Reasons why choosing Leeds Beckett was the best decision

I used to be set on the idea of not going to university but after talking to a friend who went to LBU, I became curious about the idea and decided it was an adventure I was excited to try. Now, I am in my final year and it has been an experience I will never forget. I have met so many amazing people, learnt about a new city and experienced a completely different environment from what I am used to. Choosing Leeds Beckett was the best decision for me and my future.

A city full of variety

I come from a small town in East Yorkshire and so moving to Leeds was extremely daunting as I didn’t have any experience of living in a city. I had visited Leeds before but only briefly and I didn’t know anything about the area before moving. When I arrived, I loved exploring and it was fun to figure out where everything was. Now I don’t think twice about where I’m going as Leeds is a really easy city to navigate and most places are within walking distance.

The Beckett community is great. When I first arrived, other students helped me find my footing and now with my increased confidence and knowledge I like to help people find their place too. One of my favourite things about Leeds is how much variety there is on offer. I love to find smaller places across the city to have a fun night, like performances and gigs in unique venues. You don’t realise how much there actually is in Leeds until you experience it for yourself.

Making friends for life

Before starting first year, I often heard people say that you make your closest friends at university, but I never thought it was true. Now I feel like it’s safe to say, it’s true and I’ve met friends that I will never lose. I have also become a lot closer with friends from college who also moved to Leeds for university and now we are talking about living together after we’ve graduated, which is exciting. You build such strong relationships at uni because you all understand what everyone is going through, and people are always there to help each other wherever they can. As well as making long lasting friendships, I’ve also experienced random moments of friendship, playing pool with other students on campus who I’ve not met before. Even though I didn't bump into them again after that, they were some fun nights and they make me grateful for how welcoming and friendly everyone is. When you are on campus you really do feel like you are part of a community and if you take part in societies, you meet people you usually wouldn’t have the chance to meet.

Unique opportunities

Going to university has presented me with opportunities I couldn’t even dream of before. I have performed with Jack Whitehall at the First Direct Arena thanks to Leeds Beckett. This is something I still find so surreal nearly a year later. Some people don’t believe me when I tell them, but I’ve kept my backstage pass to prove it. I’ve also performed in many venues across the city including the Seven Arts, as well as performing at Headingley campus. All of these opportunities have given me some great memories and one amazing story. I’ve had the experience of living in student halls, private halls and a student house. University has been an important learning curve and has really helped me to be able to live independently. Being at university has made me grateful for many things in life whilst providing me with such a fun experience at the same time.

For me, this is one of the most important times in my life and I am so thankful for everything I’ve got to do so far. I am excited to see what opportunities and skills LBU brings me during my final year. I know it will be something exciting and new. It has been such an amazing experience and I wouldn’t change any of it. Leeds Beckett provides a very unique student experience and it’s something I’m glad to be a part of.