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Study in the UK - London - Student Housing - Accommodation - Across the Pond Canada

Student Housing in London

Written by Across the Pond - 16/03/2018

The housing situation in London was one of my main hesitations when I considered moving to the city. It’s intimidating to face as a young student, especially if you’re on a budget (like me). The good news is that tens of thousands of students navigate this process in London every year, and it shouldn’t be a deterrent for living in one of the best cities in the world. To help prepare you, I’ve rounded up some of your options and the most helpful information for conquering the London housing market.
 

Student accommodation through your University

Most universities will have some kind of housing available for their first-year students. If you apply early, it can be the easiest way to make sure you have a place to live on your first day of class. University supported residence is safe, reputable, and up to a good standard. If you’re a mature student (older than 21) it’s also possible that your university will place you with other older students; this can be a wonderful thing during the orientation week parties that you may have outgrown. I attend one of the few universities in London to have their residences on campus. It’s truly a great thing to live in a great, big city, but be able to walk to class in two minutes. However, not every university has this benefit, and it can be a pain to live in uni housing 45 minutes away from campus. This is an important thing to look up before choosing your accommodation. The tricky thing is that many London universities will only allow you to live in housing during your first year – after that you’re on your own.
 

Private student accommodation

There are a number of private student accommodation companies in London. Reputable companies like IQ and Liberty provide very high-quality housing in the student dorm style across the city. The downside is that these places are usually far more expensive, and their leases generally last for the entire year – so you must commit to paying rent all summer. The bonus is that the rooms are usually far nicer than university accommodation, and you still get the safe, social environment of living with students. This option will also be available over the course of your entire degree.
 

Flat sharing

Many of my friends found a place to live through websites like spareroom, where people advertise a room in their home to rent. This can be the most affordable route, and you might end up living with a cool group of people. The downside is that you lose a lot of the comforts that come with student organized accommodation; you need to keep an eye out for shady landlords, and you may encounter problems with your flatmates that can’t be fixed by a designated person in charge. But it’s a great option if you’re looking for both accommodation and some roommates. 
 

Finding a place with a group

It’s also possible to bring a group of people together and find a house or flat to live. Many people do this in the later years of their degree. You may also be able to find flatmates in networks you are a part of already. You can post in Facebook groups for alumni of your school and find likeminded people that also need a place to live in London. You have many options, and places can come furnished or unfurnished.

Be conscious that with the competitive market, you might need a guarantor that resides in the UK, reference checks, or to pay additional agency fees. These things might make it more difficult or more expensive, so ask lots of questions and do your research beforehand.
 

Helpful tips

  • Look for your accommodation in August – things open-up later when other students move out.
  • Take advantage of any help your university provides. They might have a specific database for off-campus housing, or provide resources about your rights as a tenant and best practices for navigating the system.
  • Thoroughly evaluate a place the first time you see it. Once you see a place you like, you have to take it immediately.
  • Check out the travel zone that the accommodation is in – it will affect the cost of travelling into university (you are charged for passing through a zone, even if you don’t stop in it).

London is so big and there are so many people, there will always be a place to live and flatmates to find. You shouldn’t let the challenge of finding a place scare you from living in this incredible city!
 

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Study in the UK - London Fashion

Fashion in London

Written by Across the Pond - 13/03/2018

After 6 months of living in London I am finally starting to become familiar with the typical street style here and am feeling more and more confident in both myself and my fashion sense. When I told my friends and family that I was moving to London of course the first thing they all told me was to get a good rain coat and pair of rain boots. Since moving here though I have learned that London and its style is about so much more than just the rain! The street style here is incredible and it sometimes amazes me the outfits people put together with basic items that both you and I probably have in our closets. These are some of the main points I have learned while living here:


Layers

The weather here is London is ever-changing and therefore difficult to dress for if you are headed out for a full day. I have experienced, rain, wind, and sun all within a few hours of leaving my house and discovered that wearing layers is the best option to be comfortable at all times. Being able to strip down to just a t-shirt or blouse when the sun is out is always a good feeling, but when the wind picks up and the sun goes behind a big cloud you’ll be happy that you have you have a sweater or two plus a scarf to bundle back up with. I suggest lighter pieces of clothing to be used for layers as the only thing worse than being overdressed for the weather is being overdressed in thick, uncomfortable pieces of clothing. A bonus layer to wear is a nice scarf! Londoners here love using scarves as both a fashion statement and an extra layer to keep warm during the colder winter months!
 

