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5 Reasons You Should Study in England

Written by admin - 27/07/2018

Jul 27, 2018 9:00:00 AM

England is a fascinating place to visit and live, and there is plenty to see and do even outside London. Here, we highlight the uniqueness and quintessential Englishness that can only be found here, and give 5 reasons why studying in England will be a great opportunity!

  1. England knows how to treat international students England is an incredibly popular choice for international students to gain their education. Generations of students worldwide have gone to England for their studies, which means British universities have decades of experience working with the international market. This means that they are knowledgeable about Canadian academic and work standards, and can give quality academic advise to Canadians, from the time you apply until you graduate. This is especially true for law students, as some universities have specifically built their law programs to cater to Canadians.

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  2. Castles and other historical landmarks Whether you’re into modern palaces, medieval cathedrals or ancient Celtic and Roman ruins, England has it all! Buckingham palace, in the heart of London, gives summer tours, giving guests a unique look at the official residence of the Royal Family, the state rooms, and the Royal Collection. The Worcester Cathedral (in Worcester, about an hour West of London), built between 1084 and 1504, is a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Interred here is King John (of Robin Hood fame), and it was the location of William Shakespeare’s wedding to Anne Hathaway. Buckingham_Palace_from_gardens,_London,_UK_-_Diliff[1]
  3. Literature We all have a place in our hearts for a certain British author or character, whether that be the classics like Jane Austin or Charles Dickens, or more modern characters like Harry Potter and the Doctor. Conveniently, there are a number of places to visit to indulge in your favourites, such as the Sherlock Homes Museum at 221b Baker Street or Shakespeare’s Globe in London.Screen Shot 2018-07-10 at 9.18.29 AM
  4. Unique places to grab a pint Pubs can be some of the most interesting and historical places you can visit. The Bear Inn is the oldest pub in Oxford, being around since the 13th Apparently, it’s not the kind of place to wear a tie, as they have a vast collection of neckwear in glass cases around the room from patrons taking them off and leaving them behind, with a note and the date. There’s also the King Charles House in Worcester, where King Charles hid, and was later squirreled off to France, after losing the English Civil War. This pub has had a lot of remodelling over the years, but is now been restored to its traditional style. No matter where you go in England, there is a pub nearby with just as much history as any museum.ATP pints
  5. Weather Despite what you may have seen in the movies, London doesn’t actually get fog very often, nor is it always raining. In fact, in terms of mm of precipitation, most of England sees less rainfall per year than cities like Ottawa! However, it is overcast and dreary a lot of the time, and can start raining at any moment, so you will be well advised to always bring along your brelly. The really nice aspect of English weather is the lack of extremes that we see in Canada. In winter, the temperature may dip below zero, so you’ll see a little snow, but it typically melts away rather quickly, and you won’t need your parka or snowpants. Summertime is more temperate than in Canada, with highs that are typically in the low- to mid-20s. This means that air-conditioning is a rare, but you won’t miss it.london_bridge_sunny_day

All in all, England is fantastic place to live and visit, with innumerable things to see and do. Extensive history can be found anywhere, and it truly is the opportunity of a lifetime to study there! If you haven’t yet enquired with us, and would like to find out more about studying in the UK and the application process, please contact one of our Advisors.

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5 Ways to Make the Most of the UK on a Budget

5 Ways to Make the Most of the UK on a Budget

Written by admin - 21/06/2018

Updated 17 July 2024 by Advisor Brittany. 

 

It is very easy to have a fun time in the UK, but it's even easier to do it while spending lots of money. I loved living in London and I wanted to enjoy the experience the best I can, but it's also important to remember that you're managing it on a student budget. Here are some tips for making the most of your time here, while still being kind to your wallet!


1. Choose Budget Friendly Transport 

One unfortunate discovery I made about London was the huge expense of transportation. Even with a student pass, it's easy to get carried away when taking the tube in London (especially when payments are contact-less!) Busses do tend to cost a little less, but the costs still easily add up! The good news is that most places in central London are close to each other and walking or biking are great alternative modes of travel if you want to save some of your Oyster budget. 

