Did you miss the application deadlines for grad school in Canada?
Or applied and didn't receive any offers?
It’s not too late to apply to the UK!
Written by Across the Pond - 01/08/2023
"How do I choose the best UK university for my degree?"
Choosing a university to study at is a daunting task. It’s where you’ll be living and learning for the next 3-4 years. So, first and foremost, you want to make sure it’s somewhere you like! This task becomes even more difficult when you’re studying abroad. Most students don’t get to actually see the university they’ve chosen until they arrive to study. While your comfort at university is important, you also want to go somewhere where you can get the best education for your chosen major! Advisor Lauren has put together some tips for finding the best university for your degree.
We try not to rely on rankings too much. They don’t always tell the full story of the student experience at a university. However, they’re useful for determining top ranking subjects at different universities! We prefer to use The Complete University Guide, as they have a nice breakdown of universities by subject ranking. The overall ranking is great, but it is the subject ranking you want to pay close attention to. You’ll get the best education and opportunities for your major there.
Definitely check out the faculty for your program to see if the uni is the best UK university for your degree! See what the professors and staff studied, what they research, and what they teach. If you’re studying a broader subject like History, but have a specific interest in something like the History of Women Writers in the 19th Century, it’s great to have a professor on staff to go to, to further your interest in the subject! Being taught by faculty at the height of your field is great for your education and for future reference letters!
See what kind of research the university is doing that you could be a part of! Research specializations that align with your subject interest are a great opportunity to get involved and gain additional research experience experience before graduation. Browse university websites or their webpages here to get an idea of their different research focuses.
Also look at what the university has in terms of facilities for your degree, especially if you’re studying something practice based. If you’re interested in Fine Art for example, find out if the university you’ve chosen has a set up for your chosen medium and access to the materials and tools you need to succeed. For this, an arts based school would be a great choice! They have campus buildings dedicated to every major they have, with top of the line equipment to help you succeed.
You won't spend all of your time in the classroom! It’s important to see what opportunities outside of lectures the university presents to help you succeed after your studies. For example: if you’re studying Law, look for a university that has a Law Society or Mock Trial team, so you can get involved in things you’re already passionate about. Your program may offer opportunities within the structure of the course as well. If you’re studying International Relations, studying abroad could be a great idea! My degree took us on tons of relevant field trips; I studied Publishing and we visited a printer, and went to London Book Fair to learn more about all aspects of the industry we were hoping to join.
Finally, don’t forget to read testimony from students who have studied the course, or are currently on the course! You can browse through written accounts of the student experience at our partner universities here. Many of UK unis also have Unibuddy, which allows you to chat with current university students, sorted by degree. Ask them their honest opinion, what things they considered when choosing the school, and what they learn about! They’re a great resource for learning about the student experience as a whole, and for your specific subject.
Choosing a degree can be difficult, and choosing a university to study at can be even more difficult! These are just some of the things to consider to help you pick the right UK university to study at. If all else fails, ask your advisor for their opinion on the best schools for your degree. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but we’re here to help!
Written by Across the Pond - 29/06/2021
I planned many of my trips to the theatre in advance. That being said, most of the time I was just looking for something to do when I had a free day from assignments or classes. When I think back to my time in London, some of my favourite memories involve going to same-day theatre.
If you love going to the theatre as much as I do, here are some of my tips for scoring tickets to some of the hottest shows in London!|
One of my favourite same-day theatre trips was seeing Matthew Perry in The End of Longing. We ended up sitting third row from the stage!
If you are flexible with days of the week, show times, or where you sit, you are already a great candidate for same-day theatre experiences.
When theatres do not sell all of the tickets for a day’s showing, often these seats will go on sale for a discounted price in an attempt to fill up the audience. If you find that you have a free afternoon, choose a show you would like to see and ask the theatre box office what tickets are available for that afternoon or evening. Often these tickets are cheaper than buying in advance, even for seats close to the stage!
Some theatres have “standing only” tickets that you can purchase for a great discount! If you do not mind standing at the back of a theatre, you can see some incredible shows without spending too much!
I was lucky enough to see a revival of Harold Pinter’s No Man's Land starring Sir Ian Mckellen, and Sir Patrick Stewart for £10 – around $16 CAD! I wasn't sure what to expect with a “standing only” ticket. Honestly, the show was too good to notice if my legs were getting tired. As an English student, it was incredible to be able to witness such theatre legends in action. Note: Ticket prices will vary depending on the show, theatre, time of day and availability. You can also ask about ticket discounts for students! Just be sure to have your student ID on hand.
