Natalie Choi

Why did you decide to study at the University of Leeds?

I thought it would be a great opportunity to study in a different country and immerse myself in a completely different culture, meeting new friends and learning to be independent. While I was looking for universities that provide nutrition courses, I found out the University of Leeds has an excellent reputation on food science and nutrition programmes with experienced lecturers and abundant resources. Other than that, the University of Leeds is a member of Russell Group, one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, so I decided to study here.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University and why?

I love science and really like the hands-on work on this course. The University provides practical-based laboratory sessions in which I can gain some practical skills and get to know more about food processing techniques and how different machines in the food industry work

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed so far?

Last semester, one of the modules in my course was Traditional Alcoholic Beverages and there was a group project about designing our own beer. Before the brewing session, my groupmates and I had to discuss the type of beer we want to make. Then, we had the chance to brew our own beer step by step from mashing to fermentation. In the end, we were able to taste the beer we made and appreciate some other beers designed by other groups.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds is a great city and has a complete range of entertainment, like shopping malls and karaoke. You can simply walk to the city centre from the University for about 20 minutes and there are numerous restaurants and cuisines you can choose, ranging from Western food to Chinese food. Locating at the heart of UK, it is also a good option to travel and take a break during the weekend to nearby cities, like York and Manchester.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Currently, I am thinking of studying a master degree in Dietetics after my graduation so that I can practice as a Dietitian in my home country. Being a Dietitian is a meaningful career to help people to achieve a healthy and nutritious body through a well-balanced diet.

What experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

Through doing experiments and writing up reports, it trains my analytical skills and ability to gather information, which allows me to become a critical thinker. Also, Leeds has provided me with the opportunity to work with students from different parts of the world and present our project in front of the whole class, which improves my communication skills and builds up my confidence. Leeds has helped me become a well-rounded person and I acquired different essential skills in which I am able to apply them in my future career.

What would you say to students coming to do the same course?

It is worth studying Nutrition at the University of Leeds and you will discover lots of things about nutrition and something you have never thought about it. The knowledge you learn is also applicable and related to your everyday life too. It is surely an interesting course to study and you will certainly love it.