This way, you see so much more of the city and you can even catch the streets off the beaten track that make London such a unique city. I’ve found some great hidden gems while walking around the city, and some I definitely wouldn't have come across if I stuck to main bus or tube routes.  

If you get tired of walking, why not rent a bike? As you wander around the city, you may notice bicycle stands scattered around. These are Santander Cycles and you can rent these bicycles from one location, and return it to any other location throughout the city. These can not only be budget friendly, but a great way to get some exercise in while exploring! Just be careful if you're biking on the roads! Always be mindful of the traffic, especially if you're still getting used to traffic being on the opposite side of the road.  

 

2. Picnics in the park

Eating at restaurants in the UK can be extremely expensive, but prepared meals from food shops are usually reasonably priced (as long as you’re not in the posh shops!). Keep a look out for "Meal Deals" at favourite shops like Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury's and enjoy the many parks that the city has to offer. Some favourites include Green Park, right next door to Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, neighbours with Kensington Palace, and Regent's Park (101 Dalmations, anyone?). 

In addition to the Royal Parks, there are countless small green spaces throughout the city (and across the UK!) You're bound to find a few favourites and even a couple hidden gems. 

 

 

3. BYOB

As an addition to the above tip, it is generally far cheaper to pick up a beer or cider from the supermarket than from a pub. Laws surrounding alcohol are very different in the UK compared to North America. You should look up the particular law in your region, but it may be perfectly legal to have a small bevvy with your outdoor picnic.

 

4. Hiking/Walking/Adventuring

The UK is a secret outdoorsy haven. Many students (myself included) missed going on a proper hike when moving from Canada to the UK (especially if they relocate to a metropolis like London). 

Thankfully, the UK is full of fabulous adventure activities and they’re available all year long. No matter where you end up in the UK, it's quite easy to find some outdoor adventures! Try visiting the Yorkshire Dales (England), the Burns Trail (Scotland), or the Sallagh Braes walk (Northern Ireland) for some breathtaking scenery that will make you feel right at home.
 

Other than the cost of parking (depending on location) and some very sore legs, the experience is free!

 

5. Avoid the trains and take the bus (but if you’re going to take the train, get a student discount card)

Travelling around different UK cities is a must-do for your time abroad, but train tickets can be costly. Bus tickets are considerably more within a student budget, and busses run frequently across the UK. It takes a little longer, but if you have the time it’s a worthwhile sacrifice (with a good deal, you can pay as little as £10 for a bus ticket from London to Leeds, where the train tickets can cost upwards of £75). If you must take the train invest in a student railcard, which will pay for itself within a few journeys.

Consider travelling during "off-peak" hours for additional savings! 

 

The best thing you can do with your time abroad is wander and see the country from all different angles. I hope these tips can help you explore and make the most of your adventure! 

If you would like to find out more about studying in the UK, please contact one of our Advisors.

 

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Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire - Study in Scotland - Across the Pond Canada

Best Day Trips in Northeast Scotland

Written by Ambassador Hailey - 01/06/2018

Last week, a stranger asked me if I had any expectations about Scotland before I moved. I thought for a moment. Castles? Rolling hills? Cliffs? Bagpipes? Whiskey? I admitted to all the clichés (at least I was honest). He laughed and asked if Scotland matched my preconceptions. I said that I’d done a bit of research before moving, but nothing online quite compared to witnessing the country for myself. Unlike Canada, you can travel almost anywhere in Scotland within a day. No matter where you are in the country, there will always be a location of value nearby. There are too many destinations in Scotland to list, so I’ll stick to the Northeast, where I’ve been living in Aberdeen. Northeast Scotland is often underrated, as the most popular Scottish locations typically consist of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Scotland’s picturesque West Coast (ex. Isle of Skye). These locations are historical, beautiful, and definitely worth a visit. But the Northeast also has some incredible spots, all of which can be reached within an hour or two. Below are some Northeast day trips I recommend.
 

