University of Leeds

After acceptance to study abroad as an exchange student to the University of Leeds through Illinois, you will need to submit a University of Leeds application as well. The University of Illinois will nominate you for the University of Leeds. Once you’ve been nominated, you may receive an e-mail with a link to your application form.

• • Link to application

  • Instructions to apply

During the University application process, you must upload several supporting documents with your online application form including a copy of your passport information page, description of the grading system at your home university, and a portfolio. See required documents for more detailed information.

If you major in Music and want to take performance classes, you must submit a portfolio of your playing or singing. It should be at least 10 minutes long and include contrasting examples if possible.

If you major in Fine Art and wish to take studio classes or you major in Design and wish to take core Design classes, you are required to submit your portfolio of work directly to the Fine Art or Design Study Abroad Coordinator prior to completing the Study Abroad application form.

Follow all instructions carefully and adhere to the deadlines to ensure a smoother application process!

Program Dates

• • Spring Semester 2021: January 11, 2021- June 18, 2021

  • Fall Semester 2021: tba

  • Academic Year 2021-22: September 23, 2021-June 18, 2022

See Official Term Date Calendar

Arrival

Arrival information, including where to go for your airport pick-up on the scheduled day, and about the orientation schedule, will come from the University of Leeds. Therefore, do not book your airline tickets until first verifying the expected arrival and departure dates with the Leeds staff.

Entering the United Kingdom

• • Please review the Visa/Immigration Information from the University of Leeds.

  • You can download or print this request for passport stamp document to present to a Border Force official upon arrival when seeking permission to enter the UK.

  • You must not enter via the Republic of Ireland. If you do, you will not pass through UK immigration control and you will not get the correct permission for study in the UK.

  • Always carry your University of Leeds offer letter, proof of accommodation booked in Leeds and your most recent bank statements with you in your hand luggage to present to an Immigration Officer to provide evidence for the purpose of your stay.

Due to the global pandemic, there are many changes that have taken place with travel, academia, and other areas. Please refer to this guide for updated information.

Orientation

When you arrive you will need to attend a "Study Abroad, Exchange and Erasmus+ Orientation Meeting" and a "Parent School Welcome Meeting". You will be emailed before you arrive with further information about specific dates and times of the orientation activities.

• • Arrival Guide

  • Travel Information Guide

The University of Leeds does not guarantee University housing during this upcoming year. The odds of securing university housing are better if you apply by the deadlines and are a new undergraduate exchange student. There are many dormitory and housing options available and accommodating for students of various needs. The University of Leeds will try to accommodate you as best possible with the search for housing during your stay.

If you are relocating to Leeds with your family there is family-oriented University housing on campus and nearby. The University of Leeds recommends you arrive early to arrange housing before your family arrives.

Please review the following resources:

• • Housing Details

  • Housing Application

  • Housing Application Guide

  • University Housing Catalog

You must apply for housing directly with the accommodation office and meet their application deadlines:

• • September arrival: apply by July 1st

  • January arrival: apply by December 1st

Fall term students: If you will be studying at Leeds for Fall only, you will be offered a housing contract that finishes during the middle of the January exam period. When the exam schedule gets published, you can contact the housing office to apply to extend your contract if you need to include any additional time until the end of the semester.

Spring term students: If you will be studying at Leeds for Spring only, you will arrive during the Fall semester examination period. This means that you may not be able to move into your room right away. If this is the case, you will be offered temporary housing when you first arrive, while your room is prepared.

Academic Culture

The University of Leeds, established in 1904, is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK, renowned globally for the quality of its teaching and research. All exchange and study abroad students are taught alongside local and international students who are taking a full degree program. You will be studying in a prestigious Russell Group university, among world-class researchers (including Nobel Laureates and the Poet Laureate) who are experts in their fields, fully immersed in the University of Leeds experience. You will be allocated a parent school which will be responsible for the administration for your studies.

In the United Kingdom, courses are called modules. Schedules are called timetables. Majors and minors are called courses. Students should expect to engage in more independent study while in the United Kingdom, than they do in the United States. Courses tend to include less homework and weekly assignments so the majority of grading is based on end of semester work.

Registration

• • A total of 50-60 credits per semester is a full workload. If you are enrolled in less than 50 credits you will need to add new courses (using the Course Catalog) or if you enrolled in more than 60 credits you will need to drop some to bring your credit total to 60.

  • Please read the Course Registration Instructions and Requirements.

  • Fall semester and full-year students: In the summer (beginning in June) you will be emailed a module/course enrollment report, which lists the courses you have been enrolled in or rejected from and those which are still pending a decision.

  • Spring semester students who applied after mid-May: You will be emailed your module/course enrollment report about a month after your acceptance to the University of Leeds.

Transcripts

Transcripts will be sent to Illinois automatically after the end of the program. However, the time for receipt and processing can take a few months. Be patient, and you can track to see when your transcript is received by the Office of the Registrar by when the digital copy is uploaded into your My Study Abroad documents.

Students who choose to study in Leeds find a welcoming campus in the midst of one of the largest cities in England. The University of Leeds is ideal for students looking for a more immersive program, where they’ll get to interact with British students in and out of the classroom. A short two hour train ride from London, Leeds is a central hub to many destinations in the United Kingdom, while providing an exciting music and theatre scene locally.

Below are some resources to get involved within the campus and community:

• • Leeds Lonely Planet Guide

  • City Life

  • Clubs and Societies

  • Ways to get involved

  • Meet Student Ambassadors

  • Student Experiences

  • Wellbeing and Support

  • Leeds Youtube Channel