Keep It Simple Yet Classy

In London it’s easy to spot a traveler versus a local based on what they are wearing. Street style here is chic, yet casual. What I’ve noticed is that an everyday outfit for someone for someone from London is what you and I might consider a dressy or formal outfit. I’m not saying people are walking around in gowns and tuxedos, but blue or black jeans are usually worn with nice jackets and proper shoes as opposed to say sneakers and a hoodie.  You typically won’t find locals out and about in ‘comfort clothes’ such as leggings or sweats unless it’s for a quick jaunt to the corner store and back. One trend that is sticking around though is wearing sneakers with a nicer outfit. So many companies are coming out with runners that are meant to be worn casually and not just to the gym and I love it as it allows me to still be stylish while also being comfortable.


Get a Good Coat

Honestly this is one of my biggest pieces of advice when people ask what to pack if they are moving to London (or the UK in general) – get a good coat that you can wear everyday with everything! I highly suggest a nice long wool coat in a neutral grey or camel colour! You can dress it up and wear it formally if needed, or can wear it with sneakers and jeans like pictured above. I’ve noticed that plaid is becoming more and more popular as well and is becoming a staple along with other basic colours. The weather typically requires at least one layer or coat and so having a staple jacket that you can wear all the time is definitely worth the investment!

I love the London style and am excited to see what the warmer spring and summer seasons will bring! I highly recommend looking up London fashion and street style bloggers should you want more information. If you are looking for inspiration Pinterest is an amazing source that will help spur your creativity to create some iconic fashion looks as well! If you want to see and experience this for yourself, Across The Pond can help.
 

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Celebrating Christmas in Scotland

Celebrating Christmas in Scotland

Written by Hailey - 26/12/2017

Christmas is largely celebrated in Canada. When November hits, we settle into the familiar pattern of holiday music, decorations, and classic Christmas movies that seem to play on every channel. If you’re worried about a shortage of festivity in the UK, fear not. Christmas is equally as popular in the UK, if not more popular.
 

Don’t believe me?

I know I’m not the only one who rolls my eyes when Christmas decorations start appearing on shelves mid-September. They seem to arrive earlier and earlier every year. I enjoy the holiday season, but I don’t want to see Santa decorations next to plastic tombstones and skeletons – unless it’s a Nightmare Before Christmas display. Scotland is no exception; when I arrived in August, most restaurants already had their holiday menus on display.

“Yes, please, I would like the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Let me just change out of my shorts and t-shirt into something more festive.”

As I said, Christmas is extremely popular in the UK.
 

Christmas in Scotland

Over the past couple months, Aberdeen has slowly been adorned with festive lights and decorations. Wherever you travel in Aberdeen, you’ll find some semblance of the holiday season. Cafés and restaurants decorate their windows and doors with fairy lights, garlands, and wreaths. Large baubles, stars, and reindeer dress the ceilings and floors of every mall. And Aberdeen’s main square currently houses a tall Christmas tree. It lights the square and shines down Union Street, the main street in Aberdeen’s city centre.

The Christmas market is my favourite holiday activity in Aberdeen. The market is located right down the street from my job, which makes it easy to walk over and enjoy some mulled wine on my lunch breaks. Although small, the market buzzes with activity. It offers rides, booths, and other forms of festive entertainment. The rides include a large slide, carousel, and teacups (mostly for children, but adults can definitely participate). The booths promise beer, cider, snacks (mini pancakes with Nutella – yum!), and of course, mulled wine.

I enjoyed skating the most. For the *cheap* price of £6, you can rent a pair of skates and glide around the ice rink for half an hour. My friend Martyna and I hadn’t been skating in a long time, so we had a good laugh as we fumbled around in circles on the rink. Despite our lack of grace, the experience boosted our Christmas spirit – what’s not to like about skating to the beat of your favourite holiday tunes?

Christmas in Aberdeen unites the city in celebration. The streets feel familiar and comforting, especially to those of us who are foreign to the UK. Aberdeen isn’t the only Scottish city with a passion for Christmas – far from it. Glasgow and Edinburgh both have ornate Christmas markets that people travel all across the UK to visit.