Castles

The UK is notorious for its breathtaking castles – Northeast Scotland is no exception. Here are two of my favourites: 

Dunnottar Castle Dunnottar is the most popular castle in Aberdeenshire, and it’s not hard to tell why. The medieval ruins perch on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the North Sea. You can enter the castle, walk down to the beach, or stroll along the cliffside until you reach the nearby town of Stonehaven. Only 3km from the castle, Stonehaven is a cozy coastal town with quaint cottages and plenty of good lunch spots. 

 Castle Fraser Any Outlander fans? *cautiously raises hand* You might find this spot interesting, as they filmed parts of the show here! Castle Fraser was built between 1575 and 1636. The castle is surrounded by 300 acres of forest and farmland, with walking trails throughout. Castles, trails, and film sets – what more could you ask for? 
 

Hiking

Scotland is packed with outdoor opportunities, especially hiking. I recently visited Clachnaben, a small mountain just outside Banchory, Aberdeenshire. The hike was fairly easy, taking about 1.5 hours to reach the top of the mountain. The weather was beautiful, which highlighted the mountain and scenery nicely. Although hiking is more comfortable on an overcast day, the views are nicer with a bit of sun. 
 

Distilleries

Whiskey is an important element of Scottish culture, with over 100 distilleries spread across the country. Distillery tours are often inexpensive. They include a walk-through of the distillery, allowing you to see how the whiskey is produced from start to finish. There’s also a whiskey tasting at the end of the tour. I’m not a huge fan of whiskey, but I love the atmosphere of a distillery. I visited Glenfiddich Distillery a few weeks ago, which is located in Dufftown, just outside Aberdeenshire. 

 Tip: If you don’t like whiskey (or if you’re driving), you can bring small bottles to your tour and pack up your whiskey at the tasting. Scottish whiskey samples can make great little gifts for friends and family back home.
 

Beaches

The Northeast Coast has a beautiful strip of beaches. The water is too cold to swim without a wetsuit, but the beach itself is a great spot to bring a book, a picnic, or anything under the sun (pun intended). Aberdeen Beach and Balmedie Beach are both lovely spots, but Newburgh Beach definitely takes the prize as my favourite beach.   Newburgh Beach is at the mouth of the Ythan River. It’s also the home of hundreds of seals! They move up and down the coast in large numbers, finally resting on Newburgh Beach. When you arrive at the water, you can see the seals across the river as they sunbathe, socialize, and fight with each other. You can hear them speaking to each other too; they sound like a group of howling ghosts. If you’re lucky, some seals will swim over to your side of the beach. Last time I visited, a curious seal pup swam over and posed for us on the shore. 
 

Nearby Towns

If you’re keen for a more central day trip, there are plenty of towns accessible by bus or train, including Stonehaven. 

Banchory is a small town in Aberdeenshire, just an hour’s bus ride from Aberdeen’s city centre. Its most popular attraction is the Bridge of Feugh, where you can see salmon leaping up from the river below. If you’re travelling from Aberdeen, there are also a couple castles along the route, including Drum Castle and Crathes Castle. Both have botanical gardens and walking trails. 

Ellon, also in Aberdeenshire, is just a short distance to Newburgh beach. The town is similar in appearance to Aberdeen, with plenty of cottages and granite buildings. I mention this town because I visited a really nice café called the Coffee Apothecary, where I experienced the best cappuccino of my life. Ellon is well worth a visit, even if you’re just going for the coffee.

***

I could talk for ages about all the amazing day trips in Northeast Scotland. I could talk for even longer if I included trips outside the Northeast. But as I mentioned earlier, reading about Scotland doesn’t quite measure up to travelling here for yourself. 

Curious about Northeast Scotland? Please contact one of our Across the Pond advisors to get started on your UK adventure!

