After studying in the UK, I consider it a second home and try to visit whenever possible

Study English at Kingston University London - Student Experience

The Application Process

When I decided that I wanted to undertake master’s studies in the UK, I had no idea what it would involve. I completed my undergraduate studies in my hometown, so this was my first time studying away from home. My advisor was great about answering any questions or concerns I had before I applied. As such, I had realistic expectations for the application process, and the cost of my degree from the beginning.

Of the universities that I applied to, the programme lead at Kingston was the only academic that reached out to me by phone for a one-on-one chat about the programme, my research interests, and my personal goals for my studies. It made a huge difference in my final university/programme decision because I felt that the university cared about me as a prospective student and valued the contributions that I would make to the programme itself. 

It is more common for UK universities to issue offers based on their review of academic transcripts, personal statements, references etc., but having that personalized phone call really made me feel that my offer from the university was more than an automatic offer when I met the standard entry requirements. 

Across the Pond was essential to my application success and understanding of the visa process. Handling everything on my own would have been extremely overwhelming, especially since I was working full-time while working on my university and visa applications. Having someone to answer my questions or communicate my concerns with kept the stress off my shoulders entirely and enabled me to take things step-by-step.
 

Student Life 

I found student life was very similar overall to that of Canadian studies. The university made sure to have different student mixer activities to help engage international students with the university community. This helped me meet other students (home and international) who were also experiencing the university campus/environment for the first time. 

The primary difference I noticed was with learning expectations as the UK environment is more focussed on individual responsibility for learning. Missing a required reading in the UK would significantly hinder my ability to contribute to class discussions so it was extremely important to come to class prepared and keep track of deadlines. I loved studying in an environment that encouraged independent research, and valued student individuality/contributions to their own learning. Smaller class sizes meant each student had the chance to bring their own insights about assignments/readings into the class discussion and create more informal relationships between students and tutors (professors). This enhanced the overall understanding and applications of the texts. Class discussions were also more informal, and the tutors were just as engaged with student discussion as they were with providing their own insights.  

The one thing I didn't expect was learning a new method of formatting my essays as I'd completed my entire Canadian degree using MLA formatting. My UK assignments were all required to be formatted using MHRA formatting which meant that I needed to learn the new formatting quickly, and triple check everything to ensure it was referenced properly. 

As a student of English Literature, I wanted to focus on how Canada's contemporary written literature was developed through its English origins by analyzing similar themes in texts from both countries. Since my programme lead took us to the British Library to ensure we were able to obtain a membership, I spent a lot of my free time at the British Library, especially during the summer months when I was working on my dissertation. I could access books/archives for personal interests while also doing research for my dissertation. Books, a cafe, rotating exhibits - it had everything I needed to spend a full day if I wanted to! It was also fairly direct to get there from my flat (only requiring one train switch). I'd also frequently meet my dissertation supervisor there (instead of meeting at the university) to discuss my progress or ask any questions over a cup of tea. 

One of the best parts about the English Literature master's programme at Kingston was our core module. Not only was this the only time I saw everyone from my programme in one place, but the module also involved selecting a few 'field trip' components to enhance the texts/readings of that week. They occurred every second or third week rather than being in the classroom and enabled me to explore areas of London along with my peers including Kew Gardens, the National Gallery, the British Library, and the Museum of the Home. 
 

Location, Location, Location 

Kingston is a beautiful Anglo-Saxon market town rich with history. I loved walking along the Thames, and getting vegetables at the weekly market. Kingston mixes old architecture and charm with modern conveniences (such as a large shopping mall, cinema, chain restaurants etc.)  

There's also a 24-hour bus route that runs from Kingston to central London which was amazing. I never had to worry about being in London and missing the last train or tube. There is also a direct bus to Heathrow Airport, easy rail links to Gatwick Airport, and access to other major rail lines such as Clapham Junction. Getting around London, the UK, and beyond was always extremely easy. 

The biggest adjustment I had was realizing I didn't need a car to get around. Growing up in Canada, it is very common to use a car daily to get to work, school, or various other activities. In London, and even in the boroughs of London, I could easily get wherever I needed to go simply by taking public transport and walking. I love the public transport options in London and at any given time I had at least 3 different ways to get from Kingston to London and beyond. It also encouraged me to walk more! 

I lived off-campus in a building entirely filled with international postgraduate students. This was a great way to meet people my own age. I was also able to arrange the accommodations while I was still living overseas. I had 3 flatmates in my flat, each with a private bedroom/bathroom and we had a shared kitchen space. 

The building itself was within walking distance of a 24-hour supermarket (rare for London) which was great if I needed to do any shopping after late classes, or even just grabbing furniture/home items for my flat.  

There was also a bus stop just outside the building which went to a main Kingston bus station. At the main station, there were university buses for students to the different campuses.  
 

Free Time

I was always keen to attend a play/musical (often getting last minute tickets if I had a free evening) and loved exploring London’s museums and restaurants. I also loved walking through the Royal Parks (especially Richmond Park, Regent’s Park, and Hyde Park), and visited many historical sites in/around London like Hampton Court (a short distance from Kingston), Windsor Castle, and Buckingham Palace.  

Before studying in the UK, I had never been to the country, but had always loved the history, pop culture, and lifestyle of the Brits. After studying in the UK, I consider it a second home and try to visit whenever possible. It’s incredible how one year can change the entire trajectory of your life, but that is exactly what studying in the UK has done for me! 

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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. 

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

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