The Loch Ness Monster and Other UK Myths
Written by Lauren - 15/10/2020
by Lauren Cameron, Student Advisor
The UK has so many different myths and legends, most of which we’ve all been hearing about since we were little kids. Why not take the opportunity to study in the UK, surrounded by the myths of the Loch Ness Monster, or Robin Hood? Read on to find out about some UK myths, some of which you probably know, and others that may be new!
The Loch Ness Monster
Of course, Nessie comes first. Almost everyone knows the story of the monster in the lake that people have been trying to spot for thousands of years (literally- the first recorded spotting was in 565 A.D.), but few have actually seen it. The world took an interest in this myth in the 1930’s, when a photograph was released, allegedly of the monster (we now know it was a hoax, but there are recordings that pre-date this!). Why not take a visit up to Loch Ness, Scotland, join the Nessie Hunters, and see what you see? Maybe you’ll be the next sighting – and if not, at least you’ll have seen some beautiful scenery.
Robin Hood
I must have watched the Disney version 100 times, but did you know that Robin Hood and his Merry Men dates back to the 1400s? Ballads and tales have been written about Robin Hood for over a century and a half, and it’s a story we all grow up knowing. Robin Hood steals from the rich to give to the poor, while still remaining loyal to his king. Set in Nottinghamshire, you can visit the Mighty Oak from the story in Sherwood Forest to this day! No one knows whether the legend is based off of a real person, but it is a tale we can all learn something from, even if its fictional.
King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone
Still a relatively well known myth, King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone is a myth of strength and honour. The legend goes that the magician Merlin placed the sword Excalibur in a stone, and whoever removed it would be the rightful king. Arthur removed it, and went on to defeat the country against Saxon invaders, along with many other heroic tales. King Arthur is a central figure in English history, and though some of the legends surrounding him may not be true, we have centuries of literature to thank him for.
Arthur’s Cave
Related to the last one, the resting place of King Arthur is a great Welsh Myth. The story goes that centuries ago, it was discovered by a shepherd. He took a hazel branch from the area, whittled it, and tried to sell it at a market, not knowing he was selling it to Merlin. The shepherd and Merlin returned to the area and found the cave, and found sleeping knights, one of whom was Arthur. When they woke, Arthur announced that it was not their time, and the knights went back to sleep. The shepherd never found the cave again, and neither did anyone else. If you can find this one, let me know, because then you’ll be the stuff of legends.
The Ghost of the Grey Lady
Interested in ghosts? Take a visit to Longleat House, where legend has it you can see the wife of the 2nd Viscount of Weymouth. Why is she haunting the halls? The story goes that she was having an affair with the footman, and when her husband found he killed the footman and buried him in the cellar. He told his wife that the footman had left he estate, but his wife, Lady Louisa, did not believe this, and searched the halls for the footman every night until she died, and allegedly still does so.
The Nine Maidens of Dundee
Near Dundee, Scotland, a farmer lived with his nine daughters. One day, he sent his eldest daughter to fetch water from the well. When she didn’t return, he sent his next daughter, and so on until they were all gone. When he went to investigate, he found them all murdered, and a dragon standing over them. The farmer fled, and returned with some towns people. One man named Martin slayed the dragon, and that place became known as “Strike-Martin”, and later, Strathmartine. You can still visit this place today, and see the stone marking the place where Martin slayed the dragon.
Robert the Bruce
A former King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce is a well-known Scottish figure. What many people don’t know, is that after defeat in battle in the early 1300s, Robert the Bruce went into hiding in a cave, where he watched a spider build a web, against the harsh Scottish climate, for 3 months. When Robert the Bruce returned, he allegedly coined the phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”, inspired by the spider and something we all still say today.
Selkies and Kelpies(Falkirk Kelpies, taken by me)
Scotland sure does love it’s water creature myths. Many Scottish myths contain stories of Selkies and Kelpies, two different kinds of mythical creatures. Selkies are creatures that can transform from human to seal and back, and the stories are thought to originate in the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Kelpies, on the other hand, are water horses that can be found in Scottish lochs and rivers, and can take on human form. If you want to see some Kelpies, head over to Falkirk, where two giant Kelpie statues stand on the outskirts of the city.
