Mario Abril Sarmiento

Hello! My name is Mario, I am a first year Mechanical Engineering student. I come from Colombia, but have lived in United States, Venezuela, and Peru. I completed 2 years of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Technology and Engineering at Lima Peru before coming to Leeds and completed the International Baccalaureate in 2019.

During my time in these countries, I have been exposed to so many cultures and perspectives, which keeps encouraging me to explore more about the rest of the world. After arriving to the UK, I realized that I would meet people from different backgrounds, and this is helping me to become even more open-minded. Although, living by myself thousands of kilometres away from home could be a bit daunting. But I have adapted to an independent live (or at least trying), and became good at time management, making new friends and cooking!

Leeds is one of a few universities in the UK that have world class engineering teams such as the Leeds Gryphon Racing Team and Leeds University Rocketry Association. Joining these organizations is the first step to get real engineering experience.

I discovered Leeds through researching for possible universities to transfer around the world. After several universities offered me to transfer up to second year, I decided to start over again at Leeds, for several reasons. First, its two first years are merged with all courses in Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace, Automotive and Medical) which equips me with interdisciplinary skills that I can apply in any industry I would want to pursue in the future. Secondly, as part of the student representative committee, I see how driven the staff of the school is, siting side-by-side with the school directors and listening to their plans makes me feel grateful of choosing Leeds as my university. Finally, Leeds is one of a few universities in the UK that have world class engineering teams such as the Leeds Gryphon Racing Team and Leeds University Rocketry Association. Joining these organizations is the first step to get real engineering experience.

I live in Montague Burton student residency. It is ideal for anyone who prefers to live close to campus, with a walk of 10 minutes to campus. This accommodation has multiple perks that I am grateful of, such as the kitchen that includes a laundry set, being very convenient. Additionally, the included sink inside my room is very useful to fill my bottle of water or washing my face. I have 9 flatmates and although it sounds like a quite crowded flat, we haven’t had any issues and it's rather practical, as all of them are from the UK, making my English improve exponentially!

Knowing that Leeds has a space for all people from similar backgrounds to gather is such an amazing privilege!

Sometimes, when I feel homesick, I join the Bachata and Salsa classes, as they remind me of back home, and after a couple of minutes I feel recharged of energy! It is also great because I have met so many people from similar cultures. Knowing that Leeds has a space for all people from similar backgrounds to gather is such an amazing privilege! When I see around my cohort or friends, I see people willing to help me in anything, and I would like to be that person.

My biggest advice for prospective students wanting to come to the University of Leeds is to join lots of societies and clubs! Sign up for exclusive opportunities the University offers whether to upgrade professional and personal skills or meet new people.

If you have any questions regarding anything, please contact me, I am more than happy to help!