Rui Ci Lee

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a Malaysian of Chinese descent. I am the Vice President of the Malaysian Law Students Union in the UK and Eire (KPUM), a union for Malaysian law students studying UK law in the UK and Malaysia. Prior to studying law, I co-founded and managed a social enterprise, Where Holistic Experiences Empower (WHEE) that helps rural communities to set up their community-led businesses in Malaysian Borneo. 

What motivated you to apply for your course at Leeds?

I chose to study law because I find the study of it to be an empowering experience. 

I am on a transfer programme, where I complete the first two years of my law degree at a partner Malaysian university, HELP University, before completing my final year at the University of Leeds. I chose Leeds because of the research-led pedagogy which I find to be more intellectually rewarding as an independent learner. Leeds also has a very vibrant student community and has ranked high in terms of student satisfaction in the league tables, which were factors that encouraged me to choose Leeds.

What do you think of your course so far?

The course requires a lot of discipline, reading, and independent learning. However, help can always be sought from the academic staff. 

How would you describe the help and guidance provided?

The School’s staff are very helpful and interested in making the School more welcoming towards international students like myself. The lecturers in the School of Law are knowledgeable and experts in their respective fields, making my time at Leeds valuable. Most of my lecturers are helpful and have provided me with constructive comments on how I can improve myself academically. The school is also very supportive in terms of career guidance. I am a part of the School’s career mentoring scheme and I am under the mentorship of a practising solicitor in Leeds who has given me greater insight into the legal industry. I have also attended the Law Career Fair and Stay in Leeds Law Career Fair organised by the school. My school’s career counsellor has also assisted me by advising me on my career plans and how I can improve my application techniques.

How would you describe the facilities?

The University’s facilities are complete and accessible.

Have you been involved in any extra-curricular activities?

I am a member of the Malaysian and Singaporean Society (MASSOC) and the Student Action for Refugees (STAR) Leeds, a national network of students working to improve the lives of refugees in the UK. I volunteer in the conversation classes organised by STAR in a refugee centre in Leeds to improve the refugees’ command of English.