About

Meet the Residence Life Team!

By LucyMcDonald 11 Aug 2023

You may have got the chance to meet the Residence Life Wardens and RLAs at your site since your move-in, but did you know that there is a central Residence Life Team?

Our team work hard to ensure that your central Residence Life events go ahead, as well as overseeing the events at your halls and the support network we provide. Find out more about us below!

Sarah Djuric, Residence Life Manager

Studied: Masters of Education, Specialization in Student Affairs (2022)

Favourite place in Leeds: Kirkgate Market – so much good food, and always something fun going on!

Album on repeat: Asphalt Meadow by Death Cab for Cutie

Currently reading: The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes

Fun facts: I moved over to the UK from Canada earlier this year to join the Residence Life Team at the University of Leeds. I am a big fan of camping, canoeing, snowshoeing and hiking. I lived in the jungle in Belize for a few months working for an Ecology and Education Society – I got to help track turtles, and even helped catch a python once.

Natalie Cherry, Residence Life Assistant Manager

Studied: BA History & French and then MA Professional Language and Intercultural Studies at Uni of Leeds

Favourite places in Leeds: Had some great beer and pizza at Kirkstall Brewery and the vibe is great, also a fan of the Corn Exchange for independent shopping and plants! I also like the plastic free shop Ecotopia (in the central arcade) to stock up on plastic-free essentials. Outdoors wise Kirkstall Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in the inner city.

Album on repeat: Taylor Swift Reputation, SIX The Musical (I’m going to see it soon!) and then mostly I listen to podcasts: Revisionist History, History Chicks, The Guilty Feminist

What am I reading currently: got two books on the go, one is historical fiction and it’s called World Without End by Ken Follett. The other is 21 lessons for the 21st Century (non-fiction) by Yuval Noah Harari.

Fun facts: I’m from Birmingham and I love to shout about it! I’ve been living in Leeds for 8 years but will always have a soft spot for my home city. I did cheerleading and wrote for a women’s magazine while I was at University. I go jogging and try to do yoga once a week. I’m a huge reality TV fan and am currently following: Drag race UK S4, Drag race Canada S3, Strictly & GBBO. I also love the outdoors and despite living in a city I try to go hiking and swim in the sea whenever I can!

Dom Owens, Residence Life Coordinator

Studied: History at Newcastle University

Favourite place in Leeds: Scotland Wood- really peaceful place, great for walks and not that many know about it!

Watching at the moment: The new Lord of the rings series, Rings of Power. Not as good as the films, but enjoying it so far!

Album on repeat: Gorillaz, Demon Days. Never gets old!

Favourite Residence Life event: Hall Awards last April- was great fun to go to a formal dinner and celebrate the work of Residence Life Assistants and the Residence Life Social Committees. I would definitely recommend checking out those opportunities!

Rae Hughes, Events Coordinator

Studied: Maths at Aberystwyth University

Album: MOTH by The Narcissist Cookbook

Currently Reading: Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating

Favourite Place in Leeds: Wharf Chambers

Fun Facts: I’ve been volunteering as a DofE leader for the past five years. I run an Explorer Scout Unit in Meanwood. I am obsessed with Climbing; it takes up most of my free time. I came 3rd in my first ever marathon. I have a passion for Photography.

Lucy McDonald, Residence Life Marketing Executive

Studied: BA Media Production at University of Lincoln, MA in Graphic Design at Leeds Beckett University

Favourite place in Leeds: Golden Acre Park for a chill day out, Call Lane for a Saturday night.

Currently reading: The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan

Album on repeat: Be the Cowboy by Mitski

Fun Facts: I was born and raised in Leeds, so I know and love it a lot! I previously worked in CGI and VFX before taking some of the other skills I learned in my degree to have a career change and move into marketing. I love filling up my free time with loads of activities, so I’ve played on a cricket team and a dodgeball league, joined a kayaking society, took dance classes and competed in competitions and also got involved with a few theatre productions as a singer and performer. I’m an avid reader and a lover of films. Swimming and painting are the two hobbies that really help me to chill!

Tom Wallis, Residence Life Intern

Studying: Economics and History with a year in industry

Favourite Place in Leeds: Roundhay Park is a great place to get your steps in and get outside just a short drive from campus. Leeds Golf Centre as an avid golfer I spend too much time and money at Leeds golf centre both on the course and at the driving range trying to improve my game!

Album on Repeat: Stick Season- Noah Kahan

Currently Watching: Rewatching Game of Thrones for the 4th time. Yes I am slightly obsessed.

Fun Facts: I am a huge sports fan supporting Manchester City, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Nuggets, and my local team Altrincham. I also play lacrosse for the University and football in a Sunday league. I also have a black belt in karate!

LucyMcDonald is Marketing Executive for Residence Life. Fun fact: I'm a Leeds native and I specialised in VFX and CGI before having a career change and getting into the wonderful world of Marketing!
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Meet the Team,