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Lochs, Libraries and Lack of Sleep: My First Week in Scotland
My first week in Glasgow was filled with new places, jetlag, unique and delicious foods, jetlag, breathtaking sights, and more jetlag.
Things didn’t get off to the best start though. Due to a mixture of excitement and nerves, I was unable to sleep on my overnight flight over from Canada. Excitement soon turned into bleary-eyed exhaustion, but when the plane began its descent to Glasgow, I started to see the rolling mountains, and the butterflies in my stomach were fluttering like it was the mating season. I kept thinking, "I'm here! I made it!" and that feeling made the sleep deprivation worth it… just.
I was sad to leave my friends and family, but I was looking forward to studying Information and Library Studies at the University of Strathclyde, a long-term goal for my career development. On top of that, I’d be living with my partner, who had moved up from the North West of England, so at least I’d have someone who can half understand the accent.
I’ve never lived in a foreign country before, so it was only natural to feel a little apprehensive, but with the journey out of the way, I could embrace being an international student in a new country. On the car ride to my new home, I was in awe at the rolling hills that encompassed Scotland, it almost took my breath away. I felt so lucky that I could call this place home for the next year and also proud of myself for taking this on.
I had arrived a month before classes started, so welcome week orientation hadn't begun yet. But there was plenty to check out in Glasgow before my course started. I decided to use this time before classes started to take in local sights and familiarize myself with Glasgow, including the University Campus and a few museums. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum was pretty spectacular, and as a future librarian, it was great to check out The Mitchell Library, one of the largest libraries in Europe.
Although I was sleep-deprived the first week, I was still able to spend some time in the great outdoors. We visited Loch Lomond and hiked up Conic Hill - a manageable two- to three-hour hike that’s perfect if you’re suffering from jetlag and not ready for a full day excursion. Unfortunately, I wore what I believed to be a waterproof jacket for the hike, and it turns out what’s waterproof in Canada isn’t cut out for Scottish rain. My so-called rain jacket began absorbing the water instead of repelling it and I was distressed to realize that I had become a sponge. Still, I was determined to make it to the top, and I don't know if that was the delirium from the lack of sleep or my sheer will, but somehow I did. As I continued taking on water, I was nevertheless blown away by the sights along the route. The lochs (Scottish term for lake) and mountains were a sight to see, and I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to have all this so close to home. After the hike, we headed straight into a warm, cozy pub-restaurant where I tried Haggis for the first time, and I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was! I look forward to having it again, just so long as no one tells me how it’s made.
Staying fit is important to me, and by far my favourite way to do so is through boxing, so it was important that I found a great gym for the year. Thankfully, Glasgow is well served for aspiring pugilists, with a number of great boxing and kickboxing gyms around the city, as well as the extremely convenient 9ROUND which offers a lung-busting 30-minute workout that’s perfect when you’re short on time.
Over the course of the week, we also managed to take in a football game, go to the cinema, and eat out probably more than we should. I look back at my first week in Scotland with the fondest, albeit somewhat foggy memories. Throughout this time, I just kept thinking of how lucky I was to be living here.
I recommend students to look at Scotland when they are thinking about studying in the UK. Scotland has so much to offer international students, from its rich culture to majestic scenery. If you're thinking about studying in the UK, maybe even Scotland, please contact an Across the Pond student advisor for more information.
- Jaclyn
BOUND FOR BELFAST- First weeks in Northern Ireland
My journey to the United Kingdom didn’t start off as smoothly as I had imagined. Before I had booked my flight, I experienced some technical difficulties with my visa application, causing me to miss my orientation week, and as a result miss out on some vital information, which I will discuss later. However, for some reason I was not stressed. Maybe it was due to the excitement of living in the UK, or maybe that fact I was finally able to start law school, I was not worried. It was also reassuring to know, that if I had any questions, I could turn to my advisor at Across the Pond, and she would be able to assist my or direct me to someone who could.
