I am currently a 2nd year student here at Leeds Beckett University, doing my bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. I am Italian and I moved to the UK to study last year, but I also lived in Denmark for about a year when I was 18 years old. This semester I’ve decided to take part to the exchange program offered by the university and so… I’m going to study in New York City! I am leaving in a few days and, honestly, I still can’t believe it.

I applied for this program because as you might have already guessed, I love travelling and getting to know new cultures, and I think there is no better opportunity than this one to do so! My second choice after the USA was Australian universities, but New York was on the top of my list. It really is a city at the forefront of everything that happens in the world. The thought of studying communications there really attracted me. I have loved the look of New York since I was a child, from what I could see in movies, sport matches, news etc., yet I have never been there before.

I am very grateful to Leeds Beckett for offering this kind of opportunity. The office that helps students with the application process is simply amazing! Even though it was a lady named Samantha who was my reference contact, each time I was looking for help, any member of the team was there to help me - they are all lovely people. If you’re intrigued and thinking of applying to go on exchange too, don’t worry. I know that the whole application process is quite a complex one, but if you have any uncertainties or doubts get in touch and they will help you to get through it!

When in New York, I will be staying in one of the accommodation halls of the university. It is not located on campus, but it should be just a 20-min walk away. I’ll be having my classes at the Queens Campus. I have been told that this accommodation (Henley Road Residence) is the best for inbound exchange students, so I can’t wait to meet other students from all over the world.

I don’t think I am really able to explain in words how excited I am about the whole experience! However, even though this is not the first time I have moved on my own to a new country, I am still a bit nervous about this new beginning. The Big Apple, the city full of life, the city that never sleeps, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center…there’s so many things all in one, huge place!

Even though I’m nervous, I believe this is going to be a fabulous experience, and I am sure I will gain a lot from it. It’s a chance to become more open minded than I already am, get to know the American culture, study in an American University, maybe gain some work experience, and of course, have lots of fun!

I have received so many suggestions and tips from my friends about what to do and where to go once I am there, the list is actually never-ending. I am so thrilled to get to New York and start exploring the city!

I’ll keep you updated once I’m there with a new blog post! :)

If you’re interested on going on exchange to study a part of your degree abroad, you can find information here.

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