Your tributes to Leeds friends

There's no friend like a Leeds friend.

To mark International Day of Friendship, Leeds alumni have shared memories of times with Leeds friends.

Lunch on the Parkinson steps or drinks in the Old Bar; a lazy day on Woodhouse Moor or a night on the Fruity dancefloor – whether you're still going strong, or you've lost touch over the years, we asked you to take yourselves back to the good times and pay tribute to those who made the Leeds years special.

Search by graduation year: 1960-69, 1970-79, 1980-89, 1990-99, 2000-09, 2010-19, 2020-2024, 2025-2025

And it's not too late to add your own memories by completing our short form.

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Roy Ludlow (French 1967)

My great friend at Leeds was David Whaley (Chemistry 1967). I met David when he took the spare bed in my room in "digs" in Eldon Terrace, just opposite the University (three to a bedroom in those far off days!).

Our backgrounds could hardly have been more different: David had grown up in a large and splendid, if somewhat faded, house in the heart of the Dales and I in a working class terraced house in the East End of London.

However, we hit it off immediately. There were certainly things we shared, for example our sense of humour and our Christian faith, but there was also that indefinable something we call 'chemistry'; we thoroughly enjoyed each other's company, whether driving around the Dales in his old Morris Minor, or sharing a pint in the Union bar.

David was just a wonderful man. He was always the same: good humoured, calm, gentle and kind; he treated everyone with respect. He was very strong in defence of the splendid values which guided his life.

David's family has a motto, inscribed in tiles on the floor of the porch of the former family home: "Factis non Verbis" - By Deeds not by Words. This he took to heart: he did not gabble on endlessly (as sadly, I do!) but rather demonstrated his outstanding qualities in the way he lived.

David married the love of his life, Margaret (nee Nicholson), whom he met in the Christian Union at Leeds. Margaret, who remains a very good friend to me, graduated in Sociology in 1965. There are two children, Michel and Jo. Jo followed her parents to Leeds, graduating in Applied Biology in 1996.

David died in May 2020 from a particularly cruel form of dementia. I had visited him in his care home shortly before.

I owe him a very great deal and will treasure his memory for the rest of my life.

Mavis Lilian Brown (Education 1968)

This photo is from Rag Revue 1963. That's me (Mavis Bonney as I was then) top right with my foot on poor Adrian's head! We had such a great time culminating in a performance in Leeds City Varieties. Would love to hear from anyone with memories of those great times! Any of you lovely people still around?

Use our Find a friend form to reconnect with your old Leeds friends

Peter Fairhurst (English 1969)

Good times shared with Phil Jarrett on the football pitch, local pubs, the odd lecture, visits to the Lake District to pay homage to Wordsworth and educating a Southerner in the delights of rugby league! Lost touch sadly.

William Woolley (Chemistry 1971)

I escorted Denise Nelson to the Hostel of the Resurrection Midsummer Ball in 1969. She did her PGCE in Keele but we lost touch after that.

Chris Fountain (Law 1971)

Great friendships made some of which still continue after all these years. I vividly recall going to see The Who in my second year for ‘Live at Leeds’ . This was only by default as I couldn’t get a ticket due to being at a lecture: my flatmate John got two and my other flat mate Chris made John give it to me. Just as well as in my opinion they were the best live act I have seen!

Maxwell Thorpe (Textile Chemistry 1971)

At Woodsley House, Bodington Hall 1967/68 I met Esara Kasara of Seton House, also of Bodington Hall. He was a postgraduate student at the University. We bonded seamlessly regularly discussing British and International politics, as well as test cricket after the daily lectures and laboratory hours at our respective departments. Except for monthly hall formal dinner, we didn’t visit the Bodington Hall bar much. Life was safe, simple and we had plenty of ideas for what our future careers would be like.

I visited Kenya in 1987 and met him very briefly.

Anne Hill (nee McDonald) (Biochemistry 1975)

Sending much love to the Outdoor Activities group on the PGCE course 1975/76. Here we are, in the hot summer of 1976, at the University of Leeds mountain hut in the Lake District. The legendary outdoor guru, Don Robinson, is there, too. Many fond memories.

And below, the class of ‘75 after our final exam, relieved that revision had finally ended! Sending much love and fond memories to you all ❤️

Kombo Mason Braide (Fuel & Combustion Engineering 1975)

I began my first year as an undergraduate student at the University of Leeds in late September 1971, starting with an orientation course at Oxley Hall before moving on to Bodington Hall until 1973, when I transferred to the Mary Morris Residence. From 1973 to 1981, I lived in Lupton Flats, Garstang Flats, Springfield Mount Flats, and Henry Price Building, until I left the UK for Nigeria after completing my BSc, MSc, and PhD.

Throughout my time in Leeds, I crossed paths with a diverse range of fellow students from various nationalities around the world. I formed close, like-minded friendships with individuals such as David Singh, Pippa Dufton, Lynn Nead, Louise Roberts, John Jordan, Cilia Graves, Funke Fajemirokun, Willy Fitz-John, Julie Ryder, Chikandira, Chris Squire, Charles Wereko-Brobbey, and Sam Zoka. Although I may not have kept in touch with most of them over the past 45 years, these connections resonated with me.

