Jessica Nutall tells us about her time at the University of Leeds

How I Heard About the Exchange

One day I was walking to Nelson Mandela Hall and saw a poster advertising a study abroad programme. On a whim, I decided to apply. Thus began my journey to England.

I had already lived in the UK on my gap years but had never experienced the high level of education I had heard so much about. I was curious… I had heard the University of Leeds was quite prestigious and offered a very good education.

Leeds for Education

Every subject offered at least ten different choices of modules. Because of my love for The Mentalist and CSI – and my hidden dreams of being Patrick Jane – I applied for Forensic Psychology which Rhodes could not offer me. Along with this I enrolled in the Psychology of Animal Behaviour which was enthralling (I learnt so many quirky facts), as well as Narratives of Witchcraft and Magic for English Literature (I did not find this as rewarding as I had hoped), and finally, my passions were integrated in my Musical Theatre module: I could sing and act at the same time.

 Of all of my modules I found this one to be the most fulfilling. My lecturer had a PhD in theatre and was so well versed it was scary. The classes consisted of two hour workshops in which we would explore many different acting, movement, singing, and play-formulating techniques. The workshops combined theory and practical which made it all the more interesting as one could learn as one applied the technique. For me this was far more stimulating than having Drama lectures on the one side and practicals on the other side – the two distinctly separate from one another. The course worked towards our devising a jukebox musical from scratch. It was so so much fun. I loved every moment of it.

Leeds as a City

I found Leeds as a city to be quite industrial-looking compared to the other parts of England I had lived in and travelled to. However, there were so many opportunities to see the rich landscape, the rolling fields of daffodils, and the quaint little villages just on the outskirts (you have to have lunch in a pub!). Transport is tremendously good over there – you need not have a car as trains and buses are safe and regular and they take you all over the country. I would recommend going to Cornwall, it is so beautiful, as well as the little town of Newquay. Newquay  has a hubbub of nightlife which will not disappoint. Speaking of nightlife... Leeds is famous for that. On a night out one can go from the Library (yes, the Library. It is an old-fashioned stone library converted into a pub) to Bed (this is a very popular fun club) to Halo (a converted cathedral). So never fear, the parents will not be let down when you tell them of your excursions!

Univeristy of Leeds’ Facilities

The university’s facilities are amazing! The student union, for instance, will blow your mind! It has three levels and in this: a grocery shop, a sushi bar, a curry bar, a pastry shop, a beauty salon, a hairdresser, two different bars, a coffee shop, a common room (not like the common rooms you are used to! Comfy chairs and nicely decorated), a stationery shop, two clubs with about three huge dance floors, and so the list goes on... On Fridays the clubs have a night called Fruity which is not to be missed! The atmosphere is amazing. Also, the on-campus gym is so technically advanced. Students in residence automatically receive a membership. Many residences have their own bars, shops and gyms too, this I found very convenient. The residences are not always like the pictures shown on the internet, but then again, what is? At first I was very disappointed with the state of my res, as well as the fact that it was very far out of town. But soon I met wonderful people and this changed everything.  Plus, my residence had a bath, and who can’t be happy when they have a bath?!

Social Life at Leeds

The people I made friends with were mainly exchange students – people in the same situation as me. I found the English kids, although nice and entertaining, to be a tad cliquey, but that could have just been my experience. Anyhow, I had lots of fun and met people from so many different walks of life. This could not have been more enriching. I discovered I became close to people very fast – I think it is because one is in a foreign land and so is more open to friendships, as well as the fact that everybody is in the same boat. You will meet friends for life.

Conclusion

All in all, I would highly recommend going on exchange. Yes, it can, and most likely will, be lonely at times, but character growth and world experience, and just the chance to see something and learn something a bit out of the ordinary is so valuable. I do believe everybody should take the leap and go for it. My experience at Leeds was so wonderful, but, I must say, I was happy to be back at Rhodes. Although Rhodes does not have the high-tech facilities and doesn’t have the expansive choices that a city can offer, it is a tight-knit community, and I did miss that. So added to everything else, Leeds made me appreciate my home university for what it is too.

Good Luck!

Jessica Jane