Ali Aamer

Hi! I’m Muhammad Ali Aamer from Pakistan, currently pursuing my MSc in Consumer Analytics and Marketing Strategy. Before coming here, I completed my undergraduate degree in engineering, but I quickly realized my true passion lies in marketing and understanding what drives consumer behaviour. Moving from Pakistan to the UK has been an incredibly rewarding experience, even though I do miss my family. I make sure to have weekly calls with them, which helps me stay connected and up to date with everything happening back home.

I wanted to be somewhere that challenged me academically while also offering opportunities to grow personally, and Leeds has delivered on both.

I first heard about the University of Leeds while researching universities with strong business programmes and a reputation for academic excellence. The University and the Leeds University Business School immediately stood out because of its global ranking, supportive environment, and the diversity of its student community. I wanted to be somewhere that challenged me academically while also offering opportunities to grow personally, and Leeds has delivered on both.

One of the things I love most about my course is how much it blends creativity and analytics. Modules like Marketing Strategy and Consumer Behaviour really allow me to understand the psychology behind decision-making, while projects using tools like GIS for Retail Modelling give me practical, hands-on experience that I can see being used in the real world. The teaching at Leeds is top class. Lecturers are approachable and really encourage students to ask questions, discuss ideas, and challenge themselves. I have found the learning environment incredibly supportive, which makes it easy to stay motivated even when the workload is challenging.

Living in Leeds has been an equally positive experience. I am staying at St Marks Residences, which is a university accommodation very close to campus. It is convenient, safe, and offers a great sense of community. I have met people from all over the world here. It is amazing how many different perspectives and cultures are represented, and it has made my time here much more enriching. Studying alongside people from such diverse backgrounds has broadened my thinking and allowed me to form friendships I know will last a lifetime.

Outside of my studies, I enjoy keeping active and doing things I love. I play padel regularly and football with friends, I go to the university's sport centre, the Edge for my gym sessions, and I also enjoy cooking for myself or experimenting with new recipes for friends. I love doing weekly groceries with my friends and exploring different cuisines around Leeds. My favourite food place has to be Bakery 164 in front of the Parkinsons Building because their sandwiches are to die for. I also spend time using one of the many library options available to study and focus, which really helps me balance my coursework with social life.

Leeds itself is a very comfortable city to live in. I have a few favourite places that I love visiting, especially the Docks and Kirkgate Market. The city is vibrant, student friendly, and easy to get around. I have really enjoyed exploring the city, from its parks and cultural spots to trying out the wide variety of food on offer. It strikes a nice balance between being lively and welcoming, which makes settling here as an international student much easier.

From the high-quality teaching to the support networks in place for international students, it is clear that Leeds is invested in helping students succeed.

Being part of the Leeds community has also given me the chance to appreciate how much the university cares about its students. From the high-quality teaching to the support networks in place for international students, it is clear that Leeds is invested in helping students succeed. I have also had the chance to explore a bit beyond my studies, learning about the city and meeting new people, which has been one of my favorite parts of being here.

The best thing about studying at Leeds has been the combination of excellent academics, a supportive community, and the city itself. It is not just about the course, it is about the friendships you make, the experiences you have, and the personal growth that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone. For anyone considering coming here, my advice would be to embrace every opportunity, ask questions, and connect with people from all backgrounds. You will be surprised at how much you learn and how much fun you can have along the way.

If you have any questions about studying at Leeds, living in the city, or my experience as an international student, feel free to reach out to me via Unibuddy or email at [email protected]. I would be happy to share my experience and help however I can.