Brenda Leong

Hi, I’m Brenda from Sabah, Malaysia, and I’m currently studying MSc (Eng) Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Leeds. My passion for this field started during my undergraduate studies at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), where I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering (Honours).

After I graduated, I worked as a design engineer in a civil engineering consultancy company in my hometown. That experience gave me the chance to apply what I learned and connect with many experienced engineers in the industry. During one of our conversations, I mentioned my plan to pursue further studies, and several of my seniors immediately suggested the University of Leeds. They spoke highly of its reputation and research strength, especially in engineering.

Out of curiosity, I started doing my own research about the University and the more I learned, the more interested I became. I was impressed by the range of support services, the facilities available for engineering students, and how highly ranked the University is globally. With help from IDP, my study abroad agent, the whole application process went very smoothly. The University’s admission process was also quick and efficient, which made everything even better.

My agent actually shortlisted several universities offering the same course, but I eventually chose Leeds. My senior colleagues also encouraged me to go for it. What really sealed the decision was how responsive and supportive the University staff were every time I had a question, they replied quickly and clearly. That level of support made me feel like I was already part of the community even before arriving.

I contacted a few alumni who had studied the same program, and after hearing about their positive experiences, I felt confident in my choice.

Now that I’ve been in Leeds for about two months, I can honestly say I’m loving every moment of it. Moving abroad alone was definitely scary at first, but everything turned out to be much smoother than I expected. From the free airport pickup service by the University’s welcome team, to checking into my accommodation, to joining orientation and welcome week, everything was well-organized and welcoming. It really helped me settle in comfortably.

One of my favourite things about Leeds is how lively and active student life is. There are so many societies and clubs to join, covering everything from culture, sports, and environment, to business and study-related activities. It’s a great way to take a break from studies, meet people from different backgrounds, and try new things. I also joined the University gym, which includes access to free fitness classes like yoga, pilates, and spin.

The amount of support available for students here is amazing too. There’s language support, visa and career guidance, as well as mental health and wellbeing services.

Knowing that help is always available whenever you need it really makes a difference, especially when you’re far from home.

Academically, I’ve been really impressed with the School of Civil Engineering. The labs are advanced and well-equipped, and the staff are knowledgeable and approachable. I finally get to experience hands-on lab sessions, which I missed during my undergraduate studies because of COVID. We also have opportunities to go on field trips to see real engineering projects across the UK, which helps connect theory with practice.

Another thing I find really valuable is the 8-week virtual work experience offered by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Employability Team. It allows students to work with real companies after the course and gain practical experience. Plus, we can graduate with a “with work experience” title on our certificate. That’s such a great boost for employability.

Outside of studying, I love exploring Leeds and nearby cities. Leeds is a vibrant, walkable city. Everything is close by, from supermarkets and parks to cafes and restaurants. My favourite spot is the Corn Exchange, which has beautiful architecture and lots of quirky, local shops selling postcards, keychains, and other cute things. I’ve also taken short trips to York, Liverpool, and Manchester, which are all just a train ride away. Travelling around has been such a fun way to learn about new cultures and enjoy the UK’s scenery.

I’m currently living at St. Mark’s Residence, one of the University’s accommodations. My en-suite room is spacious and comfortable, and the shared kitchen is fully equipped. We even have washing machines that are free to use. The location is perfect too, just five minutes from the School of Civil Engineering and about eight minutes from the iconic Parkinson Building. It’s safe, convenient, and has a nice community atmosphere.

Looking back, studying abroad has been a big step, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has taught me how to be more independent, confident, and open-minded. I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone, make new friends, and embrace different cultures.