Marta Wawrzyniak

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Marta and I am studying BA International Relations as first year student. Currently I am living in the United Kingdom, but originally, I am from Poland, where I spent almost all of my life. This is not my first experience of education in English but it is my debut in case of living abroad.  

What motivated you to apply for your course at Leeds?

I was always interested in international political issues and I dreamed about a career in diplomacy, so I decided to choose the degree which will give me the knowledge needed to fulfil my plans. I was looking for the opportunities at many European universities, including those in my home country, but finally I chose United Kingdom as the country of my destination. Leeds offered really interesting module options and is well-balanced between amazing education and social life possibilities.

What do you think of your course so far?

My course is really interesting. I am able to choose modules which can taught me issues about global challenges as well as British politics. Because of that I strongly feel that I will get my degree with wide political knowledge, which I will be able to use not only in a political career but also in other industries that I am interested in. Lectures are clear and are connected with various topics, so all students can find something that they will be interested in. In seminars, we are discussing the latest news from the world. Studying in an international environment, which University of Leeds can provide for every student, is something that can be really useful in personal development.

How would you describe the help and guidance provided?

Staff at my school are really helpful. At the beginning the general content of my course was so hard for me to understand, because English is not my native language and even though I operated with this language many times before. My tutors were able to help and guide me with information sources as well as preparing me for the structure of exams. I can say that my school helped me a lot not only in studying but also in getting into school community.

How would you describe the facilities?

I love spending time in Laidlaw Library or in any of IT Clusters, including one located in my school. I think that they give students an amazing environment for productive studying and revising before the exams.

Leeds Student Union is really nice for relaxing between studies and each student will find something them. My favourite place for sure is Common Ground Cafe, for many students known as Hidden Café. This is the place where I can sit and study or just chill with coffee, looking on the landscape outside.