Adam Raza

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

After completing my A-Level in English Literature I could not wait to get started on my degree. The reputation of the University and the opportunity to live in as vibrant city as Leeds made my choice easy, and after visiting I knew it would be perfect for me. The campus is an amazing blend of new and old and the School offers a unique learning space in comparison to the buildings of other universities. 

The study abroad programme the School offers was also a massive pull for me. I was able to spend my third year studying in Berlin which was an amazing experience. The study abroad year allows you to experience a new culture and way of life while studying a degree you’re passionate about. I met the best people and had a year I’ll never forget.

How would you describe your experience of studying at Leeds?

English at Leeds forces you to be an independent researcher in your own right. It combines a variety of literature with history, politics, and philosophy, so that while reading you learn and experience the thoughts and pressures of each era. Every module taught at Leeds grants a snapshot of that specific era in time which I think is amazing. 

The wide range of module choices available in my second and third year was definitely the most enjoyable aspect of my course. The module system in Leeds offers a unique chance to explore new interests: I was able to take a module in postcolonial London which detailed, from the Windrush era to the present day, the struggles facing newly arrived immigrants to London. This module opened my eyes to a new and interesting category of literature I’d never discovered before.

The learning facilities at Leeds are great and the University is always looking to improve any areas that could help the learning of their students. Even during my time here I have seen new libraries being built and renovated in response to student feedback.

I also love Leeds as a city and I have had the best three years living here. The people are amazing and friendly, and the city feels like it was built for university students - there are several universities in the area so the city caters to our needs. There is never a dull day and I believe any student would be happy to live here based on my own experience!

What do you plan to do once you’ve graduated?

I plan to teach English in Spain the year I graduate. The skills and opportunities I gained at Leeds has made my decision easy: firstly, the enthusiastic teaching in the department sparked my own desire to teach. Secondly, by giving me the opportunity to move to Berlin in my second year Leeds gave me the confidence to go abroad again and explore another culture on my own this time.

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

I would say to challenge yourself and to pick modules you may not have ever considered; those modules are usually the ones you’ll never forget. University is a great way to get out of your comfort zone so never reject any opportunity that you think you might enjoy.