Study in the UK Blog

After an unbelievable 10 months away, I returned home at the beginning of July. Sorry for the delay in posting this, it’s been an incredibly hectic couple of weeks seeing family and friends, not to mention settling back in. Packed quite a bit of sightseeing into the final few weeks after semester ended before returning to London for the flight home to Brisbane, Australia. A wonderful way to top off such a great time away.

Looking back I can realise how lucky I really was. During the 10 months away, I’ve been able to take part in much of the international student experience. But unlike those there for their entire degree, I had the comfort of returning home to family and friends before a year was up. I can’t imagine the commitment it must take to make the decision to spend 3-4 years study in another country, and what it must be like to move your entire life there for that period. For me it felt more like my life in Australia was on hold for the time I was away, and it was always there to return to afterwards.

When I arrived in Leeds, I was a bit annoyed that there were two days that I had to find accommodation for before I could move into the student accommodation that we were provided with. I’ve since spoken to people from Leeds who have just arrived in Brisbane, and had to stay in hostels until they could find a flat to move into - with no guarantees regarding the proximity to the university or pricing. I was shocked at the contrast that choosing a different university can make.

That being said, studying in the UK is such a life-changing opportunity that I would recommend it to anyone. The independence, social insight and fun that can be gained whilst meeting study commitments is enormous, and offers the perfect opportunity to see another part of the world.

Tomorrow is the start of the next semester back home in Brisbane. It’s exciting to be back at this university, but there’s so much I’ll miss about Leeds - from the rich history of the UK to the excitement of student life so close to campus. It’s strange to think that I’ve studied in Leeds for only one semester less than in Brisbane, it feels like a home a way from home now. Before I know it, I’ll be stuck into the semester’s work - but there’s always the next adventure to look forward to.

I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions regarding my time in the UK, but until then good luck!