THE MOST FUN AND EXCITING TIMES OF MY LIFE
Describing my university experience in the United Kingdom is a difficult task, as it has honestly been one of the most fun and exciting times of my life. I heartily recommend this experience to anyone who is thinking about a Master's, as living and studying in a new country allows you to not only explore new cultures, but also appreciate home more. At the beginning of my experience, settling into the university was a lot easier than expected. I live in university accommodation so everyone I met was in a similar situation of being in a new city (or country) and of knowing no one, we all became fast friends. The university offered services and a welcome package to help me every step of the way; it was an exciting time and while it was a little scary coming to a university in a new country I was able to settle in and become comfortable here in no time.
As a student of medieval archaeology, I chose University of Sheffield because of its amazing archaeology department and the comprehensive courses offered. The quality and direction of the education I was going to be receiving was the most important factor in my decision to choose Sheffield University, and it has since proven to be a good choice.
Sheffield is an interesting city. It was originally very industrial and has since transitioned into a very hip and welcoming place to live. There is always something to do, either in the city centre or in the peak district, and it is small enough that I feel very comfortable moving about and yet large enough to host any number of events and festivals. That being said, the cost of living is much greater in the United Kingdom simply because the pound is stronger than the Canadian dollar. This has impacted my lifestyle in certain ways; I eat out much less and I don’t spend as much on things I want. I tend to put any extra I have into travelling the county, something I do quite often! At the beginning of the year, when I had less coursework, I would visit one city in the surrounding area every weekend, exploring the country and having small adventures. The British transit system is amazingly easy to navigate and there are few places you cannot get to. Cities like Manchester and York have become regular destinations, and from Sheffield I have been able to travel to London, Edinburgh, and even Paris at very little expense. I would definitely recommend a rail pass!
Without Across The Pond, I don’t think I would have had the courage to apply for my Master's in the United Kingdom. It was such a daunting task, and having someone who understood the process and who was there to support me in my academic endeavours was an invaluable resource, making my experience applying for my Master's much less stressful and intimidating than it otherwise would have been.
THE BEST CHOICE I HAVE EVER MADE
Going to University of Roehampton has been the best choice I have ever made! It has given me invaluable experiences and amazing lifelong friends. I have felt supported by Roehampton's staff every step of the way, whether it be an academic or personal problem.
The social life at Roehampton is amazing and one of the most special parts about campus life. There is always something going on, which makes socialising so easy!
Living in London is truly a once in a lifetime experience as well. Public transportation is easily accessible all across London, which makes it so easy for sightseeing and travelling from different parts of London.
Overall, Roehampton is a great fit for all aspiring students. It makes every student feel at home in as big of a city as London.
THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE
My experience living and studying in Scotland has been the best experience of my life. The staff at RGU were so accommodating to international students and worked hard in providing us with a superior education that has proven itself over and over with the quality of graduates returning to begin employment in their home countries.
My program (MSc Physiotherapy pre registration) was a special one for me, giving me opportunities to do placements all over the country and meet so many of Scotland’s people. The locals were always so polite and kind and also curious to learn more about me and my culture.
The friends that I made in the program continue to be close to me even though we are located at all points on the globe. This international network has certainly made travel a lot more fun.
My degree gives me a new, international, perspective to healthcare. This perspective is attractive to employers who are used to seeing candidates with Canadian degrees. My degree also is a great conversation piece for my patients that I see everyday, who are intrigued to see how their life is different from those in another country.
I HAVE MADE SOME GREAT FRIENDS
I am now attending Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, UK doing a masters in International Studies (International Relations). Initially I chose this school because of its location in Oxford but since coming here the program is well rounded to provide different opportunities after graduation. Having visited Oxford before, the city was one of the biggest factors to move here. It is big enough to do some exploring in your spare time but nothing is ever too far away. Oxford has a good mix of being very historical and traditional but with all the students there are always new things going on.
The cost of living is a little more expensive from home (Ontario, Canada) but there are always things to do and see that are both interesting and free. Living in university accommodations made the transition of moving here and settling into the university almost stress-free. The wardens of the halls were extremely helpful and having the first week to take in your new surroundings made it that much easier. While classes keep you fairly busy, there are many activities that could keep you involved, give you a break from work and allow you to make new friends. For me personally, I have joined a salsa dancing group but more casually I enjoy walking through the Oxford University Parks or even the city centre in general.
Taking this time to relax and do something you enjoy or even something new is one piece of advice I would give to a new student coming to Brookes, or even Oxford in general. As important as it is to keep on top of your work, having some time to unwind is essential especially if you are living in accommodations where the rooms are not very big. One other thing I would say is to talk to and get to know your tutors. Especially at Brookes, they are very approachable, helpful and happy to talk to you no matter what is going on.
Since I have been here, I have made some great friends and we have done some travelling together. London is a quick, easy and, as a student, fairly cheap bus or train ride for a day or weekend in one of the most famous cities in the world that I have done often. Over the Christmas Break I was joined by 3 new friend who went on a 3 week vacation to Spain, the French Riviera, and Italy. Being in the International Studies MA also allowed me to participate in a trip to Brussels and The Hague for a few days seeing sights like the EU Parliament and the International Criminal Court. I also have some upcoming plans to travel to Poland and Prague during the Easter Break and to Greece at the beginning of the summer before my dissertation takes up all my time.
I had a fabulous experience with Across the Pond. My advisor was very helpful right from the start, recommending Universities and programs that would be suited to me, all the way through helping with my visa and answering question that both my parents and I had. One of the best aspects of working with Across The Pond were the quick responses I received to questions and the role my advisor played in communicating with the universities regarding things like application submissions and acceptance requirements.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Across the Pond provides an exceptional service in personal advice and student guidance. I met my advisor from Across the Pond at a university conference in Toronto. I liked her professional approach and her willingness to help me find the school that was best for me. She was with me every step of the way, answering my countless questions, and making sure that I was very well informed about the whole application process. Once the application process was successfully completed, my advisor gave me further information about student life in England. Studying in the UK is the most exciting endeavour. An international student needs proper guidance to be able to begin that academic journey successfully. Across the Pond goes above and beyond expectations to guide prospective students from Canada.
Thank You Across the Pond!!!