There are so many more myths and legends to learn about in the UK. Some of these may have been familiar, while others were not, but I hope you spend some of your time in the UK researching some legends and visiting some sites! Who knows, maybe you’ll spot Nessie, or the Grey Lady.
Are you interested in studying in the UK? Contact us and we’ll get you in touch with your own personal student advisor to help!
Sustainability in the UK
Written by Brittany - 31/08/2020
The human population is collectively working towards finding innovative solutions to maintain a sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Throughout the UK, many universities have taken it upon themselves to join this collective movement and impact the Earth in beneficial ways. By working with companies that utilize Fairtrade practices, contributing to research by offering a wide range of study programmes, and through unique campus initiatives, the UK is moving towards better sustainability for a happy Earth. Here are some ways that universities in the UK are contributing to a happier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Committing to the use of Fairtrade products
Many universities have committed to the use of Fairtrade products throughout their campuses. Products identified with the Fairtrade image on packaging guarantee that the product meets certain standards. The retail price of all Fairtrade products will cover the cost of production as well as an appropriate living wage for workers!
Sustainable agriculture initiatives
Saving the bees:
Bees have two significant roles in their lives and are an important aspect of the world’s economy. The honey that these creatures make contribute to worldwide trading, while pollination allows for healthy flowers contributing to agriculture. It’s no wonder that many nations across the world have shown such importance to the preservation of the bee. The estimated net worth of a bee’s contributions to economic and agriculture services is tens of millions of dollars a year!
One university that is contributing to the global effort to preserve the bees is City University of London. City is contributing to the efforts to save bee populations by keeping beehives, with teams dedicated to take care of the honey and bee populations. This hive is located on the roof of the university!
More information can be found here.
Sustainable food initiatives:
Some UK university campuses have committed to on-campus initiatives for sustainability through food. By incorporating initiatives such as student run vegetable gardens, universities can grow vegetables that can be used throughout campus for both food and further studies!
Contributing to the growing research:
Universities continue to research areas of sustainability and environmental studies as well as food safety and nutrition by offering a growing number of programs. These areas are both crucial when contributing to the evolving world and will allow students the ability to combat important issues concerning sustainability and eco-friendly items.
Reducing Waste and Single-use plastics
Much like various big-name coffee shops we’re familiar with in Canada, some universities are offering discounts at their campus coffee shops for bringing and utilizing reusable cups. This cuts down on campus waste and saves students money; it’s a win-win! Programs and stipulations will vary from university to university so it’s best to check with your university to see what sort of programs are available!
Needing to stay hydrated? Instead of selling plastic water bottles, some UK universities have also started to implement water filling stations to promote sustainability and waste-reduction. Some universities will also include reusable water bottles as part of their student ‘welcome’ package so it’s easy to contribute to a greener campus.
These steps are incredibly important in creating a more environmentally friendly future. The University of Leeds for example has taken a pledge to become free of single-use plastics by 2023.
Reducing carbon emissions
Bike Repairs:
No car? No problem! Getting around campus can be quick and environmentally friendly. Walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation to and around campus.
Universities have started initiatives like secure bike storage and repair shops to keep everything safe and in the best condition. This gets you to where you need to go safely (and faster than walking).
Education of Staff and Students:
An important aspect of working towards lower carbon emission goals is education and research into other sources of renewable sources. Many UK universities have worked towards furthering research and development of these ideas to encourage students to contribute in significant ways. Some universities offer scholarships and grants towards students with ideas that meet their goals.
Universities also strongly encourage student awareness on important environmental matters. For example, students can calculate their personal environmental footprint on the WWF website. The results will show areas of their life that can be altered to become more environmentally conscious!
Promoting official/certified websites and offering grants/scholarships to students who have the ideas needed for growing an environmentally conscious campus are great ways to encourage student participation and get students thinking about their own carbon footprint.
Are you interested in contributing to a more sustainable or eco-friendly world? Contact us and we’ll get you in touch with your own personal student advisor to help!
My Year in England
Written by Kaley - 25/08/2020
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 2019: 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 2019- January 2020: 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 2020: 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. However, one week before this break the UK entered lockdown and the rest of my year in England completely changed.