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Study in the UK - Across the Pond Canada

Preparing for your first UK Exams

Written by admin - 16/05/2018

Things you can do throughout your year to prepare for exams
The most significant study adjustment I’ve had to make since moving to the UK is how I prepare for exams. Exams in my first undergraduate degree in Canada were a completely different endeavour; they were worth significantly less and we had very limited time to revise. Out here, end of year exams can be worth 75-100% of your grade (depending on your particular course) and you are likely to have more than a month to prepare. It’s a hard test of endurance and discipline, but entirely doable! To help prepare for this change, I’ve created a list of things you can do right from the beginning of the year. 
 
Create flash cards throughout the year 
This is something that I started doing and then gave up on early in the year, but I wish I had continued. Our professors highly recommend it for classes that are case or definition heavy (for me it was contract law – I created around 200 flash cards for cases alone). You can handwrite the old-school way or there are many websites and apps where you can keep them online. Extra points if you take some time each week to review them. 

Stay up to date with your tutorial work – trust me 
You want to be using your exam period for revision, not learning new content. It’s really easy to get behind on tutorial work when things come up in your life, but putting in a little extra effort to read the material, take notes, attend tutorials, and then have a summary of the content will be a gift when you start studying. It will cut down your revision time substantially and simultaneously on your stress.  
 
Keep your notes organised and in one place (ie. OneNote, Evernote) 
It’s so important to have all your notes prepared when it comes time to revise for exams. You’ll waste valuable time if you’re collecting hand written notes, PowerPoint slides, and Word documents and searching for continuity in your learning. If you have notes in several places, things will inevitably get lost. Whatever is your preferred method of notetaking, make sure that it’s organised and cohesive. My preference is Microsoft OneNote as it can house all your documents, PowerPoint slides, and academic articles in one place. It’s also searchable across an entire notebook, so you can find your definitions and case names quickly. If you’re not using OneNote already, I would highly recommend brushing up on your skills with YouTube videos. 

Make a study group My tutorial group became very close friends over the course of the year, which I realise is somewhat unusual. It was extremely helpful however when it came to sharing notes and brainstorming essays together. We relied greatly upon the study group after classes ended and we started revising – we met in nice coffee shops across London and practiced answering exam questions and quizzing each other. It was wildly helpful, helping keep us all calm in the chaos and ensuring we were keeping up with the work. If you start working together throughout the semester you will have good comradery and a system in place before you face exams. 

 Preparing for exams has been hard work, but there are so many things you can do throughout the year to make the study period easier on yourself. If you would like to find out more about studying in the UK, please contact one of our Advisors.
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Study in the UK - Stonehenge - Across the Pond

Best Day Trips Near London

Written by Ambassador - 08/05/2018

Studying abroad in London was a both exciting and scary idea, but one thing that drew me to moving to the UK was knowing that it is so well interconnected that I could easily slip away for the day for a nice study break and visit so many cool places. Here are some of my faves!
 

Oxford

Oxford is famous for being the home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world! I was lucky enough to have my school organize a trip during orientation week but there are many coach services that can you get there as well as a train from London’s Paddington Station.  You can walk around the cobbled streets and see many famous places along the way. We found a free walking tour which was awesome and the guide showed us many hidden gems that I didn’t even know were located in Oxford - inspiration for famous pieces of literature like Alice in Wonderland and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe are found here (the tour guides ask for tips at the end but that’s the only cost!).  It was so cool to see the historic university grounds as well as some filming locations and building inspirations for Harry Potter!
 

Stonehenge + Bath

Whenever I go somewhere new I look to see if there is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby, so when I knew I was moving to Europe I was excited about the different sites I could go visit. Living in London, I am lucky to be surrounded by so much history including the Stonehenge site. Me and a friend rented a car and made a road trip out of it, but only do this if you are comfortable driving a manual car in many traffic circles on the left side of the road!  If this isn’t you there are a lot of companies that offer coach tours! You can pay to enter the interpretative centre/museum or you can walk along it for free. Right outside the fence is a free pathway that you can walk along - you don’t get as close but if you are a broke student like me this was an awesome option!