Whether or not you choose to stay in the UK over the winter break, you’ll feel right at home in December with the abundance of festivity that decks every street. If you’re curious about spending the holidays in the UK, feel free to get in touch with one of our Across the Pond advisors!

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Across the Pond - Study in the UK - Study in Northern Ireland - Study in Belfast

Reasons to Study in Northern Ireland

Written by Across the Pond - 17/07/2024

While many students may automatically think about London and England when they consider studying in the UK, there is a lot more to explore! Northern Ireland is a great place to study that has a fascinating political and social history (and it has a strong education system to boot!).
 

Where in the World is Northern Ireland?

Ireland. Great Britain. The United Kingdom. The British Isles. In day-to-day conversation these terms may be used interchangeably, but did you know that each of these terms has its own specific definition? If you plan to study in Northern Ireland, you’ll quickly become familiar with these differences and know exactly when to use each one so as not to offend anyone. After all, part of studying abroad is about broadening your horizons and becoming a better global citizen.
 

Belfast

Both of Northern Ireland’s two universities are in its capital, and largest city, Belfast. This can make the entire city feel a bit like a close-knit campus community but still offers all the excitement and opportunities of a major city. Belfast was once a hub of the Irish linen industry as well as the shipbuilding industry. The Harland and Wolff shipyard is perhaps the most famous, and infamous, for its building of the RMS Titanic. In fact, a visit to the Titanic Belfast maritime museum is a must-do for any students during their time in Belfast.
 

History

Belfast is also well known worldwide as being the centre of “The Troubles” or the political violence that took place earlier in the 20th century; however, it has since experienced a long period of peace and restoration. In fact, for students interested in International Politics and Relations, Belfast is uniquely able to provide an excellent case study of conflict resolution, post-conflict development, dealing with grievances and so on. Bus trips around Belfast provide great insight into the history of Belfast including visuals provided by the murals, graffiti, and street art that the provide reminders of the past and the hope for a peaceful future.
 

Tourism

Once you’ve seen the many tourist destinations in Belfast, you’ll be tempted to venture outwards and Northern Ireland won’t disappoint. From hiking in the Mourne Mountains and strolling the beach in Ballycastle to visiting Derry’s walls, Northern Ireland has scenery you’ll never want to leave. Perhaps most importantly to Game of Thrones fans will be tours to various notable GoT filming locations such as The Dark Hedges, in County Antrim or the ancient redwoods and stone arches of Tollymore Forest Park, a.k.a. the Haunted Forest. If a Game of Thrones tour isn’t quite your thing, then you can’t run amiss with a stop at the Giant’s Causeway. Be prepared for a bit of a walk if you want to fully take in the spectacular views of the sea and the basalt columns.
 

Culture

Finally, if you decide to study in Northern Ireland for no other reason, let it be for the culture. The Northern Irish pride themselves on their friendly and easy-going culture. You’ll never be afraid to ask someone for directions or help while in Northern Ireland. More likely, they’ll first notice your concern and stop to offer you help and maybe a pint at the pub. And while Dublin may be better known globally for its Guinness and pubs, you’ll find no shortage of either when studying in Northern Ireland. In fact, be sure you try a pint of Guinness while you’re there. After all, “It’s good for you.”

Can’t wait to begin your studies in Northern Ireland? Get in touch with one of our advisors today to learn more and get started on an application!

 

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Study in the UK - Explore a new culture - Embrace British Heritage

Learn British English Before You Arrive in the UK

Written by Across the Pond - 18/07/2024

One of the biggest most potentially embarrassing differences in Canadian versus British English is the use of the term “pants”. In fact, you may want to start practicing now just to ensure you get the hang of things before you step foot in the UK and inevitably end up telling someone that you like their pants. In the UK, pants refers to underpants and only underpants. Trousers. The word you are looking for when referring to your longer leg coverings is trousers. Just keep practicing and you’ll get the hang of it. Moreover, you also shouldn’t be offended if someone asks you for a rubber. They need an erasure to fix a written mistake, they aren’t propositioning you for something else.  

Beyond these two major points of conflicting terminology, there are a great many other British terms and sayings that you’ll want to be familiar with to avoid getting lost in conversation.
 

