Simona Grandsberga

Hi! I'm Simona, and I'm currently in my fifth year pursuing a BA in Chinese and Japanese Studies at the University of Leeds. I was born in Riga, Latvia, and lived there for most of my life before moving to Leeds. In Riga, I completed my general secondary education studies at Riga English Grammar School. In my free time I enjoy doing photography, reading, motorsports and bird watching – some of these hobbies newly discovered thanks to the university’s wide range of clubs and societies! 

Leeds is a lively, student-friendly city that welcomes you with open arms. The university's stunning campus creates a strong sense of community, and that helped me combat homesickness, making Leeds feel like a second home.

To be completely honest, Leeds wasn't initially on my radar. In fact, I wasn't entirely sure about moving to the UK until I attended the university's open days. However, upon setting foot in Leeds, I instantly fell in love with the city and the campus. Leeds is a lively, student-friendly city that welcomes you with open arms. The university's stunning campus creates a strong sense of community, and that helped me combat homesickness, making Leeds feel like a second home.  What I love most about Leeds is the vibrant campus, nightlife and outdoorsy areas. There’s a lot of nature back at home in Latvia and I was initially worries I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the outdoors as much in Leeds. Luckily that turned out to be very far from the truth! Leeds has plenty of green areas to explore. Some of my personal favourites being Meanwood and Burley parks for a cheeky picnic and just generally a relaxing day outdoors. Roundhay Park also makes for a great day-trip when the weather’s nice and sunny (although it’s a bit further out, so you might have to plan accordingly).  

When it's time to study or catch up with friends, Left Bank Leeds is a hidden gem. The church’s interior is very spacious and hip. They offer food and drink as well – make sure to try their bagels, they’re amazing!!! There’s even a vintage store sale going on at Left Bank every once in a while, so keep your eyes peeled for that, too. And, of course, can't forget best spots for food and drinks in town. If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, Crown Hotpot is a must-visit. Me and my course mates try to go at least once a month to relive our best memories from being in Taiwan through stuffing ourselves full of yummy food. On the other hand, if you’re going for a nice and chill night out with your friends, East Village in the Burley area is always buzzing with energy and the atmosphere there is always on point, as are the drinks.  

One of the most pivotal moments in my academic life was my year abroad in Taiwan. It was a year-long experience that exposed me to the country’s vibrant culture, challenging language, and captivating landscapes.

University of Leeds was my first choice from all of the universities in the UK, because the university has one of the oldest (and best!) Chinese Departments in the UK. However, it was the incredible year abroad and placement opportunities that further solidified my choice. And I never looked back… Best decision of my life! Studying Chinese and Japanese has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. Learning two complex languages has allowed me to witness my own growth over the years. It's a demanding and lengthy course, but the effort is undoubtedly worth it. If you're up for the challenge, you'll find it to be a deeply enriching and transformative experience. One of the most pivotal moments in my academic life was my year abroad in Taiwan. It was a year-long experience that exposed me to the country’s vibrant culture, challenging language, and captivating landscapes. My time in Taiwan deepened my passion for Asian languages and culture, and it was an irreplicable and unforgettable part of my degree.  

Currently, I live in a privately rented house in the Burley area with five of my absolute best friends. Living with them has been an incredible experience, and we've and we've had a blast living together so far this year. Plus, in my opinion, Burley is one of the best places to live in Leeds as a student. There are loads of students always around so you feel safe and it's close to everything you need – the university, town centre, the so-called pub central Headingley, different shops (like Co-op and Aldi) and other places in Leeds. While loads of people choose to live in Headingley instead of Burley, I think is a mistake. No one wants to walk to university for 40 minutes! However, in my first year of university I lived in student accommodation, which has given me so many core memories of my time in Leeds. It's an excellent way to build friendships and create lifelong memories. This is why I would definitely recommend living in dorms when you first start out at university, especially in a different country that you’re not familiar with. 

If you're considering joining us here in Leeds, I can't recommend it enough. It's a decision you won't regret.  

The University of Leeds has given me the opportunity to explore the world, make lifelong friends, and challenge myself academically. It truly feels like home, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. If you're considering joining us here in Leeds, I can't recommend it enough. It's a decision you won't regret.  

Don't hesitate to get in touch by email at simona-link@leeds.ac.uk or Unibuddy Chat with me if you're interested in hearing more about my experiences. I'm confident that I can offer insight that will help you understand why Leeds could be the perfect choice for you. I look forward to hearing from you!