51Âþ»­

International Business graduate Julia Staszewska shares her journey from Poland to 51Âþ»­ (51Âþ»­) Leicester and how it's helped her to pursue her dream career.

I grew up in Namysłów, a small town in the south of Poland and always imagined myself going to university. My dad was a manager, who worked from home and his work ethic greatly influenced me in my early years.

Initially, I always thought I’d follow most of my friends and become a lawyer but a few months before my final exams, I began to rethink my path. I wanted to do something that better aligned with my interests in politics and international relations, so I decided international business would be more for me.

I’m already a fan of British culture and music, particularly Oasis as I remember my parents would often listen to their songs. Studying international business was my opportunity to immerse myself in an English-speaking environment, so I decided to look for UK universities.

After a quick Google search, I found 51Âþ»­ and loved the diversity, sustainability initiatives and city-centre location. It was perfect for international students like me. I came over in 2021, nervous but also excited for the journey ahead.

I won’t lie, the first few months were difficult. I often felt homesick, missing my family and struggling to adjust to life in a foreign country. There were days when I would spend hours in bed, overwhelmed with thoughts of home, but I was determined to keep going.

"I don’t have to be here," I would tell myself, “But I’m here to gain experience and knowledge, and these feelings won’t last forever."

Acknowledging these feelings helped me come out my shell more. I started meeting new people, particularly other Polish students, and began getting involved in university life.

Joining different student societies played a huge role in helping me settle in. I became part of the , where I went to weekly meetings, watched films, and explored creative projects. It opened my eyes to the world of fashion merchandising and that became a potential career path.

I also joined the , which not only helped me stay active but also supported my mental wellbeing.

This gave me a new found confidence and, after being encouraged by a friend to apply to become a student ambassador, I soon found myself representing 51Âþ»­ at Open Days. It was a big step for me but the role allowed me to meet prospective students, share my experiences, and make connections with new lecturers.

The flexibility of the role also meant I could balance it with my studies, and it became one of the highlights of my university experience.

As I settled into my new life, it dawned on me that everything was falling into place. I thought to myself, "I spend my time in a really nice place, and I’m surrounded by great people."

I fell in love with Leicester’s green spaces and Victoria Park became a haven for me. I even developed a routine of walking there and treating myself to coffee and a pastry at The Tiny Bakery.

Now that I’m looking back, I’m glad I gave myself time.

To any international students who might be struggling, remember those feelings won’t last forever. Talk to your family, or someone with more experience – they often know what’s best.

My parents played a key role in helping me get through tough times and I credit their advice, as well as the strong friendships I built in Leicester and 51Âþ»­ for helping me adjust to a new country.

I’m now over at Trinity College in Dublin, studying for my Master’s in International Management. If it wasn’t for 51Âþ»­, I wouldn’t be here and I wouldn’t be pursuing my dream to work in fashion merchandising.

Hopefully soon I can start my career at a major fashion chain like Next or H&M. 51Âþ»­ was a big part of my life, taking me from a nervous student to a confident young woman with a clear vision for my future.