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Attending the Open Day was a big step for me—it was not only my first time visiting a university, but also my first time in the North, as I’m originally from Hertfordshire. Initially, the new surroundings felt a bit overwhelming, but as I toured the campus with my mum, we both quickly felt that Leeds had a genuine sense of cheerfulness and warmth. It was easy to imagine myself calling this place home.

First impressions and facilities

When I went to my Open Day, the Rose Bowl building blew me away with its size and architecture. It was clear to me then that Leeds Beckett university was an amazing place. What really stood out was how my future course leader took the time to chat with my mum and I individually after the group session, answering all our questions.

I was pleasantly surprised by the convenience of the city campus. Most accommodations are just a 5–10-minute walk from the university, which is crucial for those early morning lectures! The strategic placement of business facilities makes it easy to familiarise yourself with where your lectures and seminars will take place.

The 24-hour library is a game-changer. It’s great to be able to work on assignments or dissertations whenever you need to. The modern touch-screen computers are really handy, and the food facilities on campus make grabbing a bite easy before you get back to studying.

Don’t miss the stalls at the Open Day—last year, I picked up a cute tote bag and enjoyed some complimentary pizza! Overall, I was amazed by the many opportunities available at Leeds Beckett, discovering various groups, societies, and roles that the university offers.

Open Day and accommodation

Before attending the Open Day, I did some research online and found TikTok to be a great resource for getting a feel for Leeds Beckett University. Their TikTok page is super relatable and informative. Additionally, the LBU website has a lot of useful sections and resources to help you gather the info you need.

At the Open Day, I was welcomed by the head of the Business Department. He was enthusiastic and clear about everything—course requirements, fees, what you'll gain from the course, and future opportunities like placements, work experience, and projects. He shared some impressive stats, like over 90% of marketing management grads find jobs within 15 months of graduating. This really boosted my confidence in my choice.

During the accommodation tours, I checked out Arena Village and Broadcasting Tower. My advice, jot down any questions about accommodations beforehand. It can be overwhelming thinking about moving away from home. I asked about rent prices, deposits, facilities, and how close things like supermarkets and the university are.

As a student with a disability, I was pleased to find both buildings very accessible, with efficient lifts and open-plan showers. The accommodation's support services, including the disabled student allowance helpline, were incredibly helpful and made me feel welcomed.

I also loved the strong sense of community in the accommodations. Current students showed me around their rooms and social spaces, which host events like "Meet a New Friend Night" and "Pizza Night." When choosing my accommodation at Arena Village, the tagging feature on the website was really comforting. It allowed me to connect with future flatmates and get to know them before moving in.

Leeds Beckett vs. Other university Open Days & advice

For me personally, the Open Day at Leeds Beckett felt more welcoming and engaging compared to other universities I visited. The genuine enthusiasm and positive energy of the students I spoke with really stood out. The day was also more informative, which helped boost my confidence about moving to a large city.

I was impressed by the numerous job opportunities available through the university itself and externally, which was great for staying productive and earning some extra money alongside my studies. I eventually landed a job at First Direct Arena, which hires many students and offers flexible hours. This not only helped me financially but also played a big role in making new friends and building my confidence.

When you attend your Open Day, I recommend bringing a notepad and pen to jot down key insights from your future lecturers. Dress comfortably and check the weather so you’re prepared for the day. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the campus and the city. It’s also a good idea to ask for a campus and city map to review later. 

Benefit of attending an Open Day and what it could achieve

Attending the Leeds Beckett Open Day was a game-changer for me and set a high bar for all my other university visits. It was at Beckett where I felt truly at home and confident in my choice. Since then, I’ve had amazing opportunities, like joining the Student Blog Squad and becoming a course leader. I’ve felt incredibly valued, been part of a fantastic team, and made lifelong friends.

The university continues to impress me daily, from the regular emails about exciting opportunities to guest speakers visiting our lectures and vibrant student fairs.

Trust me, you won’t want to miss our upcoming October Open Day—Leeds Beckett is where it’s at! 

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