Rui Cui

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I am from China, and worked as new media operation, actress, stage manager. During my undergraduate studies, I joined in the Shakespeare Festival in the US State of Texas as an intern with my team.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

After one year’s gap, I decided to go back to school to get a higher degree. I have an interest in both culture and media, because I know media plays an important role in today’s society. I was so excited when I knew that University of Leeds provided this course.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

Media, including social media and digital media, are playing an increasingly important role in modern society. But it seems that few people pay attention to its connection with society. For example, how does inequality manifest through the media? Combining social culture to understand the media can help me establish a new framework system to understand the world.

What do you think of your course so far – what aspects of the course have you enjoyed the most or are looking forward to the most?

For me, it’s an amazing course. It helped me establish a new thinking system and re-understand the relationship between social culture and media. What is more noteworthy is that this course provides me with a more critical perspective, which has a positive effect on my career and life.

What would you say about the learning facilities at the University of Leeds?

Frankly, they are awesome! I do enjoy my university life here and I know that all of this is inseparable from their support! The only thing to worry about is that you may not find a seat in the Laidlaw library during the exams.

How do you find the student support from the School?

Again, amazing. First of all, we have our personal tutor. If you have something you can't solve, you can contact your personal tutor for advice. Secondly, as a course rep, I know how much the school cares about students' feelings.

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

There are many socities for students to join in. I participated in the Performing Arts Society. PAS has classes every week for members, which makes my life at University of Leeds more colorful.

What do you think about Leeds as a city?

Leeds is a city beyond my imagination! The whole city is clean and friendly. Shopping and entertainment are gathered in the city center. Living here will have a strong sense of happiness. I have been to London, and to be honest, I prefer Leeds.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

I strongly recommend my courses, moreover, my school is pretty international. Not only can you obtain professional academic knowledge, but you can also make friends from different countries.

What do you plan to do once you’ve finished your course? What are you career aspirations?

I will go back to my theater team and use what I have learned to let more people to see good stories being performed in the theater.