Yui Nagai
- Position
- From: Japan
Studying: MSc Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security - [email protected]
- I speak
- English, Japanese and Spanish
- Studying
- MSc Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security
- From
- Japan
- Website
- Chat to Yui
Hello everyone! My name is Yui. I’m from Japan and currently studying for a MSc in Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security at the University of Leeds.
Before coming here, I spent one year in Spain and also attended an American university in Japan for one and a half years, but this is my first time studying as a regular, long-term student abroad.
There are several reasons why I chose the University of Leeds. First, I wanted to study a field I truly want to specialize in. I have long been interested in sustainable food systems, but there were no programs in my home country that focused specifically on this field. When I discovered that the University of Leeds offered a program that perfectly matches my interests, I decided to apply. The program has only ten students, which creates a very friendly and close-knit atmosphere.
One of the most memorable classes was a workshop given by a visiting professor, where we did group work with students from other programs at the University of Leeds. It was a valuable experience to learn from perspectives different from my own, such as nutrition and agriculture.
Another reason I chose the university was its diverse and global environment. From my experience studying at an American university, I realized that, as someone whose first language is not English, I feel more comfortable and confident participating in classes in a global environment. In fact, most of my classmates come from different countries, which makes it easier for me to speak up in class compared to being surrounded only by native speakers. It is also really enjoyable because I get to hear a wide variety of perspectives.
Through programs and events, I have made many international friends here, and we often share food from our home countries together.
In addition to these points, I discovered some unexpected charms after arriving here. One is the large number of events held on campus. Almost every day, there are events organized by societies, career services, or external companies. Each student accommodation also frequently hosts events, making it easy to connect with other students. Outside the campus, the city centre is lively, with many seasonal events such as Light Night and Bonfire Night. Even on days without big events, it’s fun to watch street performances or find special offers at pubs and shops.
Another charm of Leeds is its rich nature. There are many parks in town, where you can enjoy the autumn leaves and often see squirrels and rabbits. The sky in Leeds is also beautiful. I especially love watching the sunset on my way from school or the rainbow that appears after it rains.
Also, Leeds is conveniently located in the centre of the UK, making it easy to travel to places like London or Manchester for weekend trips. Through travel events organized by the university or accommodations, you can often visit many cities such as Cambridge and Liverpool at a reasonable price.
Currently, I live in Royal Park Flats, an accommodation exclusively for postgraduate students. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the university and located near a large park. I share a kitchen and bathroom with six other students, and since we all came to the UK alone, we have become like a family. We often attend university events or explore the city center together. I recommend Leeds Kirkgate Market, where you can buy a large amount of fruits and vegetables at a reasonable price—so it’s a good idea to share them with your flatmates. Students living in university accommodation can also use the university gym, The Edge, for free, and I often join yoga or body pump classes there.
I thought I knew the charm of the university and the city well before coming here, but actually living here has given me even more discoveries and encounters than I expected. I hope you will also come to Leeds and create unforgettable memories!
If you want to chat or have a question, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or message me on Unibuddy.
Chat to Yui