I had an ongoing list of shows I was itching to see. Some of these choices were based on reviews I had read, the crowds I could see around the theatres while walking around London, or simply because of the cast involved. It is important to have some idea of the shows you would like to see because it will make it that much easier to pop-in to one of the theatre box offices and ask about ticket availability.
For example, if you find yourself in the West End on a spare afternoon, it is extremely easy to walk past a theatre (or six). You may be reminded of that show whose posters you passed in the tube several times a day. Having multiple shows in mind will also make it easier to theatre-hop if your first choice does not have same-day tickets available, or perhaps do have tickets available, but are not in your desired price range.
West End LIVE is an exciting weekend in London where some of the city’s most popular theatre casts give short performances and information about their shows. This Trafalgar Square event gives you the chance to experience some incredible open-air theatrical performances. Each show has cast members perform to give members of the audience a taste of what to expect in their show. Some of the performances might surprise you and give you a list of shows that interest you that you might not have considered before!
The event is completely FREE to attend – all you have to do is wait in line for access to the event (so bring sunblock and an umbrella!) It is the equivalent of free samples at the grocery store, but instead of a snack, you get a taste of musical numbers and outstanding costumes.
Some of the shows that were part of West End LIVE when I attended included:
A few of the bigger/more popular/newer West End shows have ticket raffles that keen theatre go-ers can enter to score same-day tickets for an otherwise sold-out show. For these raffles, you just enter your name (either at the box-office or close to the box office in a designated area) and are told to come back at a certain “draw time” time to see if you have won.
My mom and I entered one of these raffles when Aladdin the Musical was just starting out in the West End. We ended up winning the chance to purchase front-row tickets! The atmosphere alone of the raffle was exciting to watch, but the chance to see an award-winning musical front-row? Priceless.
Note: These raffles do not typically grant free tickets, they allow for the opportunity to purchase reduced rate tickets for otherwise sold-out shows.
Ultimately, same-day shows are meant to be spontaneous excursions and it is important to not get too disappointed if something you want to see is not available, or your plans for the day change.
You can always try again another day! Have fun with it! Your hard work will eventually pay-off and you will have some great theatre memories to go along with it.
Written by Across the Pond - 21/04/2021
Going to the cottage is a way of life across Canada. We even have different names for this activity depending on where you live! Whether you go to the cottage, to camp, to the lake, to the cabin, or to the bungalow, chances are you’ve experienced this favourite pastime with your own family and friends. Essentially, we just love a chance to get out of the city and relax in the wilderness!
If you’re studying in the UK for an extended period of time, you might feel disappointed that you’re potentially missing out on cottage season. Don't fear! I’ve collected a number of experiences across the UK to help you get a similar taste of “the cottage life” while you’re away from your own!
Being located on an island does have its advantages – one of many being accessible beaches. No matter where you’re planning to study, you’re likely close to some great sandy beaches that will help you get that cottage feeling while you’re away from Canada.
Located on South-East coast and easily accessibly by train, Brighton is a seaside city with sand, sun and the famous Brighton Palace Pier. If your cottage mood is sitting on the beach, reading, enjoying the sand, and taking in the ocean waves, this is sure to satisfy your craving while also providing an extra dose of fun activities close by.
Landscape view of Brighton beach, with sand on the left, water on the right, and Brighton Palace Pier in the distance.
If picture-perfect beaches are more your aesthetic, Cornwall is not likely to disappoint. Cornwall’s coastline stretches over 250 miles!
There are no shortages of quaint bed and breakfasts here, so if you’re in the mood to relax and explore villages by the sea, this could be perfect for you.
Scotland's beaches can please any style of cottage goer, whether you want to surf in Aberdeen, camp on the shores of Loch Ness, or walk along the pier in Portobello. There are so many shores, but sometimes you need to search for the truly amazing beaches to spend those rare sunny days at!
Scotland has more than 30,000 freshwater lakes! With this many lakes, you can get that lake feel while surrounded by mountains. If you want a more traditional beach, check out the islands! Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris have some of the most beautiful beaches; if you go to the west coast, there is nothing between you and Canada. If you are brave, you can even swim (though you may be a bit cold!). You’ll definitely find some places to rival your favourite Canadian spots!
Did you know? The word ‘loch’ is a Gaelic word meaning lake or body of water that is surrounded by land.
Did you know? A staple ingredient for s’mores (the graham cracker) isn’t available in the UK! Instead, those wishing to make this dish need to get creative – using digestive crackers/biscuits in place of a graham cracker.