I fondly recall attending weekly live concerts at the cafeteria-turned-auditorium, hosted by the Grand Funk Society, which offered students very affordable live music focused on Black music genres: soul, funk, jazz, jazz-funk, jazz-rock, Latin rock, Afro-beat, and more. We also organised trips to Manchester and London to catch live performances by visiting acts like Osibisa, Santana, Jackson 5, Bob Marley, Commodores, and Earth, Wind & Fire. We had a blast. I often wonder where they all are now.

Anthony Turner (MA Bibliography and Textual Criticism 1977)

My consistent memory of those I met at Leeds is, in the main, that they were people of character and worth. My other abiding memory is that as an institution it is genuine in both providing education, and in its relationships with people.

Stephen Bashforth (Mathematics 1977)

The enduring memory is of times in the Maths Library with Bronwyn Gail Needham, Chris Walls, Pete West, Adrian ( a year above us), Mark Gardner, discussing a mix of fluid mechanics and group theory.

In the final year Pete was an ace at getting philosophical about set theory.
Great times.

I just wonder what happened to all these people - I think Chris went into teaching, Pete did, so did Adrian( Shepherd?). It would be great to hear from them.

Use our Find a friend form to reconnect with your old Leeds friends

Barry Oliver (Engineering 1978)

Pies in the Mech Eng cafe in the morning, fish and chips from Sweaty Betties or lunch with your friends...a visit to the Tuesday Student Union meeting. And we still meet up at least once a year! Great memories... long term friendship!!

Thomas [Tom]Gordon (International History and Politics 1978)

One of my fondest memories is of Keith Wilson [my university tutor] visiting me when I was working on a hospital building project in Mascara, Algeria. I picked up Keith at Oran airport and then took him through Morocco to Spanish Melilla.

Philip Miller (Theology and Religious Studies 1979)

Special memories of a wonderfully kind, wise and patient University chaplain - Fr Alan Overell. I was only 18 but he always took me seriously and listened to what I had to say. But most of all he faithfully celebrated a Eucharist in Emmanuel Chaplaincy every day which was a great blessing to so many and helped form a lifelong habit in me for which I am truly grateful.

Sadly he died not long after I graduated but I still keep a precious recording of one of his sermons, and I even followed him as vicar of a church in Manchester where he had served in the 1960s. A lovely, faithful pastor and I'm grateful for his ministry at our university

Sally Waring (French and Management Studies 1981)

So many happy times in Leeds from 1977 to 1981. I would just like to say hello to everyone at Weetwood Hall 1977-79 and everyone from the French and Management Studies course. I have not been in touch with anyone for quite some time but think of you all often.

Mark Harmer (Chemistry 1981)

Leeds had it all.  From top class research, lots of great pubs, a friendly community to nearby wonderful countryside, such as Ilkley.  Our research group had people from all across the world.  Local sports were fantastic from Leeds United, the cricket, and Leeds had the very first rock climbing wall. 

Paul Cohen (English 1986)

This photo was taken in early June of 1986 at the Queen's Hotel. I think we were celebrating the end of exams. From left-to-right: Alistair McGowan, Susan Page, Graham Alcock, Louise Wilson and Chris Elwell. Would love to hear from old friends, including Amanda Cook (not pictured) and Carl Caulfield.

Helen Matthews (Geography 1989)

I met and shared a house with some wonderful people - many of the graduating after me. They have become my lifelong friends - and are the harmony to my melody. We are all still very much in touch and see each other regularly - thanks Kate Wilson, Alaistair Lansbury, Mick Whelan, John Short and the wonderful Alison Lawford…… not forgetting my life partner John Matthews.

Sharmilla Beezmohun (English and History 1989)

I joined the Leeds Uni Light Opera Society in 1986 and swiftly became friends with people from across the University - including people from different years, studying different subjects and from all over the country.

Our first production was the Gilbert and Sullivan favourite, The Mikado. Two rehearsals a week with a week of productions before the Xmas holiday. What a laugh we had! There was a huge chorus and getting everyone on stage doing the same thing must have been a nightmare for the third-year producers. Still, we made it.

At one point, Ben, who was playing Ko-Ko runs off stage tugging a rope, only to reappear from the other side of the stage, as if on the other end of the rope. The audiences loved that trick, although poor Ben had to dash through the dressing rooms under the stage to get there!

But the best moments were at the after-show parties each night when, high on the applause and performance, we all just talked and danced and sang and, yes, drank. Being part of that society gave me such joy when I could have succumbed to homesickness, and gave me confidence that I didn't really even notice until afterwards. Loved the Light Opera Society and I still keep in touch with some of the friends I made there, all these years later.

Chris Buck (Physics with Astrophysics 1990)

I met so many people during my time at Leeds who made the time I had there truly unforgettable.

