Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How to make the most of your time on campus
Hi, my name is Ian and I am an international student from California. I love studying here at Leeds Beckett and I enjoy getting involved in campus life. This blog details my experiences and tells you how to make the most of your time on campus.
As an international student, I have tried to make the most of my time on campus by taking part in Global Village events, working as a Student Ambassador, and taking part in both university and Students’ Union activities. Doing so has allowed me to meet so many different people and make some amazing friends. If you want to know more about how to make the most of your time on campus, I’ve got you covered.
HANG OUT AT THE HIVE
As a Creative Arts student I spend most of my time at City Campus. There are so many things you can do here. If you’re looking to unwind between classes or meet some new people, The Hive is a great place to start.
The Hive lives up to its name and is always a hive of activity.
Located in the Students' Union, The Hive is a social space with a laid-back atmosphere, where you can grab a bite to eat, have a coffee, or play a game of pool.
I love coming here with my friends and unwinding before our next lecture. It’s also a really good place to catch up on your studies. I think it’s a nice alternative to the library if you’re wanting to catch up on work in a more casual place.
Outside of The Hive’s normal opening hours, there are lots of fun events held here. One event in particular is the LBU Global Showcase, a cultural fashion and talent show organised by the Global Village Team. I love this event, the performances are electric and it’s all performed by students, so not only is it a great showcase of talent, but it’s also a great way to get involved with other students and connect with new people.If you enjoy lively events with a roaring crowd, the LBU Global Showcase is something I think you'll enjoy.
In addition to this evening event, The Hive is often used during the day to host other events, like the Vintage Vera clothing sales and Games Night. I know it can be daunting to meet new people, so attending a Games Night, which is usually organised as part of the welcome and induction events at the start of the year, is a fun way to get to know new people and settle into life at university. From Jenga to UNO, there’s lots of different games and lots of laughs to be had!
GET INVOLVED IN GLOBAL VILLAGE EVENTS
Talking of events, I’d say a top tip I’d give new international students is to attend as many events as possible. Since moving to Leeds, I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone and attended lots of Global Village events and I’m so glad I did. I’ve had so much fun and have met so many amazing people who have completely changed my life, my perspective and my experience at LBU. If you’re not into nightclubs and partying, there’s plenty for you to get involved in. Global Village organises many on campus activities like their weekly café events, where you can get a free cup of Yorkshire tea or coffee and have a chat with other members of the international community. In addition, they have a calendar full of fun events like their Great British Bake Off cake baking competitions, where you bring a homemade cake and the best one wins a prize - you also get to eat lots of delicious cakes.
GET INVOLVED IN CAMPUS LIFE AS A STUDENT AMBASSADOR
I am both a Global Ambassador and a Student Blog Squad Ambassador. These are roles within the university which have given me so many opportunities. As a Global Ambassador, I work with LBU’s International Recruitment and Partnerships team and support them with lots of events, including Meet & Greet for new students at UK airports and Welcome Week Activities. I also help at Global Village events, like the weekly cafés.
I became a Global Ambassador in my first year and can safely say that being an Ambassador helped me settle in and grow in confidence, as I was a part of events that I would probably never have gone to if I didn't have this role.
Being a Global Ambassador has opened up so many new opportunities for me, one of the things I’m incredibly proud of is hosting and editing LBU Global Voices. In this Youtube series, I interview different students and answer questions that international students have.
My other Ambassador role involves writing blog posts, filming vlogs, and creating social media content, as a Student Blog Squad Ambassador. I have honestly had so much fun in this role. I’ve made TikTok's for Student Recruitment and learned to make informative and engaging vlogs. Not only have I made new friends, I’ve also learnt to be confident speaking in front of a camera. I felt so uncomfortable when I filmed my first video and now I can do them quickly, proficiently, and confidently. I never would have expected something that initially was so intimidating would end up being so fun and I’m proud that the content I’ve created has been published across the university’s social media channels, including Youtube.
If you're considering applying to be a Student Ambassador, I'd say go for it because you learn new skills, have so much fun, and it's a great way to get fully immersed in campus life.
Overall, the Leeds Beckett University campuses are a fantastic hub full of student life and opportunity. By taking advantage of all the university has to offer I have made friends from all over the world. This has helped me in times when I’ve felt homesick, as I’ve had a community of people to support me and a sense of belonging. If you're thinking of joining Leeds Beckett, there's so much for you to get involved in on campus and I hope this blog has given you an insight of what's waiting for you here at LBU.
