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London Metropolitan - Introduction to London Metropolitan
Have you dreamed of studying in the heart of London? Do you want to combine a stimulating degree programme with all the excitement that a capital city has to offer? If so, then London Metropolitan University might be the perfect place for you! London Metropolitan offers a wide range of study opportunities, including some degree subjects you'll rarely find elsewhere. It is, therefore, a fantastic starting point for exploring your academic options.
Would you like to study in the UK, but won't be able to start your studies in September? You're in luck because this university also offers a good number of courses that start in January as well as September! Learn why you should consider studying at this career-focused university in one of the world's most vibrant cities. Start your journey towards realising your dream of studying at one of the more popular universities in London today. Join us in this session to learn more about what London Metropolitan University has to offer!
Study in the UK - Setting Yourself Up for Success: Professional Communication
Are you looking to set yourself up for success with your UK university applications? Join our advisor Lauren as we discuss how to present yourself professionally when communicating with your UK university choices. Whether it's writing an email, or preparing for your interview, make sure to put your best foot forward and present yourself professionally!
Study Psychology at the University of Roehampton (London)
Would you like to study Psychology in London? Do you find psychology interesting as a field of study, but you wish to better understand the different branches within the subject? What issues does psychology deal with? How can psychology be applied in our daily lives? What is a cognitive interview, and what is Mindfulness? Is there a lot of Maths involved in studying psychology?
Discover your future as a Psychology student at the University of Roehampton, a vibrant and diverse institution located in London. Known for its supportive environment and strong sense of community, Roehampton offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that cater to your academic and career aspirations. The beautiful campus is surrounded by lush green spaces, creating an inspiring atmosphere for study and relaxation. As part of a diverse student body from over 150 countries, you’ll experience a rich cultural exchange that enhances your learning.
Join and watch Dr. Paul Dickerson, a lecturer at the University of Roehampton as he takes us on a journey of discovery within the field of Psychology!
(Recorded 1 July 2021)
Budget Travel for Adventurous Students
One of the main perks of studying abroad is that you get to experience a new country, and new culture. When you study in the United Kingdom, you are exceptionally located to explore any number of different cultures and countries – they’re right on your doorstep!
Unlike in Canada, budget travel is very easy in the UK. Why not jet off to Germany for the weekend? Spend an overnight in Amsterdam, or Paris? Though your studies will be your priority, you may feel the itch to visit somewhere new during school breaks. Join Across the Pond Canada’s advising team as we go over our top tips for travelling on a budget while studying in the UK!
Within the UK
When you first arrive and start classes, you may not have a lot of time for international travel. That does mean that you can’t still see and experience new things! The UK is made up of four distinct countries, and you should absolutely use the close proximity to explore them all, whether it’s a quick train to Wales, or a flight to Northern Ireland. You can travel by:
- Bus: Bus fares between UK cities tend to be quite reasonable! Check out FlixBus or MegaBus, and see where it can take you. You’ll have a view of some lovely countryside out the window as you go.
- Train: Taking the train can be so relaxing – idyllic views of the country, and just that little bit faster than the bus. Though it is pricier than the bus, if you get a yearly railcard, you get discounts on all of your travel – usually, you will save the cost of your rail card with the first trip, so it’s definitely worth it!
- Airplane: Though probably not your first choice for getting around the UK, you can fly between cities! If you’re in London and looking to go to North Ireland or Scotland, this can be a quick and cost-effective way to get around to those places that are a bit further out! Typically, when flying within the UK, your flight won’t be much longer than an hour.
International Travel
What typically surprises most students is how cheap it is to travel to Europe (and sometimes even further!) from the UK. “City-Breaks”, as they are called, are very common – just getting away to somewhere new for the weekend, and returning to work (or school) on Monday. The UK has some great budget airlines, and you can follow quite cheap if you plan ahead!
- RyanAir: Probably the most well-known budget airline in Europe, RyanAir is as cheap and cheerful as they come. They get you with the extra fees, but if you accept random seat allocation, pack your own snacks, and follow the rules for bag size, you can travel very cost-effectively! One RyanAir flight will have you agreeing with all the memes, but you’ll also agree the price makes it worth it (kind of).
- EasyJet: One step up from RyanAir, but still cheap, EasyJet has some great deals.
- EuroStar: While the EuroStar may be a bit pricier, you can take the train to Europe! If you’re planning for a longer backpacking trip on one of your school breaks, taking the train around Europe can be a great way to visit multiple countries in one go!
