Studying abroad at the University of Leeds was, without a doubt, one of the most thrilling and transformative experiences of my life. However, that does not mean it did not come with difficulties. In fact, my first few weeks were filled with moments of loneliness, homesickness, and doubt.
When I first arrived in Leeds, everything felt overwhelming. I went from the sunny, Philly summer to walking to class in rain while the temperature was in the 50s. The campus was huge, courses operated under an unfamiliar system, social norms we unknown to me, and I had no one to rely on. Simple things like navigating the public transport system or figuring out the university’s layout became stressful tasks. I missed the comfort of home—my family, my friends, and the familiar streets I used to walk. Even though I had anticipated some homesickness, I was surprised by how deeply it affected me. The first few weeks felt like a constant battle between wanting to go home and being excited about being in a new country.
After the first month, I began to adjust. I realized that it was okay to feel uncomfortable and that everyone else, especially other international students, was going through similar emotions. I found societies I was interested in and began attending social events. My roommates and I grew closer and started going out a together. I made small talk in class and found a group of friends to take a trip to Ireland with. The more I put myself out there, the more I discovered that many people were just as eager to meet others and build friendships. I found myself setting into a routine, not needing Google Maps to get to class, and forming deep connections with those around me. Suddenly, Leeds did not feel like a strange, rainy city, and instead a cozy, second home I had built a life in.
By the end of the semester, I had made genuine friends from different parts of the world, each with their unique perspectives and stories for me to learn from. We spent weekends exploring Leeds, cooking meals together, and laughing together despite the challenges of the semester. Just as soon as I set into the rhythm of my life abroad, I was heartbroken I had to go home and say goodbyes. However, as one of my friends said, “it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.” I am beyond grateful for the experiences I had and must look forward to what the future holds now. Maybe I will live abroad after university or reunite with my friends on a girls trip. The end of study abroad does not have to be the end of growth, fun, and friendship, but can just be the beginning of it.
One of the things I am most proud of is how independent I became. I had to learn to manage everything from handling my finances and figuring out new systems to simply looking after myself when I was feeling low. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me self-sufficiency and how to thrive in situations that were outside my comfort zone. Now I know that I’m capable of jumping into unfamiliar situations alone and have built the resilience and confidence to do it again.
Looking back, studying abroad at the University of Leeds taught me far more than I could have imagined. I learned to embrace change, push through challenges, and form meaningful connections that I know will last. What started as a difficult and lonely experience ultimately became one of the most enriching chapters of my life. I can’t wait to see what adventure is next : )
