Suhani Kataria

Before coming to the University of Leeds, I completed my Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a specialisation in Marketing from Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Noida, India. During that time, I got the chance to explore the creative side of marketing through managing social media, handling clients, and even starting my own small marketing agency back home. That experience made me realise I wanted to take my understanding of marketing to a global level and see how it works across different cultures.

When I started looking for universities, I worked with an agency that helped me streamline the process. It made everything much easier, from shortlisting universities to sorting through the course details. Leeds stood out to me almost immediately. Of course, rankings matter, but for me, it was more about the overall vibe — the city, the people, and the energy of the place. I’ve always loved being in the middle of a lively city, exploring new places, and being surrounded by creativity. Leeds felt like that perfect fit, a city that’s vibrant yet warm and welcoming.

The course curriculum for International Marketing Management MSc within the Leeds University Business School was another big reason I chose Leeds. I loved how detailed it is, covering everything from strategy and analytics to creative branding and consumer behaviour. The University of Leeds also has a strong reputation for business and management globally, which made it an ideal place for me to learn and grow.

My experience here so far has been so fulfilling. What I love most about the university is how interactive and engaging the teaching style is. Our classes are divided into lectures and seminars. The lectures help you understand concepts in depth, while in seminars, we are split into smaller groups of around 20 to 30 people. That’s where the real discussions happen. Everyone shares their thoughts and perspectives, and you get to hear ideas from people coming from completely different cultural and academic backgrounds. It’s something I never experienced back in India, and it has really helped me grow more confident in expressing my opinions.

Another thing I truly appreciate is how much the university has to offer outside academics. There are over 300 societies to choose from in the Leeds University Union, literally something for everyone. I’ve always loved dancing, so I joined a few dance societies and have had so much fun meeting new people through them. I also tried Jiu-Jitsu and gymnastics, which were completely new experiences for me. I’m even planning to try horse riding next. The best part is how inclusive everything feels. No matter where you come from, there’s always a place where you belong. The international community here is so active, and the university really makes an effort to celebrate every culture.

Career-wise, the support at Leeds is incredible. There are so many career fairs happening regularly, and I’ve made it a point to attend as many as I can. Talking to employers directly has given me a much clearer idea of how to shape my profile and what skills to focus on. The career centre here is also something I would genuinely call the best. They help you tailor your CV, prepare for interviews, and align your experiences with your future goals. It feels like there’s always someone ready to guide you.

Outside of classes, I love spending time on my fitness and well-being. The Edge, our university gym, has become one of my favourite places. I usually attend dance workshops and fitness classes there, and it’s honestly so refreshing after long study days. They have everything from Zumba and Pilates to yoga and high-energy sessions. Recently, I attended an Indian dance workshop by Upasana Madan organised by the Indian Dance Society, and it was such an energetic and wholesome experience. It felt like a little piece of home.

Leeds as a city has everything I could possibly ask for. It’s the perfect mix of student energy, cultural diversity, and exciting city life. There’s always something happening, from music events and art exhibitions to bowling, arcades, and open mics. The café scene here is amazing; I love exploring new ones every week. The Indian restaurants are so good that I haven’t even felt homesick, and I’ve also tried quite a few international cuisines for the first time.

Overall, my time at the University of Leeds has been so much more than just studying abroad. It has been about learning, exploring, and growing every single day.

I also love that Leeds has its peaceful side. The parks, especially Roundhay Park and Hyde Park, are beautiful when you just want a quiet walk or some time outdoors. Leeds Dock is another favourite of mine. It’s calm and scenic and a great spot to just sit by the water and think.

I live in university-affiliated accommodation through Unipol, and it’s been such a lovely experience. I share the flat with two Indian and three Chinese flatmates, and it’s been such a cultural exchange. From food to conversations, we’ve all learned so much from one another. What I really appreciate is how active our accommodation is with events. They organise everything from Pause & Connect sessions to speed friending, movie nights, free breakfasts, and snack evenings. It makes the whole place feel so lively and homely at the same time. The gym is great too, and the fact that my Edge membership comes with my accommodation is definitely a plus point.

Overall, my time at the University of Leeds has been so much more than just studying abroad. It has been about learning, exploring, and growing every single day. The city, the people, and the experiences together make it such a memorable journey. I feel like I’ve found a space that constantly challenges and inspires me, both as a student and as a person.