One of the first of my friends to be, I met on arrival at Henry Price (B3). Originally I was sharing a room in a house which didn’t suit really so, the Uni accommodation office kindly moved me to Henry Price. The problem was all my stuff was at my old place so (not having a car…) I struggled with about a third of my gear on foot (in the howling wind/rain) to Henry Price.

On arrival, I met Simon (Brett)  who in an incredible act of kindness offered to walk back with me to my old address to help carry my stuff! I was blown away by this kindness of a stranger and we went on to be very close friends.

I, Simon, the rest of B3 Henry Price and so many other fellow Leeds students went on to enjoy so many hazy nights in the union, the ‘Thursday Bop’, poly bops, fantastic concerts, cheering on Leeds United and even doing a bit of coursework from time to time!

Alas, the time at Leeds passed so quickly and on graduation day the last person I saw before leaving was Simon. And with promises to meet up soon, we went our separate ways.

Tragically, that was the last time I ever saw Simon. That summer, while exploring Papua New Guinea, Simon lost his life. A too-short life and a too brief time at Leeds but wow did it shine brightly!

Some people leave a mark that lasts a lifetime. Simon was one of them.

Prof Adel Al-Alawi (PhD Business and Information Systems 1991)

My years at the University of Leeds remain among the most meaningful and transformative periods of my life.

Leeds was much more than a place to study - it became a second home. I was fortunate to be surrounded by remarkable friends from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Together we shared long hours of research, lively academic discussions, countless cups of coffee, and many moments of laughter that made even the most demanding days enjoyable. Those friendships taught me the true value of mutual respect, collaboration, and lifelong support.

The friendships I built at Leeds have endured across the decades. Although life has taken each of us to different parts of the world, the memories we created remain vivid and close to my heart. Whenever I reflect on my academic journey, I remember not only the lectures, libraries, and research, but also the wonderful people who walked that journey with me.

The education and experiences I gained at the University of Leeds provided a strong foundation for my academic and professional career. Following my graduation, I joined the University of Bahrain, where I served for more than 30 years in a variety of academic and leadership positions. Today, I am proud to continue my academic career as a Professor at the Arabian Gulf University in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Looking back, I recognize that my years at Leeds provided not only an outstanding education but also the values, confidence, and international perspective that have guided me throughout my professional life.

On this International Day of Friendship, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my Leeds friends. Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, and the unforgettable memories we created together. Although many years have passed since we walked across the Leeds campus, our shared experiences continue to inspire me, and I sincerely hope our friendships will continue for many years to come.

Claire Haskins (Medicine 1992)

In my first year of medical school in 1987 I became friends with a bunch of wonderful young women. We went through so much together in our medical training and had the most amazing time in Leeds. We still meet up twice a year somewhere in the country despite us now being scattered north, south, east and west. We may not be so young now but they are still the most amazing women I know.

Barbara Blake (MA Modern International Studies 1994)

When I think about my time at the University of Leeds, I often say it was both the best and the worst time of my life. It was a season of uncertainty, growth, homesickness, adventure, and lifelong friendship, all at once.

I arrived from North Carolina with nothing more than a trunk, a dream, and no place to live. Looking back, I can't believe I was brave enough to do it. At the time, it simply felt like an opportunity I couldn't let pass. That single decision changed the course of my life.

Leeds gave me far more than an MA in International Studies. It gave me confidence to embrace the unknown. It challenged my assumptions, broadened my worldview, and taught me that some of life's greatest opportunities begin with taking a leap of faith.

Most importantly, Leeds gave me friends who became family.

Our classrooms were filled with perspectives from around the world. We came from the United States, Germany, Greece, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, Poland, Malaysia, Singapore, Denmark, Bermuda, and many other countries. We learned as much from one another as we did from our professors. We celebrated different cultures, debated world events, laughed through stressful moments, and created memories that have lasted a lifetime.

More than three decades later, those friendships remain one of the greatest gifts of my life. We reunited in Leeds in 2013, 2018, and 2023, and in 2026 a group of us gathered in London for another wonderful weekend together. Time, careers, marriages, children, and thousands of miles have never diminished what began in Leeds. Somehow, whenever we meet, we simply pick up where we left off.

As life has unfolded, I have come to realize that the true value of an international education extends well beyond the classroom. It is found in the relationships, the shared experiences, and the understanding that despite our different backgrounds, we have far more in common than we often realize.

To the young woman who left North Carolina carrying a single trunk and more hope than certainty, thank you for taking that chance. And to the University of Leeds. Thank you for changing my life.

Leeds will always be home to some of my most cherished memories and some of the people I am most grateful to know.

Angela Cliffe (Music 1995)

I played cello alongside Jo Quail in Orchestra. We did not keep in touch after graduation. I discovered by chance Jo had played cello on albums by bands I follow, and through social media I found information about her career as a professional cellist and composer. I am delighted that we have reconnected at her performances and I am totally in awe of her well-deserved success.