1. Sod’s Law 

You’ll likely hear variations on a reference to Sod’s Law such as “Sod all” and “Sod it”. Sod’s law is bit of an extreme variation on Murphy’s law, which you may be more familiar with. The essence of Sod’s Law is that whatever can go wrong will go wrong and in the worst possible way.
 

2. “You okay?” or “You alright?”

Don’t be alarmed if you are frequently greeted with these phrases in the UK. No, you don’t look poorly (sick) or ragged, this is just the British equivalent to asking “How are you?” The typical British response is to issue a short and positive response (“yeah” or “yes”) and reciprocate the question (“and you?”). One derivative of this would be when you are asked the same thing by a server or bartender in a restaurant or pub in which case they are asking you whether you’d like to order anything in which case you should respond accordingly.
 

3. Knackered, Zonked, or Buggered and needing a kip

All of these just mean you are plain old exhausted or tired out and needing a nap. Careful if you try to used buggered though, there are other variations on this phrase that have very different meanings. Knackered is pretty universally used though so it’s a good choice if you’re unsure.

 

4. Pudding

Another word that you think you are familiar with but has a quite different meaning when used in the UK. “Pudding” in the UK essentially refers to all desserts or more generally the sweet treat you have after supper. You can have fruit for pudding or cake for pudding or biscuits for pudding etc. The goopy sweet mixture that we call pudding in Canada would actually be called “custard” in the UK. And just to ensure your confusion, you may find one night that you do indeed have custard for pudding.
 

5. Waffle

Hopefully you won’t hear this regarding any of your academic work, but if you do get told to stop waffling, it typically means you are running on with little or no direction. Many students are guilty of this in early drafts of their dissertations when they gape at their expected word count and wonder how in the world they’ll ever write that much on one topic. But don’t worry, once you get into the thick of your research you’ll find yourself easily editing out all of your waffling bits.

 

6. Cuppa

This term is fairly simple and a shortened way to say "cup of tea". The most common phrasing for this one is "fancy a cuppa?" If you hear this during your studies or travels throughout the UK, the one asking the question is asking you if you'd like a cup of tea. Depending on your mood, you can accept or decline, though tea is always a nice addition to a "chat".

We will send all of our students enrolling at UK unis predeparture guidelines in the summer.  When we do, be sure to check them out--they will include many other helpful tips for preparing for your studies. It has a plethora of British terminology and slang incorporated throughout!

 

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Across the Pond Canada - Study in the UK

5 Reasons You Should Study in Scotland

Written by Across the Pond - 07/12/2017

With so many university choices all around the UK, deciding where to study can be very overwhelming. Many students think of London when they think of the UK- but More than 94% of international students believe Scotland is a “good place to be”. Here we will explore the top five reasons why you should consider studying in Scotland. If you want to learn more about Scotland, check out our Universities in Scotland page. 
 

History

There will be a ton of history anywhere you decide to study in the UK, however Scotland alone has experienced astonishing growth and change during the course of its history.  Learn about the battle of the Stirling Bridge by visiting the Wallace Monument in Stirling which also offers incredible views of the city and countryside. Take a visit to St. Andrew’s to check out the UK’s third oldest university founded in 1413. St. Andrew’s is also the home of golf and not to mention you can visit the coffee shop where William met Kate.
 

 

Culture

Scotland is constantly hosting fun and entertaining events all year long. Every year there are over 350 festivals, from huge music festivals such as at T in the Park, to the world’s largest arts festival at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Festival. If you really want to experience Scottish culture make sure you attend a cèilidh! This is a traditional Scottish gathering and dance. If sports are more your thing, check out a rugby match at Murrayfield in Edinburgh!
 

Travel

There is plenty to see and do in Scotland! Why not head north to Loch Ness and try spotting Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster? Or head to the Isle of Skye, the largest and most northerly major island with breathtaking scenery. There are plenty of amazing cities to explore in Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Aberdeen and Stirling. The rest of the UK and Europe are also very accessible from Scotland! London is less than an hour’s flight away and Paris is less than two hours.
 

