More than a degree: My experience as an international student at Leeds Beckett

During high school, I developed a strong interest in sport and exercise psychology, an area that quickly grew into a long-term academic and professional goal. However, opportunities to study this field in my home country were limited, with only a narrow selection of sports science courses available. I realised that if I wanted to truly pursue my passion and grow both personally and professionally, I would need to look beyond familiar borders. Studying abroad felt daunting, but it also felt like the right step.

After extensive research into universities and countries, Leeds Beckett University stood out. I carefully compared course content, tuition fees, learning environments, student support, and the wider community surrounding each institution. What ultimately drew me to Leeds Beckett was its strong reputation for sport-related courses, its close connections with the sports industry, and, most importantly, the structure and content of the modules offered. Everything felt thoughtfully designed to support students not just academically, but professionally as well.

As an international student, one of the most reassuring aspects was the level of support offered even before arriving in the UK. Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, especially when navigating visas, accommodation, and unfamiliar systems. Knowing that guidance and resources were already in place made a huge difference. The university’s website was welcoming, clear, and informative, offering not only academic details but also practical advice about living in Leeds. It made the idea of moving abroad feel less intimidating and more exciting.

My first day at Leeds Beckett was admittedly, overwhelming. Due to visa delays, I arrived later than planned and missed part of the induction period. By the time I joined my course, most students had already started forming friendships. On top of that, adjusting to strong British accents was challenging, and I worried about keeping up in lectures. However, those worries quickly faded. The lecturers and my classmates were incredibly supportive from the very beginning. I still remember one lecturer using a microphone to help me follow the session more easily and regularly checking in to make sure I felt comfortable and supported. Small gestures like these made a big difference.

The teaching style at Leeds Beckett has been one of the most impactful parts of my experience. Lecturers are not distant figures standing at the front of a room; they actively engage with students during discussions, sit with us at tables, listen carefully to our ideas, and offer meaningful feedback in real time. For every assessment, we are offered dedicated support sessions that break down expectations and help us develop strong, confident submissions. The feedback I received throughout my studies was constructive, detailed, and genuinely helpful, significantly improving my academic writing, confidence, and critical thinking skills.

What I appreciated most was the balance between theory and practice. We were encouraged to apply our knowledge in real-world contexts, working with sports clubs, community clients, and multidisciplinary teams. These experiences strengthened my academic foundation while also helping me develop practical skills that are essential for a future career in sport and exercise psychology.

Leeds itself offered a calm and balanced environment that suited me perfectly. Over time, it began to feel like a second home. Returning to Leeds to continue my studies at PhD level only reinforced that feeling. Being back truly felt like coming home. The city offers the perfect balance between vibrant city life and peaceful green spaces. Leeds is also wonderfully diverse, making it easy to find ingredients from home and feel connected to my culture, even while living abroad.

Looking ahead, my goal is to take the knowledge and experience I have gained back to my home country. I aspire to become a lecturer and support athletes and the wider sports community, applying both academic knowledge and practical experience to help others achieve their goals. The teaching culture and learning environment at Leeds Beckett have deeply influenced the way I envision my future career.

When I reflect on my journey, I feel immense pride. From being accepted on to the Master’s course then to being invited to pursue a PhD, I have been able to study the field I dreamed about as a child. Seeing my personal and professional growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience. If I had to describe Leeds Beckett in one word, it would be opportunities. Opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and experience life in a new and meaningful way.