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Canterbury itself is an absolutely amazing city
After completing my undergraduate degree, I started a job thinking I wouldn't be there too long because I knew I wanted to go back to school. Then I got another job, and another… I suddenly found myself without a job and time to finally think about that “going back to school” that I always told myself I would do. I took some online courses and found a subject that I was really interested in. After doing some research, I wasn't really convinced that I could get the education I wanted in Canada, so I started looking abroad. I found out about Across the Pond and they gave me more information about the schools and programs that related to what I wanted to study. They even helped me apply (which, let's face it, it's free to apply in the UK so why not just take the chance and see how it goes?). I applied to multiple schools and listed them based on my favourite. My top choice was the University of Kent because I felt I would get the best education from that program (it had a teaching portion as well as hands-on work and a practical component for experience). So it was easy to accept when I got the offer!
Living on Campus
To be honest, I didn't pay too much attention to the city where any of the schools I was applying to were located, but I knew I wanted to stay on campus. I knew on campus housing would likely be more expensive, but I figured I'd rather avoid the hassle of trying to find a place to live, sight unseen. It ended up working really well that the University of Kent has housing specifically for Post Grads and international students. I chose a room that had a bathroom attached (it was really a wet room and honestly a little small but better than sharing a bathroom by far), and the kitchen was shared across 5 rooms. One of the best parts was that everyone sharing the kitchen was from a different country and we made a point of having nights where we each cooked a dish and got to share our cultures. This might not always be the case but you are sure to meet some interesting people in a dorm that is made for international students.
The Campus and the City
Living on campus was, in my opinion, the best option because it was really easy to roll out of bed and go to class in the morning. I also didn't have to go very far at the end of the day and was able to enjoy on-campus events. By the way, the University of Kent is on top of a hill so it was also really nice not to have to go uphill to class and the library on the regular.
Canterbury itself is an absolutely amazing city. It has a pretty small town feel and is very picturesque. I had a lot of fun getting to learn all the history in the city, and also getting to walk the trails that connect it to neighbouring towns. Canterbury has markets in town so I usually went there to get fresh groceries. It also has a huge Christmas market with lights and a parade that really puts you in the Christmas mood. Additionally, I found the buses were reasonably priced and the main bus terminal has public transport buses that connect directly to other cities in the South East of England, perfect for exploring and going to festivals!
Exploring
On the note of Canterbury being well connected, I did a lot of travelling while I was over there, and I highly recommend it! Europe is pretty well connected and for a decent price you can get a bus, train, or even a plane to just about anywhere. Even if you don't see Europe, at least try to see the UK. If you're going to make the jump across the pond, at least enjoy the views. There is so much to see and do that I didn't get to see everything, not even close, but I will never regret spending the time and money trying.
The Best Part
I didn't know anyone when I arrived and I had no family nearby. I didn't find it particularly scary, though I'm sure some people would, but I was worried I would feel lonely since I'm not the best at making friends. However, in my program there were three other Canadian students! We have become close friends and, even though we have all finished our studies and gone home to our respective cities, we still keep in touch.
My journey from Ontario to Dundee has been smooth and transformative.
Application Process
My name is Trista I am from Ontario, Canada and I have just completed my first year of English Law at the University of Dundee. My journey began in high School when I was interested in the idea of studying abroad so I reached out to Across the Pond. I received helpful information and support which gave me the confidence to fully commit to studying in the UK. One of my biggest fears about studying abroad was the expense and how I would fund my tuition and stay. As I started to receive my acceptance letters from the schools, I applied to I was extremely grateful to discover the University of Dundee’s helpful scholarship available for Canadian students. Dundee became my top choice for places to study because in addition to the scholarship offered, I learned the University was ranked among the top 20 UK law programs. Across the Pond helped me through the entire visa application process and even assisted me in navigating my arrival in Scotland.
Student life at the University of Dundee
After my first year, I am pleased to say that I am more than happy with my program, the University, and the city. I have met amazing friends from Northern Ireland, Glasgow, Cyprus and made memories I will never forget. Through the University I was even able to travel to Edinburgh and experience the Christmas market. I am constantly writing home to my family about all the wonderful things I am lucky to do while in the UK. I checked seeing the northern lights off my bucket list and went on many bus and train journeys all over the UK, public transport can take you anywhere which is very different from Canada.
