New Girl in the City

I can clearly remember taking my first few steps out of Leeds Railway Station. I can still feel the cold, moist air fill my lungs as I breathed in so deeply that I almost choked. I looked around and saw skies that I usually wouldn’t back home in Dubai. Clouds and strong gusty winds have never been the norm for me, and knowing that I had to get used to it now somehow made me ecstatic. It has been exactly one month since, and I still look at this city in awe, as if seeing it all for the first time. 

I was petrified at first, but there is no place friendlier than Leeds. I was made to feel at home from the minute I moved in to my accommodation. It was quite the opposite of what I’m used to, but I fell in love with my tiny yet cosy room instantly. My flat mates were, and still are, so warm and approachable, I couldn’t help but feel blessed. It didn’t take me long to realise that nearly every single person in this city is just as nice. My first trip to the university felt like a picnic with my flat mates as we got onto the bus all excited. The university was swarming with people as if there was some kind of festival going on. I had never seen a day more bright and cheerful. Anxiety was taking over me. I realized I was alone but not lonely; I knew I had four people who would help me through my difficulties, but they, too, were going through exactly the same as me at that moment. I was independent enough to do whatever I felt like, but barely knew what to do! Unknowingly, I walked right into what seemed like a massive gathering, only later realising that was the Freshers’ Fair! I signed up to be on mailing lists for a million clubs and societies, not regretting it one bit. I went back to the fair every single day during freshers’ week; it was nearly impossible to walk past all the hustle-bustle, colour and energy outside the University Union.

The next two weeks I found myself running from one place to another, attending (or rather, trying to) all the Give-It-A-Go sessions I possibly could. From debating to salsa dancing- I was trying new activities and sticking to older hobbies, and by the end of each day exhaustion would eventually get the best of me. Classes had started and the one and only thing I was aiming for was to not skip anything on my timetable, at least for the first few weeks. I found myself turning up a half hour late for lectures, attending the wrong seminars which would lead to quite a laugh, and almost managing to sleep through a few of those boring Math lectures! Waking up hung-over and somehow having to get to where I was supposed to be so early in the morning made it finally sink in: I was truly on my own. Wondering where my money went and how my phone ended up in pieces after the Freshers’ Ball really did test my memory, but glancing through photographs of those nights made me realise that I’ve made memories to look back at years from now, when I will be reminiscing about these times.

Touring Leeds as one of its own was an experience in itself. Walking from one end to another, by myself – just letting the path lead me, was a feeling to be reckoned with. Aimlessly walking from Hyde Park through the City Centre up to the Royal Armouries Museum gave me a clear idea of the city, some absolutely stunning pictures and a massive list of places to visit! Seeing Leeds light up on Light Night was breathtaking; watching events take place at every nook and corner that I walked past gave this already cheerful city a new appeal altogether. Hailing originally from a city of new-age architecture, glass buildings and man-made islands, to me the senescence of Leeds is like a breath of fresh air. Nothing beats the charm and beauty of older architecture.
 
Going away to university, especially as far away from home as I have done initially felt like I’d have to do things that I wouldn’t otherwise have had to do, like cooking and washing up, getting my laundry sorted and, most of all, adjusting to new surroundings. I was afraid I might get terribly homesick, end up not having any friends or worse yet, falling into the wrong kind of company. All my worries have seemed pettier by the day, and I’ve found myself making tons of friends every day. I’ve made friends in my residence halls, at lectures, seminars, social meetings, pubs, clubs, and the best part- at places like bus stops, Tesco and even the ladies’ room in various buildings of the university! I could go on and on about how friendly and approachable everyone is, and it still wouldn’t suffice.
 
I’ve only been here a month and think it’s safe to say that this is where I belong. I love how I have been welcomed with open arms, no matter where I am or what I do. Being on the outside looking in, I was afraid of being judged too soon, or simply not being appreciated for who I am. Of course, there are instances when I can’t help but feel out of place, but I always have a guide in the form of friends to take me through those moments and keep my confidence up. My university and this city have given me so much more than I could have asked for- they have given me friends and memories to keep close and last me a lifetime, and I am truly grateful. I hope that all those who can will avail the opportunity of being able to come to this wonderful city and unravel the aspects of life the way I have.