Vicky Nicholls (English Language and Literature 1998)

Here is a photo of me and my friend Claire at our English Ball in 1998. We often speculate about what we’re laughing about, but we really can’t remember!

This was our early Christmas dinner in our house on Victoria Road in Hyde Park, December 1997. My friend Claire and I are on the left and front right is Howard who my housemate and best friend Zoe went on to marry!

And below is me and my good friend Paul having a drink outside the Union Bar after our very last exam.

Laura Ainsworth (French and Management Studies 1999)

I met my wonderful gang of seven by accident. Due to various mishaps most of us ended up together at Ellerslie Hall for our first two terms, which was a building let's say which needed some refurb and played a big part in bonding us!

We got a house together for the rest of our time in Leeds (and visited abroad for those of us doing languages), and although we studied a lot of different subjects, we all supported each other through many a late night essay panic.

We also had a LOT of fun - ah, the heady days of OTT, the Poly Bop, Harvey Milk Bar, the Underground and the numerous pubs lining the Otley Run. Two of us even met our husbands on such eventful nights out!

Nearly 30 years on we are still a big part of each other's lives, supporting one another through some incredibly tough moments, as well as celebrating many joyous occasions, including marriages, births and new jobs. I am so grateful to have met such an amazing bunch of women - I couldn't imagine life without them. Thank you University of Leeds for bring us together!

GiGi (MSC Modern Digital and Radio Frequency Wireless Communications 2005)

Still remember the 2005 summer when we graduated from School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

Jason Crosby (Military History 2007)

I met two of my dearest friends—Jack and Rachael—whilst an MA student at Leeds. Years later, they got married. What's even better? I met my soon-to-be wife at their wedding!

Danning He (MA Human Resource Management 2010)

This photo was taken at 1 October 2009 in the cafeteria of Student Union. It was Deyana's birthday, we made plans to have a meal together in the cafeteria to celebrate. Deyana, Etta and Susanne became my good friends at Leeds, we supported each other throughout our post-graduate studies and shared many happy moments together. We haven't been in touch for a long time since graduation, but the memories of that year still feel as vivid as ever.

Junfei Hu (Electronic and Electrical Engineering 2010)

I was born and raised in China. In 2003 I went to the University of Leeds to study alone. At the beginning of 2004, I saw an advertisement on campus that there was an international student club, so I tried to participate. In the club I met Mavis, one of the club’s founders and a Methodist missionary.

Ever since I met Mavis, she would invite me to her house for Christmas. We’d worship together in church. In the summer of 2007, I was hospitalized due to illness. She personally visited me in the hospital and walked with me in the hospital garden. After I submitted my thesis in May 2010, I went to work at the University of Birmingham. She gave me many household items at home and asked me to take it to Birmingham for my needs. After I returned to Leeds in September and passed my VIVA, I decided to return to China in October. I stayed at home for one night before leaving. Mavis gave me the English name Matthew Jun Fei Freeman. After returning to China, she still remembered to send me a Christmas card and her photo.

In 2011, when I returned to Leeds to attend the graduation ceremony, Mavis attended with Philip and Janet.

In 2012, I moved to work and live in Morayshire, Scotland. Every time I went to Leeds to visit her. By 2018, I went to see her. She was very weak, but she still insisted on living alone. After the lockdown in 2020, I contacted the Minister of the Church and learned that she has been admitted to a nursing home, and that recently she has been in a hospital.

I am not a Christian, but I pray that she may live longer.

Nurain Hassan Ibrahim (PhD Management 2010)

My time at the Business School resulted in some professional and personal friendships that have endured to this day. Here's a picture from our AIMTech Research Group's Xmas Lunch 2007. I'm third from left with the hat and scarf :)

Yan Shang (MSc Finance & Investment 2013)

2013, 2019, 2026. Parkinson, LUBS, it seems nothing changed, just like everything, everyone might change a lot. Best wishes to Leeds Univesity, forever young, forever memoires.

Yazan Madi (MSc Transport Planning 2014)

Leeds will always hold a very special place in my heart, not only because of the memories I made there, but because of the lifelong friends it brought into my life.

We were not all from the same programme, class, country or age group. Our friendships grew naturally, through shared moments, conversations, laughter, support and the simple joy of being together. What we created in Leeds was genuine, and it became something much bigger than the time we spent there.

Today, we are scattered across the world, living in different countries and following different paths. Years, and in some cases decades, may pass between meetings, but the connection is still there. We may not speak every day, yet we continue to carry one another in our hearts.

To my Leeds friends, you are more than friends from a chapter of my life. You are part of who I am, part of my happiest memories, and proof that true friendship can survive time, distance and change.

Leeds brought us together, but our friendship is for life.

Alexandra Ehi-Uujamhan (Corporate Communication and Public Relations 2014)

Twelve years later, the friendships I found at Leeds remain some of the greatest gifts that season of my life gave me. Although life has taken us to different corners of the world, the bond we share has endured the distance and the years.

They have been my support system, my safe space, and a constant reminder that true friendship is not measured by proximity but by presence. Through every chapter of my journey, I have never felt alone because I knew I had my friends from Leeds.

