A dream come true studying in Leeds

Leeds Beckett University was my first choice when I decided to come to the UK as an international student for the first time. Its strong reputation for offering an excellent student experience, along with modern facilities and supportive staff and professors, immediately stood out to me. I believed Leeds Beckett would benefit me both academically and personally, and looking back, it truly did.

I chose to study MSc Psychology because I have always been deeply interested in psychology and human mental wellbeing. Coming from a background in pedagogy, I felt that this course would allow me to further explore how the human mind develops and understand the many factors that contribute to mental health challenges today. Studying psychology has helped me connect my past experiences in education with a broader understanding of mental health and wellbeing.

The teaching style at Leeds Beckett was quite different from what I was used to, especially as an international student. At first, the student-centred approach felt overwhelming, as lecturers focus more on guiding and encouraging independent thinking rather than delivering long lectures where students memorise content to pass exams. However, this approach quickly became one of the most rewarding aspects of my learning experience. It pushed me to explore my own abilities, think critically, and engage more deeply with the subject. I could not have adapted to this new way of learning without the constant support and encouragement from my lecturers, who also helped us adjust to life in the UK.

One of my favourite learning experiences has been the lab sessions in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. These sessions allowed us to explore how small, everyday interactions can have meaningful impacts on our lives and behaviour. We also examined how the human mind can be broken down into different elements and processes. While it was not easy to understand at first, the challenge made the learning experience even more interesting and rewarding.

Moving to the UK was a unique and exciting experience, and something I had dreamed of since high school. Living that dream came with its own challenges, especially during the early stages of settling into Leeds. Although I did not experience significant culture shock, balancing the demands of studying, understanding a new academic system, and searching for a part-time job was difficult. Despite these challenges, the experience helped me grow more independent and resilient.

Leeds Beckett provided strong support throughout my journey as an international student. The university offers clear and accessible information about student life through multiple platforms, whether in person at the student help desk, online via library chat, or through social media channels. Knowing that support was always available gave me reassurance and made navigating university life much easier.

Living in Leeds has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my experience. I love the pace of life here, it is lively yet calm, and far less hectic than a city like London. Making friends and getting involved in student life has been a positive experience for me. I am fortunate to have made many friends from Vietnam and from all over the world at Leeds Beckett. Although I consider myself an introvert and often prefer quiet moments over noisy outings, I have had the chance to experience a wide range of social activities and find a balance that suits me.

One of my proudest moments has been recognising how much I have grown over the past year. I am more mature, confident, and self-aware than the person I was when I first arrived. To other international students considering studying here, my advice would simply be - go for it. Investing in yourself and your future is never too late, and Leeds Beckett offers a supportive environment that helps you grow into the best version of yourself.