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Explore UK Studies: Alternatives to Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy remains a popular subject for Canadians looking to study at UK universities, but high demand and limited places for international students can sometimes lead to disappointment and result in not getting into a physiotherapy school. Keep calm, and let Across the Pond help you reassess your options! In this informative webinar, our team will discuss potential back-up options and alternative career paths for passionate students eager to pursue allied health professions. With similar background requirements, and application expectations, Across the Pond's expert advisors can help give you the best possible chances of success whether as a first-time applicant, or as a re-applying student looking to improve their application.
Register now to secure your spot and receive insider tips that improve your chances of studying physiotherapy (or a related profession) at one of our UK partner universities.
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University Applications: Guide to Portfolios
Applying to arts-based and creative industry focussed programmes? Join our expert advising team as we discuss one of the most important elements of your application: the portfolio. In this detailed session, we'll go through everything you need to know about the portfolio including general requirements, how to create/submit a portfolio, when to submit a portfolio, and how your Across the Pond advisor can continue supporting you through this portion of the application.
Register now to secure your spot and receive insider tips that improve your chances of studying arts-based or creative industry programmes at one of our UK partner universities.
Merika
Student Advisor & Event Coordinator
Education
University of Kent
- BA Political Science (University of British Columbia, Canada)
- MA International Relations (University of Kent, UK)
Contact information
Email: merika.yp@studyacrossthepond.com
What did you do before joining Across the Pond?
I was lucky enough to start working for Across the Pond right after I graduated from my MA in England! I started part-time in 2014 attending recruitment events as well as helping with applications. Then I started advising students full time in summer 2015! I also started events coordinating around 2017/2018 to go along with student advising.
Why did you decide to study in the UK?
I took a year off after my BA to figure out what I really wanted to do for my MA. After a few months looking into different options, I learned about options for studying in the UK at a Study Abroad Fair! Since the applications were free, I figured why not apply and see what happens. In the end it seemed like the best (and most cost-effective) choice for me! I had a wonderful time at Kent and it then led me to working with Canada Law from Abroad when I graduated!
Why do you like working for Across the Pond?
The best thing about working for Across the Pond is talking about my time abroad to everyone! I love to travel and had such an amazing time studying abroad, I love to share those stories. It’s great to help students do the same thing, and to get to hear their stories and experiences as well!
Why do you think people from Canada should study in the UK?
Studying in the UK is not as expensive as you might think! My friend and I compared our Master’s program costs after we graduated – we did similar programs but hers was in Canada – and it turned out that mine was actually less expensive than hers. I also finished my program a year earlier than her, which meant starting to work earlier!
A few of my favourite UK things:
1. The museums! There are tons and they are free to visit.
2. The beaches in Scotland. I’m from Vancouver Island and we have some amazing beaches, the ones that I’ve been to on the Isle of Skye were absolutely stunning in comparison!
3. High tea – scones and clotted cream in particular.
4. Walking tours, especially the scary ones (the haunted walking tours in Edinburgh are lots of fun!)
5. Shopping – Primark and Poundland are amazing for students especially!
Hilary
Student Advisor
Education
University of Sheffield
- BA (Hons) Archaeology and Medieval Studies (Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada)
- MA Medieval Archaeology (University of Sheffield, UK)
Contact information
Email: hilary@studyacrossthepond.com
What did you do before joining Across the Pond?
I’ve previously worked in an advisory role several times throughout my career. My first experience was as a residence assistant at Wilfrid Laurier, which provided me with experience counselling students through all manner of issues or helping them with any questions they may have! I also have experience as an Academic Tutor and French teacher, which fostered my interest in sharing my knowledge with others. I worked in these positions prior to my Master’s degree, but they were invaluable experiences which helped pave the way to my work here at Across the Pond!
Why did you decide to study in the UK?
As a Medieval Studies major, the UK was a natural choice for my next steps. With a rich heritage and complex history, the idea of living and learning in the UK and having the opportunity to visit the very sites I was learning about was too compelling to resist. I’ve now graduated from my MA and have been living in the UK on and off for six years and am so glad I took the leap and applied abroad!
Why do you like working for Across the Pond?
I like working with Across the Pond because I’m happy to share my knowledge and first-hand experience to help students with the next steps of their academic journeys. Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime, and it's very rewarding providing students with the information to help them live out their dreams.
Why do you think people from Canada should study in the UK?
I think people from North America should study in the UK, because it is an opportunity to engage with another culture and grow from experiences outside the norm. The UK specifically is a great choice for international students as you can get a world-class education and enjoy close travel-links to Europe.
The history – I love the old buildings!
The pubs
Walking in the countryside
Visiting with my friends
Being able to travel so easily!
