Marang Kgosiyang

Hey! my name is Marang and I’m 1st year student studying Biomedical Sciences. I am from the beautiful land of Botswana!

I did my A level while still in Botswana after completing my IGCSE’S. I remember battling between going down the STEM route or business route as a career and I really did not want to give up on either dream even though they’re in different sectors. So when I was researching on ways I can incorporate both of these into my education I came across the University of Leeds.

I get to develop my business skills while still being part of STEM community! How cool?

The University of Leeds discovery modules immediately intrigued me, these are modules you can do outside of your current subject degree. Now on top of my Biomedical Sciences degree, I also do an additional module on introduction to management. I get to develop my business skills while still being part of STEM community! How cool? I love how my course is so practical based, we don’t just learn theory but we are constantly taught how to put it into action. I have one module where the goal is to find a health problem affecting Yorkshire which is the region where Leeds is in and find possible solutions to this issue. I get to feel like an actual researcher/scientist even though I’m still in year 1!

It’s so exciting to think about what’s in store for me in year 2 and year 3 and how I will grow as a student.

I absolutely love how walkable Leeds is, being from a country where we ALWAYS use some sort of transport to get from point A to point B (even it's just 5 minutes away), it’s so refreshing being able to walk to places and take in the beautiful atmosphere constantly. And if you don’t fancy walking, there are buses readily available for those lazy days. The truth is, first arriving in a new country away from everything you ever known and everyone you love can be daunting at first, but it’s an experience we’ve all gone through. My first few weeks were overwhelming, but I ensured that I kept up with leaving my room and socialising, the first friend I ever made here in Leeds was simply done by sitting next to her in a lecture room of 300+ students and introducing myself even though I was extremely scared.

I also made a few friends through the global café, which is basically an opportunity where you get to meet multiple people in a relaxing setting down at the cafe. It eventually does get easier with time as you settle in, you will get used to the hustle and bustle of everyday Leeds. I’m still in my first year but I genuinely feel a part of the Leeds community. Outside of school, every weekend me and my friends have a night in, from making mug cakes (95p at Tesco’s!) to having karaoke battles in the kitchen. I cherish these nights as you can reflect on the past week with friends and receive support if needed at a low cost.

Doing something other than being nose deep in my studies is so important to me because one of my biggest fears as a student is burning out so taking a breather every now and then helps prevent this. Leeds has been such a beautiful experience, it has provided me with comfort as I navigate living on my own for the first time in my 20s. With Leeds being one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK, it’s almost certain you’ll find a community to fit right into; if not people from where you’re from, then the international community in general, for example, it’s been recorded that Leeds has the most Batswana in the UK! It feels like a home away from home, it’s been such a privilege studying at the university of Leeds!

Feel free to get in touch with my via Unibuddy or email me at marang-link@leeds.ac.uk if you have any questions.