Paula Lopez

How did you hear about Leeds University Business School and why did you choose to study here?

Coming to university in the United Kingdom has always been one of my biggest dreams. When I decided I wanted to study both Management with Marketing, I looked for a university which was strong in both subjects. The prestige of Leeds University Business School really attracted me to studying at the Business School and after further research it became my preferred option.

What is the best part of your studies? What are you enjoying the most?

What I am enjoying the most is the possibilities we have to take modules based around our interests and strengths. Back in my home country, degrees are static and students have no choice on the modules they are going to take.

Here the degree structure is more flexible, allowing us to tailor our degree path. To compliment my management skills, I have chosen psychology, languages, and enterprise. I feel that is what makes my degree unique, because I am developing myself as a well-rounded business professional.

What are your career aspirations? Do you think the experience and skills you will gain from your degree course will help you in your future career plans? In what way?

I am considering a wide variety of careers. I believe that there is enough time in our lives to try almost everything. However, no matter what I do, I want my work to be helpful for others. My ideal career would be working for a not-for-profit organisation, preferably directed to mental disorders, working in public relations and/or events organisation.

I definitely think my degree has helped me to develop the skills and abilities required to be part of a project like that. Especially the communication and time management skills. I also consider problem solving skills and critical thinking skills essential for our daily life.

Have you taken up any of the extra opportunities available to you and what was your experience of these?

During first year I was a member of the Street Dance Society, I was really impressed with how good they were at dancing. Last year I was a member of the Cheerleaders Society. What I liked the most about being part of the Cheerleaders Society is that you learn the importance of team working. The group will not be able to show the routine if someone is missing or if someone is not giving everything they need to achieve it. Team working and team motivation is key.

What is your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the Yorkshire region?

The University of Leeds, as a whole, is fascinating. The campus is really big and with a lot of student dedicated spaces, not only classrooms but library/study centres, cafes, shops and lots of outdoor space. For me it was a shock to see the huge campus, especially all the facilities. But it's not too big. Everyone is so friendly - I love my classmates and the lectures are a amazing.

I love Leeds University Union. The wide variety of societies available makes possible the integration of every single student here. Not only looking at the societies the University of Leeds has, there’s a wide range of options within the union, you can go there to chill with your friends, you can do some shopping at Essentials or have the perfect meal deal at the Refectory.

Finally, I love Leeds as a whole. Coming from a really big city like Madrid, requires living in another big city as Leeds. And definitely, Leeds has met all my requirements as a city. You can do whatever you want, you can go for a nice meal in the city centre, you can go shopping (there’s a huge variety of shops), to the cinema, bowling, hiking, whatever you want!

For me, Leeds is my second home, especially because I have been able to do everything I did at home such as singing, acting, dancing and playing the guitar - and I've had the opportunity to do new things too.

Would you recommend the Business School to others who are considering studying here?

Yes I would, especially because I feel that the high expectations of us for all our modules help us to make the most of our time in Leeds. I have no words to explain how much I have grown during my university period.

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country? Did the University offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice?

At the beginning it was quite hard, especially because there were no other Spanish people in my halls. But everybody was really welcoming, and you can find people from all over the world. Now I am so grateful to be in Leeds. There's always some kind of event going on in the union or in the city, dedicated for students getting to know other students.