Castles Galore

There is always a castle close by in Scotland! It is estimated that there once stood up to 3,000 castles in Scotland alone. Some of these castles are now completely destroyed, others have been left in ruins and others are in perfect condition for tourists to explore. Some of the most popular castles to visit are Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Braemore Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle (this is also where you might spot the Loch Ness Monster).
 



Scottish Food and Drink

Scotland is home to some interesting foods, and of course lots of whisky distilleries to explore! You will notice most Scottish pubs and restaurants have Haggis which is a traditional Scottish dish. You will also find neeps and tatties, cranachan, Scottish tablet shortbread and don’t forget about deep fried Mars bars!

Ready to start your Scottish adventure?
 

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Across the Pond Canada - Study in the UK

How to travel during your studies

Written by Across the Pond - 13/11/2017

The UK is filled with history and incredible sights, making it a great place to live and travel. That being said, one of the big perks of living in the UK is its great position for affordable travel around Europe and elsewhere. There are so many fabulous destinations in a short flight radius, and with the rise of budget airlines, escaping for a short break between classes has never been more doable. So, what’s the best way to plan an escape from your homework?
 

Planes, trains, and busses... oh my!

The cheapest way to travel out of the UK is by plane and by bus. Trains can be much more expensive, but I generally find them to be the most comfortable mode of transport. The rule of the game in train tickets is to book early – usually you will find that tickets drastically increase in price as the date approaches.

Buses will generally take you longer, but if you’ve got a little spare time on your hands it can save you a lot of money. Bus routes connect most cities in Europe and are a great way to get around, especially in countries with less substantial train systems. Try reputable companies like Flixbus (which has a great app) and Student Agency.
 

With flights, be flexible about your destination and dates

The best way to nab a cheap flight is to be flexible with your trip. Over my November reading break I ended up in Sardinia, Italy, because that was the cheapest ticket I could find to a place with a beach (£50 round trip, isn’t that wild?). Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights will helpfully provide you with travel inspiration that fits your window. If you already know the place you want to end up, search the site to find the best travel dates for that route.

Booking flights can be somewhat of a gamble – sometimes booking in advance is the best way to guarantee your cheap flight, but it’s usually possible to score last minute deals if you’re flexible.
 

How to make the trip work

Whether you’re the type to plan your entire trip in advance, or if you (like me) are more the last minute-type, you’re bound to have a fantastic experience. I generally book hostels when I’m travelling alone as they’re a great way to meet people and feel safe abroad. Airbnb is a great alternative if you’re traveling with a group of friends and would like some space to yourselves.

My friends and I were desperate to sneak away during reading break, but we’re also law students with a pile of homework. So, we booked an entire boat on Airbnb in Sardinia and sprawled our homework out for days on the table. We had our study breaks adventuring around the island and cooking pasta. It was the perfect way to mix studies and travels.

One of my favourite parts about living in London is the opportunity for further travel abroad. I haven’t decided on my next London-escape yet, but I have my eye on Copenhagen and Morocco. Travels like these really add depth to an already fantastic experience in London. If you need to write a paper, you may as well write it in an Italian café, right?
 

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Heather

Heather

Canada Manager

Education

Oxford Brookes University

  • Hons. Bachelor of Health Sciences with Minor in Psychology (University of Ottawa, Canada)
  • MA History of Medicine (Oxford Brookes University, UK)

Contact information

Email: heather.riddoch@studyacrossthepond.com

What did you do before joining Across the Pond?

The opportunity to join Across the Pond seemed to fall in my lap when I graduated my masters. But it's also provided the perfect opportunity for me to utilise work skills that I'd developped in the past. Having worked in restaurants and pubs during my teens and undergrad years, I wasn't afraid of occasional long hours, was accustomed to working weekends and ultimately highly valued the opportunity to work a flexible schedule otherwise. From my customer service experience, I also knew that I would have no problem attending student fairs and talking to students or other university representatives. On the other hand, I also knew from experience that as an introvert, those type of interactions could be draining for me so the option to work remotely the rest of the time seemed like the perfect compromise.
 

Why did you decide to study in the UK?

