How my arrival to LBU went

The beginning of everything

Departure: Leaving behind the vibrant chaos of Mumbai, I felt swirling of emotions. Saying adieu to friends and family and the home that is Mumbai was bittersweet, also knowing that a new chapter was waiting for me on the other side of the world was exciting. Boarding the plane, this was the first time for me to travel outside of my country, so I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the journey ahead.

Arrival in London at Heathrow Airport: I reached the airport in the wee hours, went through security checks and then having the UK visa stamp on my passport by the immigration officer was a smooth experience. The air was cooler, I felt a rush of adrenaline as I officially set foot in London. The red double decker buses and black cabs reminded me of my home city.

Navigating the airport

Heathrow airport is not only a transportation hub, it’s a world of its own sparking with energy and diversity.
Terminal Exploration: There are several terminals each with its own unique charm and amenities. Like for example, Terminal 5 has a sleek modern feel to it and Terminal 2 has its own historic charm. Like every airport, there are a diverse set of shops, restaurants and lounges all around. I would also people watch which is one of my favourite past time especially when you are waiting for a bus (London to Leeds). I found myself captivated by the diversity of faces and languages.

Departure Lounge Delights: Before saying farewell to Heathrow, I wanted to spend time in the departure lounge to soak up every minute of this dream come true. As I sipped a cup of hot chocolate and watched the planes take off, I reflected on my whirlwind journey that had brought me to this beautiful moment.

Travelling from London to Leeds

Transportation coordination: the university had pre-arranged transportation options available for students travelling to Leeds making it hassle free and convenient, whether it was coordinating shared shuttles or providing detailed instructions for public transport.

Accommodation Guidance: the university also offered guidance and support regarding accommodation arrangements. From recommending student accommodation options to providing information about temporary accommodation.

Community connection: throughout my journey, I was encouraged to connect with fellow students who were also travelling to Leeds through social media groups such as the official Facebook group. This helped me to foster a sense of belonging even before setting foot on campus.

There are also airport assistance available which the university provides, the meet and greet service as it is called, so keep an eye on the dates for when they are available.

Being supported throughout my journey

Pre arrival assistance: Even before booking the ticket, the university provided well detailed pre arrival support. From comprehensive information about visa requirements to advice on accommodation options, it was well prepared and reassured me every step of the way. It is also important to note that the university has online resources which was invaluable in answering any concerns I had about the move. The Global Village at Leeds Beckett informed us about Unibuddy, a platform where one can talk with current students about the move, your course etc.

International check in: On arrival, the international students from all over the world had to check in with the university. To make it easier for the new comers, there are many global ambassadors of the university who are appointed to help on arrival. They also provided other general information for university life such as accessing your student email and other important university contacts.

Orientation Programs: Trust me when I say this, this is a fun oriented week because the university will make you feel at home. These programs are very well organized giving a wealth of information about academic life, campus facilities, support services. And there were a lot of games which one can take part in and win many goodies like free vouchers for food places in Leeds. It was also in this week I got familiar with lot of student societies that are available to join at the university. 

Final thoughts

Transitioning to a new country and university can be daunting, but the support and guidance by the university was like lifeline in unfamiliar waters. For me the international student support service was of a great help. Also the South Asia team at Leeds Beckett University and their officers were so helpful throughout the process. I met one of the staff members at study abroad expo happened in Kerala, India. She guided me through the course, visa process, almost everything. Also connecting with peers provided valuable insight and support, whether it was tips for adjusting to university life or recommendations for local attractions.