Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Why I chose Leeds Beckett and why I would choose it again
Hey, I’m Anca, a recent Media, Communication and Cultures graduate. In this blog, I’ll share my journey, what made Leeds Beckett the perfect fit for me, and why I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
The decision-making process
I first heard about Leeds Beckett University when I visited Leeds to sort out some documents for living in England. I had flown in from Italy, and the office I was assigned to just happened to be in Leeds. I’d never heard of the city before, so I was a bit sceptical, to be honest.
But the moment I set foot in Leeds, I felt an excitement — a sense of home that I couldn’t quite put into words. The city’s energy, the friendliness of its people, and its rich cultural life drew me in immediately. A few months later, I started looking into universities in the area, and Leeds Beckett quickly caught my attention.
When I first began my search for the right university, I knew I wanted more than just a good academic program but also a sense of community. Having moved from Italy, I was hoping to find a university in a vibrant city with a strong sense of culture. My goal was to find a program that offered practical, hands-on experience in media and communication, ideally with opportunities to explore different areas like TV, radio, and podcasting. Leeds Beckett ticked every box.
Research and visits
I did my homework - researching online, meticulously browsing all the social media platforms, and imagining what university life would be like. Before attending any Open Days, I moved to Leeds and took a walk by the university to see how it felt in person. What really fuelled my excitement to start my application was seeing the expansive green campus in Headingley, the nearby park, and those majestic buildings that I couldn’t believe were part of the university. I was already too curious to wait—I wanted to see inside.
Leeds Beckett’s website was packed with information about their programs, student life, and support services. But what really sold me were the Open Days. Walking around the campus, meeting lecturers, and seeing the facilities firsthand made everything feel real. I was especially impressed by the art media facilities, including the TV and radio studios—I could already picture myself there, learning and creating. LBU's commitment to international exchange was another huge plus, as I’d always dreamed of studying abroad. With the crucial help of the Study Abroad and Global Engagement teams, I secured a semester abroad in my childhood dreamland, Australia.
Choosing the right university was one of the biggest decisions I have made, and looking back, I know I made the right choice with LBU. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate.
Academic reputation and course offerings
Leeds Beckett’s Media, Communication, Cultures course was exactly what I was looking for. It offered a perfect blend of theory and practical work, giving me the chance to gain hands-on experience in TV, radio, and podcasting. The course’s strong industry connections made me excited about the possibility of working on real projects. During my third year, I had the option to take a placement module, which allowed me to gain practical experience with Leeds 2023 (City of Culture). It was an incredibly friendly and dynamic environment, where I got to work on a variety of projects in art, digital media, photography, and videography.
Location and community
Leeds is a city that truly offers the best of both worlds: a bustling urban environment and a warm, welcoming community. Its diverse cultural scene, lively arts, and music community made it a perfect fit for someone like me, who’s passionate about all forms of art. For instance, I loved exploring the extensive live music venues, from intimate indie gigs to larger concerts, and regularly visiting the Leeds Art Gallery and other cultural hotspots. I also found Leeds to be more affordable compared to other major UK cities. This practicality made it not just a great place to study but also a comfortable place to live. For example, I could enjoy a night out at local restaurants and theatres without breaking the bank, which allowed me to immerse myself fully in the city's rich cultural offerings.
Student life and extra-curricular activities
One of the highlights of my time at LBU was being part of the Global Village. This vibrant international community brought together students from all over the world, allowing us to share our cultures and support one another. I remember one of my first experiences there: participating in a cultural exchange event, where we showcased traditional dances, music, and customs. Having a space where everyone understood what it was like to be far from home made a big difference, eased my homesickness and made my experience at LBU feel like a true home away from home.
My advice to you
To any prospective students reading this, I encourage you to think about what’s important to you in a university. Visit campuses, talk to current students, and get a feel for the place. Trust your instincts.
If you’ve just started at LBU, know that you’ve made a great choice. Take advantage of all the opportunities available to you, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You won’t regret it!
Choosing Leeds Beckett University was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The supportive community, the hands-on learning experiences, and the chance to study abroad have made my time here unforgettable. If you’re considering Leeds Beckett, I can tell you from personal experience that it’s a place where you can thrive, grow, and find your path. It’s your own journey, take the leap and see for yourself if Leeds Beckett University it’s the right fit for you.
