Phiona Mwangi

Hey there! I'm Phiona, and I'm currently pursuing my MSc Transportation Planning and Engineeringat the University of Leeds. I hail from the beautiful country, Kenya, where we proudly represent with the hashtag #254! 

My journey in education began with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a deep interest in Sustainable Transport. So, when the time came to choose a university for my master's program, the University of Leeds was an easy choice. The Institute of Transport Studies at Leeds had an approach to sustainable transport that really resonated with me, and the offered modules matched my interests perfectly. What sealed the deal was speaking to an Institute of Transport Studies alumnus in Kenya, whose experiences further convinced me that Leeds was the right place for me. 

 My experience at the university has been fantastic! I had a blast during orientation week, where I made friends easily and overcame any initial feelings of loneliness. The Leeds community is incredibly warm and welcoming, which made settling in a breeze. Admittedly, navigating the city was a bit tricky at first, and I leaned on Google Maps heavily, but I got the hang of it within a week. 

I'm absolutely loving my time at the university. There's always something new to discover, and I enjoy every bit of it. One of my favourite spots on campus is the Leeds University Union, affectionately known as L.U.U. It's an inclusive and diverse hub for various events and societies, and it's a great place to catch up with friends in between classes. 

The program is not just about classroom learning; we get to do a lot of hands-on and fun activities.

As for my course, I can't praise it enough. The program is not just about classroom learning; we get to do a lot of hands-on and fun activities. My favourite so far has been Metropoly, where we explored West Yorkshire's public transport system, made new friends, and captured amazing memories. The course's practical approach equips us with valuable skills for the industry, and the university provides excellent career support through fairs and webinars to build our networks. 

Beyond my studies, I'm a fan of hosting game nights, trying out new recipes, and traveling. Leeds is a vibrant student city with easy access to a plethora of activities, and the public transport makes exploring super easy. Plus, student discounts are everywhere, making it easy to have fun without blowing your budget. 

One of my go-to places is Trinity in Leeds City Centre, offering everything under one roof – shopping, dining, and time with friends. The diverse cuisines at Trinity Kitchen are a treat. For more budget-friendly eats, I like the food court at Kirkgate market.The Leeds City Museum is perfect for a leisurely weekend visit. 

I'm live in Grayson Heights, a fantastic accommodation option for postgraduate students, as it is affordable. It is located in a very serene area in Kirkstall. It's a bit further from the city center, but public transport makes my daily commute to school hassle-free. Living with flatmates has turned out to be a great experience, with everyone responsible for keeping our space clean and comfortable.  

Now that you've heard a bit about me, I'm eager to learn about you! I'm always open to new conversations, so whether you want to chat, vent, or have any questions, feel free to contact me on UniBuddy or shoot me an email at phiona-link@leeds.ac.uk. Let's connect!