Welcome to your home away from home!

We know that starting University and transitioning to student life can be a pretty daunting experience - but we're here to help you make that leap into independence as easy for you as we possibly can.

To ensure that you get the most out of your time here at Leicester, we've told you a bit about what we do here at the Students' Union and have compiled a list of some useful tips to help you find your feet.

What is the SU and how is it different from the University?

Your Students' Union is an independent organisation, and registered charity. We work closely with the University, but are proudly independent, working to empower you to speak up about matters you are passionate about. Whether you want to make improvements to your course, campus facilities, take part in societies or sports clubs, or simply help to make positive changes around campus and the local community, we're here to give you a platform to do that.

What does being a member of the Students' Union mean?

All students are automatically made a member of the Students' Union once they enrol on to a course with University of Leicester. As one of our members, you can access all our services and get involved with opportunities including Volunteering and Societies, Academic Representation, Peer Mentoring and so much more. There are over 150 student groups to get involved with - made up of both societies and sports clubs - all of which need new members and will be showcasing what they are about during Freshers' Week. We'd love you to get involved.

What support is available for me?

University should be one of the most amazing experiences of your life, but we understand that from time to time, things don't always go as smoothly as planned - that's where our Support Team comes in.

Our Advice Service offers free, confidential support on a range of subjects - from academic, housing and personal issues. They are based in the Percy Gee Students' Union Building and offer a range of ways to get in touch.

We also work with a number of external support services, making it easier for you to get the support you need. These include a sexual health clinic, therapy dog, drug and alcohol advice and victim support.

How can I use my voice?

There are a number of ways to make your voice heard here at the SU. Find out more about Course Reps, Executive Elections and our Student Idea system here. You can also take a look at the campaigns your Executive Officers have run - if you are interested in being involved in a campaign please email your Exec Team.

Click here to find out more about your Executive Officer team.

Cooking Tips & Kitchen Tricks

We're sure you've heard all kinds of horror stories about the 'typical student diet' by now. In fact, are you even a student if someone hasn't already asked you if you're stocked up on pasta?

However, what if we told you that you could cook tasty, quick, and nutritious meals, all on a budget?

Whether you're a novice chef who classes pre-heating the oven as a success (it totally is by the way!), or you're a seasoned veteran in the kitchen with a spice rack to make a Michelin-star chef blush, our Students' Union Cookbook can help you do just that.

Containing recipes, tips and advice, we'll have you impressing your new housemates with your culinary delights in no time.

Wellbeing Tips

Come to all the Freshers events you are interested in
Whilst Freshers week is typically known for its nighttime events, the daytime events are also really great! There can be some social activities to make friends if drinking and partying are less your thing. The fair is also really great to get to know what is available for you at the University and the places that are around in Leicester. A little tip: The Freebies fair is way busier in the morning, and you’ll likely wait less time the later you come

Bring your Home Comforts
Take things that will make your room feel like him. That could be pictures, photos of your friends and family, your favourite cushion or bed spread, and definitely your portable speakers!

Join a society
Joining a society is a great way to make new friends with similar interest and have something to do outside of academics. Make sure you come to our Sports & Societies fair on the 23rd and 24th September to see the wide range that Leicester has to offer. There’s lot of give it a go sessions during Freshers, which is a no pressure way to try out the society to see if you’d enjoy it.

Get to know Leicester
Have an explore of the city to see what’s around. There’s lot of different things that happen in Leicester so be sure to keep an eye out to see what’s on. Check out the visit Leicester website to see what’s happening across the city.

Get to know your flatmates
You’ll be living with these people for a whole year (or maybe longer) so get to know them! Play some games or maybe have a movie night to discover more about each other.

Make friend from a variety of places
Get to know people on your course, in your accommodation, through societies and any other way of interacting with people. The first people you meet at university aren’t always going to be your best friends for the whole time and it’s nice to get to know a variety of people

Take your time
The transition into Uni life can be a challenge at times. So do not worry if you find yourself overwhelmed and not understanding everything straight away. This is a new stage of life, so there is no rush! Make sure you are having rest time, keeping in touch with friends and family, and taking care of your physical and mental health. Leicester University SU have an advice service that offer all kinds of clinics and services that help you when your mental health is good, and also when you need support. To access them go their webpage click here. You can also come to our Volunteering & Support Fair on the 25th September to see the wide variety of support available to you at Leicester.

Packing for University

What on Earth do you bring with you to survive an entire year in a totally new place?

Luckily for you, we've been there and done that with Uni packing. To stop you making the same mistakes as we did, we're on-hand to help you tackle the impossible task of throwing your life possessions into a few suitcases and boxes.

Obviously, you need to bring enough clothes to wear, but read on for some hints, tips, and a few surprises you may not have even considered bringing.

Important documents

Passport/Citizen Card & Driving License*
* It's important to try and take more than one form of I.D. with you - just in case one gets lost!

University & Course Acceptance Letters
If you cannot find the physical copy, check your emails for a digital one.

Student Finance Paperwork
You may need these upon enrolment to show that you can pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation Letter
These prove to your accommodation or halls provider when collecting your keys that you are who you say you are.

National Insurance Number/Letter
If you're looking to work in Leicester, make sure you either memorise or download a copy of this from the HMRC website, you'll need to present it to your employer for tax purposes.

VISA Documentation
If you are an international student, bring your Home Office documentation as proof of your right to study and work - you may need to present this upon enrolment.

Medicine/First aid kit

You will soon learn about freshers’ flu and will be grateful for any paracetamol within reach! It’s also good to keep a supply of general medicine and plasters etc. the last thing you want to do is having to go to the supermarket when you’re already under the weather.

Clothes Airer

Whether you live in uni accom or your own flat, using a dryer costs a lot of money, so you’ll make great savings with a handy airer!

Kitchen equipment

Make sure you bring everything you’ll need to make your favourite meals. Top tip, if you only bring a couple of plates, mugs, and other essentials, you’ll be forced to stay on top of your washing up! Also leave the microwaves/kettles/toasters at home, your accommodation will likely have these, and even if they don’t, you don’t want to end up with 5 microwaves if all your flatmates decided to bring one with them!

Sliders

You’ll probably want to avoid walking around your flat in socks, and sliders are handy for doing laundry or walking down to the corner shop for a late-night sweet treat.

Posters

Posters don’t take up too much space and will make your new room feel like home!

Card games

Whether you’re getting to know your flatmates or going to a social, so many card games are good fun at university!

Water bottle

You’ll quickly notice that everyone in lectures has their own emotional support water bottle, so get yourself one and stay hydrated.

Bedding

Most accommodation comes without bedding, so make sure you check your accommodation info and bring anything you will need for a good night’s sleep (no accom will have your plushies, so bring at least one of them along).

Batteries

Despite the majority of gadgets coming with a wall charger nowadays, batteries crop up where you least expect them. Keep a couple on hand when you inevitably need them.

Freshers Checklist