Travel plans got cancelled, dissertations were put on hold (due to needing in-person participation), lectures moved to online, and almost everyone moved home. To be completely honest this was all very disappointing. With many plans being cancelled and only having one year here it felt like my time here had come to a premature end. However, I quickly adjusted to life in lockdown and, looking back, surprisingly feel as though I didn’t miss out on much. I was lucky that lockdown occurred right before the break so I only had two weeks of online lectures, and I was also extremely lucky to have had a dissertation with data already collected so I was able to keep my project (unfortunately many students had to come up with completely new projects). While second semester took a surprising turn, studying continued and my final semester quickly approached.
May- August 2020: 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 2020: 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. Despite 2020 taking an unexpected turn, 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
I completely recommend studying in the UK, even after everything that ended up happening this year. If you are interested in being a student in the UK, you can find out more by contacting an Across the Pond advisor (trust me, it’s absolutely worth it!).
A Guide to the Best Ice Cream in the UK
Written by Advisor Lauren - 01/08/2023
Ice cream is arguably one of the best desserts there is. There’s so many flavours, it’s refreshing on a hot summer day, and it’s something many of us carry on loving from childhood. One of the first things I did upon moving to Edinburgh was find a good ice cream shop, and then I kept finding them in every city I visited! Below, I’ve provided a guide to the best Ice Cream in the UK that I’ve found (as well as some my friends have found), so you don’t need to!
Mary’s Milk Bar
This is my all-time favourite. Mary’s is a small ice cream shop in Grassmarket, Edinburgh, that has the best ice cream, gelato and sorbet that I’ve ever had in my life. All of the ice cream is hand-made by Mary, and every day she has her three standard flavours (Milk, Salted Caramel, and Dark Chocolate), and then a whole bunch of flavours that rotate throughout the day. My personal favourites are the Goats Cheese and Peach, and anything with Rhubarb (just trust me, okay?). Also, the view while you’re eating is AMAZING.
Mary's Milk Bar
Loop and Scoop
Based in Glasgow, my friends and I would make special trips to the city just for this ice cream. They have the standard flavours that you can expect, but what makes them really special is their churros. You can get a churro cone, churro bites, or their special, the Loop and Scoop, which is a bowl with two types of ice cream and a churro looped over it. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a sugar coma.
Loop & Scoop
Prime Gelato
I visited here with a few friends while on a trip to London, and it was amazing. Serving authentic Italian gelato, this tiny shop has a laid back atmosphere, tons of gelato, and a points card for those that are really passionate about free ice cream!
Prime Gelato London
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium
In June some friends and I visited Manchester, and we found Ginger’s Comfort Emporium! Amazing ice cream, served in a glass, the shop has an old school diner look. The coolest part? It’s on the third floor of an arcade, hidden away to the side, and has a wonder view and tons of shopping to do as you try to find it!
Venchi
Located in Covent Garden, London, this ice cream shop is the #1 recommendation from my friend (who also generously provided photos of all of the ice cream she’s eaten this year). She visited this shop twice during her two week stay (which says a lot, when there are so many ice cream places in London!). Served with a chocolate, doesn’t it just make you want ice cream right this minute?
Venchi
Moo Pie Gelato
Located in Edinburgh, this gelato has some amazing options. Most commonly found at the Pitt Market in Leith (which you should definitely check out‑ it’s a street food market with live music), Moo Pie has rotating flavours that you can have a ton of different ways. Check out the s’mores milkshake below, and also look into their hot chocolate!
MOO PIE Gelato
George & Davis
In Oxford, this recommendation comes to us from Advisor Heather! They have a treat called a “Mad Cow”, that she says you absolutely have to get. I haven’t been to Oxford, but I know where I’m going as soon as I get a chance! They’re known for steaming their ice cream to create a latte, and that sounds like something I need to try.
G&D Cafe
Yolkin Ice Cream
Based in London, our other advisor Brittany recommends Yolkin Ice Cream! This shop specializes in macaron ice cream sandwiches, which sounds like something we all need in our lives, don’t you agree? Located on Rupert Street, don’t miss a chance to try these out!
The other bonus of most of these places? They have sorbet options, for those that are lactose intolerant! I’ve tried the sorbets at the ones I’ve visited, and they’re just as amazing as the ice cream. Definitely check out any of these spots if you’re in the area!