One memory I will always treasure is seeing my Leeds friends travel all the way to my hometown, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, to celebrate my wedding with me. That act of love and commitment is one I will never forget, and I will always be grateful for it.

And to the sister Leeds gifted me, Motolani Oluwaseunfunmi, thank you for being my home. Your friendship has been one of life's greatest blessings, and I carry it with deep gratitude every single day.

Here's to twelve years of friendship, countless memories, and many more chapters together.

Anna Wang (MA Education 2015)

Well, I still remember those friends and professors who helped me a lot during my studies in Leads, and I'd like to say thanks to all those professors and friends as well as my dear University of Leeds. It's you that makes me to be a better one today!

Lara Ibirogba (Advertising and Marketing 2015)

Living in St Marks with my flatmates and now lifelong friends was the best experience ever. I fondly remember day trips, a weekend in Bournemouth, Christmas and Spring Hall parties and many flat hang outs when we just chilled. I recall group meets, live at St Marks Church and meet ups that helped keep my sanity.

Shout out to my flatmates Katie, Emily, Afia and Ashley. Also Dhanya, Eric and Revathy. Busayo, Rejoice, Thadazani, Emmanuel and Priscilla. Also Katie and Luke Fletcher, Matt and Zoe Horsman, and Louise Pearson to mention a few.

Harriet Bourne (Textile Design 2016)

This October, almost exactly 14 years since the day we met, I'll be marrying my first year flatmate from the Tannery.

Six of our Brudenell housemates will be there to celebrate with us, with three standing beside us as best man, groomsman and bridesmaid. Another of my bridesmaids is also from my course!

It's a cliché, but Uni really was one of the best times of my life, largely because of all of you. We are so lucky to have been thrown together.

Fourteen years, four weddings, three babies, and one godson later, you're still some of my favourite people in the world, and I can't imagine our lives without you.

Love you Sam, Meg, Sooz, David, Liam, Nick and Jim xxxxx

Chung Pham (PhD Education 2017)

Feeling nostalgic looking at this picture - all four of us were with School of Education. This picture was taken outside Hillary Place - part of our heart is still left behind.

Frank Isaac Banda (MSc Infection, Immunity and Human Disease 2017)

Feeling nostalgic today. I truly miss my time as a Master's student at the University of Leeds, especially the inspiring moments in Professor Alex's lab with such brilliant scientists and friends. Leeds will always hold a special place in my heart. Grateful for the memories, friendships, and experiences that continue to inspire me. I believe one day I will walk in these corridors again for my PhD.

Lucky Niko (International Relations 2017)

I met Alice and Allan while doing my Masters at Leeds. We were in the same graduating class so we took some modules together. Through group projects and study sessions we became close and formed an incredible friendship. After we handed in our dissertations, we decided to take a two week trip to Croatia for some much needed sun and relaxation. We rented a car and drove down the coastline while also spending time in the islands of Hvar and Korcula. It was one of the best trips of my life and we made some amazing memories. I hope we can do it again someday! Here's a photo of us in Dubrovnik.

Olivia Waldron (PGDip Physician Associate Studies 2017)

Being in the first cohort of the new PGDip in Physician Associate Studies at Leeds certainly was challenging! But alongside 35+ hour weeks of lectures, studying and clinical placement, came the nights out, Halloween parties, birthday celebrations and girly sleepovers with course mates that became both friends and confidants. Nine years later, these are memories that will never be forgotten ♥️

Romey Norton (Writing for Performance, Publication and Media 2017)

As creative writing students, we found ourselves in the campus bar a lot of the time. Here we'd laugh, cry, and create stories which we dreamed would get published or performed one day. You'll be pleased to know that many of these dreams have come true since. This photo is a bunch of us outside (I think before graduation - we all knew we'd passed), I think we look rather good for many, many cocktails in.

Tatiana Bustamante (MA New Media 2017)

The best roommates in the world: Candace, Nidhee and Prachi.
Great times with Mei, Katha, Gina and Olivia.

Oleksandra (Law 2018)

I met my best friend in Model United Nations first meeting back in 2017.  We are still friends today!

Sami Kalliosaari (History 2018)

Studying at Leeds was a unique experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. For me the thing I tend to remember is travelling to Cambridge for study reasons was just a great experience above all, but also to Oxford and Warwick just for fun. Having not been able to travel in my busy life since this is something I fondly remember.

Xuan Liu (Advertising and Marketing 2018)

I can’t imagine any days in Leeds I’m not happy. And I met my best friend there, as well as lots of good friends who we are still supporting each other now. Thank you Leeds.

Lei Wen (MA Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies 2019)

My friend and I, Luna, were classmates in the Conference Interpreting programme at the University of Leeds. We met on campus, and this year marks the 9th year since we first got to know each other. After graduation, we've remained each other's best friends. She was also there at my wedding and became my child's godmother. My Leeds friend is my cure for the exhaustion of everyday life.

