Books, Chai and Study Days

Building a Routine from Scratch

Before arriving in the UK, one of the things I was most curious about was what my everyday life as a student would really be like. I could imagine the classes, buildings and academic work, but I did not know which small habits would eventually become part of my days.

I lived in a private studio within student accommodation close to the university. I chose that option because, after several years of working, I greatly valued my independence and wanted a space of my own. My savings and the scholarships I received allowed me to do so, although I believe every student should choose accommodation according to their own preferences and circumstances.

Living close to campus made my routine easier. A typical day began with getting ready and walking to the university. Over time, that walk became the transition between my personal space and academic life, while I listened to my music.
 

A Chai Before the Day Began

One of my favourite stops was The Refectory, where I bought the chai that became part of my routine. It may sound like a small detail, but these everyday rituals were very important as I settled in.

I also became friends with one of the people who worked there. She was always kind, helpful and chatty. Seeing a familiar face and stopping for a few minutes to talk helped the university feel less and less like an unfamiliar place.

After that, I might have one or two classes. In the UK, students are expected to arrive prepared, participate and continue learning outside the classroom. Class time was therefore only one part of my day. Much of the experience took place while I was reading, researching, organising my ideas and preparing essays independently.
 

Edward Boyle, My Second Home

Edward Boyle Library became my main study space. It was not necessarily my favourite because of its design, but because of everything it offered in practice. It was very large, had many places to work, long opening hours, and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere that helped me concentrate.

It was also the library closest to my accommodation, so I could use it very easily. I spent countless hours there reading, writing and organising my projects. Over time, I discovered my favourite spots and where I could concentrate best depending on the work I needed to do.

Studying for several hours could be tiring, especially because my programme required me to read a large amount of academic material in English. However, having a comfortable and quiet place made a considerable difference. Edward Boyle eventually became a kind of second home on campus.
 

A Library for Every Mood

One thing I particularly enjoyed about the University of Leeds was being able to change libraries and find different atmospheres. When I wanted a change of routine, I could work in the modern Laidlaw Library, which also had many pleasant study spaces.

The Brotherton Library, inside the iconic Parkinson Building, offered a completely different experience. Its architecture is impressive and the atmosphere can be one of absolute silence. It was perfect when I needed to concentrate deeply, although not always the best option if I wanted to take a break and talk with friends.

Over time, I realised I did not have to choose a single library. I could use different spaces depending on my mood, the type of work I was doing or the people I wanted to study with. Exploring the campus was also a way of creating my own university experience.
 

Studying Also Means Connecting

Not every day consisted only of classes and reading. After working in the library, I could have lunch with friends, attend an activity or spend time in the Language Zone.

There, I was also the leader of a Spanish course. I organised the presentations, structure, topics and materials for each class, as well as teaching the sessions. The experience allowed me to share my language, meet people from other cultures and feel more confident speaking in front of a group.

In my free time, I also went to the gym, used the swimming pool or attended Zumba classes. On other days, I preferred to walk, attend a university event, spend time with friends, or simply stay in my cosy studio and watch a film. Finding a balance between studying, resting and socialising was essential to settling in.
 

Small Rituals Matter Too

Studying for a master's degree in the UK requires a great deal of organisation. Nobody is constantly reminding you what to read or when to begin an essay. You can travel, go out with friends and enjoy the city, but you are also responsible for managing your time and completing your academic work.

At first, that level of independence was challenging. Later, I learned to be more productive, understand my own rhythm and appreciate moments of solitude. Living alone did not mean being isolated; it meant having a space of my own from which I could build a routine and then go out and become part of the community.

When I remember my student life in Leeds, I do not think only about the major moments. I also remember the walks to campus, the chai before class, the quiet hours in Edward Boyle, conversations with friends and the satisfaction of finishing a productive day.

It was precisely those small rituals that made a university on the other side of the world stop feeling unfamiliar and begin to become part of my life.

- Karla