After completing my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to pursue further education but my degree in Health Sciences had opened up many different pathways and I wasn’t sure which I wanted to take. I’d spent a few summers in the UK staying with family so I was also intrigued by the option to study in the UK. I eventually settled on wanting to study the history of medicine and started looking for master’s programs. I took a year off to work and took some additional courses in history and during this time I got in touch with Across the Pond to see if there were any programs in such a niche subject area in the UK. I certainly hadn’t found any programs that specialized in Canada. My advisor at Across the Pond, sent me a list of programs at universities in the UK and then helped me with my applications to the ones I thought would be the best fit. The more I researched (academics, location, facilities, faculty) Oxford Brookes started to really stand out as my top choice so I was thrilled to receive an offer. I absolutely being a part of the history department at Oxford Brookes and learned so much through my course. And of course, Oxford. Nothing beats living in Oxford, studying in the Bodleian Library (a bucket list goal of mine), paddling on the rivers and canals (yes I brought my paddleboard with me), and setting up in a pub to do some reading in the afternoon (I had a souvenir copy of a “Drink Map” of Victorian Oxford which I used to check out the many historic pubs around the city).
 

Why do you like working for Across the Pond?

I began working with Across the Pond immediately after finishing my degree (and backpacking in Europe for a few weeks). It started out as a part-time position that would ensure I had employment as soon as I moved back to Canada and also held the promise of travel across Canada to attend various student events. After my first season travelling the fair circuit in Canada (visiting provinces I’d never been to) and meeting the rest of the Across the Pond team in Canada, I know I wanted to continue to work in international education. I applied for an advising position was welcome into the advising team. The Across the Pond environment works perfectly for me as the remote work has allowed me to settle on a farm outside a small town in Canada and not worry about commuting or needing to move to a major city to find job opportunities. Beyond that, as part of a small company, I’ve made great friends among colleagues and have always felt supported and welcome. I still get to travel in Canada to meet with students and to the UK to learn more about our university partners. This continued connection with the UK is my favourite part about working at Across the Pond.

 

Why do you think people from Canada should study in the UK? 

I think the UK education system has so much to offer Canadian students. With many more universities than there are in Canada, the UK provides the opportunity to pursue niche or more specialized programs. There are universities all across the UK from major cities like London or Glasgow to smaller ones like Brighton or Aberystwyth. This means you can really tailor your education to your own preferences and find the perfect university for you. The UK education system maintains small course sizes and uses a tutorial system which means you really get to know your peers and professors and feel part of an academic community. Studying in the UK also provides a wonderful home base to travel during your studies. The public transit links throughout the UK (not just London) mean travel within the UK is far easier and cheaper than many Canadians could imagine (this is no Via Rail). And the travel doesn’t stop there, connections to main land Europe are right at the doorstep with cheap flights that mean a “weekend in Paris” is a completely reasonable thing. Personally, I travelled within the UK for the most part during my studies and after turning in my master’s dissertation I spent 3 weeks backpacking in Europe and it was incredible. The one thing I always emphasize when speaking with students getting ready to move to the UK is to remember to use those UK travel links really “see” the UK in its entirety.

 

List all of your favourite things about the UK! 

Pub quizzes and pub culture, Bodleian Library, Oxford, museums (science and medical museums galore), camping, hill walking, travel, West End theatre, surfing and paddling

Study in the UK - Across the Pond Canada

Why I Chose to Study Law in the UK

Written by Loleini - 30/10/2017

What sparked the idea

The decision to move to the UK was a big step and I took a long time to determine whether it was the right move for me. I started looking into the process part way through my undergraduate degree; I was studying abroad in Australia and I had fallen in love with the experience of studying in a different place. I suppose a shorter study abroad was like a test-run for an entire degree in a new country. I had the opportunity to experience a different education system, travel on my breaks, and meet people from all over the world. My personal-growth over that period was incredible, and I was hooked. I wanted to do it all again, but for longer next time.

It was around that time that I had decided I wanted to go to law school. It fit perfectly with my vision of further study abroad and I began to research the process of applying in several different countries. I had actually contacted Across the Pond at this stage, having very early discussions about my plans and what options were available for me in the UK. They were around for the entire, lengthy, process!
 

