Before Boarding the Plane

What Photographs Do Not Show

Before travelling, I researched the university, Leeds and life in the UK extensively. I arrived well informed, but no amount of research can fully explain what it will feel like to live alone, study in another language or be far from your family.

I was especially worried about loneliness, making friends, speaking to local people and adapting to a new academic system. I later discovered that none of those fears was as serious as I had imagined. The first few times could be nerve-racking, but gradually everything began to feel more natural.

What was more difficult was being away from my family, but video calls, photographs and letters helped me greatly, and it is always good to bring some of that love with you.
 

Organising the First Week

My recommendation for the first few days is to focus on creating a practical foundation. It is useful to arrange things such as a bank account, phone, transport and registration with a GP near your accommodation or university.

It is also helpful to learn the route between your accommodation and campus, locate the main shops and buy basic food for the first few days. You do not need to solve your entire life immediately; it is enough to prepare the essentials while you begin familiarising yourself with the city.

In my case, I wish I had researched how regular medicines worked in more detail. Before travelling, I would have checked more carefully which medicines were available in the UK, how they could be obtained and what documentation I might need. I would recommend that anyone receiving medical treatment discuss their individual situation with their healthcare professionals and consult official sources before travelling.
 

Choosing Accommodation from Afar

Choosing accommodation without having visited the city can be complicated. Location was a priority for me because I wanted to live close to the university and be able to get around easily.

I also recommend reading many reviews and looking at residents' overall experience. There may always be an occasional negative comment, but the important thing is to determine whether the overall assessment is positive. The speed and clarity with which the accommodation team answers emails before you book can also indicate the kind of service it provides.

I chose a private studio within student accommodation because I valued my independence and wanted a space of my own. It was the right decision for me, but it does not have to be right for everyone. Each student should consider their budget, personality and lifestyle.
 

Do Not Bring Everything from Mexico

Coming from Mexico City, the British climate represented a significant change. My advice would be to bring one good coat and a few useful items, but not fill your suitcase with winter clothing.

In my experience, many clothes purchased in the UK were designed for the local climate and proved more suitable. Once you are there, it is easier to understand what kind of coat, footwear or accessories you actually need.

I would bring almost everything I packed again, although I would leave behind several clothes and pairs of shoes that I used very little. We always need fewer things than we imagine, especially when we have to carry our entire life in a suitcase.
 

Independence Does Not Mean Isolation

Living alone taught me to be more productive, manage my time better and understand that solitude is not always something negative.

The academic pace also requires considerable organisation. It is possible to travel, socialise and enjoy the UK, but every student must take responsibility for their readings and deadlines. The university offers advice, workshops, resources and support sessions; there is nothing wrong with asking for help.

If I could change one thing, I would have attended more social events from the beginning. Sometimes I felt shy about going alone or worried that I would not know anyone. Later, I realised that many of the people arriving at those events felt exactly the same.

The Advice I Would Have Given Myself

I would tell someone about to board the plane that feeling nervous is completely normal. There will be difficult moments, days of homesickness and situations they will need to resolve without knowing exactly how. However, they will also meet new people, discover new places, learn an enormous amount and develop a more independent version of themselves.

Not everything will be perfect, but that is also part of the experience. The important thing is to take the chance.

When the time comes to look back, they will be able to remember everything they experienced instead of forever wondering, "What if I had gone?

- Karla