Leeds: My Unexpected Home

Before I began my applications, Leeds was completely unknown to me. I had never visited the UK, and everything I knew about the city came from videos, photographs, social media and information I had found during months of research.

I also applied to other UK universities and, fortunately, was accepted by all of them. Choosing my destination therefore meant comparing not only the programmes, but also the cities, funding opportunities and the way each university had communicated with me. I wanted an institution with a strong reputation, but also a place where I could imagine building a life.

The University of Leeds began to stand out during the application process. I always received clear, friendly and prompt responses. The university followed up on my application and showed a genuine interest in supporting prospective international students. That attention gave me confidence even before I arrived.

I was also drawn to its academic reputation, scholarship opportunities and the qualities of the city. Leeds seemed to offer the balance I wanted: a manageable and comfortable place to live as a student, yet large, lively and interesting enough to provide a true urban experience.

The programme was also very important to me. After more than ten years working in communication, I wanted to broaden my knowledge from an international perspective. The MA in International Communication brought together communication, culture and global processes, three areas that have always fascinated me.

Although I had done extensive research, choosing a university from another country always involves uncertainty. I did not know exactly what the city would be like, whether I would adapt or whether I would feel that I had made the right decision. I could only trust the information I had gathered and what my intuition was telling me.
 

When Everything Became Real

No matter how many photographs I had seen before travelling, nothing compared with experiencing the campus in person. My first impression was that I had stepped into a film. The buildings, gardens and combination of historic architecture with modern spaces looked just as I had imagined, but being there gave everything a different meaning.

One of my favourite moments took place at my faculty building. I was about to walk into a class when I stopped for a moment to look at it. Its architecture has that historic, unmistakably British style, and I remember thinking, "I am really studying here." It was a simple moment, but it represented the complete fulfilment of my dream. The entire process of researching, applying, gathering documents, securing scholarships and preparing had finally brought me to that building.

I felt empowered and, at the same time, amazed that I had achieved it. After so many years of thinking about studying outside Mexico, I was no longer looking at the campus through a screen: I really was a student at the University of Leeds.
 

A University Full of Life

The university atmosphere also exceeded my expectations. In my experience, it was welcoming, international and dynamic. There were always societies, activities, workshops and events where I could learn something new or meet people from other parts of the world.

At the same time, there was a constant academic energy. Across the campus, students were working on projects, taking part in activities or simply enjoying the university spaces. The university also offered many resources for academic guidance, answering questions and adapting to student life.

My lecturers were respectful, approachable and willing to help. They held office hours and answered questions by email, which made me feel supported within an academic system that demands a great deal of independence.
 

More Than I Ever Imagined

If I could choose again, I would select Leeds once more. I enjoyed my modules, found my lecturers approachable and respectful, and felt very welcome. The university gave me the resources to grow academically, while the city also allowed me to build an entirely new life.

Leeds also gave me something I had never imagined while researching universities from Mexico: I met my British partner here. I had not come looking for a relationship and it was not part of any of my plans; it simply happened. Finding someone with whom to share this stage of my life made the city even more special.

Choosing a university from another country always involves uncertainty. I chose Leeds because of its reputation, programme and opportunities. When I arrived, I discovered that I had chosen much more than a place to study: I had found a campus that inspired me, a city that welcomed me with open arms and the setting in which I would begin a new life.

- Karla