Cold Air, Warm Hearts: My British Adventure of Self-Discovery as an International Student at Leeds Beckett University

The Earlier Days: A Strange Land

A wandering anxious mind mixed with adrenaline, I clutched my coat a bit tighter as a cold rain battered me on the platform of Leeds Train Station, wondering what on earth I got myself into. Compared to London, Leeds felt small. But, I soon learned that Leeds isn't just a city, it's a rhythm. It is a city where old-world charm meets energetic youths with their bizarre fashion sense. Whether it be Otley Run or just your regular pub crawl, or a music festival, this city has always something going on. 

My first days were a whirlwind of newness, like diving into a pool of cold water—shocking but refreshing. My accent felt foreign, my small talk was rusty, and I kept fumbling with British coins like I was in some confusing board game. I was lost, literally and figuratively. I still chuckle at the memory of my first bus trip, when I got on the bus without paying for the ticket as it was different from my home country, leaving the bus driver in utter shock. The campus at LBU was like a maze, and I got turned around at every corner. Each day felt like a new battle—figuring out bus routes, tackling class schedules, and trying to decipher the Yorkshire accent. But amidst the chaos, there was something magical. Leeds Beckett was a space full of opportunities to learn and interact with like-minded students from other countries or locals. And within a month, the place I once thought was grey and gloomy turned into a city that I found my heart in.

From Shy to Bold: The University That Changed Me

Before I came to the UK, I was what you might call a wallflower. Quiet. Reserved. Someone who kept to the edges of the room. But Leeds Beckett didn’t allow that. This university, this city, has a way of pulling you out of yourself. From spontaneous conversations with strangers at the bus stop to late-night study sessions with people from countries I had only ever read about, it wasn’t long before I was breaking out of my introverted shell. You know what they say about the Northerners; apart from being friendly, they are extremely helpful.

As I was trying to figure out a path in this labyrinth, I realised that this whole experience wasn’t just about me getting a degree; it was about adaptation. Weeks turned into months, and slowly the novelty of being in a foreign country wears off. I started finding comfort in the repetitive routine of my studies, lectures, and university activities. My first winter in Leeds, while harsh, was also magical. The Christmas markets, the decorations, and the camaraderie among students braving the cold together helped make it feel like a second home.

Then came the Global Café events, where I met students from every corner of the world. Suddenly, I wasn’t just learning from textbooks, but from the people around me. We shared stories, meals, and laughter—bonding over our shared experience of being far from home. Each conversation, each encounter, added a new layer to my understanding of the world—and myself.

I also need to thank the incredible staff of Leeds Beckett University who never sighed away from answering my naïve questions. Each of them took their time to make me settle into this new way of living; whether it be helpful professors explaining learning material; or student services that helped me with all sorts of queries, it never felt like I was navigating through all this alone.

Memorable Moments: From Fear to Flourishing

A year at LBU has shaped me differently than what I was before. There I was volunteering weekly at the local church and found myself leading a group of children in a game—me, the shy one! Or the day I stood in front of a karaoke bar, singing at the top of my lungs in front of a crowd. These sorts of moments are where I feel that I have truly transformed myself and come out of my shell.

One of my favourite memories is from a chilly winter evening in the busy Christmas Market of York, where we wandered its narrow streets with a cup of hot chocolate in our hands, laughing and chatting about how we were strangers a couple of months ago, and how we were from different parts of the world. That night, it wasn’t about where we came from-it was about who we had become, together, in this new chapter of life.

And then there are the quieter moments: walking along the River Aire as the sun sets, watching the city lights flicker to life. It’s in these moments that I’ve realised how much this country has shaped me. From mastering public speaking in seminars to simply striking up conversations in cafés, the UK has given me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

Coming Full Circle: Home in a Foreign Land

I realised

Leeds Beckett is not just an academic institution but rather a safe space that has taught me more than just lessons—it’s taught me to be vocal and connect with people while finding joy in little things. This country with its misty mornings, historic buildings, quirky humour, and endless cuppa, has become a part of who I am. The campus, once an intimidating labyrinth, is now my home away from home. I no longer rely on Google Maps to find the nearest grocery store or café; I’ve developed my mental map of the city, with favourite spots to study, relax, or grab a bite to eat. But it’s more than just familiarity—it’s growth. The challenges I faced when I first arrived—whether academic, cultural, or personal—have shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I've become more resilient, independent, and adaptable. Most importantly, I've learned to embrace uncertainty. And finally, a wallflower has become a person with a newfound confidence, countless memories, and lifelong friendships that I never thought was possible.

Lessons Learned: The True Meaning of Growth

Growth is never easy or comfortable. In fact, it’s often messy, and treacherous—but it’s always worth it. There were times I questioned my decision, moments when homesickness hit hard, or when academic pressure felt overwhelming. But this country has the subtlest way of humbling. It pushes you to the absolute limit and also gives you a proudness of independence while reminding you that you’re never truly alone.

If you’d told me I’d be living this memorable life within a year, I would call you insane. But, here I am today, thriving in a country that once felt impossible. Leeds, and the UK as a whole, have taught me to step out into the world with open arms, ready for whatever comes next.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether from fellow students, tutors, or the university's support services. And most importantly, dive into every experience with an open heart and mind. You’ll find that the city, the people, and LBU have so much to offer, and in return, you’ll discover parts of yourself you didn’t know existed.

There might be a lot of metaphors in this blog, but you could say that life abroad at a new place is one big metaphor.