Isabel Perryman

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I am a final year undergraduate History student (she/they/he), originally from a tiny village on the Norfolk-Cambridgeshire border. I am the first of my family to go to university and come from an area with low participation in higher education so am extremely proud to be a student at the University of Leeds. I balance my studies alongside part-time work as a Museum Assistant at the Royal Armouries.

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

I applied to BA History at Leeds because of the impressive range of modules offered, with outstanding professors in early modern and medieval history as well as modern. As soon as I visited Leeds on my applicant day I fell in love with the city and the university’s study spaces and knew I could see myself studying here for 3 years or longer.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

From a young age I have been obsessed with history – watching documentary after documentary and visiting heritage sites. The ability to uncover relatively unknown facts and participate in historical debates is what makes me passionate about my studies, the unique modules and breadth of history covered at Leeds has kept this passion strong even in academically challenging times.

What aspects of the course do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the research and discussion aspects of my course the most. The facilities provided by the University of Leeds allow access to archives and a vast array of texts, perfect for sparking interesting debates in seminars.

What would you say about the learning facilities in your School and at the University in general?

It takes a while to find to find a study space that suits you but there are so many to choose from, you’re always guaranteed a seat – the modern history section in the Brotherton Library is my favourite as you can be completely encompassed by books.

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

The Student Union at Leeds is massive and offers many activities to help settle in and get to know the university and fellow students, one of my favourite activities offered in my first year was Get Out Get Active where I got a free rock-climbing training session at the university gym. The list of societies is endless, I have been a member of the Kickboxing Society, Hiking Society, LGBT Society and Art Society – all have provided a great mix of social and physical fun in a very friendly environment.

What do you plan to do when you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed so far at Leeds will help with these plans?

I plan to continue my studies by completing a master's in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at Leeds with the hope of entering the heritage sector in the future. My time at Leeds has given me access to opportunities and the confidence to believe this aspiration is possible, for example the opportunity to be a Content Creator for the University’s Stanley and Audery Burton Art Gallery has already helped me secure a position as a Museum Assistant at the Royal Armouries, a national museum.

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

If you have passion and love for History, Leeds will cultivate this. The professors are some of the kindest and passionate academics you will ever encounter and although it may not seem it in the first few weeks, you will be able to accomplish great things.