My passion to help fellow international students in Leeds get through the pandemic - YEP opinion

The Covid-19 pandemic led to a huge shift in the way we operate our everyday lives. This has been particularly challenging for international university students who were faced with the impossible decision of whether to defer or potentially carry out their studies remotely, not being able to travel to the UK.

As a student at Leeds University who is originally from China, I’ve struggled a lot during the pandemic and know that this is the experience of many other international students.

Back in March as we went into lockdown, lots of international students went back to their home country before Easter, when there were only a few thousand Covid cases across the UK.

Now, most parents of international students won’t allow their children to take the risk traveling back to the UK when there are over 15,000 cases each day, especially as nearly all of the lectures are online.

The debate over whether I should study in Leeds was a difficult decision for my family.

Whilst there was no pressure from the university to return, I felt the urge to go back to the UK.

Many universities have worked with flight companies in China to organise flights so that students could be brought back to the UK.

I got a flight in early October to Manchester, before taking a shuttle bus back to campus.

I also got a welcome food box from the University to help us through our first few days of self-isolation.

It has been difficult adjusting to this new way of life, especially as almost everything is back to normal in China.

I’ve been worried about getting the virus if I cough or even catch a cold.

Phone calls with my parents have also been difficult.

Following my self-isolation, I’ve worked in an office every day as an international student officer as I want to make sure that students can be fully supported, especially as lockdown in a foreign country means that more of them have faced mental health issues, not being able to meet people or explore their new city.

Many international students also can’t speak English fluently, making it harder for them to reach out for support during the pandemic.

Luckily, myself and the rest of the student executive officers team have worked closely together this year.

Based on feedback from our students, we have created some exciting online events to give people the chance to meet others virtually.

We have also worked with the University to ensure food is being supplied to those who are self-isolating and that there is frequent communication with students.

I know it will be a hard year for everyone, but I am passionate about representing international students and helping them through this pandemic.