Pralisha Adhikari

Namaste and Hello! I am Pralisha Adhikari from Nepal.

I am currently pursuing a MSc in Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security at the University of Leeds, thanks to the generous Chevening Scholarship funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.

I completed my undergraduate degree in agriculture back in Nepal, where my interest in sustainable food systems took root. I first came across the University of Leeds on the Chevening Course Finder and it became my top choice due to its unique and comprehensive course modules, along with the expertise of the Faculty of Environment, who specialize in diverse areas within the food system. I knew it was the right place to deepen my skills and broaden my perspective on sustainable food systems.

Since arriving, my experience has only confirmed that I made the right choice.

I was amazed to see the amount of academic support the University offers with various workshops, especially the Shut Up and Write session which is my favourite so far.

I’ve found that Leeds is the perfect blend of urban and natural landscapes. One of my first adventures was a hike with friends in Horsforth, which is full of scenic beauty and close enough to feel like a quick escape from the city. Leeds is well-connected to other parts of the UK, making it easy to explore new places without traveling too far.

As for where I live, I’m at Carlton Hill, one of the University accommodations. Carlton Hill has fantastic facilities, including an in-house gym, two rooftop terraces, and sky lounges. I especially enjoy the community activities —events like yoga, painting workshops, dog therapy, and park runs help break up the routine and make it easy to meet new people. We even have a friendly cat named Carl, who’s become a beloved resident here and adds to the warmth of the place.

When I first arrived close to midnight, the university’s free airport pickup service was there to welcome me, and right then, I knew I’d come to a place that truly cares about its students. The Leeds University Union (LUU), with its 300+ societies, ensures that there is genuinely something for everyone. I have joined the Plant society, where we connect over our shared interest in nurturing the plants, and I’m also planning to join the Yoga society soon. It is great that you can join societies anytime during the year, which means there is always a way to get involved and meet people with similar interests.

I have loved exploring its cafes, cultural spots, and scenic streets. With a range of parks and green spaces, there’s always a way to unwind outdoors, even on days when I’m not hiking. Also, I love exploring the city centre which is a close walk from the university. The vibe around the centre on the weekends is charming.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep building on the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained here. The University has given me a supportive community, and I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned about sustainable food systems to make a meaningful impact back in Nepal. I feel incredibly fortunate to be at a university with so many opportunities for growth, connection, and new experiences, and I look forward to what the rest of my time at Leeds will bring.