Bath is a cute English town famous for its Roman Baths.  We arrived later in the day so walking tours weren’t running anymore, but I have read that these are highly recommended if you are there earlier in the day.  If you pay to enter the Roman Baths you are given a free audio guide and can walk around at your own pace!  To get here you can also take a coach tour or a train from London’s Paddington Station.
 

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle and the town of Windsor is on the outskirts of London and is the site of the next royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan!! The castle is only one of the many things to do here though, including The Long Walk which is part of the castles entrance, visiting the Windsor & Elton Brewery, or a boat trip along the Thames. I wasn’t able to do all this in the day I went but it is making me want to go back again! It has some (or a lot) of royal history, especially as Queen Elizabeth II is from the House of Windsor, and now will be where another royal wedding took place. It is easy to get here from London, you could have an Uber or taxi take you but this would be costly, especially for students. Trains from Paddington and Waterloo Station travel here; you can also take the Green Line bus from Victoria bus station but this will take longer.
 

There are so many great places to visit that are so close to London all you need is one day.  These trips are awesome for busy students who may not have a whole weekend off, and are easy on the wallet. If you want to experience these great day trips for yourself, Across The Pond can help. Please contact one of our Advisors if you would like to find out more about studying in the UK.

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Study in the UK - Across the Pond Canada

Life Outside of Studying

Written by Ambassador Josie - 23/04/2018

The reason you are coming to the UK might be to study, however, the experience is so much more than just school. It’s a chance to experience a new culture, meet people from around the world, and just have a really great time! Although you will spend a lot of time on your school work (duh, you kinda want to pass!) there will still be plenty of time to get out there and have some fun. Below I highlight the main extracurriculars you must try while across the pond.
 

Afternoon tea

An obvious starting point, afternoon tea is an absolute must while staying in the UK. Often a weekend occasion, most cafes and patisseries offer a menu option for this. It often includes a selection of small sandwiches, cakes, and pastries, tea (obvi) and/or coffee for one or two. Many places have also begun offering vegan and gluten free options as well so there is something for everyone. Afternoon tea is a great thing to do with friends when you want to change things up or take family to when they visit as a intro to English culture.
 

Hiking

Since England is quite small, especially when compared to Canada, you can travel quite quickly out of the city and to a place for a really nice hike. Being in Yorkshire myself I can take a 15-minute bus ride and find myself in beautiful countryside where I can explore. Whether or not you’re north, south, or in the middle, England offers some great trails for you to traverse, so don’t forget your walking boots! 
 

Have a drink (or two) at the pub

Pub culture is huge in England. You will rarely find a day where the pub isn’t full, even on Christmas eve (true story)! It doesn’t have to be a big night out, just a casual drink after class or patio session on a nice day, the British are always up for a trip to the pub.
 

Travel

One of my favorite parts about being in the UK is the fact that it is so close to Europe, making it incredibly easy, and affordable, to travel when you have the time. You can find some incredible deals flying all over, such as £30 return to Ireland or £15 one-way to south of France. Hostels and Airbnb also make it really easy to arrange for a weekend or spur-of-the-moment trip with friends or solo to places you have always wanted to visit.
 

See a sports match

Football, rugby, cricket, you name it the English love it! The English take their sports very seriously and almost everyone you meet will have team they support full heartedly. It is therefore an absolute must to attend at least one match in order to gain the full experience of living in the UK. Just make sure to bring an umbrella, because they play rain or shine!
 

Explore

Above all, my favorite pass time is just walking around a new part of the city or taking a train to new town and exploring. Around every corner is a new beautiful building or cute shop or interesting museum. The history here is just so inspiring and adds so much to your studies, making every day special and unexpected. If you have any questions or want to find out more about studying in the UK please contact one of our advisors here.

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London Eats

Written by admin - 19/04/2018

Apr 19, 2018 12:00:00 PM



When I first found out I was moving to London I was excited about all the historic sights I was going to see and the potential to travel around Europe so easily. What never occurred to me was the amazing food options this city has. I have learned (and so has my waistline) that the culinary options here go beyond just fish and chips, and that there is a crazy amount of food options that can lead you on a magical food journey throughout the city!