Once my visa had arrived, I booked my flight right away. Before I knew it I was on a plane, and had embarked on my journey to the UK, specifically Belfast. After one connecting flight and waiting in several lines, or queues as they are referred to in the UK, I had arrived in Belfast. The border officer was nothing but kind and extremely helpful. She thoroughly went over the aspects of my student visa, which I had already known but appreciated nonetheless, and informed me what would happen if I did not pick up my biometric residence permit (BRP). Once I had promised her I would pick it up within the time period, she gave me the stamp of approval, literally, and I was on my way to start this new chapter of my life.
WHERE DO I GO?
As I mentioned earlier, I had missed the international orientation at Queens University Belfast, but since I had emailed international admissions before my arrival, they were able to guide me through what I needed to complete.
After I had recovered from jet lag, which took me an entire day and night, I set out to explore my new home, but most importantly complete the immigration check for the school. The first step was finding the building. I decided to stop by the international students office to ask for help, and see if there was anything else I needed to complete. They two individuals at the reception were very helpful and informative. The most important piece of information I took away was the Queen’s University App that showed me all the events that Queen’s was hosting, as well as a map of where all the buildings were. An extra benefit; I got a free tote bag!
Once I casually made my way to the building where the immigration check was happening, I found signs everywhere directing me where to go. The process was simple and efficient. At each step, student volunteers were eager to help and guide me through the process to ensure everything was completed correctly. Further, I was able to pick up my BRP here, and receive my student card for which my picture was taken right then and there. All in all, I was very impressed with the system that the University had in place to complete the immigration check, and on top of that, the patience that the staff members and student volunteers had to help international students.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Overall my first few days were quite eventful. I was able to complete the important and required immigration paperwork, but also walk around the campus and familiarise myself with all the different areas of it. I must say I am quite comfortable exploring and wandering on my own, which allowed the first few days to be enjoyable, even though I was alone. If you are not comfortable being alone, I would highly recommend the orientation weeks, in order for you to meet new people, and have someone to explore with. One of my favourite things is discovering something new a daily basis. Whether it is a new fun bar, or a new quaint street, the discoveries are endless. You too, could be on this journey. The first step is to reach out to Across the Pond, and contact an advisor today.
- Bleen
Why I chose to study in the UK
I knew I wanted to study abroad since high school. After visiting a few historic universities while on a trip to Spain I knew I would one day move to somewhere in Europe to study. I have family who studied in the UK and while Spain was my inspiration to study abroad, the UK was always in the back of my mind. When I saw Across the Pond at my university’s postgraduate studies fair, I immediately knew I had to connect with an advisor to start my application process.
The UK is a great place to study and there are many reasons I ultimately decided to come here to complete my MSc.
QUALITY OF EDUCATION
- One major bonus with studying in the UK is that it will make you stand out when applying for jobs back in Canada. When applying for jobs you will be recognized above other applicants due to your education.
- Some of the world’s top universities reside in the UK. The university that I am studying at happens to be a Russell Group university, which is sort of like the UK's version of Ivy League. Some other Russell Group universities include Oxford and Cambridge!
SHORTER PROGRAM LENGTH
- This was another major bonus for me when looking into studying in the UK. At home my program would be 2+ years but here it’s only 1. I will be completing my masters before many of my friends back home even start theirs.
- Having a shorter program also means that in the long run I am may end up saving money. Rather than paying for 2 or more years’ worth of tuition I only have to pay for one year.
ACCESS TO TRAVEL
- From the city I live in I am able to travel very easily across the UK. After just 1.5 hours on the train I’m able to go to Edinburgh and just 3 hours on the train to London! I often have Friday and Monday off school so I can easily do a day trip or spend a weekend in either city.
- Beyond that, international travel is much more affordable and accessible here as everything is much closer than it is back in Canada. You can travel to most places by train as well, so there is no need to go through the often hectic process of air travel.
CHANGE AND ADVENTURE
- I have lived in the same province my whole life and by the time I had completed my undergraduate degree I was ready for a change. I knew I wanted to go to grad school right away, but I also wanted to be able to travel and experience other ways of life. Studying in the UK has let me have all of that. Not only do I get the change I desired and the adventures I wanted to have, but I can do it while also completing my masters.
