Matthew Kanjama

Hello, my name is Matthew and I’m from Kenya. I am a first-year student studying International Business and Finance at the Leeds University Business School.

Graduating from an International School in Kenya, I studied the British Cambridge Curriculum, allowing me to easily transition into a university in the UK. I first heard about the University of Leeds in a university fair in Nairobi, Kenya. There, I met Oyedapo, a representative of the university based in Africa, and he told me about the undergraduate courses I could apply to, available scholarships, and what I should expect as a student studying in Leeds.

A few months later, after doing my own research, I applied. I specifically wanted to come to the University of Leeds because it was one of the few top UK universities offering my course which aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I am happy to be studying at a triple-accredited business school at a Russell Group University where I know I am receiving quality education.

Many of my lecturers have had experience working in the field they teach, making their lectures practical and engaging.

I was pleased to find the university has a vibrant student life, which helped me settle in and meet people. With over 300 clubs and societies available to join, I tried to engage in as many as possible to exercise my numerous hobbies. I joined the Film Society because I love watching movies and shows, and since I also love music, I am a member of the Leeds Union Music Library. Having attended several debate competitions throughout high school, I joined the Debating Society to continue improving my public speaking. In terms of sports, I enjoy watching Formula 1, and so whenever there is a race, I attend watch-alongs hosted by the Motorsport Society.

I am also involved with more academic societies, such as the Trading and Investments Society and the Leeds University Business School Society. These clubs host events that improve career readiness, which is very important to me. They have events where industry professionals present on various topics, and other events like LinkedIn photo shoots and CV reviews. Attending these sessions has helped me feel more prepared to enter the job market.

Similarly, a valuable resource that the university has is the Careers Centre which has a dedicated team to support students with things like finding work experience and perfecting job applications. They also provide exclusive job opportunities that only students at the university can apply to and host large career fairs with several top graduate employers like PwC, Deloitte, and Lloyds Bank in attendance. All these things have helped me start exploring various careers and opportunities like internships.

My favourite thing about Leeds is how walkable the city is. It is also home to some lovely serene green spaces and parks. I live in St Mark’s Residences, which is next to Woodhouse Moor, one of the large green spaces near the university campus. The proximity to the park was one of the reasons I picked this particular university accommodation, combined with the fact that every kitchen in every flat has both a washing machine and a drying machine, making laundry very easy. I am very happy with my room and where I stay!

I look forward to continuing to explore this student-friendly city and actively engaging with the university community to get the most out of my three-year degree.