Help I received along my journey
The main reason I was able to settle in so smoothly in the UK when starting my program was all the helpful people eager to see me succeed in this process. As previously mentioned, my application was so easy to complete thanks to my advisor from Across the Pond who was quick to respond to any question I had and reminded me of any steps that needed to be completed. The University of Dundee also provided an extremely welcoming and helpful international advisor who helped me meet other students from Canada who went on to support me through my first year. Finally, my professors and academic advisor ensured I understood the unfamiliar grading system and made me aware of every opportunity the University had available to transition my career and degree into Canada.
Thanks to the support and resources provided by Across the Pond and the University of Dundee my journey from Ontario to Dundee has been smooth and transformative. Studying abroad has deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures and new opportunities allowing me to enhance my personal growth. I am excited to continue my studies and apply what I have learned.
How the UK Became My Home Away from Home
After visiting the UK on a family vacation years ago, there was always something that was pulling me to come back. Once I finished undergrad, I thought doing my masters in the UK would be the best way for me to go back, but also shape my academic and personal growth. A year later, I can honestly say studying in the UK was one of the best decisions of my life and has become my home away from home.
The University of Strathclyde Reignited My Love for Learning
At the university I studied the MSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health. What drew me into the program was how the modules were focused on neuroanatomy and the biological processes/mechanisms involved in the brain. All the lectures and modules were engaging and built on one another to help us students have a more cohesive understanding of these different topics. I found myself excited to come to class and made me realize how much I love learning – especially about the brain!
The university itself is right in the heart of Glasgow – making it close to many shops and restaurants! There are also so many clubs and events on campus for students to get involved in. What amazed me the most about Strathclyde was the amount of support provided by the professors and the school itself! They listen and value students’ feedback and ensure students have someone to reach out to in case they need it. As someone who did their undergrad at a very competitive school in Canada that had little to no support for students, I genuinely appreciated the efforts Strathclyde puts towards their students’ wellbeing and overall experience.
“People Make Glasgow”
This slogan is plastered everywhere around Glasgow City Centre, and it holds true! The people in Glasgow are very friendly and are always willing to help if you’re lost or need recommendations. Moving abroad, especially on your own, can be quite scary and lonely at times. The community in Glasgow however turned what could have been an intimidating experience into an exciting adventure. I’ve made so many great friends here that I can’t imagine my life without. Their support and kindness made living abroad feel like home.
Glasgow itself is a hub for many different restaurants, activities and easy transportation links to airports and other parts of Scotland. I would recommend taking the time to explore Glasgow and the rest of Scotland – each place is so unique, and the views are breathtaking.
The Journey Made Easier by Across the Pond
I mean it when I say I couldn’t have made this journey without Across the Pond. From applying to schools to the visa application to the actual move, they helped guide me throughout the entire process and equipped me with many resources and knowledge which made studying abroad less daunting. I am very grateful to have found their services and hope other students looking to study in the UK do the same!
To anyone considering moving to the UK for school, do it! There will be challenges, but the personal growth and confidence you gain from the experience makes it all worth it. Embrace the adventure, appreciate the highs and lows, and be proud of what you achieve and overcome.
Feel at home while studying what you love
About Me
Hi! M I’m studying here at Leeds Beckett University in the LLB program from Ontario, Canada and I thought I'd share a little about my experience; everything from making the decision to study in the UK, to moving to a whole new country by myself and everything thereafter.
Should I Stay or Should I Go
From the beginning of high school I had planned to study law so after I finished my undergrad at the University of Ottawa, I set my sights on studying for the Law School Admission Test. Only this was during the pandemic, when the world was a little upside down and we all had to live life a little differently. The LSAT was being offered online, no large gatherings and all, and I absolutely did not want to take a test that was going to determine if I needed to choose a different career path. It just seemed so daunting and not something I wanted to do. I turned to a family friend who was a lawyer to ask for some guidance on how to navigate the whole thing and that’s when she told me she had gotten her degree in the UK, no LSAT required. I was immediately intrigued and began researching about how one even goes about studying in another country. Thanks to this lovely organization they helped me with everything from filling out applications, writing my personal statement and applying for my visa. Shoutout to my advisor for being the most patient and helpful while I made the biggest decision of my life. After hearing back from all the schools I had applied to, I finally got an acceptance to my number one choice, Leeds Beckett, and thus began my journey to Leeds and LBU.
The Journey
Once I finished running through the house screaming that I got in, it was time to lock in and start preparing for the move. I needed to find accommodation, apply for a student visa, get my student loans in order, the tasks were endless. I did things in order from least to most stressful, just to spice things up a little. I settled my accommodation agreement at Marsden House; Canadian student loans secured, now it was time to apply for my Visa. Full disclosure, the visa process nearly made me quit entirely, so many papers to sign and pictures to take I think I breathed two full breaths during the entire process. With the help of the aforementioned Hilary my advisor and my parents, we finally got approved and it was time to make the big move.
