My Mexico in Leeds

The Fear of Arriving Alone

Before moving to the UK, I worried that I would feel lonely and not know how to make friends. I was also nervous about speaking to local people or attending events alone when I did not know anyone.

At first, I had to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I met some of my closest friends through Latin American groups and activities organised by the university. Little by little, those first encounters became a community.

I spent time with people from different parts of Latin America, the UK, China, Korea, Indonesia and beyond. Everyone had a story to tell and a different way of seeing the world. Living alongside them taught me that our customs may be very different, but respect, empathy and the desire to connect are universal.
 

Celebrating Mexico from Leeds

Being away strengthened my Mexican identity enormously. Sharing my culture with other people made me value even more the traditions, food, music and expressions I had brought with me.

My friends, other Latin American students and I organised gatherings, prepared Mexican food and celebrated special occasions. On one occasion, we also created a Day of the Dead altar at the university. It was beautiful to build it together and share the meaning of this tradition with people from other countries.

Another of my favourite memories was watching Mexico's opening match at the World Cup. We gathered in a bar in Leeds city centre that had installed a giant screen. All the Mexicans wore our national shirts, we made an enormous flag and filled the venue with noise, excitement and pride.

The most entertaining part was seeing local people become excited with us. For a few hours, a space in central Leeds felt completely Mexican. We were a long way from home, but we celebrated together as though no distance existed.
 

Learning Across Cultures

Cultural differences also created amusing moments. With my British partner, for example, one of the most frequent involved time. I would use the classic Mexican word "ahorita", while he continued trying to understand why it does not always mean exactly "right now". Mexican unpunctuality could also be a small mystery to him.

Those differences became opportunities to get to know one another and learn to interpret the ways we communicate. Living in an international environment does not mean leaving your own culture behind, but learning to explain it, share it and allow it to be transformed through contact with other people.
 

Creating a Home Away from Home

Homesickness was one of the most difficult parts. I missed my family, and there were moments when the distance felt especially strong. Video calls helped me stay connected, while keeping photographs and letters from my loved ones with me was comforting.

My friends and partner also became a very important support network. Thanks to them, I understood that arriving alone did not mean remaining alone.

Living outside Mexico strengthened my identity, but also transformed it. I learned that it is possible to preserve a deep connection with where we come from while building relationships and experiences in another country.

I would tell anyone afraid of arriving without knowing anyone to attend that first event, begin a conversation or accept an invitation. Not every friendship appears immediately, but communities are built little by little.

Studying in the UK allowed me to discover many cultures, but it also helped me rediscover my own. I crossed the ocean with a suitcase, many nerves and great expectations; with time, I discovered that Mexico had travelled with me too.

- Karla