Erasmus Experience in Leeds, United Kingdom

Why did you decide to go to Leeds in the UK?

Because other had told me positive things about it.

How long does the Erasmus grant last for? How much money did you receive as support?

I received an Erasmus loan that lasted 5 months, but it really depends on the university. It usually varies from between 3-9 months.

Regarding the money, it always varies based on the university which you will attend on your Erasmus experience. Most Erasmus loan give the average amount of €230 per month, which you receive at the start and at the end of your study period.

What is student life like in Leeds?

Fantastic! It is a lively city and every evening there is always something different to do or somewhere different to go: the cinema, bars, nightclubs or simply just the local pub.

The university is very good! It offers a bag full of interesting courses and activities of every type. There is even a club dedicated to chocolate that offers tasting sessions for free, as well as sport clubs, that allow you to come and try the sport out before you register. So, there really is something for everyone!

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

Yes, without a doubt!

What is the food like in Leeds?

Well, you cannot really say for certain that it's good! There are fast food venues everywhere and they're open at every hour.

How did you find accommodation?

Through the university website.

What is the cost of rent? What are the general living cots?

It varies from accommodation to accommodation. If you choose a private house, the costs are lower but further away from the centre. Student housing has some fair pricing and offer a private bathroom and a common room to those that pay more. If you however prefer to spend less, you will have to share a bathroom with others in your apartment.

Note: The prices does not depend on the distance from the university!

How did you find the language? Did you attend any language courses at the university?

It's going really well with the language now! At the start it became apparent that the English that we are taught at school, is the typical London way of speaking. However, in England there are also many dialects. Leeds has the Yorkshire dialect, which has some different sounds and they speak faster there that in other parts of the country... but it only took me a few days to fall in love with it!

At the university I attended 3 courses, at 3 different levels. The ordering of the course is made up of 4 numbers; 1 indicates the level. For example 1 = low level, up until 3 = high level.

The lecturers are always available and there are tutors for every part of the department, that can help you and suggest to you, how you can follow the course better.

What is the cheapest way to arrive in Leeds from your city?

Obviously by plane!

Where do you recommend for going out during the evening in Leeds?

There are various places depending on your own individual tastes.

There is the Eldon Pub, that offers reduced prices on Tuesdays for students. For dancing, there is Halo (which was once a church), Fruity (in the union of the university campus) and various other clubs in the city centre.

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On Sunday evenings I advise Hi-Fi, close to the city centre where they play jazz and reggae music and entrance is free!

Where can you eat in Leeds? Can you recommend some of your favourite places?

To eat, it's a lot better to cook for yourself!

I can recommend a Chinese all-you-can-eat restaurant in the centre, close to the city market, where you can eat as much as you want for just £6!

Are there any cultural sites to see?

In the city, there are a few museums for art or sculptures. There is Kirkstall Abbey, some of the ruins of an old abbey surrounded by a park and there is also Harewood House, which is a house from the 12th century, still in very good condition, with a giant Park that's home to birds of every species (from Pelicans to Penguins). Both of these places are easily reachable by bus.

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What advice would you give to future students of Leeds?

The only advice you need is: just go there! Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity... Leeds has so much to offer you!