Abigail Gumpo

My name is Abigail, but you can call me Abie. I am a Mandela Washington Fellow, a Chevening Scholar and a passionate Ndebele girl from Zimbabwe. I studied for my undergraduate BSc in Civil and Water Engineering at the University of Science and Technology (NUST) Zimbabwe. I graduated in 2017 and have been working in the field of engineering back home since then, till recently when I joined the the University of Leeds for my MSc.

I first heard about the University of Leeds from an alumni. I had been searching for a reputable institution that offers the best WASH Engineering programs and had the University of Leeds recommended to me as it offers unique International and Public Health courses. This is the best thing about my course and was the selling point which made me choose to come to Leeds. In addition to that, Leeds University is a melting pot of diversity with students from across the globe. I also love the tutors and lecturers here who are industry experts.

The University system is designed to cater for student success and wellbeing.

My experience so far has been amazing as I am familiarizing myself with and am being inducted into the University of Leeds academic and social systems. My favourite thing has been the easy to follow Minerva user interface, which makes all academic and wellbeing resources readily available.

Outside my studies I enjoy travelling. I am a self proclaimed globe trotter: it's a pity I do not have bottomless pockets. If I could I would travel for a living! I also love storytelling, reading and movies.

Leeds is a beautiful city. I have enjoyed touring the museums and art galleries around. The Leeds Light Night shows were amazing, and I love all the twinkle lights and Christmas trees that are already dotted all over the city in November. The city has a convenient transport system and greenery all around.

I feel safe and there are resident life assistant available on call 24/7 should I need any assistance.

I live in a university flat accommodation. Securing accommodation was made easy through the University accommodation website while I was still in my home country. Checking into accommodation was efficient and easy upon arrival. Living here has been pleasant as we have had a number of events tailored to encourage us to interact. We had Bingo breakfast, Pony therapy and most recently a Halloween party just to mention a few. I love the Edge gym membership that comes with my being in student accommodation, and how my accommodation is in close proximity to the city centre and also the School of Engineering.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me via email at abigail-link@leeds.ac.uk or via Unibuddy!