Jacqueline Sampah-Adjei (Water Sanitation and Health Engineer 2020)

Looking back, the University of Leeds gave me more than a degree, it gave me lifelong friendships. The laughter, late-night study sessions, shared dreams and support from the amazing people I met, just to mention a few.

Rosewiter and Maureen Kendi made every experience richer. I'm thankful for the friends who turned a new city into a home and created memories I'll always treasure. Here's to friendships that continue to transcend borders and time.

Yuanyun Wu (MSc Law and Finance 2020)

Some of the best friendships start with the simplest of ingredients. For me, that ingredient was coffee. On the 21st August 2019, I walked into the LUU for a barista training class. I expected to learn how to steam milk and pour the perfect latte art. What I didn't expect was to meet a group of people who would become such a big part of my Leeds story.

We were a motley crew of coffee enthusiasts, all huddled around the espresso machines. We learned to pull the perfect shot for our cappuccinos and lattes, and we definitely "mocha-d" our way through the free cakes that followed. But it wasn't just the coffee that was rich; it was the conversation. Among the group were two amazing friends from Japan, who had come to Leeds for an exchange program. We connected instantly, our shared love for coffee turning into a shared love for laughter.

That first meeting wasn't just a fleeting afternoon. It was the start of something special. We talked until the cafe lights dimmed, and the next thing we knew, we were sharing a meal at a Chinese restaurant, chopsticks clinking as we traded stories of our homes. We even took the fun back to my apartment, where our "barista skills" were put aside for some friendly (and highly competitive) snooker.

But the true highlight of our friendship was our trip to Liverpool. Walking along the docks, seeing the Beatles statues, and getting lost in the vibrant city streets—we weren't just sightseeing; we were making memories. We were a group of friends from different corners of the world, connected by a single moment in a Leeds cafe.

To my Leeds friends, thank you. Thank you for the coffee, the cakes, the snooker, and the adventures. You made a city feel like home. These photos are a testament to the fact that friendship knows no borders—and that it often starts with a simple, shared cup of coffee.

Kritika Sodhi (Communication & Media 2021)

I had friends from different courses so while we didn’t attend classes together (though once I did sit through a Business Studies lecture) we would daily meet at the Refectory and have lunch or that evening snack together. That was non-negotiable, sitting their eating our favourite wrap and just talking about random things. The best part when someone forgot when their next lecture was and would run to get to their class. It's a special place for us for all the memories we made there.

Beijia Yang (MSc Statistics 2022)

Wenjie and I were flatmates of St Marks residence.

We stayed up late for assignments and always met in the kitchen at midnight. During the final weeks, we would go to the library together and eat sandwiches (yes absolutely from Bakery 164) on the Parkinson steps.

After we went back to our home country, Wenjie and I still continued to for groceries together, just as we went to Tesco and Morrisons in the past.

Ruihan Xie (TESOL 2022)

This Mehendi - a traditional form of temporary body art - was drawn by a lovely girl I met at a campus event. It was my first time getting Mehendi, and I was fascinated by how mysterious and beautiful it looked. Later on, I often found myself drawing similar patterns in my notebook just to relax and take a break from the stress of writing my thesis.

Dea Nini (International Human Rights Law 2023)

When people ask me what I remember most about Leeds, they expect me to talk about the University, the city, or my degree. Instead, I always think of two people.

Among all the people I met and the places I explored, two friends became part of who I am: Itumeleng Zimba and Tushar Kaushal.

I met Itumeleng through the Chevening community at the University of Leeds, but our friendship quickly grew beyond that. We spent afternoons over coffee talking about feminism, queer life, our families, our dreams, and the questions that come with trying to find our place in the world. We explored Leeds' queer scene together, but my favourite memories are the quieter ones: the conversations, spontaneous coffee dates, walks to the supermarket that somehow became meaningful, and our unspoken ritual of checking that the other had made it back to their room safely after a night out. She became one of those rare friends who made me feel completely accepted, exactly as I was. It wasn't just the conversations that stayed with me; it was the quiet certainty that we would always look out for each other. Today she lives in Australia, and although we don't get to see each other, she is still someone I miss deeply, a true friend in every sense of the word.

Tushar entered my life as a classmate at the School of Law, but very quickly became one of my best friends. We spent long evenings talking outside the Parkinson Building, celebrating the little victories, venting about life, overthinking everything, helping each other through difficult moments, and laughing until we forgot what we had been worrying about. During that same summer, he even travelled with me to my home country, Albania, and those memories remain among my favourites from that year. Nearly three years later, despite the distance, our friendship still feels wonderfully unchanged.

What amazes me most is that I only knew each of them for a year. Somehow, that one year carried the weight of many. They remain two of the closest friends I have ever made, and when I think of Leeds, I think of them before I think of anything else.

If I could relive one moment from my time at Leeds, it wouldn't be graduation or receiving my degree. It would be one more coffee with Tumie, talking for hours before ending up at a queer night out, and one more evening with Tushar, sitting outside the Parkinson Building with a beer, convinced we had all the time in the world. Looking back, I realise those ordinary moments became the most extraordinary memories I brought home from Leeds.

