The University of Leeds provides an incredible study atmosphere
Studying abroad was something I wanted to do since I was little; I craved the independence, the idea of being exposed to a multicultural environment and studying something I was passionate about. The UK was a no brainer for me, not only it offers one of the highest educations around the world, but also it was a country that appeal to me given that I already speak the language.
Student Life
One of the biggest differences between studying in the UK and in my home country, Peru, must be the student life. While in Peru, most people live with their parents throughout their university years, in the UK you reach a level of independence from a very young age. However, the thing that surprised me the most, was the student life at campus; from spending hours in the library, to going for a pint after class at the Old Bar on campus. Another major difference was the idea of living with friends, which felt like a sleepover every day. In general, I believe that the University of Leeds provides an incredible study atmosphere to dive deep into your studies, making the experience incredibly pleasant. Choosing the University of Leeds has been one of the best decisions of my life. The campus is beautiful, with different architectures all over it, in some areas, modern buildings and in other the traditional red-brick buildings. The green areas with rabbits running through campus motivated me to go even when the weather was not the nicest. My favourite place on campus has to be St George’s Field. It’s a large green space situated near the School of Chemical and Process Engineering. I cannot even remember the amount of picnics and strolls I did with my friends in that area. I think that what appeal me the most to it, was the close contact with nature and that it is a quiet space in which you can go and relax and enjoy yourself.
My Course
I decided to study International Development which was a bit surprising for my family and friends because they had never heard anything about it. To begin with, it is not a course that was on offer at any universities in my home country and that idea terrified my parents. However, after reading about it, my parents were completely happy and excited with the idea. Given that it was not a well-known course I did LOTS of research and discovered University of Leeds. The curricula was completely different from others I have researched online and that is what drawn me to the university. The campus, the modules they offer, the vibrant student life everyone talk about are a couple of things convinced me straight away that Leeds was the university for me, and I’m so thankful I listen. After 4 years, I cannot express how much I have enjoyed my course and the university; from the academic challenges to the friends, I have made along the way. My course challenge me to open my mind to diverse perspectives and be able to critically analyse political and economic measures that have been taken. It taught me things about my own country that I was completely unaware of and made me realized the impact of the decisions we, collectively, as a society have on others.
Leeds as a City
Studying in Leeds has been a wonderful experience, not only is the campus is extremely pretty but the city has lots of things to offer. When I first started university I was scared of not being in a ‘big city’, but Leeds did not disappoint. The number of activities the city has to offer exceeded my expectations. From numerous gigs to restaurants all over the city, it never feels too small. The friendliness of people, the vibrancy of the city, and the atmosphere of the university has made my time here unforgettable. In conclusion, if I could do it all over again I would a 100%.
- Almudena