UQ Program: Bachelor of Commerce/Law
When I decided to participate in the exchange program, I knew I wanted to go to the United Kingdom, but had no idea which city to go to. My decision for choosing Leeds was because it sounded interesting on Wikipedia! However, it turned out to be a great choice. Leeds is very much a student-orientated city, so if you’re into meeting lots of students, drinking and clubbing (on Thursdays!) – and not an avid Manchester United supporter – you’ll love Leeds. Admittedly it’s not the most exciting city ever but living costs are much cheaper than London and because it’s located in the centre of Great Britain, it makes travelling around Britain easy.
I undertook law electives at the University of Leeds. I found that the manner of teaching and the assessment structure very similar to UQ, which made settling in easier. The fact that lecturers have “sexy” British accents is the icing on the cake! The computer labs are not as sophisticated as UQ’s and most of the buildings are nothing remarkable aesthetically speaking, but I found my subjects really interesting, the Student Union is brilliant – great food, nice repertoire of bars and clubs within – and the International Office and the staff at the university and Accommodation Office are very efficient, friendly and helpful.
What I really enjoyed about the whole experience is that you became fast friends with people from around the world; it was as if I also went on an exchange to Canada, US, Belgium, China, New Zealand, etc, etc! While travelling and soaking in European culture was fantastic, it was the little things, like observing just how much the English appreciate sunny days compared to us Queenslanders, and that milk is sold in 1.136L cartons, that really made my exchange memorable. Going to the UK has not only satisfied my nerdy obsessions in Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter and Donoghue v Stevenson, but I found that living 6 months away in a different country – and being thrown in unfamiliar situations – has made me a more independent, confident and outgoing person.
Top 5 Tips:
1. Be aware that some residence halls such as Bodington Hall are at least a 20-minute bus ride away (and that transport in the UK is quite expensive)
2. Attend the Leeds Summer Ball – it’s great fun!
3. Buy a 16-25 Railcard for cheaper train travel around Britain
4. Go hiking – the countryside is so beautiful!
5. Eat a pasty, a Yorkshire pudding, and English strawberries