Kalidu: Monash Abroad exchange program

I am currently in Leeds on a Monash Abroad exchange program. It has now been exactly three weeks since I arrived in the UK. Time has flown!

In the three weeks that I’ve been here I’ve attended numerous exchange student welcome events and University of Leeds Orientation. I have settled into my accommodation (which is amazing) and met my flatmates – they are great. I’ve also already joined various clubs including the Law Students Society, Krav Maga and Kickboxing Society, and the Snowriders Society.

The semester began last week and I am slowly getting back into study mode. I have met many locals and other exchange students in the few weeks I’ve been here. There really is a vibrant and energetic student life at Leeds. One of the highlights was meeting another Australian and going to the bar to watch Australia defeat England in the Rugby World Cup.

The University of Leeds is located in the City of Leeds and everything is in walking distance. The city itself is much smaller than Melbourne, but is still an active and vibrant place to be – there is always something happening.

I had the day off today and the weather was dismal – wet, cold and raining. I stayed home, watched some TV, skyped my friends back at home and caught up with my flatmates. I also did some studying. In the evening my flatmates and I went to watch Leeds Varsity – a rugby match between the rival universities in Leeds (University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University). The atmosphere was electrifying. It was a great experience.

Tomorrow, I am back at university! Hopefully the weather is warmer.