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How to meet people and settle in Leeds
My journey to Leeds
“Keep moving forward, do not look back” were the words my father told me as I was saying goodbye to my family at the airport. Upon hearing that, my long-held efforts of not crying came crashing down. Although coming to do my master’s degree in the UK was a dream I had had for a long time, leaving the warmness of home was daunting. Looking at my dad, the man that never cried, with teary eyes, made me feel bittersweet. I knew that he was proud of me, and I intended to follow his recommendation. With a last hug, I embarked on a 12-hour journey to the city that would become my second home.
Since day one, the University makes it easy to meet people. The first friends I made were during the shuttle from Manchester to Leeds. Talking with each other, we found out that we were all master’s students from Latin America and coincidentally we were staying in the same residence.
We walked together at 9pm from the University to St. Marks accommodation. We were a little lost and carrying our luggage, but happy that we had found each other.
International Orientation Week
An unmissable opportunity to make long lasting friends is attending the International Orientation Week. Through the conferences, webinars, activities, and parties organized, you will meet people from all around the world. Don’t worry if you don’t remember all the details of the people you meet, because more likely than not, you will be seeing them in the next event. Take advantage of the closeness and familiarity that this week provides, to reinforce the initial connections you make. I would recommend keeping in touch through social media and don’t be scared to reach out!
Enhance your CV and your connections through societies
On the 23 and 24th of September, the Welcome Fair showcases many societies that both undergraduate and postgraduate students can join. Visit the stands at the fair, but also browse through the “Clubs & Societies” page to know the more than 300 groups you could be a part of. I joined the “Women in Leadership” society, where I could network with like-minded women, as well as benefit from events to improve my professional skills.
Additionally, there are “Give it a Go (GIAG)” events where you can join activities before deciding to join a society. Follow the clubs’ social media to know the dates where the GIAG will take place. I went to the LATAM Society’s social at the Eldon, which was a great opportunity to meet a community that made me feel close to home. At their next GIAG, we went to a nightclub with Latin music. Because of the society, I got to know many places relating to my culture around Leeds. I strongly recommend looking for the groups that bring you close to home, they will help you avoid feeling homesick during your study abroad.
I have no doubt that you will love your time at Leeds!
Although doing something out of your routine can be difficult, take advantage of all the events and activities that the University and the Union organize. Don’t be afraid to be part of communities you are familiar with, but also be open to learn about other cultures. You will soon find out, like I did, that Leeds is a very close-knit town that makes it feel you have known your new friends since forever.
- Sandra
My Experience Living in a Student Residence
Once I had made the decision to study at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, my next step was choosing accommodation. There were several factors to consider: cost, proximity to campus, safety, opportunities for socialising, among others. I began by exploring the university’s student residence options on their website, followed by private accommodation listings. Each option varied in terms of the number of flatmates, shared or private facilities, and whether it catered to undergraduate or postgraduate students.
To stay organised, I created a spreadsheet to compare each accommodation side by side, which helped me make a more informed decision. After weighing the pros and cons, I chose to live in university-managed accommodation, primarily because of the sense of safety it offered and how close it was to campus. I was asked to pay a deposit and was given the option of paying in instalments over the academic year. The residence application also allowed me to indicate preferences like living with people of the same gender, religion, or dietary requirements, which was essential to me.
If you’re considering private accommodation, keep in mind that many landlords will ask for a guarantor, who must be based in the UK. Otherwise, they may require you to pay the full amount upfront before your arrival.
Before moving in, I arranged for a postal delivery of essentials like a bedding set and towel so that I could settle in comfortably on my first night. Upon arrival, I received a welcome booklet that explained the main rules and offered useful tips for living in the residence, along with a kit with some snacks.
In total, I shared the flat with five other female students. We shared a kitchen, washing machine, and dryer. One of my top tips is to get to know your flatmates early on. Attending events or joining activities together is a great way to bond and makes day-to-day life much smoother. If possible, consider pooling money to buy common kitchen items like pots, blenders, or toasters. It’s cost-effective and helps better utilize the kitchen space.
One of the things I loved most about my accommodation is its location, just 10 minutes from the Business School. It’s incredibly convenient for attending lectures, conferences, and university events without the stress of a long commute. Another bonus is the variety of social events organised by the residence’s social committee, made up of student volunteers living on-site. It’s been an easy and low-pressure way to meet people and have fun within a comfortable space.
Since my residence is primarily for postgraduate students, there’s a close-knit community vibe. It’s common to bump into friends in the hallway or common areas, and that familiarity makes it easy to organise small gatherings or celebrations together.
Where you live can really shape your overall university experience. It influences your access to campus facilities, your social life, and your sense of comfort and security. I’d highly recommend doing thorough research, checking out past student reviews on social media, and reflecting on your personal non-negotiables, like whether you’re okay with sharing a bathroom or sticking to a set budget, before making your decision.
- Sandra
Why study at Leeds University Business School?
If you're interested in areas like data analytics, accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, international business, among others, Leeds University Business School is an excellent place to grow both academically and personally. It’s part of the University of Leeds, one of the UK’s leading institutions, and holds the prestigious triple accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB). Located in one of the most vibrant and student-friendly cities in the UK, the School blends academic research with practical learning.
