Aruhan

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

Firstly, University of Leeds provides the course (and modules) that I am interested in. Secondly, the School of Earth and Environment provides high quality of researchers; many professors in School are some of the best in the field of environmental studies, so, it's a great opportunity to work with the best team and be able to produce influential research in this field in the future.

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

Attending the lectures and seminars which are given from top professors and researchers is definitely enjoyable, the students that I met here are amazing, everyone from different backgrounds; different nationalities and ethnicities and different religions. Everyone had different reasons for taking this course, but the course has brought us all together, and I’ve learned more about this world thanks to that.

Our University provides everything I needed whilst carrying out my studies; from language center (language course and activities for international students), help from module leaders, supervisor, student support office (having issues with deadlines and assignment enquires), Students’ Union, IT services (for software I needed, I was surprised that I could even borrow a keyboard whilst mine was broken) and so on. I really appreciate that every member of staff in our University are so helpful whenever you face difficulties in studies.

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed. 

With the help of Professor Piers Foster, we were able to design our own climate change observations and projections (from 1860s to 2100) based on a climate model that he modified.

In the module of Climate Change Mitigation, we learned to use DECC 2050 to calculate energy supply and demand based on the current energy sector and we attempted to achieve the climate target by creating different scenarios. Also, a groups of 5 of us produced a piece of work on how electrification could help the UK to achieve energy transition away from traditional fossils fuel to electrified transportation, heating and housing.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds is an amazing city, and is in quite a central area. Students are everywhere and they come from all over the world with different cultures. Leeds is a big city, there are many pubs, clubs and restaurants (with many choices; British, European, American, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, etc), supermarkets and shopping centres, students residence and parks are everywhere. Leeds is quite a modern city, transportation is convenient. There are many activities and events (academic, entertainment, international, local) are held in the campus and the city, and you can find the events easily from Facebook and Leeds web or Uni web.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I would like to work in the United Nations one day as a policy advisor or a negotiator. My major is really focusing on mutually trying to develop our world while enhancing human’s and the Earth’s relationship. This will rely on all nations efforts to achieve this goal but could benefit all human beings and for the future generations. I would like to be part of a team that brings all of us together as a whole rather than working as a separated or isolated nation from each other. 

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

I lived in a place where people come from all over the world. I got opportunities to talk to them, make friends with them, I had a better understanding of how big the world is and how small I am, there is so much to explore in this world for me.

It is my first time studying aboard, during the Masters course,  and it gave me a better understanding of how to be critical. The formal education that I received wasn't like this, it was hard to break out from the conventional concept frame, we were more trapped in every concept that was written in the text book.

I also became better at working on my own inititative whilst studying this Masters, I also became better at time management. Futhuremore, communicating with people from all over the world with different backgrounds has really broadened my social skills.

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

I am very glad that they are coming to Leeds Uni to do this course, just like me a year ago, I was excited and also a bit nervous. It's an adventure; you see beautiful views on the way, but also, you come across the different challenges, don't forget that we chose to take this journey! So, enjoy it, it is going to be fun!