Paris Between Classes
A Reunion in a New City
One of the most exciting advantages of studying in the UK was discovering how close Europe could feel. From Mexico, visiting cities such as Paris had seemed like a journey requiring considerable planning, time and a special occasion. While living in Leeds, it could suddenly become a weekend plan.
One of my best friends travelled from Mexico and was in Paris, so we decided to meet there. Neither of us had visited the city before, and being able to discover it together made the experience even more special.
After spending several months away from home, being reunited with a Mexican friend was already exciting. Doing so in one of the world's most iconic cities turned that weekend into a truly magical memory.
Discovering Paris for the First Time
During those days, we walked, talked, discovered places we had previously seen only in photographs and enjoyed the excitement of experiencing the city for the first time together.
We did not need a perfect itinerary. Part of the magic was walking through the streets, admiring the architecture and sharing our first impressions. Everything was new to both of us, so every corner became part of a shared experience.
Paris had always seemed like a distant and almost cinematic city to me. Being there made me realise how much my life had changed since I decided to study in the UK. Months earlier, I had been organising applications, scholarships and documents from Mexico; now I could meet one of my best friends on the other side of the world and spend a weekend together in Paris.
Europe Felt Closer from Leeds
What surprised me most was how easily I could make the trip and return to Leeds to continue with my normal classes and activities the following week. I did not have to interrupt my studies or plan a long holiday to have an international experience.
Leeds has its own airport, from which it was possible to travel to different destinations during my time there. I also took a weekend trip to Dublin with my partner, which confirmed that studying in this city could open many possibilities for discovering other places.
Leeds also has a very convenient rail connection to Manchester, where there is a larger international airport. Travelling by train was straightforward and, in my experience, also comfortable when I had luggage with me.
Having those alternatives allowed me to find different routes depending on the destination and organise short trips around my academic responsibilities.
Returning with a New Story
Studying in the UK did not only mean learning inside the classroom. It also allowed me to understand the world better by visiting it, hearing other languages and discovering cultures and cities I had imagined from afar for so long.
Of course, travelling during a master's degree requires organisation. I always needed to check my readings, assignments and deadlines before making plans. However, with good time management, it was possible to make the most of a weekend and return to my university routine.
I left Leeds to spend a weekend in Paris and returned to my classes with photographs, memories and a new story I had never imagined I could experience so spontaneously.
- Karla
