Hello! I am Scott, a Chinese exchange student from the City University of Hong Kong. As the incredible semester is coming to an end, I want to share my wonderful experience with you, which has been eye-opening and life-changing for me.
What it is like to study at Leeds
Courses and assignments - I took six modules (60 credits), and it went out really well; the burden is adequate, and I don't need to attend all of the courses that conflict with timetables; as for me, none of them count attendance. Actually, I have time to read, write, hike, and go on trips. As a student under SEE, I don't have too many assignments, unlike my liberal arts friends.
Societies - I went to the society market in the LUU at the beginning of my semester, and I took part in the book club and the hiking club (LUUHC). I get to buy cheap books (about 3 pounds each) from the book club and discuss them every Wednesday. I took two Sunday hikes and the easter 5-day hike in the Snowdonia National Park with the hiking club; they were all very impressive experiences.
Other Happiness - I enjoyed the walks in Woodhouse Moor and the countryside of Leeds; they get more beautiful as spring approaches. I shall also remember the happy moments I shared with my peer exchange friends I met in Leeds; we made meals together, went clubbing together, wandered in the night city, and celebrated each other's birthday. It's heartfully lucky of me to get to know them.
Trips during exchange
Snowdonia National Park - I walked 60 km and elevated around 3 km, which is easier and more impressive than I expected. The hikes consist of crumbling, crossing the stream, probing in the forest, exploring caves, visiting abandoned sheers, and so on. We had a magical hut with a fireplace and a kitchen as accommodation. During the 5-day period, we went to towns twice to buy necessities. I highly recommend that everyone participate in overnight activities provided by LUUHC.
Turkie - Turkie is a country integrating history and nature beauty; I made a 9-day trip there during the Easter break. The Saint Sophia in Istanbul, the ancient Ephesus city in Izmir, the green seawater and mandarin drink in Bodrum, the Pamukkale, and the port in Antalya highlighted the trip.
Morocco - It's recommended to hire a guide or join a tour group if you would like to pay Morocco a visit, otherwise you may get scammed by local people or get lost in the old city, which could influence your perception of this beautiful country.
Advice for exchange students
- For Mainland Chinese nationality students, if you wish to travel to Europe during your exchange, you must apply for a Schengen Visa BEFORE arriving in the UK. You won't be able to apply for it here since you won't have a BRP as you stay for less than 6 months.
- We have a month-long Easter break, approximately from March 21 to April 21. It's recommended that you plan your big trips during this period.
- Societies are really fun. Personally, as an introvert, I recommend the hiking club because you can just walk with others without speaking, the trip is fun, and the sights are always amazing. They have limited events so it's best to register at the very beginning of your exchange. You can google LUU hiking club to find out more.
- Buy a food bundle at GFaL app. It really has great value.