HISTORY
- A reason I wanted to study in the UK is because of the history. This may be something that is more subjective, but I love old architecture, castles, and being able to feel the history of a place just by walking down the street. There is no shortage of that here, and every day I am amazed by how old and historic everything is here.
HOW EASY ACROSS THE POND MAKES THE PROCESS
- This was a major reason I ended up applying for school in the UK. Having an advisor to work with during the whole process made it much easier. It was even easier for me to apply in the UK than it would have been applying to school in Canada because of all the help I received.
- While you still have to pick universities, make a CV, write your personal statement, and collect reference letters your advisor really does the rest. They take away a lot of the stress and confusion that comes with applying to university in another country by putting an application together, helping with the visa process, and always being there to answer questions.
-Kaley
A Year in the Life of a Newcastle University Student
This time last year I was weeks away from moving to England for a yearlong master’s programme. One year later, I am weeks away from my completing my master’s. Despite everything that happened this year, my thoughts on living/ studying in the UK remain that it is an incredible experience and absolutely worth it for anyone that has a desire to study here.
SEPTEMBER: ARRIVAL
After months of applications and planning I finally arrived in Newcastle. I decided to come about 10 days early with family to travel and settle in before starting school. I think this is a great idea to anyone who is able do this, as it really helps to ease into life in the UK. The first month here consisted of travel, setting up my bank account, getting a UK phone number, registering with a GP, and attending international student events.
OCTOBER - JANUARY: FIRST SEMESTER
The first semester of my master’s consisted of required modules. This gave me the opportunity to learn about the foundations of clinical psychology, cultural and professional issues that may arise in my future career, and about developing interventions to encourage healthy behaviour change. First semester was also spent getting used to university in the UK, especially with how assignments are graded. Despite being busy with school I still found time to visit London, attend the Edinburgh Christmas Market, and with a month off school for Christmas I was even able to come back to Canada.
FEBRUARY- MAY: SECOND SEMESTER
Second semester was when dissertation work began and when I could take modules of my choosing. My course had a large class size so getting a supervisor was rather competitive, however this is by no means the case for all programmes. I also learned a lot more directly relevant information such as therapy, developmental disorders, and even had an apprenticeship where I worked in a research team. Second semester also has a month-long break.
MAY- AUGUST: FINAL SEMESTER
The summer semester has no lectures and is completely dedicated to writing your dissertation. Thanks to lockdown and not being able to collect additional data I was able to dedicate most of my time to writing my dissertation, and everyone was given an extension on our projects. While this was definitely not an ideal situation, everything has turned out completely fine! I am now two weeks away from submitting my dissertation, the UK is opening back up, and life is progressively going back to ‘normal’.
AUGUST: THE YEAR COMING TO AN END
With only two weeks left of school I have been thinking about how fast this time has gone and what a crazy year this ended up being. I am still finishing the year with a master’s that prepared me to get a job in my desired field and is the perfect next step to eventually completing a doctorate. Even after everything that has happened, moving to the UK was still an amazing experience and absolutely worth it; so much so that I have decided to take my adventures to Scotland to spend another year in the UK.
-Kaley
Law Highlights: How to Choose the Best Law School for You
Are you considering studying law in the UK? Is the number of options in the UK overwhelming you? Studying Law in the UK is a popular route for Canadian students, but studying in a new country is a big commitment. Join our advising team as they go over the things to consider when choosing a UK law school, including cost, opportunities, classes, and how to apply, to help you narrow down your options! Studying abroad is a big decision, so join us as we discuss the criteria to consider when choosing which universities to apply to for law, and choosing which offer to accept!
When you study law in the UK, there are a few things to consider, such as: entry requirements, university facilities, location, cost, and type programme. Tune in to find out more about what you should be looking for, and how your advisor can assist with narrowing down your list, and applying!
Not only will this webinar help with choosing where to apply, it can help you narrow down which offer to accept once you have applied!
Leicester
Aberystwyth
