Ella Stillhart

“Why Leeds” is the question I get asked whenever I share where I am studying my undergraduate degree. I am no stranger to being an international student, having grown up in Hong Kong and Singapore as a Swiss-American dual citizen. I actually began my university experience in the tiny town of Lugano, Switzerland in 2022. When I realized that the university was not the right fit, I flew back to Hong Kong for an unplanned gap year, with a heavy heart and mixed emotions. How on earth was I supposed to find the “perfect” fit, the place that would best support me and challenge me for a future I had not yet planned?

The gritty cobblestone, red brick buildings, hodgepodge of architecture…all encased in mounds of green—I love the greenery on campus—in the form of leafy trees and stretches of grass and colorful flowers lining the pathways to lectures.

I briefly heard about the University of Leeds, then with more research the university began to stand out to me because of its abundance of joint-honours courses, allowing me to explore the unique pairing of my favourite subjects that many other universities failed to offer. My final decision to study at Leeds was a result of a multitude of factors, including the support from an overseas representative and the chatting to ambassadors on UniBuddy.

But in an attempt to respond to the torturously heavy question of “why Leeds,” I usually recall the first time I stepped foot on this campus, on an open day. The gritty cobblestone, red brick buildings, hodgepodge of architecture…all encased in mounds of green—I love the greenery on campus—in the form of leafy trees and stretches of grass and colourful flowers lining the pathways to lectures. The intimacy of an enclosed campus, its own little city within the broader and busier Leeds. The warm smiles I received from lecturers as I talked their ears off about the specifics of particular modules and my excitement towards a joint honours BA Music and English degree, the flexibility of which I had failed to discover at any other university.

My first year at the University of Leeds has been an exciting adventure, filled to the brim with engaging events, loads of new friends and the occasional late night study session. For all the nervous energy I had going into the year, I had triple the amount of eager anticipation for a great fresher’s experience. In the heart of a city far away from home (continents away, in fact) I found myself finding a new normal this past year, slowly but surely. I joined Jazz and Blues Society (JABS) as a singer, played the lead role in Leeds University Union Pantomime Society’s spring show (previously having never been in a Panto), and landed the role of a music reviewer for the student magazine, Lippy. I’ve now entered my second year as a returning member of JABS, President of PantoSoc and Musical Director for PantoSoc’s winter production of The Winter’s Tale: The (Almost!) 60s Panto. I even landed the role of Panto stock character of “Buttons” this semester…which I promise feels like a VERY big deal in the world of Pantomime.

My fantastic fresher’s experience still goes far beyond the amazing societies, with one of the greatest parts of my experience so far being the opportunities within my course. Notably, I had the privilege of being involved in a Sustainability Community Arts Project through my Collaborative Performance module, which allowed me to connect with a broader Leeds community through weekly music sessions we led at the Leeds Cardigan Community Centre for their Elders Connect Group. The opportunity to create music with local residents has been a dream come true, and the unwavering support from our mentor, Sustainability Project Coordinator Chris Bowie, is reflective of the fantastic volunteer opportunities offered through the university.

Fast forward to now, I’m knee-deep in second-year shenanigans. This morning I awoke in my cosy attic room, tucked away within the student-filled Hyde Park. Living in a rented house has been an exciting change from last year, with my quaint garden and decorated space that I share with two friends. After a 2 hour music psychology module, I met up with some friends at one of my favourite on-campus cafes: The Edit Room. I love finding new spots to meet with friends or study or perhaps to grab a pint, which is something I loved about this university upon first visiting. Later tonight I’ll be in attendance for Jazz and Blues Rehearsals, as we prepare for our upcoming gig at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen. The opportunities for gigs and live music here in Leeds are endless, with Rita’s Ballroom, Brudenell Social Club and Revolution Press amongst some of my favourite spots.

I can hardly pinpoint my “Why Leeds” to a few concrete reasons. As much as I don’t want to say it just feels “right” here…there is really no other way to describe it

The flexible joint honours programmes, abundance of inclusive student-led societies, endless opportunities for student engagement—all packaged into a lush green campus—makes it a fantastic choice for those looking for a multi-faceted experience. To be completely candid, I don’t know if any university could ever be the “perfect” fit. But for me personally, Leeds comes pretty close.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about my Leeds’ journey or your own…and I can’t wait to help you discover this beautiful city and university! You can email me at [email protected] or chat with me on UniBuddy.