Not having graham crackers readily available hasn’t stopped some restaurants from creating unique marshmallow and chocolate pairings though. Especially in London, one of the world’s leading food scenes. If you want to experience some great takes on a cottage classic, check out these locations, recommended by advisor Brittany:
Chin Chin Labs – This experimental ice cream hot spot is located in Camden, London. Their signature hot chocolate is a fan favourite with toasted marshmallow on top of rich hot chocolate.
Find them on Instagram: @chinchinicecream
Mr. Bao – This restaurant, located in Peckham, London, is known for its delicious Taiwanese steamed buns (worth the trip alone). Occasionally they serve dessert Baos that pair marshmallow and chocolate in a way that you’ll dream about for years to come. The combination of fluffy steamed bun meeting chocolate and marshmallow will bring you right back to a summer bonfire.
Keep an eye on their Instagram: @mrbaouk and see if/when this summer favourite comes back.
In the meantime: The team behind Chin Chin Labs also has a marshmallow bar! With a dedication to homemade marshmallows, this spot is sure to cure any sweet tooth! Find them on Instagram: @mellodeluxe
More of an ice cream fan? Check out Advisor Lauren’s top picks for ice cream in the UK!
If you’re not located near the coastline, you might be keen to get on a boat and experience the sounds of the water. Even in the city, there are many ways to get on the water for a little slice of that cottage feeling.
This might give you more “Venice” vibes, but punting around the canals in Cambridge is a great way to get on the water with minimal effort on your part. Sit back and enjoy the views of this world-famous university while listening to the history of the different buildings.
Note: the cost of this activity will range depending on where you go, but you can experience this for as low as £5
If you’re located in the capital, you can rent a pedal boat in Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. It’s great exercise, and you’ll usually find some Canadian geese to float amongst, which should make you feel right at home.
Note: Cost and availability for this activity will vary.
If you need to get across London, and you want a change from the crowded tube, try taking the River Bus. You can access these buses using your Oyster Card and cruise down the Thames.
Note: Make sure you ‘top up’ your Oyster card first – these fares are typically higher than the normal bus or tube fare.
There is no shortage of pubs with a great view in the UK. Even in London it is possible to find serene river views that bring you back to a cozy cottage environment. Pair with a pitcher of PIMM’s for the full experience!
Richmond Park (located in Richmond upon Thames) was originally created in the early 17th century by Charles I as “a royal hunting preserve”. At the time, Charles was escaping the plague of London. His decision to enclose the park was not originally a popular one among the local residents. Richmond Park remains a deer park to this day and is now a National Nature Reserve where “630 Red and Fallow deer [are still] roaming freely since 1637.”
This park is open to the public, and a great place to walk and take in the wildlife. Be sure to follow all safety precautions. These include always remaining 50 metres away from the deer. Additionally, specific times of year will impact different deer behaviour. For example, when young are particularly vulnerable (between May-July), do not get in between a mother and her babies. Note: Feeding the deer is prohibited.
One of the most unmistakable sounds in the Canadian wilderness is the call of the Common Loon. If you’re someone who enjoys listening to the sounds of different birds while you’re relaxing at the cottage, it’s worth exploring the different birds in the UK. You can even see and hear species that aren’t native to North America.
Did you know: the bird we know as a “Loon” is called a “Northern Diver” across the UK? This bird was eaten in Scotland until the 18th century!
If you’re located in a city centre, it might be tricky to differentiate between the sounds of traffic and birds, but many locations across the UK will have dedicated wetlands or nature preserves (sometimes located in the middle of the city) where you can escape the city and have a taste of the countryside.
Not sure which bird is singing? Use the free bird identifying app Merlin Bird ID. This app allows you to download location-specific maps so you can use it in Canada and the UK to expand your bird knowledge. Simply press the record button and the app will identity the birds near you by sound. The best part? The bird will light up on your screen once identified so you can see in real-time what the birds sound like.
ESCAPE THE CITYIf your idea of Canadian cottage life involves camping, you’ll find ample opportunity to do so across the UK! Rolling hills, breathtaking lakes, and open fields will bring a different feel to the experience, but there’s also no telling what history you’ll come across in the process.
Advisor Heather brought camping equipment in order to have an unbelievable experience camping in Wales. Don’t plan to bring camping equipment with you? Consider renting or borrowing from a friend! Several websites in the UK will loan out camping equipment (some will even deliver!) Prices and availability will of course vary depending on your location, but it could be an option for those wanting to camp while in the UK!
Did you know: While Canadians are quite used to camping with a tent, the more popular pastime in the UK is “caravanning” - an activity that has remained popular for over a century!
