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Inspired me to return for my PhD
Choosing where to study is a significant decision that shapes your academic journey and personal growth. Leeds, a vibrant and dynamic city in the heart of the United Kingdom, stands out as a popular destination for students from around the world. It offers academic excellence, a lively campus life, and excellent career opportunities. Here’s why I chose to pursue my master’s degree and current PhD at the University of Leeds and why it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Academic excellence
The University of Leeds is ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally, known for its research-driven approach and high-quality teaching. It offers a challenging academic environment that encourages learning and creativity.
Before coming to Leeds, I had gained work experience in the food industry and wanted to further develop my skills in Food Science. The School of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds is globally recognized for its research quality, making it the perfect place to pursue my master’s degree. My time here was so fulfilling that it inspired me to return for my PhD.
Whether you're interested in engineering, business, arts, or sciences, Leeds is the ideal place to achieve your goals and make lasting memories.
A dynamic campus life
Student life at the University of Leeds is vibrant and exciting. With over 300 clubs and societies, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re passionate about sports, arts or cooking. Coming from Mexico and not knowing anyone in Leeds was a bit scary at first but joining the Mexican Society at the university quickly connected me with a supportive community. I also joined the hiking society because I wanted to explore the Yorkshire Dales, and here I met people from all over the world. These experiences helped me to transition smoothly from Spanish to English, making me feel more confident when speaking a second language.
Cultural and social life
Leeds is a thriving city known for its cultural diversity and lively atmosphere. As a student at the University of Leeds, you’ll have access to a wide range of cultural experiences, including galleries, music venues, and festivals.
Leeds is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making it easy to feel at home. Is also one of the more affordable major cities in the UK, offering a relatively low cost of living. This affordability extends to accommodation, food, and transportation, making it an attractive option for students.
Things to know before moving to the UK
Before moving to the UK, there are some things international students should consider. Understanding the UK’s academic system, as it may differ from your home country in terms of teaching styles and grading. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation for your student visa and apply well in advance. Whether you choose on-campus housing or private rentals, it's important to budget for living expenses, including food and transportation. And familiarize yourself with the local climate. Finally, take advantage of the support services offered by the university, such as international student organizations, which can help you settle in and make the most of your time in the UK.
A Special Thanks
Studying at the University of Leeds has been a dream come true, and I want to thank Across the Pond and my advisor for making this journey possible. Their expert guidance and support were essential for me during the university application/student visa process. I highly recommend them if you are interested in studying in the UK and don’t know where to start.
- Gloria
Four Reasons to Study in Leeds
1. Academic Excellence
Universities in Leeds, particularly the University of Leeds, are internationally renowned and ranked among the best in the UK. They offer academic programs across a variety of disciplines, with notable strengths in Arts and Education. The facilities are modern, equipped with cutting-edge resources, top-quality faculty, and a strong support network for international students.
2. Student-Friendly City
Leeds is a city with a vibrant, youthful atmosphere, characterised by a large and diverse student population. The city is designed to meet the needs of students, offering a wide range of social, cultural, and sporting events. Music and arts festivals are must-attend events that highlight the lively student life in Leeds.
3. Affordable Cost of Living
Leeds is perfectly suited to a student budget. The costs of accommodation, transportation, and social activities are considerably lower compared to larger cities in the UK. Additionally, special student discounts allow you to enjoy the full university experience without the financial pressure often found in other locations.
4. Cultural Richness
Beyond being a university city, Leeds is a cultural hub. The city offers a wide array of museums, art galleries, theatres, and live music events, enriching the cultural life of its residents and providing an ideal environment for the personal and academic growth of students.
- Karime
The UK educational system is renowned
The why
They who have a why can bear almost any how.
-Friedrich Nietzsche, 1889.
The crucial first step. The why is often ingrained in our actions to the point where it melds with our instincts. We rarely put the why into concrete words. Yet, I have learned that a clear why sets up the what, where, when and how. My why started as “I want to make games”, a good though broad starting point. I took some time to reflect before revisiting the question. The answer that came out was “I want to make stunning games” as I realised that visuals were appealing to me. It still felt ample, and thus I repeated the process. I realised that it was the combination of visuals with fast pacing. “I want to make stunning and fast-paced games” was the result. After researching into the topic, the how revealed itself. I had to pursue computer graphics. The remaining pieces followed.
Choosing Leeds
Fortune favours the prepared.
-Louis Pasteur, 1854.
Understanding what you are looking for propels the next step: creating a list of potential courses. The list can be subsequently filtered by pondering candidates based on preferences of choice. Personally, I recommend going through enough iterations until the result is no more than 3 to 5 options. Application processes are rather involved and universities are looking for commitment. The chances of success greatly improve when the proper research is done so a timely and personalised application is realised. Finding the High-performance Graphics and Games Engineering MSc at the University of Leeds was the result of employing this strategy. The UK educational system is renowned, Masters programmes last 1 year, I was familiar with the language and the module catalogue is fantastic. However, I was foreign to the UK itself. This is where Across the Pond came into the picture. I was introduced to who would become my advisor. His role in my success was far more significant than words can convey. He went above and beyond to help me at every step of the process. This includes contacting the University and helping me push through the initial rejection to finally get accepted. Furthermore, we also discussed Visa application, UK culture and a range of topics that fully prepared me for the journey ahead. The what, when, and where fell into place.
