Zhenny Marifatul Husna

Hi everyone! My name is Zhenny, and I am from Indonesia. I am currently studying for a Master’s degree in Data Science and Analytics. This is my first time studying abroad, and I feel very excited about it. Before coming here, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics back home in 2020.

Getting to the University of Leeds has been quite a journey. Between 2023 and 2025, I faced 19 scholarship rejections before finally being awarded the Chevening Scholarship from the UK Government this year. It was not an easy path, but one thing that never changed was my dream to study at the University of Leeds. And now, I am living the life I once prayed for and I could not be more grateful for that.

What I love most about studying here, besides the fact that the University of Leeds has a strong global reputation, is how well the modules align with my academic goals. The core modules give me introduction to different perspectives of data science while the optional modules allow me to explore subjects between Mathematics, Geography, Computer Science, and Business. Each student also has an academic personal tutor who supports and helps us find the right services when facing academic or personal challenges throughout the studies. One of the most exciting parts of the program is the chance to gain virtual work experience with real companies at the end of the course! It is such a great opportunity to apply what I have learned and build confidence for my future careers.

Another reason why I choose the University of Leeds is its strong partnerships with the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) and the Alan Turing Institute which is the UK’s national centre for data science and artificial intelligence. Moreover, the University of Leeds is a founding member of the Met Office Academic Partnership. This opens up exciting opportunities for me to engage in research focused on climate and weather science, an area I am truly passionate about.

My favourite place at the University is the library. It’s warm, welcoming, and feels like my second home as I spend a lot of time there studying and working on assignments. The University has four main libraries with a variety of study spaces including group study areas, postgraduate rooms, silent study zones, accessible spaces, and even online meeting rooms, so there’s always a perfect spot depending on my needs. They also have a cafe which is perfect when I need a coffee or a quick snack to recharge my energy.

Furthermore, to balance my personal wellbeing and keep myself fresh and motivated, I like spending time with my friends at one of my hidden gems on campus called “Crossroads” located in the Leeds University Union (LUU). It is a great place to relax and have fun after studying. You can book the esports and gaming lounge, chill out and read comics, or grab a bat for a quick game of table tennis. And one thing, no need to worry if you stay late into the night because the LUU provides a Night Bus service that will take you home safely for free.

As a Muslim student, I have found it easy to adapt to life in Leeds

When it comes to the city, I really enjoy living in Leeds. The city centre is very close to the university and it’s easy to walk. Finding halal food in Leeds is also very convenient as there are many halal grocery stores, butchers, and restaurants throughout the city. One of my favourite spots to visit is Kirkgate Market which is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. I can find almost everything there and its beautiful historic architecture makes every visit a unique experience.

The combination of a supportive academic community, a welcoming environment, and a relaxed pace of life has really helped me adjust to studying abroad. I truly grateful to live my dreams here. And you can get yours too! Feel free to get in touch with me, I would be more than happy to connect.