Recent content by Leslie Duan

Hi everyone! Leeds is an amazing city, but I've noticed accommodation prices creeping up lately. Whether you are coming for a weekend trip to see the Royal Armouries or moving here for university, finding a place that doesn't break the bank is getting harder. As someone who knows the city...

Hi everyone! I’ve seen a lot of people asking about what it’s like to study in Newcastle upon Tyne this coming September. Since I know the city well (and miss it terribly!), I wanted to drop some advice for the incoming class of 2025. One thing unique about Newcastle is that the two main...

Hi everyone! I’ve been posting a lot about Leeds recently, but I feel guilty not mentioning the true North. I spent a few months in Newcastle upon Tyne recently visiting friends, and I honestly think it’s the most underrated city in the country. If you are considering studying there or just...

Hi everyone! Seeing a lot of new acceptance letters going out for Leeds recently! Since I spent my student years in the city (and still visit often), I noticed a lot of international students get confused about the dynamic between the two main universities: the University of Leeds (UoL) and...

Great list! The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is honestly one of the best day hikes I've ever done. My legs were killing me afterwards, but the view of the Emerald Lakes made it totally worth it. ️

Hi everyone! I've been active on here lately, talking about the UK travel scene, but I've had a few DMs asking specifically about Leeds since I mentioned I studied there. First off—huge congrats if you (or your kids) just got an offer! I spent three years there, and it was honestly the best...

You are definitely looking in the right places! As a remote worker myself, I can tell you that Romania has some of the fastest internet in Europe (honestly, it puts the UK to shame). If you are looking at Romania, don't just stick to Bucharest. Check out Cluj-Napoca—it’s a huge university hub...

Assuming you mean Indian Rupees (INR)? To be honest, 20k is a very tight budget for an international trip if that includes flights, visas, and accommodation. As a budget traveler myself, I love a challenge, but you’ll need to be strategic! Here are your most realistic options: 1. Nepal (The...

Hi everyone, I’ve been seeing a lot of threads lately from people planning their move to the UK (or looking to relocate within it), debating whether to pay the premium for London or look North. As someone who spent their student years in the UK and now travels back and forth quite a bit, I’ve...

Hi everyone, I might get some heat for this, but after years of traveling around Europe (and living in the UK as a student back in the day), I’ve come to a conclusion: Capital cities are overrated. ‍♂️ Don't get me wrong, London and Paris are iconic. But whenever friends ask me for itinerary...

Hi everyone! Just wanted to drop a quick intro since I’ve been reading the forums for a bit. I caught the travel bug a few years ago when I was living in the UK as an international student. I think I spent more of my student loan on train tickets exploring the country than I did on textbooks...

Happy early anniversary! Since it’s February, you’ll have the perfect summer weather on your side. ☀️ If you want something entertaining that isn't just a "boring dinner," I highly recommend the St. George OpenAir Cinema at Mrs Macquaries Point. Watching a movie with the screen rising out of...

Hi everyone! I’ve been lurking on this forum for a while and reading some great advice, so I wanted to finally say hello. I spent a few years living in the UK as an international student back in the day, and now I still travel back and forth quite a bit to visit friends and explore new...