Alessandra Sumeguin

Hello everyone!

I completed my undergraduate in Business Management at De La Salle University in the Philippines. I first heard about the University of Leeds through a friend who completed her master's at the Leeds University Business School, where I now currently study Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation.

The best thing about my course are the digital management skills we’re able to practice and apply in industry-level

There were many factors that contributed to my choice of choosing the University of Leeds. Initially, it was the ranking, however, upon research, I found that it is one of the only few universities in the United Kingdom that offer my course. The various accreditations further persuaded me to put my trust in Leeds University. The University of Leeds also offers financial aid to students which tremendously helps international students like me.

Upon receiving the Global Community Scholarship, I knew I would be choosing the University of Leeds.

The best thing about my course are the digital management skills we’re able to practice and apply in industry-level. In fact, the course is co-developed through an Advisory Board by international and UK-based partners such as ITV and IBM. The course has a balanced amount of theoretical and technical subjects and allows students to choose an optional module based on their interest - I will be taking Creating Effective Data Visualizations for the next term. The opportunities that the university has given me (apart from being a Link to Leeds Ambassador) include being part of the Leeds University Business School Global Industry Project which is a 3-week industry project. There is also an upcoming international study tour hosted by the Leeds University Business School which will be held in Spring 2025.

The course has a balanced amount of theoretical and technical subjects and allows students to choose an optional module based on their interest

My favourite thing about the university would be the libraries and the greenery. There are four libraries on campus: Laidlaw, Edward Boyle, Brotherton, and Health Sciences. My favourite, Laidlaw Library, is conveniently open 24/7! They also offer academic skills development through Skills@Library which includes workshops, one-to-one support, digital capabilities development, and math and statistics guidance. One of the many things you’ll notice about the University of Leeds is how green it is, at least during spring and summer. There are parks and fields in and around the university where you can walk during your free time or before classes.

I think the best thing about Leeds as a city would be the diverse community. A Chinese restaurant is a block away from a Mexican one and if you’re a Filipino like me, a familiar ‘bee’ is waiting for you right around a corner by Headrow avenue. A food trip during your free time is possible and I highly suggest Kirkgate Market as your first stop. Due to the compact size of the city centre, the entirety of it can be walked in a couple of hours. It is also good to note the various activities held in or by the Leeds University Union (LUU), from tribute concerts to trips to Cambridge or York. In Leeds, there is always something you can fill your schedule with.

I currently live at Carlton Hill Student Accommodation, a university accommodation about 5-10 minutes from the city centre and 10-15 minutes from the business school. The perfect distance as my favourite activity is walking in the city centre after class. And lastly, a couple pieces of advice in no order of importance: learn the shortest way to your classes, take a lot of pictures, bask in the sun whenever it’s out, take some more pictures, and check your weather app on the day and not the day before. As an international student, it can be daunting moving to another country on your own, but the people and the opportunities that await you make it all worth it!

For more advice or any questions about university life in Leeds, email me at alessandra-link@leeds.ac.uk or chat with me on Unibuddy.