University of Wisconsin–Madison

England: Natalia Torres (Top ten list: Leeds)

There are many sides of Leeds that make the city unique in the United Kingdom. Leeds encompasses a creative and entrepreneurial spirit through the many unique businesses, arts scene, and friendly community. I hope my top ten list will allow more students to take an interest in Leeds and become exchange students!

1. City Centre: The city centre is home to many commercial and local businesses. It is a great area to explore new restaurants, watch street performances, grab coffee, and much more!

2. Leeds Light Night: If you are coming for the fall semester, you must visit the Leeds Light Night. There are many showings around the city using different mediums of art that produce light. Even the most notable building on campus, the Parkinson building, lights up at night.

A building with a square clocktower in the center is lit up in bright pink at night.
The Parkinson Building during Leeds Light Night

3. Leeds Film Festival: One of my most memorable experiences has been watching movies at the Leeds Film Festival. I was able to visit local movie theaters unique to Leeds and watch films yet to be released to the public.

4. Cat Cafe: Visiting a cat cafe has been on my bucket list for quite some time, and one is located in Leeds!

5. Day Trips: Leeds is located near many beautiful villages, coastal towns, and major cities such as Manchester. I recommend visiting more of the United Kingdom through the university’s trip programme, which provides students with a coach bus to see parts of the UK.

6. Hugo the Camionnette Café: The Hugo is located on campus and is a coffee truck that serves lattes, mocha, teas and more! I can grab coffee through my meal plan, so often, you can find me in the queue. I enjoy having a coffee truck on campus because of the convenience!

The interior of a building with arched, glass ceilings has an arched dome in the center, and many different storefronts.
Victoria Leeds, a shopping centre located in the city centre.

7. Leeds Playhouse: Leeds Playhouse is a theater where I have had the opportunity to watch a play. I recommend visiting the theater and watching a show, Leeds is a very artistic city, and the playhouse reflects such talent!

8. Study at Brotherton Library: Brotherton Library is my favorite place to study; its interior is truly stunning! I always strive to study outside of my accommodation to enjoy the library amenities available at Brotherton.

9. Woodhouse Moor: Woodhouse Moor is a park located by campus. It is a great place to drink coffee, walk with friends, or have a picnic. Many students seek the outdoors to study or catch up with friends when the weather is sunny and warm.

10. Visit Local Restaurants: I have enjoyed visiting local restaurants in Leeds and found a diverse range of cuisines, leading me to many options. I recommend visiting Kirkgate Market for a wide range of vendors to learn more about the food culture in Leeds!

 

Natalia smiles in front of an expansive body of water.

Natalia Torres

Hometown: Sparta, Wisconsin

Major: International Studies; Information Science; Cert in Political Science

Program: University of Leeds Exchange

I chose to study at the University of Leeds because I can continue taking courses for my International Studies major and certificate in Political Science. Since those are two fields I plan to work in the future, it is essential that I gain a global experience through studying abroad, in which I will have the opportunity to learn more about theories and international issues in a new setting. My time at Leeds will complement my educational aspirations through coursework, faculty, and fellow classmates.