 

Here is a breakdown of some of my favourite spots to eat:

 ·    Bakeries

 Maison Bertaux

This place is a cute patisserie and is the oldest one in London! It began in 1871 and once you eat there you will know why it has been around for so long. It is small and quaint, but offers a large array of cakes, pastries, and tea/coffee. You can sit outside on the street if the weather is nice enough, or you can enjoy your treat inside if it is raining. I had a delicious latte and an amazing fruit custard tart that I still dream of!

 Latte and Custard TartMaison Bertaux

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fabrique

This bakery and café was founded in Stockholm but has brought its delicious sourdough to London. I went to their Covent Garden location but they also have stores in Hoxton, Notting Hill, and Fitzrovia. Their food is totally Instagram-able but this isn’t the only reason to go. I’m a sucker for a good cinnamon bun and this place did not disappoint. They also have cardamom buns and saffron buns that I have heard are good and I will definitely be heading back a second time to try these as well.

 

 

·      Breakfast

Greenberry Café

This place is situated in Primrose Hill amongst the many other independent shops. The breakfast (and weekend brunch) menu is server until 3pm which is amazing for all of you who like to sleep in like me! They have a ton of healthy options like quinoa porridge, eggs and avocado, or fresh fruit, but also not-so-healthy options like maple-glazed bacon, which as a Canadian I could not resist!

 

Esters

This neighbourhood café is a favourite amongst locals and I see why now. It has a laid-back atmosphere that lets you relax and feel comfortable while eating breakfast which is always nice early in the morning. They get great fresh cakes and bread from St John bakeries, and guest roasters offer up delicious coffee. The menu is ever changing, but from what I’ve experienced it is always great!

 

·         Greasy Spoon Cafes

(I’ve learned that this is a local term for a small, cheap restaurant or diner that offers the typical fried foods)

Regency Cafe

This place is the classic little diner that has retained its original tiling and atmosphere that has apparently been used as a filming location once or twice! The food is not extraordinary, but is tasty and reliable. I had my first steak pie here which was tasty, and they also serve chips and gravy which again was hard to resist as a poutine loving Canadian. To top it all off it is near the Tate Britain so you can head over for some art after a good meal.

 

Terry’s Café

This spot has a traditional look to it and has been around since 1982. They offer a great English breakfast which I have come to love and also have award winning sandwiches. They have old black and white photos on the wall that can keep you busy while you wait for your food, and offer food for both sit-ins and take away. Depending on the time of day you may have to queue outside but the staff are friendly and will try and get you in as quickly as they can. If you’re looking for a good traditional British meal this place will not disappoint.

 breakfast-998220_1920_1

 

There are so many great places to eat in London, I’m sure I could find a great new place every day – if only my student budget would allow it. If you want to experience 

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Study in the UK - Across the Pond Canada

Maintaining a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet in the UK

Written by Hailey - 16/04/2018

When I first moved to Scotland, I was nervous about my options as a vegetarian. I was accustomed to the meat substitutes and vegetarian-friendly menus that cluttered every grocery store and restaurant in Canada. Toronto has a thriving vegan and vegetarian community, with health foods and meat/dairy alternatives gaining popularity every day. After studying in England for a semester in 2016, I knew my choices would be more limited in the UK. It’s far from impossible to maintain a meat-free diet here, but you won’t find a Whole Foods Market or a vegan café on every corner.

Initially, I stressed about giving up my vegetarian amenities. My last apartment was right next to Fresh (a chain vegan restaurant in Toronto) and I had always lived within driving distance of a health food store. Moving to Scotland meant switching brands and finding new recipes. Sure, this might sound trivial to someone who doesn’t share a vegan or vegetarian diet, but it can be a big concern for a veggie if we’re not consuming all our proper nutrition. A balanced and healthy diet is important for energy, focus, and overall happiness.

It might be more challenging to maintain a vegan or vegetarian diet in the UK, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to abandon your beliefs out of convenience. There are options for you!
 

