Andy Zhang

Hi! My name is Andy and I am from Beijing, China. 

This is my second year at the University of Leeds. I finished the International Foundation Year and now studying Computer Science. 

I first heard about the University of Leeds during my research process and I decided on Leeds for the following reasons: 

• Climate: The climate here is similar to Beijing, so it is very pleasant. Only two weeks are hot and winter is not too cold. 
• University Communications: The admission office always responds to me quickly and provides helpful information. 
• Location: Leeds is the third biggest city in the UK and it’s safe. The pace of life is not too fast and not too slow. 

I chose Computer Science because it is my passion and the university offers a very well-designed curriculum. It includes multi-dimensional help in theoretical learning, laboratory work, and career planning. 

Edward Boyle Library is one of my favorite libraries. It is centrally located on campus, and you can study there between classes. The internet connection in the library is also great! The table arrangement will help you to feel like studying in the office, which makes me feel more efficient. There is a also café - the Edit Room on the ground floor, so you can buy a cup of coffee between studying. 

The Language Zone helps me a lot. When I came here, it was a challenge to adapt to the UK accent because I learned English with a US accent. Watching BBC news daily and getting involved in activities organized by the Language Zone has helped me a lot to get used to the language. The Language Zone also provides other language learning, like French and Japanese which I've found highly beneficial. 

The University of Leeds offers a lot of help to international students. You can view blogs and vlogs on the Link to Leeds website to help you familiarise yourself with the city. You can also apply for the University Buddy Scheme to find peers with similar interests and courses to yours. If you ever feel lost, you can always ask your tutor, or university departments for help - keep asking! This will help you feel less alone and helpless. 

You can also find your interest in more than 300 societies in the Leeds University Union (LUU). I joined the Computing Society (CompSoc) and have met and made many new friends. The Refectory is in the LUU building and serves a range of food from across the globe. We also have the Global Café available on Monday evenings at LUU Common Ground, where we can meet new people, make new friends, and generally enjoy having conversations with each other! 

I have many activities that I like to do in my spare time. I enjoy walking in the city, the fresh air, and the city is so full of history and culture that it always surprises me. This allows me to take a break from my busy study schedule and enjoy the British way of life. There are also many shopping malls, supermarkets, and restaurants where you can go out to eat and enjoy the taste of different cuisines. 

I live in a private accommodation, which is 5 minutes away from the city centre and within walking distance to the University. My shared flat has 5 ensuite rooms, and we all share a kitchen. The accommodation has recreational facilities such as a gym, pool table, table tennis, as well as a study area and social area. 

Thank you for taking the time to read about my life in Leeds, and I look forward to welcoming you to Leeds to study and enjoy the city. You will have an unforgettable life in this city. Please feel free to get in touch with me via Unibuddy or email at andy-link@leeds.ac.uk.