Tumie and Tushar, thank you for making Leeds feel like home. I miss you both dearly, and you will always be my definition of true friendship. I also hope you can finally forgive, and maybe even appreciate, my relentless need to stop every outing for "just one more photo." It seems I knew we'd want these memories one day.

Matt (MA Film and Photography 2023)

I remember the first Halloween celebration with my friends very well.

Rojie Ekanayake (MSc Economics 2023)

My time at Leeds was brief, just a year. But it was definitely a memorable one. Life can be tough in many ways for an international student living alone for the first time. But even when I was at my lowest, I’m so thankful that I often had the company of good friends.

To my friends at 52 Clarendon Road: I miss you all. I still think about our kitchen chats, celebrations and even the simple tea breaks in the sun. Thank you for tolerating me when I was down in the dumps and offering me comfort when I needed it the most.

To my friends from MSc Economics: Thank you for being there for me, and including me. I learned so much from our conversations and time together. I loved how open we could be with each other despite having very different views sometimes. Even the toughest classes were much more fun because I had all of you with me.

To my friends at the Leeds University Karate Society: Thank you for believing in me and accepting me. Honestly I wouldn’t have even dreamed of doing as much as I did if it weren’t for how welcoming and kind you all were. I’m deeply grateful for the love and support. Competitions are still not my favorite, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to participate, contribute and celebrate with you all.

And to everyone else who I might’ve missed - Thank you so much for the happy memories ❤️ Have a great International Friendship Day.

Shawn (MSc Advanced Computer Science 2023)

This email made me quite nostalgic. I didn't want to single out any one instance, I've made so many good friends and met such wonderful people from Leeds. I just felt like writing a general thank you message here.

From Global Cafe, or my part time work, or from clubs and societies, it truly was some the best times of my life.

I just wanted to use this space to say that I'm super grateful for all the people I met and the friends I made. Thank you all for being a part of my life! 🥲😁

Ashlesha (MSc Clinical Embrology and Assisted Reproductive Technology 2024)

Some of the best friendships begin when you least expect them, and ours started at Leeds.

From countless late nights at Laidlaw Library, convincing ourselves "just one more hour," to making endless plans for Fruity (and somehow always having the best stories, whether we made it there or not), every moment became part of something much bigger.

University of Leeds brought us together as friends, but somewhere between shared meals, endless chats, celebrating the little wins, surviving deadlines, and turning a room into a home, we became homies and then family.

Graduation week was a moment we'll never forget. Even though we graduated on different days, it never felt like separate celebrations. We were there for each other, cheering from the sidelines and celebrating every milestone together.

What makes our story even more special is that it didn't end when university did. We packed our bags and made even more memories travelling together, exploring new places, getting lost, and proving that the best part of every trip wasn't the destination, it was having each other there to share it with.

Looking back, it was never just about lectures, assignments, or earning a degree. It was about finding someone who made Leeds feel like home. The late-night library sessions, the "Are we actually going to Fruity tonight?" debates, the adventures that followed, and the journeys we've taken since have all become chapters of a friendship I'll always treasure.

UoL gave us so much more than an education, it gave us a friendship that grew into family, and a lifetime of memories that continue far beyond campus.

Here's to where it all began, to the adventures we've shared since, and to many more still to come. Happy International Day of Friendship!

Emely (IISMA 2024)

Taken in front of Henry Price Block E. This was our last night in Leeds.

Almost five months of living together, figuring out a new country, and navigating a completely different life somehow turned strangers into family. Being stuck together turned out to be the best fate God had written for us. And saying goodbye was the saddest part of the entire journey.

Even though we're all back to our own lives now, we still make time to see each other whenever we can. Hopefully, one day, we'll all return to Leeds together—as a complete family once again.

Emma Wood (English Literature with Creative Writing 2024)

I came to the University of Leeds as a mature student, staying in Charles Morris Hall, which had me under the impression that I would not meet anyone my age, or who had experienced life like I had. Little did I know that waiting for me in kitchen K2 was another mature student, Katherine, who, it turned out, had been living a life parallel to mine, just in Shropshire, not Sussex!

It quickly occurred to us both that this was a friendship of soulmates. And in the half a decade since we have continued to live parallel lives, whether it's in the stacks of the Brotherton Library, stranded in rural Brittany, or on a sofa in Leeds or Sheffield, you'll find us deep in conversation, continuing to discover our similarities and putting the world to rights. Through working full time while studying, 16 hour library sessions (fueled by muddy puddle brownies), break ups, and navigating university life as mature students, Katherine and I  have remained side by side through it all - and she continues to be one of my most favourite parts of my Leeds experience.

Nomcebo Brilliance Mhlanga (MA Special Educational Needs 2024)

Coming from the humid African temperatures, venturing into the chilly English weather was challenging. My course mate here, Michael Boldin invited us to explore the Leeds Christmas market. Pity only two of us from the group showed up. I am still grateful to this day because because this gave me an opportunity to immerse myself in a culture I had only read about in magazines and one that lived only in my dreams. Talk of priceless moments.

