Finding your feet in Leeds: My journey from feeling lost to lush

Hello! I’m Hannah, a second-year student. My first year at Leeds was a wonderful experience, but it didn’t begin that way. I remember feeling apprehensive during Welcome Week, but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, joined societies, and made new friends. Now, a year on, I’m on my society’s committee. Here’s how I found my feet in Leeds and how you can do the same.

How do you find your people?

Moving to a new place was daunting, especially since I had never lived in a city or on my own before. However, walking into society ‘Give it a Go’ sessions made me feel part of a community and helped me grow as a person. Getting to know students from outside my course exposed me to different perspectives and activities and made me feel more positive about life in Leeds. The Conservation Volunteer society was particularly impactful for me. Joining in with activities and events boosted my confidence and helped me create meaningful friendships.

My advice: To settle into life in Leeds, I highly recommend joining a society. Whether it’s something new or it already aligns with your interests, participating can lead to unexpected discoveries, talents, and experiences.

How do you make Leeds feel like home?

Being part of my society also helped me to connect with the wider community through volunteering. The Conservation Volunteer society hosts regular action days, attended by other university students, local rangers, and families. I remember the first weekend I went to one, walking to the Ridge alone but being greeted with a welcoming community from across the city. This was when I knew I’d enjoy my time at Leeds.

How do you balance it all?

Whilst joining multiple societies allowed me to explore new interests and meet incredible people, I quickly learnt the importance of balancing my enthusiasm with self-care. In November, I overloaded myself which led to burnout. Whilst putting yourself out there is important, supporting your mental health is crucial. For me, it was swimming; twice a week, I would go on a ‘me date’ and swim for an hour, which revitalised me and prepared me for the day.

My advice: It may take time for you to find your place, or you might find your people right away. Remember, the people you love are only a phone call away. Calling my friends reminded me that I had someone to talk to, and that I wasn’t alone.

What have I learned?

My first year at university was a journey of growth and self-discovery. Moving to a new city brought invaluable experiences and friendships, though it took time to find my place. Homesickness and challenges are normal, but support is always available. Embrace the journey, explore the city, and find activities that bring you joy and calm. Each step, no matter how small, is part of the incredible journey of discovering who you are. Enjoy every moment!

If you’re finding it tricky to settle into Leeds and you need a little support, get in touch with the Student Information Service. No matter how big or small, the SIS can answer your questions and connect you to the right people to help.