Grocery Stores

On my first trip to Morrison’s, I anticipated a challenge finding meat alternatives – Scotland loves its meat. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a whole section dedicated to vegan and vegetarian foods, just like the grocery stores back home. I found tofu, falafel, sandwich “meats,” veggie burgers, soy and coconut yogurts, and soy/oat/nut milks. I recommend searching in large chain stores, like Morrison’s, for a greater selection of meat and dairy alternatives. I also found a big selection at my nearest health and vitamin store.

Tip: Quorn is a popular “fake meat” brand in the UK. It doesn’t taste as authentic as my favourite Canadian brands, but it does the job!
 

Restaurants

In any central location, there will almost always be a community of non-meat eaters. Luckily, this ensures you’ll find at least one local café or restaurant that caters to your diet. Although I haven’t yet explored all the vegan food spots in Aberdeen, my favourites so far are Bonobo Café and Foodstory. Bonobo is a cozy little café that serves breakfast, lunch, and beverages – all 100% vegan. I visited recently and tried their salmon and cream cheese bagel (pictured here), which was absolutely delicious. Foodstory is a larger restaurant with an equally cozy vibe and tasty vegan menu. If you ever travel to Aberdeen, I recommend these places (whether you’re vegan or not)!

All in all, there will always be choices. If you’re unhappy with the in-store vegan and vegetarian options, search online for new recipes and get creative! You can always find basic ingredients for protein-rich meals, like chickpeas, lentils, beans, Greek yogurt, tofu, cottage cheese, protein powders, nut butters, etc. There are plenty of ways to satisfy your nutritional needs. You might need to make some compromises, but you won’t have to reinvent your whole diet. And if you live in a large, diverse city (i.e. London, Glasgow, etc.), you might not encounter any limitations or differences at all. I recommend exploring your options online while researching your future university town – it might save you some stress when you move. If you’re interested in starting the research process, please contact one of our Across the Pond advisors for more information.

 

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Study in Wales - UK - Across the Pond Canada

5 Reasons You Should Study in Wales

Written by Mackenzie - 12/04/2018

Wales is a beautiful and seriously underrated country! Read on for Across the Pond’s top five reasons you should study in Wales.

  1. The natural beauty of Wales

Wales has got it all. Ocean-side beaches, sweeping green valleys, and impressive mountain ranges! There are three national parks in Wales: Snowdonia (including the mountain Snowdon itself, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 feet), Brecon Beacons, and Pembrokeshire Coast. The latter even boasts its own Stonehenge, in the form of Pentre Ifan – an ancient Neolithic set of 7 principal stones. The beaches come in all forms, including crystal clear aqua waters reminiscent of the tropics as well as jagged and rocky cliff faces on the ocean. The mountains and valleys are stunning any time of year, and bear a striking resemblance to a far off and fictional lands (Middle Earth, anyone?).
 

  1. Castle capital 

Staged beautifully within the natural landscape of Wales are the hundreds of castles that remain as reminders of the centuries of history the country has seen. There are about 600 castles in Wales alone, and of these 600, 100 are still visibly standing or in ruins. When you compare the size of the entire UK with Canada, you can get a sense of how impressive this is! These castles come in all shapes and sizes, from fortifications and motte-and-bailey to medieval and gothic revival. Many of them can be visited throughout the year, and allow the visitor free reign to explore the winding passageways and courtyards within. 
 

  1. Legends of Wales

Wales is steeped in history, but the mythology and legends that are woven into the history is what makes the country even more unique. For example, Dinas Emrys in North West Wales was said to be there the Celtic King Vortigern tried to build his castle in the mountainside, but every night the structure would crumble and break. The wizard Merlin (yes, King Arthur’s Merlin) told Vortigern it was because there were two dragons in the mountain that were tearing it down each night. Vortigern had the mountain dug into and they were discovered: one red dragon and one white dragon. They awoke and began to fight each other. Eventually the white dragon lost and fled, and the red dragon returned to the mountain – this same red dragon can now be seen on the national flag of Wales.
 

