Hi there, I’m Nabeel, a third-year student from Kashmir, India. I am pursuing a BSc in International Business at the University of Leeds. Let me take you on my journey from Delhi Public School, Anantnag, Kashmir, to the University of Leeds.
Why the UK?
I chose the UK for my higher education primarily because of the quality of education, global recognition of degrees, and the emphasis on independent learning and research. The diverse student community and access to extensive career opportunities also played a major role in my decision to study in the UK.
Now, when applying, I considered both Manchester and Leeds, but ultimately, I chose Leeds after evaluating multiple factors. The International Business course at Leeds is among the best in the world, and the university offers a rich academic and extracurricular experience. One of the major advantages was the single-site campus, which reassured my parents, especially in my first year as an international student. Additionally, Leeds is a vibrant student city with four universities, making it an exciting place to study and socialise.
University and campus life
At the University of Leeds, there is the Fresher’s Fair, which was a great introduction to student life. It helped me a lot to settle in, learn more about the university’s student union, and get a chance to explore various clubs & societies. Getting involved in these activities was crucial in making new friends and feeling part of the community.
A typical day at university would start with a morning lecture or seminar, followed by grabbing a coffee in between classes. If I had a long break, I would spend time in the library. Hanging out at the Student’s Union became a daily routine, as there was always something happening – whether it was events, club activities, or just catching up with friends.
Now that I am on my placement year, what I miss the most is the campus environment. The University of Leeds offers so much, and one of the highlights is the Leeds University Union, one of the largest student unions in the UK. The academic experience is also vastly different from what I was used to in India, with a strong focus on research-based and practical learning.
Challenges
So, the first few months were challenging, to be honest. Adjusting to a new country, getting used to different academic expectations, making friends, managing time effectively, and handling budgeting were all things I had to navigate. However, these challenges helped me grow, and looking back, I would do it all over again because of how much I developed as a person.
Initially, budgeting was difficult, but I learnt to plan my finances effectively. One of my priorities was financial independence, so I worked part-time with Joblink (a service provided by the student union to help students find jobs). I also worked as an ambassador for the Business School and as a Link to Leeds Ambassador for the International Office, which gave me the opportunity to interact with prospective students and share my experience.
University life has changed me in ways I never imagined. The experiences, opportunities, and people have contributed immensely to my personal growth. I believe that the steepest learning curve happens at the beginning, and the more you embrace the challenges, the stronger you become.
Advice for Prospective Students
“Put yourself out there.”
Be open to every experience, make the most of every opportunity, and enjoy the journey. There will be moments of confusion or anxiety, but those are the moments that shape you the most. Just go with the flow and trust the process.
For Career—
The university also has a dedicated career centre that helps students find internships, part-time jobs, and graduate roles. Their website is regularly updated with new vacancies, some of which are exclusive to Leeds students. They also assist with CVs, cover letters, interview preparation, and, more recently, LinkedIn profile building. I used their services during my placement search, but I now realise I could have taken more advantage of their resources.
One thing I want prospective students to keep in mind is that there is help available everywhere – you just need to ask. The university provides support in areas you might not even expect, so never hesitate to reach out and make the most of what’s offered.
The author is a third-year student pursuing a BSc in International Business at the University of Leeds
