Arriving in Leeds, United Kingdom by Jorge

Why did you choose to go to Leeds, United Kingdom?

Because of the distinctive quality of the health services research in the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, and of the opportunity of living for some years in the UK.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

4 years. The regular scholarship is of 1300 GBP monthly, I receive an additional of 400 for 2 dependants (wife and child) totalling 1700.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leeds?

Leeds is a very student-friendly city and there is plenty of non-academical activities around the university life.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Leeds to other students?

Yes. The city is nice, with good options for leisure and daily living and well connected. The University is very organised, makes high relevant and high impact research and is highly international.

What is the food like?

Food is not the strongest point of UK.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Leeds?

Not at all. Since I arrived with family, it took a little more because most of the accommodations available, including from private landlords, are suitable for single students. But we found a very god one that is managed by the University.

How much does it cost to live in Leeds?

It's not cheap, but is not as London. It's hard to say in the first few months, because of the settling costs, but I calculate a basic monthly spending of up to 1000 for a single student (house, food, accounts, transport).

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Not exactly. There is a northern accent that is not so easy. The University offers a basic support course in dependance of the language level of the students, but not for the family, and offers lots of online courses and resources

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Leeds from your city?

The main long distance connection of Leeds to other countries is Manchester airport, that is well connected by train to Leeds (the station is integrated with the airport) and has flights to most of the countries in Europe. I travelled fro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Madrid, with a connecting flight to Manchester and took a taxi because of the luggage. Leeds-Manchester costs 10-20 by train and 100-120 by taxi and takes almost the same time (about 1h15).

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Leeds?

Unfortunately I didn't know the night in Leeds yet, but my first time will surely be in a traditional pub.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Kirkstall Abbey is a very beautiful medieval building, including a little museum and shop with activities for children. The Roundhay Park is a beautiful walk for a good weather day. There are some interesting museums in the city centre, including a well known Armoury Museum. And off course a day trip to York, a lovely medieval city 20 minutes by train from Leeds.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Leeds in the future?

Leed is a nice place to live and study if you are an international student.