Andy Zhang

This is my first year at the University of Leeds and I am on the International Foundation Year (Science) route.

I first heard about the University of Leeds during my research process and I decided on Leeds for the following reasons:

• Climate: The climate here is similar to Beijing, so it is very pleasant. Only two weeks are hot and winter is not too cold.
• University communications: The admission office always responds to me quickly and provides helpful information.
• Programme structure: The International Foundation Year provides the chance for students who only have AP but not A-Levels, like me, to enter the university.
• Location: Leeds is the third biggest city in the UK and it’s safe. The pace of life is not too fast and not too slow.

I chose Computer Science because it is my passion and the university offers a very well-designed curriculum. It includes multi-dimensional help in theoretical learning, laboratory work, and careers planning.

Edward Boyle Library is one of my favourite libraries. It is centrally located on campus, and you can study there between classes. The internet connection in the library is also great! The table arrangement will help you to feel like studying in the office, which makes me feel more efficient.

There is also a café – the Edit Room - on the ground floor, so you can buy a cup of coffee while you’re studying.

The Language Zone helps me a lot. When I came here, it was a challenge for to adapt to the UK accent because I learned English with a US accent. Watching BBC news daily and getting involved in activities organised by the Language Zone has helped me a lot to get used to the language. The Language Zone also provides other language learning, like French and Japanese which I’ve found really beneficial.

The University of Leeds offers a lot of help to international students. You can view blogs and vlogs on the Link to Leeds website to help you familiarise with the city. You can also apply for the University Buddy Scheme to find peers with similar interests and courses to yours.

If you ever feel lost, you can always ask your tutor, or university departments for help – keep asking! This will help you feel less alone and helpless.

You can also find your interests in more than 300 societies in LUU. I joined the Computing Society (CompSoc) and have met and made many new friends. The Refectory is in the LUU building and serves a range of food from across the globe. We also have the Global Café available on Monday evenings at LUU Common Ground, where we can meet new people, make new friends and generally enjoying having conversations with each other!

I have many activities that I like to do in my spare time. I enjoy walking in the city, the fresh air, and Leeds is a city full of history and culture that always surprises me. This allows me to take a break from my busy study schedule and enjoy the British way of life. There are also many shopping malls, supermarkets and restaurants where you can go out to eat and enjoy the taste of different cuisines.

I live in a private accommodation, which is five minutes away from the city centre and within walking distance of the University. My shared flat has five ensuite rooms, and we all share a kitchen. The accommodation has recreational facilities such as a gym, pool table, table tennis, as well as a study area and social area.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my life in Leeds, and I look forward to welcoming you to Leeds to study and enjoy the city. You will have an unforgettable life in this city.

Contact Andy Zhang on Unibuddy or email Andy Zhang via andy-link@leeds.ac.uk.