Daisy – University of Leeds – England
Semester 1, 2025
Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
Before going on exchange, I had never left Australia and what better way to start than by moving across the world for 8 months. Like most people I cried at the airport after saying bye to my friends and family. I told myself in the first week to just say yes to everything, even if it wasn’t something I’d usually do and by the end of week one, I had spent barely any time alone. Living in Charles Morris made this experience even more memorable sharing meals in the refectory, running into people in the hallway and overall being constantly surrounded by friendly faces who have now become some of my best friends. Leeds famously gloomy weather doesn’t stop the students from embracing every opportunity the city has to offer. I can guarantee you there will always be someone dressed in a costume running through Headingley on a Saturday doing the Otley run despite the rain and wind.
Societies:
The student life at Leeds is heavily centred around societies with clubs ranging from baking to rugby, there is something for everyone. Most students partake in these societies engaging in weekly meetups, trainings, social events and themed nights out. My friends and I joined the lacrosse society meaning our Wednesday nights consisted of meeting dressed up in a crazy outfit such as, chickens, bananas or police officers and partaking in a bunch of random activities before gathering with the other societies at the infamous Pop World and Warehouse, two very popular student clubs. The strong sense of community within these societies made it incredibly easy to make new friends and fully engage in the lively student culture in Leeds.
Travel:
Going on exchange in semester 1, semester 2 in England, meant I got to experience the month long easter break that happens at the University of Leeds. As stated, before I’d never left Australia, so I used this month to go to as many countries as possible. Not only did this provide an ideal time to meet family I’d never met but I also got to tick off some bucket list countries with my new friends. From 4am flights to overnight Flix busses I gained friendships unlike any other and creating lifelong memories. Some of my favourite moments were seeing water rats in Prague, St Pattys day in Dublin, and Kings Day in Amsterdam. By the end of my exchange, I’d bumped my country count from 1 to 14.
Although I’ve rambled about how many countries I was able to travel to don’t forget to explore your home base and surroundings. By the time it got to my last two months in Leeds everyone came to realise we hadn’t explored much of the UK or even the city of Leeds itself and it became a rush to embrace it all before leaving.
Some places I recommend you see that are somewhat close to Leeds:
- York
- Harrogate
- Scotland
- Wales
- Harewood
- The Peak District
- The Lake District
- Liverpool
- Hike in Ilkley Moor
So, if you’re on edge with whether you should go on exchange, just do it. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and I’ll never stop talking about it (literally ask any of my friends, I bring it up daily). Leeds is the perfect place to meet new people while allowing you to adventure across Europe with ease and providing the English Uni experience.
Honourable mention to the bunnies and squirrels on campus and literally everywhere in Leeds, they’re so cute and I miss them so much 🐰🐿️
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