Rachel Milton (Business Management 2024)

Me and my Mum graduating from the same university nearly 30 years apart ! A legacy and university we both adore.

Stacey Nicholson (Social Work 2024)

My lovely uni friends, I miss our catch ups and lunches in the old bar. I am so proud of all we have achieved during our time at uni together 🩷

Vismaya (Computer Science and Mathematics 2024)

I miss my wonderful roommates so so much!! They taught me the meaning of true love and I will carry that with me all throughout my life

Weiguang Liu (History 2024)

I met my best friend in Leeds. He went far beyond just helping me with life and giving me career guidance. More importantly, he taught me the principles of being a good person through his words and actions - that even when we don't get good things back, it's still valuable for us to stay kind and open-hearted.

 As an international student, I'm now back in my home country and working in a job that involves interacting with many people. I'm also trying to pass on the positive influence Leeds had on me to those around me.

Gordon Love (Head of School of Computer Science)

I was touched to reconnect and celebrate the retirement of my old friend from primary school Andrew Robinson - Professor in Leeds University Business School. Great to hear of his career and the impact made by his research. We both reflected that our childhood selves used to pass the University on the bus and felt that it was a rather esoteric and distant place! It’s not - we made it !

Congratulations Andrew! As you can see we’ve barely changed!

Alia Khan (Medicine 2025)

Leeds will always have a special place in my heart an I am forever grateful for my university experience, as without it I wouldn't have met my best friends who I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

Through a Kashmiri society social event I met one of my best friends Aliza. We didn't know each other prior to the event, but bonded over our lack of knowledge about Kashmir (apologies to my ancestors) and had a blast. We continued to message and hang out in Leeds after this and I am forever grateful to have such a funny, kind and beautiful friend.

Through my course itself I was blessed again with an amazing best friend who is one of the coolest people I have ever met (shout out to my bestie Aliyah) . My time spent with her is effortless and I feel like I have hit the lottery in not having one but two funny, kind and beautiful friends.

If I never went to Leeds I would never have met either of my best friends, so on top of my degree Leeds will always have a big space in my heart.

Jayashree Sathyamoorthy (Astrophysics 2025)

The William Bragg Building was our second home, we worked there day and night surviving on late night KFC's and Taco Bells. Every time we were in the verge of giving up, insane TED talks occurred. Most of my best friends were from different backgrounds, places, native languages, but somehow the University of Leeds became our home. In the midst of figuring out our Leeds life, we found each other. Forever grateful.

Sangbida Roy (MSc Environmental Engineering and Project Management 2025)

The University of Leeds has my heart. I am always going to come back to the memories I made each day. Be it having lunch in the Union, shopping in the co-op, having my first Bollywood Diwali party in the Union club itself, having lunch in the Refectory, the halls, walking around the campus in the beautiful sun, spending time in Hyde Park. All the chit chats, late night presentation prep, walking to classes and then out for some coffee. So basically, everything. Thank you so much Leeds!

Yiyun Zhang (Environmental Engineering and Project Management 2025)

This is a photo of me and my friend at the Edward Boyle Library. We were majoring in Environmental Engineering and Project Management. Every day, we would meet at the library to study. The school's courses were very difficult. Sometimes we would discuss how to communicate effectively with the teachers, and then we would chat about classmates and teachers. It was a precious time, with delicious snacks, beautiful scenery, and the sound of fingers on the keyboard. We spent the whole day in the library, starting with a cup of coffee in the morning and ending in the evening.

Zahra Alfaheeda (PhD Immunology 2025)

I moved to Leeds chasing a PhD, 4,000 km from everything familiar. What I didn’t expect was to find a family there too. It happened slowly, in late nights in the lab, in shared meals in tiny kitchens, in conversations that started as small talk and turned into something deeper. Somewhere between the deadlines and the doubts, the people around me stopped feeling like friends and started feeling like home. Some bonds take years to build. Ours were built in a handful of unforgettable ones. Happy International Friendship Day to the ones who made a city 4,000 km from home feel like home.

Anaya (Psychology 2026)

I’ll never forget how nervous I was to embark on this new journey in a completely new country. However, all that nervousness immediately disappeared when I met two people, in my randomly assigned shared flat in Central Village, who would eventually be the sole reasons as to why I loved Leeds so much. The kindness and warmth I felt so far away from home, all the “adulting” stuff we did together for the first time, being able to discover ourselves with so much love and encouragement surrounding us, are all stuff I dreamt about being able to experience as a fresher and so I did.

Our friendship circle only grew bigger with an unexpected (but extremely perfect) addition in final year. Without the three of them, I wouldn’t have had the privilege of being able to miss such an important era of my life. All the heartbreaks of our early 20’s and all the assignments and exams that kept us up for far too long… I’d do it all over again if it meant I could experience how happy we were together one more time.