Practical Tips for Studying in York
Getting Around York
York is super walkable, which I love, but buses are handy too. As a student you can ride free on the U1 and U2 buses within campus. The U1 is free until Green Dykes Lane and the U2 is free until The Retreat. If you live off campus or plan to go into the city center frequently I would definitely suggest buying a term or annual bus pass on the First Bus app. Many students buy bikes, and Ubers are always available.
Travel Beyond York
The trains here are great. From York you can get to Manchester and Edinburgh in about 2.5 hours, and London in 3.5 hours. Definitely get a Railcard for discounts and try to book tickets in advance. I’ve used nearby airports like Manchester and Leeds Bradford for my Europe trips, it makes weekend travel really easy.
Accommodation
There are a few different types of housing for students in York. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- On-campus accommodation is usually cheaper but you don’t get much choice about what type of room you get and may end up sharing spaces. This is a great way to make friends, but of course some people value more private living spaces.
- Off-campus student residences are pricier but often nicer and full of international students, which makes it easy to meet likeminded people.
- Private rentals are the most affordable long-term, but landlords usually want you to view properties in person, so it’s a better option for after completing first-year. If you’re looking for housing after your first year, this usually starts around November/December.
And if you’re leaving for the summer, don’t forget about storage (spaces book up quickly)!
Banking & Finances
I set up a local bank account, but getting a Wise card has also been really helpful for quickly and easily converting money into any currency I needed when travelling.
Hope this helps!
Why study Law at the University of York?
Why Study Abroad?
For me, studying abroad has been as much about personal growth as it has been about academics. Moving across the world forced me to become more independent and to figure out how to adapt quickly to a new environment.
Another big part of the experience has been travel. Coming from North America, I’ve loved how connected Europe is. Flights and trains make it easy to take trips I’d never be able to do at home. Some of my favourite memories so far include celebrating Halloween in Lisbon and Lagos, Portugal, visiting magical Christmas markets in Sweden and Denmark, and taking a weekend trip to Edinburgh for even more Christmas markets. Those opportunities are one of the best parts of living here.
Why York? - City Vibe & Culture
I chose York because I wanted somewhere smaller and more personal than London, but still lively. The city is full of medieval streets, old stone walls, and beautiful architecture. It feels like you’re walking through history every day. People are also genuinely friendly, which makes settling in a lot easier.
Why York? - Small & Cosy, But Never Boring
York is the right size: big enough that there’s always something going on, but small enough that you get to know it really well. I’ve loved the pop-up markets, abundance of thrift shops, and spending time in cafés and pubs. Some of my favourite spots are Shambles Korner, Gatehouse Coffee, Valhalla Pub, House of Trembling Madness, Nola, and SPARK. If you want to know what’s happening around the city, I recommend following @york.uk and @york.independentlife on Instagram.
Why York Law School?
One of the main reasons I chose York Law School is its unique problem-based learning (PBL) approach. I found the idea of working through real-life legal problems in small groups much more engaging than traditional lecture-heavy teaching. It’s been a great way to learn because it mirrors how lawyers actually think and work, and it makes classes feel collaborative rather than competitive. I’ve really enjoyed the mix of seminars, workshops, and independent study, and I feel like it’s helped me develop not just legal knowledge but also practical skills like teamwork, research, and communication.
Finding My Way Across The Pond
Studying abroad was something I wanted to do but never really had the opportunity. When I started considering law school and was researching things like the LSAT (law school admission test), Canadian law schools, articling (a required internship period) and other steps I may need to take to reach my goal of practising law, I came across many blogs and articles suggesting I may be able to reach that goal outside of Canada. This immediately piqued my interest.
Upon starting my research on international study, I found myself incredibly overwhelmed with the sheer number of schools and directions I could go to pursue my law career. I knew I wanted to be in Europe and, with my area in Canada being a common law system, it helped me narrow it down to the UK. Still feeling lost, I decided that there must be a community of people who can help me out. This led me to Across the Pond. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this company on google that day. They walk you through the entire process of applying internationally and help you narrow down the schools based on your preferences and any existing qualifications. Brittany (my student advisor with Across the Pond) was so helpful and kind guiding me through the process of applying.
Why University of Sussex? Why Brighton?
The University I attend (University of Sussex) is slightly outside of Brighton which was another selling factor for me since I am more of a country girl. I’ve enjoyed the vast amounts of trails surrounding the university in Stanmer Park on numerous occasions. Something Canadian applicants should know is that there is a significant Canadian population attending school here, especially law! The student housing that’s offered is also a great way to meet people and make connections. I love the ‘small town city” feel that Brighton offers with cute markets and social events. Being from the west coast of Canada, the true selling factor of Brighton was its proximity to the ocean. I grew up on a small island and the ocean has always felt like home.
