The best decision I could have made for myself

Study Law in the UK at University of Sussex - Student Experience

When the world shut down in March 2020, I was disappointed with myself for taking life for granted and promised myself I would never do that again. Within the year, I had to make the decision to either move to England for law school at the University of Sussex or stay in a comfortable environment in Canada. I reflected on that feeling of lockdown, the feeling of wanting more out of life, so needless to say, I took the chance and moved abroad. Turns out, it was the best decision I could have made for myself. 

When moving to the UK, I was naive about what moving to a new country was going to entail. From figuring out a new healthcare system, and setting up a bank account, to grocery shopping, there are a lot of logistics to figure out. With all the hardships that come along with moving to a foreign country, comes a lot of triumphs. After making one move, it feels like the entire world has expanded and the possibilities are truly endless.  
 

University of Sussex

Small actions make the biggest difference when arriving in a new country, such as the University of Sussex setting up an office where students can go pick up their visa cards on campus. Not only is it a beautiful campus surrounded by national parks, but it also has a sense of community and comradery between students and professors. If you are ever lost on campus, you can stop anyone walking through and they will happily guide you in the right direction. 

The law school at Sussex has an incredible community, with so many resources available for students. The professors genuinely care about the students and their passion for teaching is clear. The law school at Sussex offers incredible opportunities from mooting and client interviewing competitions to practical legal clinic work, students have the chance to build their skills outside of the classroom. 
 

Brighton 

Brighton beach has allowed for beautiful summer days and winter walks on the pier. There is always a new café to try and delicious food to be had, the options are overwhelming. Students who attend the University of Sussex tend to live close to each other when living off campus, which allows for close connections to your friends. You get to run into familiar faces at the grocery store and when taking the bus to campus, which are the little things that make living abroad feel like home. The public transportation in Brighton is exceptional and allows every location to be accessible by bus. From central Brighton to the University of Sussex, it is a 15-minute bus ride, with buses coming every 7 minutes. 
Advice I would give to potential students is to look up the nearest airport and knowing how to get from the airport to your relevant living area. London Gatwick is a quick 30-minute train ride away from Brighton, with trains scheduled every 20 minutes.
 

Exceptions vs Reality

With Tik Tok, it is easy to glamorize and romanticize moving abroad, and while there are amazing moments, there comes a side that the internet does not show. The moment after the goodbyes are completed to loved ones and you have the moment of what do I do now, appreciate the butterflies and make the step outside of your comfort zone and reach out to other students. Or when you are craving a piece of comfort, but the restaurants that you have back in your home country taste just a little different in the UK, you will find your new favourite UK restaurant, and that becomes your comfortable meal now. When you are on public transport, trying to get to a new place for the first time, you put on your favourite album, just for that piece of mind. 

What I am trying to get at is there will be moments that you are uncomfortable, but you will find what works for you to get through those moments. You will look back at those moments and reflect on how you overcame and grew from them. For inspiration, I suggest listening to your own your own, kid by Taylor Swift, Tik Tok has named it the song for international students living abroad! 
 

Conclusion 

To anyone considering moving to the UK for school, the personal growth that you will see in yourself will give you the courage to do anything you want in the future. Not everyone can pack up their life and move for school, there will be challenges that come your way, but it will all be worth it. I have completed my second year abroad, and I cannot fathom how quickly time has gone by. I look at the UK has my home now, and I choose to spend my time outside of term dates still in the UK. When you go abroad, appreciate the nerves, and enjoy the moments of the unknown, these are going to be the moments you remember forever and will be proud of overcoming.
 

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Partner Referral

Every year Across the Pond helps around 500-1000 Canadian students with their application to the UK, which means we can provide expert advice to support students through the entire process. This is something we are very proud of - and all the positive feedback from students, parents and not least the universities themselves is something that makes us always want to maintain the personalised support service we offer. Our university partners trust us to support students in Canada through the application process in a way that they aren't able to do themselves. 

Digital Meeting with a Student Advisor

Book an online session with an advisor with Across the Pond to learn more about studying in the UK! 

Make sure you book the meeting at least 2 days ahead of time. Please specify your preferred means of connecting with your advisor (Microsoft Teams, call to your phone). If you opt to receive a phone call, your caller ID will show an unlisted number when your advisor calls so be sure not to screen it. 

Sign up for a digital meeting with a student advisor

Fill in the form below to register your interest, and your student advisor (if you already have one) will contact you directly. If you do not have an advisor already, we'll set you up with one and they will contact you to arrange your meeting. 

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Your advisor will contact you directly to confirm a time and date. Requests must be submitted at least 2 days in advance of your preferred date. Please note that we can not promise that you will receive an appointment at the desired time, but will do our best to comply with your wishes. If the advisor does not have the opportunity at the desired time, they will work with you to set up an alternative time. 
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Take your JD Canadian pathway at the University of Law

The University of Law Lecturer Sarah Zaghloul (of Ontario) discusses the Canadian Pathway at the university! View this very informative session to learn more about studying at the University of Law and transitioning to being eligible to practice law in Canada.

Recorded: 28 July 2022

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University of Law *

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Law at the University of Worcester

This online session provides insight into studying Law at the University of Worcester.  Worcester aims to provide innovative and high-quality law degrees that prepare students for the profession, while also encouraging them to be contributors to society.  They take pride in their schedule of extracurricular and employability programs to further help student development.  Watch this session to learn more about opportunities for law study at Worcester.

(Recorded: 9 November 2021)

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University of Worcester

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Studying Physiotherapy at the University of Winchester

This session provides insight into studying Physiotherapy at the University of Winchester. They focus on developing practitioners that are compassionate problem solvers. Students have the opportunity to gain experience at the university's health clinic, while also learning the required physiology, anatomy, and science skills necessary to be a successful physiotherapist. Watch this session to learn more about Winchester's take on this important field.

(Recorded: 8 July 2021)

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University of Winchester

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Study in Scotland at the University of Dundee

This online session is an introduction to studying at the University of Dundee! You will learn why Dundee is such a great place to study (for instance, its very high rate of student satisfaction while also being a serious medical innovator) and why a Scottish education may be a great option for you. 

(Recorded: 26 May 2021)

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University of Dundee

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UK Student Visa Webinar for Canadian Students

Join our Student Advising Team as we cover the visa basics: what a student visa is, who needs one, when and how to apply. We'll cover common misconceptions we hear from students regarding the visa process and provide our 'Top Tips' for completing the online visa application. 

To attend, register your details below and one of our team will be in touch to confirm your university offer and to provide you with a link to attend the webinar. 

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VFS Student Saturday Special Appointments

To request a VFS Student Saturday Appointment, please fill out the below information as accurately as you can. Let your advisor know if you have any questions. 

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Creating a Strong Application: Professional Health Programmes

Join our advising team as we discuss the requirements for applying to a professional health programme in the UK. We'll highlight common errors that we see students making when first trying to navigate the UK admissions process and provide examples of ways to improve your application. Whether you are applying to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, public health or other allied health fields, we want to ensure the application you submit is the best it can be!

 

 

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