Oluwatomilayo Awodoyin

Hi! I’m Oluwatomilayo, but most people call me “Tomi.” I’m currently studying for a Master’s degree in Public Health (International) as a Chevening Scholar. Before coming to Leeds, I earned both my Bachelor’s and first Master’s degrees in Psychology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. My background spans clinical practice, training, and mental health advocacy, and I have had the privilege of leading non-profit initiatives that offer free mental health support and training to young people and communities. These experiences continue to drive my interest in how public health systems and policies can be strengthened to improve access to mental health care, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

I first discovered the University of Leeds while researching master’s programmes that aligned with my career goal of influencing mental health policy. I came across the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, which has an excellent reputation for teaching and research in global health. The course structure, the university’s ranking, and the fact that it is part of the prestigious Russell Group all stood out to me. The Public Health (International) course provides opportunities to learn from experts with experience across different parts of the world. The course also includes the opportunity to visit and have on-site teaching at places like the World Health Organization headquarters, the United Nations Palace, and the WHO Museum at Geneva. I applied directly via the university’s website after thoroughly reviewing all relevant information and I found the website very user-friendly and informative.

I chose the University of Leeds because it felt like the perfect place to grow both academically and personally and my experience so far has been nothing short of amazing.

From my first week, I felt welcomed and supported, from the International Welcome Team that helped me get to my accommodation from the airport, to the Residence Life team ResLife who helped me settle into my accommodation, and my department, where lecturers are approachable and genuinely invested in students’ success. The learning environment is interactive and encourages critical thinking.

I am also greatly impressed by the university’s strong sense of community, inclusivity, and support for international students. One of my favourite things about the university is the diversity of the student body. I have met people from all over the world and learned so much from our different cultural and professional backgrounds. The university also provides several opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Outside my studies, I have enjoyed exploring Leeds and I am still exploring! Leeds has so many lovely places to visit, including the city centre, Leeds Dock, Hyde park, the Royal Armouries, and Leeds city museum, just to mention a few, they are great places to be. The Leeds University Union (LUU) also hosts several events, including the Global Café, which allows you to connect with other people more easily. I have also enjoyed attending local events like Leeds Light Night and Bonfire Night. The university is located in a friendly, affordable city, and studying here has made my decision truly worthwhile.

I currently live in university accommodation at St Mark's Residences, which is very comfortable and conveniently close to campus. Living there has been a wonderful experience because it’s easy to access lectures, social activities, and supermarkets. I also love that the accommodation is very diverse, I have made friends from different countries, and there is always a sense of community and safety. It really has become home for me, and I love it here.

Also, being in university accommodation gives me full access to the gym, the Edge. It is a world-class gym, I assure you, and one of my favourite places to be! Settling into the gym was made even easier through the gym buddy scheme, where I was paired with two other students from my accommodation, and we now work out together.

The University is so intentional about making things easy for everyone and has put different systems in place that all students, especially international students, can leverage.

Overall, studying at the University of Leeds has been a truly rewarding experience. The city is vibrant yet calm, the people are kind and welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of belonging. It is a place that challenges you to grow academically while supporting you personally. For anyone thinking about coming to Leeds, I would say, take the leap! You’ll not only receive an excellent education but also become part of a community that feels like home.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out to me via email at [email protected] or Unibuddy, always happy to help!