Jacqueline Wong

Hey! My name is Jacqueline, and I am from Hong Kong. 

Studying at the University of Leeds has been a major highlight of my life, as studying abroad was a dream come true for me. After completing six years at a local secondary school and passing the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, I began my undergraduate degree in journalism in September 2022.

My experience so far has proven that I made the right decision. As an international student, I felt welcomed by the university’s efforts to support newcomers. They organized events like webinars and social activities to help us settle in, offering practical advice on adjusting to life in the UK. Events such as speed-friending and British tea sessions during International Welcome Week helped me meet new people and feel at home.

The support from staff and lecturers has been one of the highlights of my time at Leeds. As a student from East Asia, I initially found it challenging to adjust to using English daily, but I received plenty of encouragement. I also attended Skills@Library workshops, which helped me with note-taking and building confidence in class discussions. With this support, I’ve been able to thrive academically.

Studying journalism at Leeds has been particularly rewarding due to the emphasis on hands-on experience. The School of Media and Communication (SMC) provides numerous opportunities for students to develop practical skills. I am currently on my placement year in the communications sector, thanks to the support I received from the SMC. I gained valuable insights from informative sessions and 1:1s that helped me secure my placement.

One of the best aspects of my course is the balance between academic learning and practical experience. In my first year, we covered both theory-based learning and practical skills such as camera operation and video editing for journalists. In the second year, the practical modules became more advanced, while we also explored important theoretical topics like journalism ethics and contemporary issues in journalism. This balance between practical and theoretical learning helped me identify my strengths and understand whether I enjoy working in the field.

In addition to my studies, I’ve been involved in various societies, which have allowed me to develop both personally and professionally. I’ve gained valuable media experience through Leeds Student Radio, where I produced news bulletins, and as a contributing writer for The Gryphon, the student newspaper. Beyond journalism, I’m part of the Leeds University Union Music Society and the Ballet Society, which has been a great way to make friends and pursue other interests.

Studying at the University of Leeds has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities and support I’ve received. I’m excited to see what the rest of my time here will bring!

 The city of Leeds and our university are awesome and I hope to see you here! Ask me any questions on UniBuddy or email me at Jacqueline-link@leeds.ac.uk.