Francesca – University of Leeds – UK
Semester 2, 2024
Bachelor of Business/ Bachelor of Communication
Hello! My name is Francesca, and I’m currently pursuing a double degree in Marketing and Communications. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to complete my university exchange program through QUT, spending a semester at The University of Leeds in England.
I chose Leeds as my exchange destination for a few key reasons: I had heard that it had an exciting nightlife, was relatively affordable compared to other UK cities, and boasted a highly regarded business school. I can confidently say that Leeds exceeded all my expectations!
A Life-Changing Experience
Studying abroad has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has allowed me to develop international business literacy, build strong cross-cultural relationships, and grow both academically and personally. From the moment I arrived, I was surprised by how many other Australians were also studying at Leeds. This made me feel instantly settled, as if I had a little piece of home with me.
One of the biggest differences I noticed between Leeds and QUT was the university lifestyle. In Leeds, student life revolves heavily around societies—there’s a club for just about anything you can think of! Everyone joins at least one, and these societies host weekly meetups, including social outings and themed parties. The sense of community within these groups made it so easy to make new friends and fully immerse myself in the vibrant student culture.
Academic Growth and Hands-On Learning
During my time at Leeds, I had the opportunity to study a diverse range of business subjects, gaining practical and theoretical insights into global markets. One of the highlights of my academic experience was being part of an innovation team, where I worked on expanding the application of digital fabrics across multiple industries. Our team developed strategic solutions and presented them to a panel of over 40 industry professionals. This hands-on learning approach was something I absolutely loved about Leeds—lecturers were deeply invested in student success, and there was always an abundance of support available if you ever needed help.
Advice for Future Exchange Students
If you’re considering studying in England, my biggest piece of advice is to pack warm clothes—even when you think you have enough, bring more! The UK weather can be unpredictable and staying warm makes all the difference.
Secondly, say yes to every opportunity! Exchange goes by so quickly, and the last thing you want is to leave with regrets about things you didn’t do. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend trip, a networking event, or a night out with friends, embrace every moment with a sense of adventure.
Bringing It All Back Home
Now that I’m back in Brisbane, I can confidently say that my exchange has given me invaluable skills and experiences that I’m excited to carry into my future career. The ability to adapt to new environments, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and think globally will undoubtedly serve me well in the workforce.
Studying abroad has truly been a transformative experience, and if you ever get the chance to do it—take it! It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