PS. I may or may not have written this blog post while eating dark chocolate ice cream from Mary’s Milk Bar. Did I mention they have it to go?
You can find out more about studying in the UK by contacting one of our Advisors!
Travelling Abroad While Abroad
Written by Advisor Brittany - 15/04/2020
Updated 17 July 2024 by Advisor Brittany.
At some point during your studies you are bound to get the travel bug. One of the bigger perks to living in the UK is that international travel becomes significantly cheaper, and breathtaking destinations are often a short train or plane ride away. If you find yourself with a long weekend, or a break in your class schedule, it’s beyond tempting to jet off to Spain or France for a few days. The best part? YOU CAN! If you’re itching to check off a few bucket-list destinations don’t forget these essential items to make your life as a student easier and give you the ability to vacation in peace. Below I break down some tips for travelling abroad while abroad!
Spontaneity is okay
Make the most of your free time! One of the biggest differences that I noticed when arranging trips while living abroad is that I can book a cheap last-minute trip anywhere with very little hassle! Vacation sites will often have deals for last-minute vacation-bookers so you can land yourself with an amazing deal with short notice.
Remember: If you plan to travel outside of the UK prior to 1 January, 2025, you'll need to bring your BRP(Biometric Resident Permit) with you in order to re-enter the UK. From 1 January 2025, you’ll be able to prove your immigration status online. Be sure to stay on top of any guidance provided by UKVI and your university for smooth travels.
You may also have to check in with your university if you are intending to leave depending on the university. It’s best to check with your international office before solidifying any plans.
You can also bring some homework with you! As a literature student, I always had books and articles to read in order to stay on top of my studies. Brining some of this reading with you is a great way to kill time at the airport, and put your student mind at ease.
Pack light!
If you’re spending 2 days in Paris do you really need 10 different outfits? Pack interchangeable items while travelling abroad and leave yourself room to pick up some fun postcards or souvenirs for your friends and family at home (your back and shoulders will also thank you for it.)
Read up on your intended destination
The UK is a quick train ride or flight away from many exotic and incredible destinations. With so many opportunities to expand your worldview, it’s important to keep in mind that your intended destinations will most likely speak a different language, have different customs and use a different currency than what you’re used to. Take the time before you book your trip to read up on your destination and prepare yourself for what to expect.
If you’re travelling to a non-English speaking country, learn a few phrases in the native language. The locals will appreciate the effort!
Don’t try and see everything at once
It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of travelling abroad, and even though you’ll want to experience everything that it has to offer, the reality is: if you’re going to Paris (for example) for 2 days YOU CANNOT SEE EVERYTHING. Pick and choose the landmarks, museums or restaurants that are most important to you and ENJOY what you’re seeing. You will not be able to enjoy yourself if you’re constantly looking at your watch and thinking about how the Louvre closes in 2 hours. You can always plan another trip, but you won’t be able to re-capture your feelings the first time you’re in a new location.
Read Reviews
While not reading reviews and landing yourself in a strange hotel can make for some fun stories later, it often just leads to stress in the moment. Avoid this common mishap and do a little bit of quick reading about the hotel, hostel or inn that you’re staying at as well as the area in which it’s located. Consider items like accessibility to transit, proximity to popular attractions, safety features offered by the hotel etc. Knowing these items will put your mind at ease and give you the ability to really enjoy your getaway.
Reading reviews can also give you an idea of wait times at more popular destinations and allow you to decide which tickets might be worth purchasing ahead of time in order to avoid the crowds.
Check your phone plan!
I can’t speak to every phone plan in the UK but when I looked into a phone plan for myself, I made sure that I knew what features were available to me once I left London. I was used to expecting expensive international charges when I wanted to use my phone on vacation, and I wanted to make sure this didn’t happen abroad. My phone plan had a set amount of data that worked all across the UK and Europe so no matter where I ended up in my travelling I knew that I wouldn’t have to worry about additional or secret international charges should I want to keep in touch with my family (or check out the different snap chat filters in various cities). It was a pleasant surprise and worth checking before you leave!
Interested in studying in the UK? You can find out more by contacting one of our advisors!
