Tolly Oram

Before I came to Leeds, I went to school at a state grammar school in Warwickshire and having contemplated taking a gap year, I decided against it given the opportunity to study abroad as part of my degree at Leeds.

After I’d completed my second year at Leeds, I spent a year at the University of California, Santa Barbara, which has to be one of the best years I’ve had yet. The opportunity to study at a world-class institution located on the beach facing the Pacific Ocean is not one that comes along often, and it is one I would absolutely recommend to anyone. I was able to take classes that were different to those at Leeds, from California History to Ancient Persia to Elementary Sailing – and it was in the perfect location to travel as much as possible. 

Outside of studying, I’ve enjoyed making the most of the extra-curricular activities on offer at Leeds, especially through societies such as Raise and Give (RAG), and it’s something I’ve consistently strived to do. I’ve trekked to Everest Base Camp, completed the National Three Peaks challenge and skydived from 15,000ft.