Life in a city within a city
The city is like a great house, and the house in its turn a small city.
-Leon Batista Alberti, 1854.
The University of Leeds boasts a massive campus at the heart of Leeds, often characterised as a student city. Through the University, I was able to find affordable and comfortable accommodation. I cannot recommend this enough, especially for new coming international students as having the University as intermediary greatly simplifies the process. Finding well managed and located accommodation enhances the experience on the whole. Leeds is vibrant, both on and off campus. The Union hosts a plethora of student run societies, ranging from Meditation to Salsa, the latter which I participated in. Societies present themselves during introduction week, though are free to explore through the website or by simply showing up. The University itself has various departments aimed at assisting students. Of particular interest to international students is the Language Learning Centre. It is an excellent resource to improve your English, even offering pre-term English courses to prepare you for the academic year ahead. The University has all fronts covered to ensure a smooth student experience. As for the city itself, Leeds is UK’s third largest city and has become quite international due to the influx of students, there is no shortage of activities. Moreover, it is at the centre of the UK making it ideal for short trips to famous locations such as Liverpool or hidden gems such as York. Overall, the experience felt lively and supportive throughout the entire stay. Truly a city within a city, ready to welcome everyone.
Making it happen: the seesaw of work and play
Balance is not something you find, it is something you create.
-Jana Kingsford, 2016.
Achieving success in the UK’s educational system demands a delicate equilibrium between rigorous academic commitment and personal enjoyment. The academic calendar is designed around this balance: periods of rigorous work during term time are complemented by opportunities for leisure during breaks. This approach seeks to push your boundaries without neglecting well-being. However, it is easy to be thrown off balance as one navigates the deadlines. I had to relearn this valuable lesson after finding myself entrenched in an all-work, no-play lifestyle: you have to make it happen. Moreover, it starts well before you embark. I encourage prospective students to research the programme catalogue thoroughly and communicate with the school to gain insights. Understanding and practising its fundamentals in advance is essential for cultivating the habits that will enable you to excel academically and enjoy your time to the fullest. Striking this balance is a skill that empowers us to face not only academic but life's many challenges.
Socrates and a journey Across the Pond
I do not know what I am doing, but I am learning. I am asking questions and searching for answers.
- Socrates, long before phones were invented.
Unknowingly, I was applying the Socratic method all along, a fact that was coincidentally pointed out to me by a University of Leeds tutor. The whole process was kindled by a single question, triggering a domino effect. It ultimately led me to pursuing the High-performance Graphics and Games Engineering MSc at the University of Leeds. As linear as it might be painted out to be, this chain of events was only possible thanks to the collective support of many individuals. By this point, it should be evident that I posed numerous questions along the way, and my advisor met them all with clear answers. My advisor, who became my friend, and the entire crew at Across the Pond make these dreams happen. The guidance I received was nothing short of monumental, and I will forever appreciate it. My hope is that readers will embrace this spirit of curiosity and sharing so that everyone can realise their own journey across the pond.
- Emanuel
Student Accommodation in the UK
Where do you live when studying abroad? Do universities in the UK offer student housing? How much does student accommodation cost? Did you know that as an international student, you are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the first or all your years studying at most of our UK universities? You will need to apply by the housing application deadline, and of course the best student accommodation in the UK goes first - so that is a good reason to apply early! There are several different student accommodations, price levels and facilities to choose from!
Most students choose to live on campus in their first year. This is social and a fantastic way to get to know students from all over the world! After that, most students choose to move into privately rented accommodation with their new friends. We recommend everyone to live in university accommodation in their first year, as it is a great way to get to know other students (and not just those on your degree).
Learn more about the different options, on-campus accommodation, how to arrange private accommodation and everything you need before applying for student accommodation in the UK via this webinar!
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Visa for European Students who want to study in the UK
Do you want to study in the UK and are wondering if you need a visa? Maybe you have applied to British universities already, or are considering applying to university in London or elsewhere in the UK, but would like to know more about the UK student visa for European students? This webinar recording is about the UK Student Visa for students who will be starting their studies at a British university and are from European countries. We cover everything regarding the CAS, the application process, cost and other practicalities worth thinking about when applying for a student visa.
Did you know that all non-UK students need a visa to study in the UK? How much does a student visa cost? Is it difficult to get a student visa if you want to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? For most European students in the UK, a student visa is now a fact.
After the UK left the EU, student visas have now become a reality for the vast majority of international students. It is therefore important to familiarise yourself with this process as early as possible, so that you are well prepared when the time comes to submit an application for a student visa. In this webinar recording, we will go through useful information about student visas, when to apply, what you need for the application, costs, and other tips and tricks that can make the process easier. This webinar is suitable for those who have already applied, those who have accepted an offer, but also those who are considering studies in the UK and want to know more about the visa process.
We have the information and tools most people need to be able to go through the visa process without the need for individual follow-up/advice beyond the general information and guide from us. Remember that Across the Pond cannot provide individual advice on your visa application, only certified immigration staff can. In this webinar recording, you will learn about a number of important points that are good to be aware of when you familiarise yourself with the visa process.
