Explore our 5 bars and venues, pick your favourite and spend the night celebrating your new world. Oh yeah, and it’s all for free! (You’re welcome.)
Nights out, coffee meet ups and even film nights - we've got an array of events specifically designed to get all you Postgrads meeting up, making friends and enjoying Freshers’ Week together. Which events will you be attending?
You've got questions, Helpdesk has answers. Situated in the entrance of the Union, Helpdesk holds the answer to any questions you may have during Freshers’ Week - and the rest of the year. (Plus, if it’s raining, they’ll give you an umbrella-ella-ella). You might also find some of the answers you need over in our Freshers’ FAQ.
R is for... Ready to set off?
Are you ready for Freshers’? If you’re moving into student accommodation or away from home, here are our top 10 essential items that need to be on your packing checklist. Of course you’ll remember the important stuff like clothes, make up, plates and bowls, but here are a couple of things you may not have thought of:
Bedding - personalise your room by picking out some brand new snuggly bedding.
Bath towels and a hand towel - take one to wash & one to use.
Photoframe/ pictures - make your room your own & keep a little bit of home with you with photos from funny times, a cuddly toy, posters or pictures, or even some nice cushions for your bed.
A door wedge to prop open your door - hello new friends, goodbye sitting in your room alone.
A bottle opener - you will become popular fast.
A laundry bag/ basket - those clothes have got to get to the washing machine somehow.
Washing powder and conditioner and a drying rack - while we are on the subject of laundry - have you remembered these?
A keyring - you’ve got the keys to your very own door - don’t loose them - put them on a keychain.
A couple of mugs, some tea bags and some UTH milk - everyone needs a cuppa now and again - make sure you are prepared.
Fancy dress things - you never know when that hula skirt could come in handy, and it’s not handy if its left at home.
Student-hood may not be the wealthiest time of your life, but listen to these words and let them fill you with hope: student discount. Yep, becoming a student let’s you open doors to a range of brilliant discounts, especially if you have your trusty NUS Extra Card in hand. For just £12 a year you could be getting discounts off everything from your food shop to your night out. To get your card simply head to the Helpdesk - or online here - and start saving.
Named after their huge outdoor area - the biggest one in Leeds city centre - Terrace is the place to be when the sun is shining, sipping on a Pimms or a mocktail. With a range of delicious dishes on offer- from tapas-style sharing bites to fresh salads and seasonal mains - Terrace serves up much more than food. They have an envious collection of fabulous mocktails and cocktails - shake and make your own at their ‘Mixology’ Freshers’ event. Plus every Tuesday is Salsa Night! Whether you’re a newbie or a salsa-pro, show off your rhythm and make friends through the medium of dance.
U is for... Understanding
Your Student Exec are six officers elected by students to lead the Union on your behalf. They were all students at the University of Leeds and know what it’s like to be a student here. They understand you and can help create change, solve a problem and tailor your University and Union to suit you. Meet your Exec here.
The biggest sporting event in the academic calendar is kicking off on Wednesday 7th October, when we go head-to-head with Leeds Beckett in a plethora of sporting events, battling it out to see who reigns victorious. Scream, cheer and channel all your support towards The Gryphons (our University sports team). This year, will V stand for Victory?
It’s absolutely normal to have worries in Freshers’ Week. Our Student Advice team are here for you, throughout Freshers’ and all year round. Whether you are having trouble settling in, money concerns or anything else is bothering you, they can help. Drop-in to see them upstairs in the Union building, or email or call them.
OK. We KNOW it starts with an ‘e’, but you try finding suitable words that begin with ‘X’. To get additional bouts of Freshers’ fun, we’re going to give you a little tip! Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, tweeting us your Freshers’ stories on Twitter @LeedsUniUnion, and perusing our pictures on Instagram. Plus, we’re on Snapchat -follow us on ‘leedsuniunion’ - you never know what exclusive content, competitions and Freshers’ goodies you may find. (And if you’re a fan of FREE stuff, you might want to check this Twitter feed out.)
Welcome to Yorkshire - you’re part of it now! Whether you’re a local student or a newbie to the county, come and celebrate all things Yorkshire at our very own Yorkshire Day on Thursday 24 September. Learn local sayings, sample some tasty traditional treats and discover the unique treasures of our region.
Managed to get through the full Freshers A-Z? Phew! Excellent work! Freshers’ is famous for being full of fun, but do remember you still have many glorious years of student life ahead, and plenty of time to experience all Leeds has to offer. So be kind to your body - it likes to sleep sometimes. It even likes looking at a green vegetable once in a while. (True). Whether you head to Salad Box (our DIY salad place), sip on some of our free, fabulous and fruit infused Wonder Water (available at all our club nights), or take in some of our equally fantastic, but sans-alcohol fun events - your body will thank you when you aren't struggling with a hefty bout of Freshers’ during your first week of lectures. Rest up - the fun’s just beginning!