While advisor Mackenzie was studying in London, her sister was working as an au pair in Bath. They went on a camping trip together in Wales (using borrowed camping gear and car from her sister’s host family) and got to experience several moments that were akin to Canadian cottaging! With the UK being an island, you are never far from water. Mackenzie visited the Gower Peninsula and spent an afternoon at Rhossili Bay Beach. Her sister and her camped in various spots, with several being beside the water! Although there was a campfire ban in place at the time, they honoured the Canadian campfire tradition by lighting a few tealights. On said camping trip, Mackenzie also got to see some wildlife in the form of ponies and cows! While this is not your typical Canadian bear sighting, it was much more agreeable.
No matter what type of Canadian cottage life experiences you’re used to, chances are there are activities to bring you right back to that cottage feeling while you’re in the UK.
Whether you’re missing classic desserts by the fire, being on the open water, or even camping under the stars... Just because you’re away from the cottage, doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of those same cottage feelings!
Written by Across the Pond - 01/06/2021
Searching for your perfect UK university is not always an easy task. There are many qualities that students need to consider beyond typical GPA requirements or ranking of a university. For instance, lifestyles, interests, academic goals, and career aspirations can vastly differ from student to student. Above all, it is important that students feel welcome and supported by their university regardless of age, gender, sex, or sexual orientation. As a result, LGBTQ2+ inclusivity and resources at UK universities are becoming extremely important aspects of a university experience!
As of 2010, the UK has structured equality laws called “protected characteristics.” The Equality Act of 2010 protects citizens from overt discrimination due to the following characteristics: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation.
The UK has a prominent Pride scene - which is hard to discuss without mentioning Pride in London! To illustrate, Pride in London has over 1 million spectators each year! They host many events across the city, with more than half of those events free to attend. Additionally, an impressive 70% of these LGBTQ2+ events also supported charity or non-profit LGBTQ2+ organizations. Simultaneously, reducing float numbers also helped sustainability impacts in the city!
Not studying in London?
There are over 100 annual Pride events across the UK, which means that no matter where you end up studying, chances are there are LGBTQ2+ Pride events near you! You can visit https://www.pride-events.co.uk/ to see a full list of Pride events across the UK.
Here are some ways that you can effectively research your university and ensure it has the LGBTQ2+ support to match your individual needs:
Look at the clubs and societies that are available
Joining a club or society is a great way to connect with your fellow classmates. To this end, most universities have dedicated LGBTQ2+ oriented clubs that pride themselves on inclusivity and creating a welcoming and safe environment for its members.
While some of these specific university club pages are only accessible to current students, most UK universities will have dedicated social media outlets for these groups (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). With this in mind, prospective students can look up and explore these channels to get an idea of what the environment is like!
Moreover, these pages are also great for previewing the events these clubs will have which can range from themed movie nights, to fundraising, to awareness campaigns within the university or community.
Most UK universities will also have additional events throughout the month of February to celebrate LGBTQ2+ History month!
Research the facilities that are available
UK universities, much like universities around the world, are actively trying to better themselves for the wellbeing of their students. Consequently, many have added facilities, such as gender-neutral bathrooms or changerooms to support their transgender students. This information is often readily available on a university’s website.
In addition, some UK universities will go beyond this and offer accommodation options for students who identify as LGBTQ2+. The University of Sheffield and Solent University for example both offer this option which is meant to be "a place of peer support where [students] can use their shared experiences to help harbour an inclusive and positive space." Both universities state that they believe “everyone deserves to feel secure and respected in their own homes.”
Check to see if the university takes part in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index
Launched in 2005, Stonewall is Europe’s largest LGBTQ2+ dedicated charity. Significantly, they have developed a list of 10 criteria for determining LGBTQ2+ friendly universities and workplace environments. The criteria include:
Universities are encouraged to use Stonewall's criteria to create inclusive environments for members of the LGBTQ2+ community, including staff and students. Stonewall's site includes workshop toolkits and helpful resources to enable universities to develop and grow their inclusivity resources.
Additionally, universities submit various statistics to Stonewall for evaluation, and many of our partner universities have been moving up in Stonewall's Equality Index based on the presented results. If a university actively has these resources available to staff members, they will often have similar resources available for students. Thus, they are more equipped to offer LGBTQ2+ student support!
How do I know my university participates in Stonewall?
Universities are proud to showcase their commitment to members of the LGBTQ2+ community. Look for the Stonewall membership emblem on your university’s website or dedicated information pages. For example, the University of Derby has a page dedicated to Stonewall to show their commitment to the criteria.
For more information, and to review the most recent results of the inclusive workplace lists, please visit https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
*Please keep in mind that Stonewall’s list changes each year and is not a complete reflection of the support available to students at any university.
