From Spain to UK By Cristina

Hi there! My name is Cristina and I’m originally from Spain. I moved to the UK four years ago and it was a big change in my life.

Since I was a teenager, I knew I wanted to live abroad and improve my English. When I went to university, I studied translation and interpreting because I wanted a career which allowed me to speak other languages and learn about different cultures.

During my university years, I spent hours and hours practising my English by attending language exchanges, watching films and taking extra lessons. In my last year of university, I realized that I wanted to go to the UK. I had visited London, Bournemouth and Leeds before so I knew I wanted to be in one of these amazing cities.

Bournemouth is a lovely city in the south of England that I highly recommend visiting in the summer. One of the best moments there was being on the beach with some friends I met in the English academy I was attending, and walking around the Bournemouth pier on a sunny and warm UK summer day.

I chose Leeds because it is a multicultural city, not too big nor small, a good university and direct flights home. I love London and it was one of my top choices but I felt it was too big for me as I was going to move alone.

Moving abroad wasn’t easy! My family didn’t want me to move and wanted me to postpone it for the future. This made me feel selfish and sad at the same time. However, I didn’t want to give up one of my dreams, it was something I had always wanted. Despite my family, I decided to make a move and do it. I was ready for a new chapter in my life. I was excited but a bit scared, to be honest. I was going by myself to somewhere new. I had visited Leeds for a week before but it was totally different to actually live there.

I moved in September 2015 and I had already been accepted to study an MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management at Leeds Beckett University. I took my big suitcases and wished for the best time ever. I flew in the night from Malaga airport and landed very late. I was by myself and three suitcases I couldn’t manage but I had to. I knew where I was going but I had never ordered a taxi in England and no idea of how it was working.

I followed the people and managed to find a place to book a taxi and after waiting for 15 minutes, my taxi arrived. The taxi driver was way too friendly and I was scared… he asked me many questions and by the end of the journey, asked me about my mobile number. I made it up so he didn’t bother me again. I finally arrived at my student accommodation and my empty room to fill with my things.

First days passed quickly and I took them easy and then I started university where I made friends on the first day because of university tours (I highly recommend taking them! Especially if you’re new to the country.)

This made me feel motivated and I got to know more and more people by attending university events. You can’t miss the freshers week at uni because it’s not only about parties but freebies, getting to know the university and other students. One of my favourite university times in Leeds is when I went on a uni trip to the Royal Armouries museum and Hilton hotel with my uni friends. It was great to learn about this museum and being with such a lovely company.

There were very good moments but I’m not going to lie to you, I occasionally felt homesick and overwhelmed as well. For example, I had a good level of English but I had never heard 24/7 English in my life and nor studied tourism and economy words. Also, I considered myself very independent but there were times I wished I had my family or my best friend next to me.

Moving abroad is challenging but you should try it at least once. The way you grow as a person is unbelievable and your confidence will go up because you will achieve things you always thought you wouldn’t be able to do.

Since 2015, life has changed a lot but I still live in Leeds and it’s like a second home for me. London is still my favourite destination in the UK and I have some memories there. One of my favourite memories is visiting London with my friends for the first time (July 2014). We had lots of fun visiting amazing places like Buckingham Palace and the Natural History Museum.

However, if you want to experience a different city in the UK, you should visit Leeds. Below some of my recommendations for you to check out while in Leeds

Leeds Dock: You can find restaurants, the Royal Armouries Museum, cute coffees and last but not least the beautiful river view. It’s a peaceful area but it can sometimes be busy because there are incredible events such as Leeds Light Night in October and the Waterfront Festival in the summer months. If you’re visiting this area, you can´t miss taking the free boat taxi! It’s a perfect activity on a sunny day. You’ll get to the other side of the dock where you can stop for some food or explore the Dark Arches.

Roundhay Park: It’s one of the biggest parks in Europe. I love walking in this park because you can see the beautiful Waterloo lake, the Mansion House and the Roundhay castle. All of these great places surrounded by garden areas with many flowers blooming in spring or leaves falling in autumn. It’s perfect for a picnic on a sunny day :) However, it can get very busy (as you may know, the UK isn't the sunniest place on earth!)

Corn Exchange: It’s a Victorian building located in Leeds city centre. It’s not only beautiful to see from the outside but also from inside. Inside you can find small boutiques and cafes run by independent designer-makers and specialist retailers. One of my favourite stores is The Plant Point, a small store where you can find beautiful and impressive plants.

For any moving abroad or travelling questions or tips, get in touch with me via Instagram

@creina.diary

or visit my blog

www.mylittleworldoftravelling.com