  1. Affordable cost of living

If you have always dreamed of living and studying in the UK, but aren’t quite sure how you will plan for the financial aspect, you might consider Wales. Universities in Wales are frequently among the most affordable in the UK in terms of both tuition as well as cost of living. 
 

  1. Location, location, location!

The fifth and final reason to choose Wales is its location. It is at the doorstep of the rest of the UK, and has excellent transport links that will get you wherever you need to go. While we recommend seeing as much of the UK as you can see, we also recommend exploring Wales itself! There is so much to see and discover in this beautiful country.

 

If you would like to find out more about studying in Wales or the rest of the UK, please contact one of our Advisors.

 

 

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Study in London - Things to do - Across the Pond Blog

Things To Do in Your Spare Time in London

Written by Ambassador Loleini - 01/08/2023

There are endless ways to fill your spare time as a student in London. Every week I discover new things and new places that are off the beaten track. I study and live in East London, so I admit that I’m partial to this side of the city – but there are great things to explore all across the tube network. Here’s a list of my favourite things to do when I get a spare moment between assignments in London.
 

Have a drink and a wander in Shoreditch

I spend a lot of time in Shoreditch. It’s in East London, but it’s accessible enough that my friends across the city aren’t too bothered to travel over. The streets are historic and quirky, there are lots of nice shops if you’re around during the day, and there is no shortage of fun places to get a drink or a bite to eat at any time. The bars are offbeat and generally more affordable than places in central London.
 

Stroll down the South Bank

The South Bank is one of my favourite places in London. If you’re up for a long walk, you can wander all the way down the Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge, catching iconic London sights on the way (including Big Ben, the National Theatre, St. Paul’s cathedral, Millennium Bridge, and the Tower of London). The south bank also offers its own activities, so check out what they have on.

 

Museum and Gallery Lates

At the end of the month, many museums and galleries in London pick a night to stay open and host a museum “lates”. During lates, museums won’t close until around 10pm and they’ll serve drinks that you can sip while you peruse the exhibits. It’s such a great way to experience some of the most well-known centres of art and history in the world, including the Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert. And as a bonus, entrance is free! It’s one of my favourite ways to spend a Friday night in London. Look on the museum’s individual website to find their dates for the month.
 

Greenwich

There is so much to do in Greenwich; the parks are beautiful, the pubs are cute, and it’s home to such activities as the Royal Observatory and the Maritime Museum. It takes you a little out of the hustle and bustle of central London, but it’s still very accessible by DLR. It’s a great place to venture when the city gets a little overwhelming, especially on a sunny day.
 

Catch a movie at the Genesis theatre

The Genesis is well-known among locals as a cool place to be in the East End. You can catch everything from big blockbuster movies to indie films and special showing nights. The theatre also has a café, a bar, and a restaurant inside of it – you actually don’t even need a movie ticket to hang out there. They even have live music some nights. The theatres are tiny and cozy, and they offer discounts for students. Compared to the big IMAX cinemas, it’s very affordable.
 

Spend a casual afternoon in Victoria Park

Hyde Park and St. James Park get a lot of attention, but Victoria Park is my personal favourite. There aren’t really any tourists, and on a sunny Sunday afternoon its filled with families walking their dogs and kids learning to ride bikes. It’s a great place to sit with a coffee or kick a football around. There’s also a great bakery and café in the park called ‘The Pavilion’ that makes a mean eggs benedict. While you’re in this area:

  • Wander down the canal in either direction, it’s beautiful!
  • Stop in the local shops on nearby Roman Road; there is even a market several days of the week.
     

Visit Columbia Road Flower Market

To round off my list, here is a last East London treasure. Every Sunday, no matter the season or the weather, flower vendors bring their stock to Columbia Road. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s lovely and colourful to just browse. Go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and take home the best flowers or go late in the day for the last-minute discounts as vendors try to sell off their stock. Visit a nearby Hackney café for brunch while you’re there.

 

If you would like to find out more about studying in the UK, please contact one of our Advisors.
 

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