Leeds Beckett University International Ambassadors

Arrival by Leyla

You know that feeling when you know something is going to be challenging, but you still really want to do it? That’s how I felt right before I was moving to the UK. Of course I was worried about many things, but that’s natural. My worries were nothing compared to the excitement I felt. New city, new home, new friends, new course. I’m going to be honest; the first few weeks in Leeds were difficult, especially coming from a country which was totally different in terms of culture and traditions (and weather!). I remember being completely lost in the city and looking back on it now I think “this is the street I was lost on? It all seems so easy now!”

I received a very warm welcome at Leeds Beckett University. After attending the induction session, I felt more relaxed. Where to register with a doctor, where to find police, opening a bank account and safety tips were all explained to us.The Freshers’ Week has a lot to offer and the Freshers’ Fair is even better. If you’re an international student, go to the events specially set up for you guys! I’ve made so many friends from different countries and this one of the most valuable things I’ve gained.

I’ve changed so much since I came to university. I’ve become much more independent, open-minded and ambitious. If there’s one thing to take away from this blog post it’s this: remember to have fun. Yes, you absolutely need to be serious about studying but you’re at university and this should be the best time of your life. Don’t forget to relax, de-stress and enjoy your time being a student in the best city in the UK.

Looking forward to meeting new students in September! I will there to help you all as an International Student Ambassador!

- Leyla, BA Journalism, from Indonesia

Eva’s pics: top: Trip to York and Bottom: outside the Rose Bowl

My Arrival by Eva

A year ago!

After travelling almost half the globe, I touched down to the land that I am excited to call home for the next three years. Little did I realize, an exciting journey in Leeds Beckett awaits me!

My first week of university was mostly introductory. We were introduced to the friendly and helpful staff, and guided by student ambassadors on campus tours where we explored every nook and cranny of the university. We were even invited to a free day trip to the beautiful city of York! It was a good opportunity to travel around and meet new friends, which many of us still keep close contact with. With the fresher’s week events, international party, and various socials, I settled down quickly.

(A day trip to York where I met some amazing new friends!)

One of the most memorable experience on my first day of arrival was the temperature. I was (and still am!) continuously mesmerized by the autumn’s sweet breeze, the dancing scarlet leaves and the misty hills. Coming from a hot and humid tropical country, these scenic views were a luxury to the eyes. As the night drew near, I tugged myself into a blanket from home and fell fast asleep. In the middle of the first night, I found my teeth chattering, as cold seeped into my shivering toes. Being really ignorant about the operation of the heating system (I had never seen one!), I was chilled to the marrow and spent my night hoping for the sunrise. It was from my friendly housemate that I found out my saviour, – the duvet! Therefore, do add this into your shopping list and check the heater system out!

It is undeniable that university life entails some ups and downs especially during the periods of exams and assignments but with the company of good friends and positivity, I would say my first year has been exciting and smooth sailing! Looking forward for meeting you in Leeds Beckett soon!

The Plunge

OK, so I better give you a quick introduction to myself…

I’m Harriet, and I am currently studying BA (hons) Accounting & Finance, and just to blow my own trumpet, I have just completed my first year and passed all my exams! (YAY!) I live quite local too, just down the road from Leeds Beckett University in a private rented flat, maybe a 20 minute walk to and from uni, if that!

Having previously studied basic accounting at college and really enjoyed it (yeah you’re probably thinking “who enjoys accounting!?!”) I thought it was about time I challenged myself and dip my toes into unknown territory, also known as UNIVERSITY!

The UCAS application was long, thorough and very boring, however after about a week I managed to complete my university application and send it off.

Days passed and I had no response off any of the universities I applied for, weeks passed, and a month passed with still no reply.

Eventually an email arrived in my inbox, only to my surprise that I had been accepted to the one university I put down as my first choice (Leeds Beckett of course!) I was accepted unconditionally and suddenly the whole university idea became real.

At this point I had very mixed emotions about university, part of me was excited about meeting new friends, moving to Leeds and joining different societies. However, another part of me was feeling very anxious, will people like me? Will I be able to make new friends? Is the course going to be too hard for me? It became quite overwhelming and I am known for overthinking stuff, so that probably didn’t help the situation.