The Destination
Touching down in the UK was the best and scariest moment of my life. It was hard saying goodbye to all my friends and family, their support and confidence in me encouraged me and made me so much stronger during this time in my life. I am also so grateful that my mom made the initial trip over with me as well to help me get settled. She was able to explore Leeds with me, meet my roommates who are now lifelong friends, and see me off. The excitement I had to start the semester and begin my law school journey was palpable. Leeds is a city so full of life and energy, the transition from good ole Hamilton didn’t seem so bad. I quickly discovered that Leeds is a great place for doing things out on the town with friends. If you want to get jiggy with it or get a couple pints with the boys Leeds has a plethora of pubs and clubs to visit with your group of friends after a long week of classes (Spoons and Slug & Lettuce are my personal faves). Hungry? Visit The Light and their many restaurants and then maybe even catch a movie or discover how fast your friends can escape a locked room at Escape Hunt. There’s so many things to discover in Leeds, every day a new adventure, so I make the most of it when I can.
Hitting the Books
Welcome Week was a great opportunity to meet my peers and lecturers, basically get a feel of what the year will look like. The amount of guidance, encouragement and overall support from the faculty and the university was overwhelming in the best way. They want nothing from you but your absolute well being and I really appreciate that, being someone who struggles with anxiety, this helped quell any fears I had about the program and any difficulties I might face. Among the subjects I learned in first year Criminal and (unpopular opinion) Public law were my favourites. Sure, constitutional law doesn’t sound too interesting at first but once you get into the nitty gritty and you’re taught by amazing lecturers like Agatha Fijalkowlski, you’ll be a constitution connoisseur by the end of your first year. Aside from actual law you learn essential skills like creating a CV and how to prepare for an interview, all things that will certainly be useful for you after completing your degree, Leeds Beckett doesn’t miss a thing when it comes to preparation.
Started From the Bottom Now We Here
As I head into level 5, I’m starting to think about what kind of law I want to go into, if I want to be a barrister or solicitor (there is no distinction in Canada however, all lawyers do both jobs), and as a girl who struggles to make decisions this is taking a lot out of me. At the moment my interests lie in criminal family and human rights law (niche, I know). I might even take a shot at working with the Innocence Project and fight to get the wrongfully convicted the justice they deserve. As I continue my LLB journey I know that with all the wonderful people at the Faculty of Law and my personal support system I will be able to find and do something that I am passionate about after graduating. If you’re looking for a school where you can feel at home while studying what you love and gaining so much valuable knowledge, about life and school and everything in between, I cannot speak enough about how Leeds Beckett is the place for you.
I found the energy of Oxford invigorating
Studying in the UK has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me, and there are several reasons why I chose to pursue my education here.
Firstly, I was drawn to the vibrant student atmosphere that permeates many cities across the UK. I found the energy of Oxford invigorating, and being so close to London provided me with countless opportunities to network within various work communities. This environment has been invaluable in helping me build connections and explore potential career paths.
Another factor that influenced my decision to study in the UK was my family ties to the country. With relatives here, I had always harboured a desire to visit and experience life in the UK. Additionally, I was attracted to the scope of physiotherapy education offered in the UK, which has a positive global reputation and can be easily transferred to multiple countries, including my home country of Canada, as well as destinations like Australia and New Zealand.
My time as a student in the UK has been incredibly positive, largely due to the diverse and inclusive student community I have been a part of. I've had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with individuals from all over the world who share similar aspirations of becoming qualified physiotherapists. This exposure to different perspectives and backgrounds has enriched my learning experience immeasurably.
One of the highlights of my course has been the multitude of opportunities it has offered beyond the required curriculum. For instance, I've had the chance to gain hands-on experience working pitch-side with rugby clubs in Oxford, which has not only complemented my studies but also provided valuable practical skills and insights.
Moreover, studying in the UK has opened up exciting travel possibilities during breaks and holidays. With short travel times to neighbouring countries, I've been able to explore diverse cultures and landscapes that would have been less accessible from Canada. This aspect of my experience has broadened my horizons and enriched my personal growth.
My advisor from Across The Pond was instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of studying in the UK. I was given insight on how to apply to universities across the UK as well as how to write an appropriate personal statement that was well suited from my programme.
Overall, my decision to study in the UK has been immensely rewarding, offering me a supportive learning environment, diverse opportunities for personal and professional development, and the chance to explore new horizons both academically and culturally. I would highly recommend it to any prospective student looking for a fulfilling and enriching educational experience.