I'm currently pursuing a Master's in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences. One of the main reasons I chose Leeds was the wide range of scholarships available. The Business School offers over 100 Excellence Scholarships to both UK and international students starting a Master's course, covering up to 50% of tuition fees. As an international student from Mexico, receiving one of these scholarships played a big role in my decision, it made studying abroad more accessible and gave me a sense of being truly valued.
Once classes began, I found the transition to be smooth. The university uses an app that helped me track my timetable and access learning materials. Each term, I had four modules, made up of lectures, where concepts were introduced, and seminars that provided practical applications through interactive sessions. One thing that was new for me was that each module was assessed entirely through a final exam or assignment, which took some adjustment.
My highlight so far has definitely been the Postgraduate Study Tour Programme. Each year, a select group of 20 students from three Master's programmes are chosen to study abroad for a week. I had the amazing opportunity to visit the University of Antwerp in Belgium. We attended lectures in the mornings and spent our afternoons visiting companies and cultural landmarks like the European Parliament and Chocolate Nation.
Beyond the classroom, the Business School hosts competitions and challenges where students put their skills to the test for prizes and recognition. These events, combined with the University’s Careers Service and visits from major companies, create a strong foundation for gaining professional experience and building your CV.
As I approach the end of my degree, I’m incredibly grateful I chose to study at the University of Leeds. It wasn’t an easy decision at the time, but it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you're unsure about studying abroad, don’t hesitate, it’s an investment in your future and a powerful opportunity for personal and professional growth.
- Sandra
Studying in the UK has been a rewarding challenge
I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Occupational Therapy at the University of Derby, and it’s been quite the journey so far. Derby is located in the East Midlands, which means it’s incredibly well-connected by train to many major cities, a huge plus for exploring the UK and getting to nearby airports for international travel. However, it’s also a relatively small city. While that makes it easy to navigate and settle in quickly, it can feel a bit quiet if you’re used to a more active student lifestyle. Looking back, I wish I had considered city size more carefully when choosing where to study, especially after coming from a larger program.
One thing that stood out to me when applying was that Derby was the first OT program certified by the NHS, which gave me a lot of confidence in the program’s quality. It’s also been backed by strong student experiences, and I’ve found the faculty to be supportive and approachable. I highly recommend reaching out to program leads before applying, they can give you practical details that may not be obvious on the course homepage, like term start and end dates, which is really helpful if you’re planning to travel home during breaks.
There are also multiple campuses at the University of Derby, so if you’re applying for accommodation, make sure to check where your classes will be held. That small step can save you a lot of commuting time!
Socially, being a postgraduate student means the age range among students is wider than I expected, which made making friends a little more challenging at first. But getting involved in societies made a big difference. I joined the hiking society, where I met some amazing people and had great experiences, I’ll even be serving as secretary next year. I’ve also joined the book club and plan to try the tennis society. The societies here are definitely one of the highlights of student life.
Overall, studying in the UK has been a rewarding challenge. I’ve grown so much both academically and personally. While there were unexpected moments along the way, I’ve found my rhythm. If you're considering studying abroad, I recommend researching not just the course but also the city size, student life, and support services, these factors really do matter.
And lastly, remember that it's okay to struggle sometimes. Even students who live close to home have a tough time adjusting, you’re making a huge leap by moving across the pond, and that takes courage. But it really is worth it in the end.
- Dana
This year has been transformative
As I reflect on my past year as a full-time MSc Sports Marketing and Media student at the Global Institute of Sport, I am filled with immense gratitude for the enriching experiences, personal growth, and professional development that this journey has afforded me.
I started at GIS in September after deciding to leave my career in teaching behind. My previous career was one I did not see a long-term future in and so I took time out and travelled the world to give me time and space to consider my options going forward. It was during this time I discovered GIS and the opportunities and services it offers. As soon as I started reading what the institute is about, I knew this was going to be the next chapter in my career.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my year was serving as the Course Representative. This role gave me the chance to engage closely with my peers, listen to their feedback, and liaise with faculty to enhance the student experience. It allowed me to develop leadership and communication skills while contributing to the positive learning environment that GIS is known for.
A standout highlight was my internship with GIS in Jamaica, working alongside the marketing department at Mount Pleasant Football Academy. This week-long placement offered real-world exposure and a hands-on approach to sports marketing in an international context. It was both eye-opening and inspiring, reinforcing my passion for the industry and broadening my global perspective.
Throughout the year, I was consistently impressed by the array of webinars with leading industry experts. These sessions not only deepened my understanding of current trends and challenges in sports marketing but also provided invaluable networking opportunities. From Premier League football CEO’s to major sports broadcasters, there were sessions for students with all different interests. In addition, the commitment of GIS staff to supporting us with coursework, career advice, and professional pathways has been truly commendable. Their dedication made a significant impact on my academic performance and career preparation.
As a student completing their degree remotely, the online learning environment was seamless and well-organised, allowing me to balance rigorous academic work with opportunities to connect and collaborate with students from around the world. Whether through group projects or casual discussions, the sense of community was always present.
Lastly, although I was unable to attend one myself this year, the chance to attend Global Summits is a unique experience that I would encourage any student to embark on. I hope to attend one next year as an alumni student, as it didn’t work out for me personally this year, but all who attend describe it as a once in a lifetime experience. These events offer unparalleled insights into the global sports industry and a chance to engage with thought leaders and peers on an international scale.
Overall, this year has been transformative. I leave the programme not only with academic knowledge but with practical experience, professional networks, and a renewed confidence in my future career in sports marketing and media.
- Dan