To sum up, the LGBTQ2+ community in the UK has come a long way in its fight for equality and support. No matter which university you choose, know that there is support available.
Choosing a university that offers necessary support for those who identify as LGBTQ2+ is equally as important as choosing a university ranked highly for items like research quality or employability. Above all, you deserve a university that can offer you the resources to feel safe and welcome in the UK and get the most out of your education so that you can become a leading professional in your chosen field.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you're not sure where to find your UK university's LGBTQ2+ support resources, ask your Across the Pond advisor!
Written by Across the Pond - 12/05/2026
London is known for many famous tourist attractions. However, the city also has a reputation for unique and quirky spots that can be found off the beaten track! Once you’ve checked Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London off your list, try these 8 unique spots to visit!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a disused power station was turned into a shopping mall? More than the average shopping mall, Battersea Power Station offers shopping, dining and a view of London’s skyline that you won’t be able to get anywhere else in the city!
Walk through records and pieces celebrating the almost 100 years of history! Learn about the building itself as well as its significance to the area. Then, hop aboard the elevator and climb 109 metres up a previously used chimney. The result? A spectacular 360-degree view of London.
When you’re finished you can even stop by the gift shop and purchase souvenirs modeled after the historic building (chimney stack vase, anyone?)
Located just off Fleet Street, Temple Church is a unique piece of history that can’t be missed (especially by Law students). Tucked away among law offices, and courtyards is Temple Church – the English headquarters for the Knights Templar.
The history here is extremely rich and includes the location of where the Magna Carta was negotiated. Inside, you can view effigies of some Templar knights, and some stunning stained glass windows.
This urban park is located at St Martin's Le-Grand, with access from King Edward Street. To demonstrate, what makes it a unique spot to visit is the tiled wall of plaques dedicated to those who lost their lives in self sacrifice. This Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice was unveiled in 1900 and contains many unique and touching tributes. All in all, the park is a pretty and quiet spot to reflect and stroll within the City of London.
This small, hidden alley is full of vibrant colours and cute shops! For this reason, finding your way in is well worth it even though the entrances are easy to miss. Just north of Covent Garden, with access off of Monmouth St or Shorts Gardens, you can find shopping and good eats in this (very instagrammable) plaza. While you’re there, be sure to check out Homeslice pizza for a rotating menu of craft 20” pizzas to share or sold by the slice!
The Sky Garden might not be so hidden (it’s 34 stories high), but it is a cool and unique spot to visit in London! It is free to access the top of the building and visit the Sky Garden, which is three stories high in itself. While you're up there, have a 360 degree look around London in the gardens and open-air terrace. In essence, the space is a public park with a serious view. Just remember to book yourself in online first!
If you’ve ever dreamed of going to a secret underground bar in the 1940s during prohibition where you need a password to enter, look no further than Cahoots! This spot is built to look like it occupies an abandoned underground station, complete with a tube carriage and ‘to the train’ signs. Consequently, dressing up in your most dapper 1940s style is highly encouraged. Pssssst! Here’s a tip: it’s located in Kingly Court!
The John Soane Museum is possibly the most unique and quirky museum in London. Not only is it free, but it's also highly worth a gander. Sir John Soane was an architect and collector. Thus, the museum collections are extensive and definitely quirky. For example, there is an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus covered in hieroglyphs. Soane's pieces were all left in his home, nearly untouched, after he died.
Camden is known for being edgy and alternative. Additionally, it boasts many markets, including the Stables Market (or the Horse Tunnel Market), which is housed in a former horse stables and horse hospital. One entrance leads you underground past a relief of frenzied horses. What could be more unique?
Once you're finished, step outside and immerse yourself in the buzz of the area. Not only can you get some fantastic food in the area, but you can also sit and eat by the canal as you listen to some live music. There's always something going on here!
Across the Pond are the UK study experts and we offer free help and guidance to students from Canada who are interested in studying in the UK! One of our advisors would happily answer any question you may have about studying in Britain if you fill in the form below to tell us more about what you would like more information on.
Written by Across the Pond - 01/08/2023
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Written by Across the Pond - 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.
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!
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 St George's, University of London. City St George's 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.
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.
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?
Written by Across the Pond - 01/08/2023
The love that the British have for ice cream may come as a shock to you. Those outside of the UK rarely think of it as a beacon of summer weather and heat. But that's just one more part of life in the UK that you'll have the opportunity to discover and embrace while studying here. Truly, when those summer heat waves hit in the UK, there is nothing that helps to beat the heat than a creamy frozen desert.
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! Don't worry they aren't all in Scotland. So no matter where you end up studying in the UK, you'll definitely be able to find a tasty treat!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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?
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!
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.
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?
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