Hiel Pangos

Hi there! I'm Hiel, currently studying for a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry after completing the International Foundation Year, and I'm from the Philippines!

Before coming to Leeds, I took a gap year after finishing my High School Diploma in Baguio to gain some work experience and focus on my applications for undergraduate study overseas. After a non-straightforward journey of application twists and turns, along with some help from an education agent in my area, I secured a place to study here at the University of Leeds.

What I’ve particularly loved about studying at Leeds is the collaborative teaching through seminars and small-group discussions, alongside the big lecture sessions.

What I’ve particularly loved about studying at Leeds is the collaborative teaching through seminars and small-group discussions, alongside the big lecture sessions. In addition, and more importantly for my field, the hands-on laboratory sessions in Biology and Chemistry early on are progressively helping me translate academic work into real-world, collaborative impact. In supporting students further, the University has a robust Careers Centre, as well as an online MyCareer portal and part time job search engine: Joblink. This supports student professional development and help you find part-time work while you study. You'll also not be short of study spots around campus, because apart from the many places to study at the Leeds University Union, the University's four libraries are free to access with your student card. If libraries aren't quite your thing, the University has loads of cafes across campus, from four Cafe Neros to Great Food at Leeds outlets within department buildings.

Being part of the Russell Group, Leeds has improved in international rankings – with the University just recently achieving the 77^th spot in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027), climbing up nine spots from last year! For me though, I’ve found Leeds to be much more than that – a sense of belonging grounded in the diverse and inclusive community of people from all over the world. From the vibrancy of student life through the Leeds University Union’s (LUU) many social events like Global Café and Fruity Fridays, to the buzzing atmosphere of the city centre's iconic landmarks such as the Corn Exchange and Kirkgate Markets, I've always felt welcome in Leeds' many charms. Not to mention, LUU has over 350 clubs and societies that students can give a go at for free before considering membership. Other facilities, programmes, and events like The Edge, Active Campus, the Trips Programme, and Residence Life Events indeed make it so that students like us love our time at Leeds.

Outside of studies, you'll find me grabbing a pint or getting a cup of coffee while catching up with friends. On campus, there are several cafes and bars that you could go to. My favourites are Terrace, located inside the LUU, and the Caffe Nero by the pond at the Roger Stevens Building. Of course, the city also has its fair share of lively activities, events, and places like student nights at The Hedley Verity (more widely known as Disco Spoons), a bookstore on a boat called Hold Fast Bookshop, and a pub that hosts weekly Karaoke Tuesdays called Dry Dock. Here in Leeds, you'll find me with a book in hand, discovering the city's many cafes, taking pictures of Leeds Town Hall at sunset, or strolling through annual events like Leeds Light Night.

Now in my programme’s second year, I currently live at Lupton Residences as a Residence Life Assistant. With a room and shared facilities, plus a green space in the lively student area of Headingley, it is one of the more sociable university accommodations.

If you have any questions about life in Leeds, feel free to reach me on Unibuddy or by email at [email protected].