- Hostels: Hostels aren’t as common in North America, but they’re a staple of Europe, and I promise they’re nicer than the horror stories you’ve heard. Hostels have many different room types, for whatever fits your budget and group size, so definitely take advantage! They’re also a great place to make friends internationally, as most 20-somethings in Europe are using these when they travel. Much cheaper than hotels or AirBnbs!
Final Tips from the Team
Look out for the best deals! If you don’t have your heart set on a certain country or city, but want to get away, you can get incredible deals. Honourable mention to the time advisor Lauren flew to Morocco for £20 round trip, Latvia for £35, and Poland for £40. Be open minded, and you’ll find some amazing places!
Use your student discounts! Make sure you sign up for any student discounts you can, and you may find some travel deals. Get a bus pass and rail card for UK travel, you don’t want to miss those discounts!
- Pack light – especially if you’re only going away for the weekend, all you really need is a backpack. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, and moving around – you don’t want to lug a full suitcase behind you. Bring the essentials only, and you’ll master fitting your life in a backpack in no time!
- Be safe – Especially when solo travelling, make sure you follow standard travel safety rules. You should look up the country you’re going to, ensure you follow any essential local customs (for example, don’t walk into the Vatican with your shoulders showing), and make sure you have phone access. If you don’t feel safe, spend the extra money to get somewhere safe.
While we hope you enjoy your travels, we hope you enjoy your studies to! Make sure you prioritizes your classes and assignments – travel will always be there, but you only have one shot of acing your degree!
Happy travels!
Study Communication in the UK Studying Communications in the UK
Time passes quickly in Aberdeen. The leaves drop without warning and the sun sets earlier every day. It’s hard to believe that two months have passed since the beginning of the semester. I’ve submitted essays, worked on group projects, and given presentations. Yet, I still feel as if I only arrived last week.
I study an MSc in Professional Communication. The program combines linguistics and business, offering a practical approach to the science of communication. Prof. Comm. students learn to communicate effectively across disciplines – a feature that attracted me to the subject. Like any communications program, Prof. Comm. teaches skills that are invaluable and applicable to almost every field of study.
WHY COMMUNICATIONS?
Jim Rohn said, “Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.”
Like many 22-year-olds, my career is still up in the air. I’ve toyed with the ideas of writing, editing, journalism, and public relations. Sadly, no degree combines all of these areas.
Communications is a perfect option for people like us – those who haven’t quite made up their minds yet. I don’t imply that you should use a communications degree to kill time. Rather, you should study communications to add depth to your career. The subject is universal and timeless. You can bring these skills to any job, now or in the future.
Without a doubt, writing is my vocation. Yet, the idea of a full-blown communications degree appealed to me. Even if you have a strong understanding of your professional interests, communication is an extremely practical tool to have on your resume. It complements every field – you can’t go wrong.
WHY THE UK?
Communication is always relevant, no matter the country. That being said, I believe you have more to gain from studying communications in a new country. Here’s why:
- You witness how different cultures communicate within themselves and with outsiders.
- You incorporate new communicative styles into your behaviour that you can bring back to Canada.
- Different countries teach different histories and methodologies. You learn about your subject from an alternative perspective.
COMMUNICATIONS IN THE UK VS. CANADA
Studying in the UK expands your travel options tenfold. Cheap airlines, trains, and busses offer you the opportunity to explore Europe on a student budget. Spain for the weekend? Sure. Edinburgh for lunch? No problem.
Program length is also a major contender for studying in the UK. In Canada, Master’s programs usually last two to three years, full-time. But in the UK, your Master’s will only take one year to complete. Studying in the UK is a great way to accelerate your degree if you want to enter the workforce faster.
BACHELOR’S WORKLOAD VS. MASTER’S WORKLOAD
Undergraduate degrees require you to take several courses at once – typically, full-time students take 4 or 5 a semester. But in my program, I’m only required to study one course at a time. The classes run back-to-back: I have three classes each semester and my final dissertation over the summer.
Naturally, program structures shift from undergraduate to graduate levels. A full-time Bachelor’s student will take a variety of different electives, on top of their required program courses. In my opinion, Master’s degrees are more efficient; I’m only required to take program-specific classes. You might discover that graduate classes demand more effort. However, you end up with more spare time, so your schedule balances out in the long-run.
Time drags when you choose a program or university out of convenience. Don’t settle. Make decisions that will lead to your happiness. Make decisions that will make the months feel like minutes.
- Hailey
