![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.qut.edu.au\/gone-global\/files\/2025\/10\/1-236x300.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
When I say that going on exchange was the best decision of my life, I genuinely mean it. My semester abroad at the University of Leeds gave me more than I could have ever expected \u2013 it gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable travel experience and memories that will stay with me forever.<\/p>\n
Having lived out of home since I was 19, I came into the exchange experience a little differently than many of the others. I had rent to keep paying, furniture, bills and all the usual \u2018adult\u2019 responsibilities that don\u2019t just go away because you decide to move to the other side of the world for six months. But honestly? Every bit of planning and saving was worth it. It\u2019s also worthwhile to mention that I had a permanent job in law (my degree) which gratefully and thankfully was held for me until my return \u2013 all you have to do is have the conversation, because the worse they can say is no.<\/p>\n
Leeds itself is an incredible city, full of history, energy and a buzzing student culture. I was lucky enough to stay in Charles Morris Hall, which in my humble opinion is the best Hall for full immersion into the UK uni experience. Not only was my room 50m from the refectory, but there was also always something social to attend which made it easy to forge friendships.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
As I was on exchange in Semester 1 (Semester 2 in the UK), the University of Leeds has a month-long break for Easter in April. A group of us took full advantage of it, travelling our way across Europe \u2013 think 30 days of buses, hostels, Airbnb\u2019s, croissants and chaos. It was a whirlwind, and I loved every second of it.<\/p>\n
One piece of advice I cannot stress enough: JOIN A SOCIETY. At first you may feel overwhelmed with how many social events you have on without joining a society, but it is a MUST – it will completely change your exchange experience. I joined the Lacrosse Society, and it was genuinely some of the most fun I\u2019ve ever had in my life. From training sessions to social nights, and supporting the 1st teams at varsity and tournaments, it gave me the chance to experience the uni lifestyle (that we don\u2019t have in Australia) and build real friendships with domestic students \u2013 not just other internationals.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.qut.edu.au\/gone-global\/files\/2025\/10\/2-253x300.png\")
<\/p>\n
Exchange brings so many opportunities. You\u2019re not just studying in another country \u2013 you\u2019re building a life there, even if it is just for a few months. You\u2019ll meet people from all over the world, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and grow in ways you don\u2019t even realise until your back home.<\/p>\n
So, if you\u2019re on the fence about exchange, here\u2019s my honest advice: just do it. You won\u2019t regret it.<\/p>\n
P.S. Bring a deck of cards \u2013 it will characterise your entire exchange experience.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n