Nelly Tutu

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

My name is Nelly Tutu, I am 22 years old and I was born in Accra, Ghana. Soon after I was born my family immigrated to the UK for 8 years and then in 2005, we settled in Canada where I completed my first undergraduate degree in Criminology in 2016.  I moved to Leeds this past September to start on the 2-year LLB law programme.

What motivated you to apply to study your chosen course and why did you choose Leeds?

I love helping people and I am fascinated by what the law can do to improve people’s lives. It is so multifaceted and abstruse, and the opportunity to engage with the law in an impactful way excites me.  I have also considered a career in law since I was in secondary school; so pursuing a degree in law seemed like a natural progression for me. I chose Leeds because of its excellent academic reputation and its vibrant student culture. The university is very welcoming and supportive towards international students, so I was excited to come here.

What do you think of your course, have there been any particular highlights for you?

I have really enjoyed my modules so far, especially contract law and constitutional law. I like that what I am studying is quite thought-provoking and challenging because I believe this is encouraging my growth, not only as an academic but as a human being as well.  I have also enjoyed attending many of the talks and presentations held by academics and people within the legal profession, such as the ‘Women Breaking Barriers Panel Presentation’. Hearing about their ideas and experiences has been extremely motivating for me.

How would you describe the help and guidance provided by the staff within the School?

Lectures are dynamic and the teachers each have a unique, yet useful way of approaching the course material. Classes are always stimulating and there are plenty of opportunities to contribute your own opinions and ideas. The seminars are definitely the best part for me, because this is where I really get a chance to improve my understanding. Seminar leaders are always very helpful if I do not understand something or need clarification. They are also really great about finding time to meet with me even if it is outside of their scheduled office hours.

I also love visiting the careers service whenever I have to write an application or if I need some help preparing for an interview. The staff are friendly and provide me with useful tips that have helped me succeed in securing work experience opportunities.

How would you describe the facilities at the University?

The facilities at the University are great!  The libraries have everything a student could possibly need. There are lots spaces to study or work on individual or group assignment, and the libraries are even open until really late if you need to finish some work. The University has an award-winning Students’ Union of which I am a proud employee. They are a great support to students if you need advice, looking for extra-curricular or volunteer opportunities, they can even help you if you’re struggling to sort our your accommodation. Also, there are so many places to eat and socialise with friends on campus, and the prices are very reasonable on a student budget, which is great!

Have you been involved in extra-curricular activities, such as societies, summer placements etc?

Being a part of the Law Society has been really fun! They put on awesome events where people from the faculty can get to know each other while doing something really fun, such as the annual Law Ball, which has a different theme each year. I remember being really anxious during the first week of school and the Equality and Diversity Secretary put on this great Ice-Breaker event where I got to meet other international students that I am still friends with today!

This experience also encouraged me to become one of the Student Representatives on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I have the opportunity to support my fellow students’ ideas and concerns about anything relating to equality and diversity, and it has been really rewarding.

In addition, I work as a Venues Assistant in the Students’ Union, where I’ve met lots of students from across the University. I have also been able to secure some work experience with a law firm and a mini-pupillage with a Barristers Chambers, through the School’s excellent career fairs, which I will participate in this summer.

Any other comments you would like to make?

The academic and social support you get at Leeds is second to none, and there are tonnes opportunities to engage in your unique interests. I recommend taking advantage of all that Leeds has to offer because it will positively impact you for the rest of your life.