As commencing university slowly approached, I did some research into the facilities and what the university has to offer in regards to student support as I was an anxious and quiet individual. I noticed that the support Leeds Beckett offers is unlimited and is available around the clock no matter where you are or how you’re feeling. After reading this information, I felt more comfortable and more at ease about starting in September.

After various informative, guiding and helpful emails Leeds Beckett sent me prior to commencing university, I felt ready to dive in deep into the whole university life and experience. Below is the Rose
Bowl. The City Campus of Leeds Beckett and as an Accounting & Finance student, my studies are here!

And so it begins…

Fresher’s week was upon us. I never really knew much about fresher’s or what it was, however as soon as I discovered that it was a week of mixing with other fresher’s (new students), getting a stash of freebees and socializing, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to meet some students before starting my course the week after.

Fresher’s was not only great nights out and great freebees! It was chance to meet new people and having made some amazing friends in the first week, it was almost an ego boost ready for starting studies the week after. My confidence boosted and I realized that it was not only me that was nervous about starting university, it was a whole load of other people too, all in that same boat!!

I opted to go for private accommodation rather than university accommodation as I am already quite used to having my own space and own independence, however I do visit friends in accommodation. The plaza is great! Only a short walk to university and it’s really modern with great facilities too!

I soon settled down in the accommodation and Leeds City Centre soon became home. Everything just on your doorstep and great night life too! Leeds has so much to offer and some of the outskirts of Leeds have the most amazing views and attractions. I visited Harewood House in the first week of university and it’s just amazing. Pretty and a real contrast to city living.

Anyway, back onto university. Fresher’s week was such an opportunity to meet great people and help settle down in your uni accommodation (usually with a house party!)

University study soon commenced and I was soon attending lectures and seminars. They sound really scary and intimidating, but trust me, they’re not! They’re actually really informative (not meaning boring by the way) and it’s great to write plenty of notes because most of the learning you do is out of the lectures and in your own time.

As well as this, I leapt at the opportunity of becoming an International Ambassador. My main reasons for this was because I had met some amazing people in the first couple of weeks of university, from all over the world and various backgrounds. I found it interesting and inspiring. I wanted to meet more people and thought the best opportunity for this would be to apply for an Ambassador role at university.

I applied, thinking I probably wouldn’t get lucky enough for interview, however to my surprise I was called for interview and the rest of history! I really enjoy being an International Ambassador at Leeds Beckett. Not only have I met some amazing people, I have gained tonnes more confidence and gained some priceless work experience. I would recommend anyone coming to university for the first time to become an Ambassador, a face of the university. It’s great fun too!

After becoming International Ambassador, I thought I’d apply for Student Ambassador/Mentor. This is another role I have within the university. It’s similar to the International role, however I get involved in Open Days too. As International Ambassador, I would be the first point of call to any international students coming to study at Leeds Beckett. I’d help them move into their university accommodation and make them feel at home and welcome. If they have an issues at all, I’d make sure I’m available to help solve this issues and generally make their experience in the UK and university the best I can. It’s a very rewarding job (I wouldn’t really call it a job cos I enjoy it so much!) Here’s a pic of me posing outside the
stunning Headingley Campus.

As International Ambassador, Student Ambassador and AWP (Access and Widening Participation) Ambassador, I feel proud to represent the university and promote university to others. I was really nervous about taking on these roles initially, but having had a few months experience, I am becoming a more rounded professional and confident person.

And finally…

I could go on further about university life, however I thought I best round it up about now before you drift off into a trance!

Overall, since starting university I have become 100% more confident, independent and outgoing. I only have Leeds Beckett to thank for this as the ongoing support they offer is priceless.

I have not only become a better accountant, I have got involved in things I wouldn’t have dreamt of 10 months ago! For instance, I got involved in the student’s union and was successful enough through campaigning to be elected General Rep for the student council. This alone, was a highlight of my first year of university!

And here I am, as an International Student Ambassador, blogging about how wonderful university is when 10 months ago I was nervous and anxious about starting university.

As an International Student Ambassador, I am proud and honored to be able to represent the university and being a student of Leeds Beckett is probably the best decision I have ever made.

Harriet – First year BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance