Starting your Leeds Journey: a student perspective

 

Arriving at Leeds

Leeds was new to me, as it must be for many of you. My friends all attended different universities, and I admit, the first day exploring campus alone was nerve-wracking! Thankfully, the University offers all kinds of ways to help you connect with others – such as the Buddy Scheme.

My best advice for the first weeks is to introduce yourself to everyone you meet and get talking! When you take your first steps on campus, think about the memories you want to make but also the legacy you want to leave behind. University is a chance to write a new chapter of your life; when I started, I had no clue I would create a new society with over 200 members and win 5+ awards in one year!

The University of Leeds is a place where you will grow as a person. You will certainly develop new skills and experiences, but the most important aspect is to never waste an opportunity to break out of your shell and challenge yourself.

Finding your way

During my first year, I would have been lost without the UniLeeds app, which has a map that guides you to the different buildings on campus. At first, I would constantly get lost, and my course mates would all be scattered around trying to find the buildings. Now, I can easily lead a whole tour without having to think about where I’m going!

Put yourself out there! The Union website is also incredibly important to ensure that you never miss a trip, show, or event!

Leeds University Union societies are another great way to find your people. I would always recommend, especially if you are a commuter, joining the commuter society, which has its own lounge and is a great hub for all students. After that, I would say join your subject-specific society. If you can’t find one, then take the initiative and create one (that’s what I did anyway!)

I would also recommend helping out in any capacity you can, such as becoming a Student Ambassador for open days or a student representative.

Especially in LUBS, it is so important to start a LinkedIn account early. The earlier you start networking, the bigger your impact will be in life during and after University!

Managing your time

I should say that my workload and extra-curriculars were definitely above the usual, as I was always getting involved with the Business School in any capacity I could!

To stay on top, I always read through the slides before lectures and made notes on anything I wanted to ask questions about. Never feel shy or intimidated to ask a few questions or even write an email to members of staff. Everyone at LUBS is there to help you succeed, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. I know lecturers who see over 900 students a day, so they probably won’t recall you calling them “Mum” (totally did not happen to me…)

During University, I used running and swimming to keep active, but also to keep my mind and eyes away from screens for a while. It is very easy to keep working into the early morning, but it is important to find your study/life balance.

Personally, I found that I was a night owl and loved working on essays late into the night – but it is also important to get some good sleep!

Final thoughts

If I could speak to first-year Safa, I’d tell her that dreaming big worked out for us, and that everything paid off in the end. I’d tell her that applying and not hearing back from jobs is not the end of the world.

I’d tell her that friends from University can last a lifetime and that she’d make bonds with staff that she will cherish. I’d tell her to trust her instincts; she’ll achieve her dreams, and that University will truly be one of the greatest times of her life!

Best of luck on your own Leeds journey 🙂