Why I ultimately chose the UK over Canada

I strongly considered study in both countries, and I took the decision very seriously. Ultimately, the UK offered a far more interesting and affordable route to becoming lawyer than I would find in Canada. The application process for law school in Canada is long, expensive, and demanding; every university has their own entrance requirements, essay questions, and huge fees for applying. That of course doesn’t include the challenge and expense of writing the LSAT. Online forums are full of students who have spent thousands of dollars on the process and never received an acceptance. The universities are becoming ever more competitive, and I wasn’t excited by the prospect of ending up in the city I had lived in for most of my life. I figured that if you’re going to put yourself through the challenge of law school, you should be excited about every aspect of being there.

In a pleasant comparison, applying for university in the UK was streamlined and easy to follow. The process includes only one application, one far lower fee, and the ability to apply to up to five schools at once. Across the Pond was extremely helpful with this, and even put together my application for me. And I was excited about it all – I knew that whichever school I eventually attended, I would have the opportunity for an incredible new experience.
 

Some pros and cons

I have a large collection of pros and cons lists for just about every aspect of this experience. Here, I’ve distilled what I found to be the most significant elements of both sides.

Cons:

  • I already have a degree, and as law is an undergraduate degree in the UK, I’ve returned to classes with an average age about 5 years younger than myself.
  • The UK education system is very exam-heavy, and the semesters are longer.
  • The weather isn’t exactly tropical.
  • It can be extremely hard to leave family and friends.
  • International student fees.

But… Pros:

  • The senior status program is available at many Across the Pond partner universities. It allows me to complete a law degree in only two years, significantly reducing my course and living fees.
  • Access to incredible, high ranking universities with historic backgrounds and diverse program opportunities.
  • The ability to travel around Europe for wildly affordable rates.
  • Although the distance can feel far, there are many direct flights between Canada and the UK. Visits home are extremely doable.


The choice to study in the UK is a big one, but ultimately, I didn’t find it to be a difficult one. The opportunity to travel, experience a different culture and educational system, and meet new people from all over the world captured me. If you would like to find out more about studying in the UK, please contact one of our Across the Pond Student Advisors.  

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Pre-Departure Check-List for the UK!

Pre-Departure Check-List for the UK!

Written by Across the Pond - 23/07/2024

Now that you’ve sorted your accommodation and successfully applied for your student visa, the hardest parts of preparing for your studies overseas are behind you, right? Maybe not.

While the visa and student accommodation processes can be stressful, when it comes to other pre-departure preparations student may start to draw a blank. If you’re worried about forgetting something during your summer prep, ask one of our Across the Pond advisors about our Predeparture Guide to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.
 

Important Documents

First thing’s first, be sure you pack a copy of your acceptance letter or email as well as official copies of your transcript, diploma, CAS and any other supporting documents you had on hand during your visa application process. You’ll want to pack these in your carry-on so that they are easily accessible when passing through Immigration Control at the airport. It’s also a good idea to travel with and keep photocopies of your passport and travel documents while you are in the UK. The best way to keep these items safe and secure? Grab an inexpensive folder from the store to keep everything in one place. This will make travelling through customs (and registration when you get to your university) a breeze! Once you've settled, you can store the whole folder in a drawer or somewhere safe in your flat without worrying about the documents inside getting bent or lost. 

Top Tip: Pack a day or two’s worth of clothes in your carry-on just in case your baggage gets lost or delayed on the trip over.
 

Packing

One pre-departure mistake that students often make is to underestimate how difficult it can be to pack for a year studying overseas. The best thing to do to ensure you have everything you want to bring but only what you need is to keep a running packing list before your departure. Start with your essential clothing and school items and then add onto that as you see fit. You’d also do well to keep the British weather in mind when writing and revising your packing list. Layers go a long way in the UK!

Check with your student advisor to receive a copy of our "Tried and True Packing List" as well!

Top Tip: Invest in a luggage scale to help keep your packing under the required airline limit! This will help ensure you avoid embarrassing airport luggage shuffling the day of your departure!
 

Plan Your Arrival

Especially if this is your first time travelling to the UK, try to make good use of your internet resources to plan your arrival and travel from the airport to your accommodation. Make use of your university’s assistance and recommendations for arranging your travel and arrival. Remember, many flights from North America to the UK travel overnight and there’s a good chance you’re going to spend your first few hours on British turf jet-lagged. Try to make all the arrangements beforehand to make things easier on your knackered* future self (*British colloquialism for being exhausted)!

Top Tip: You’re likely to be arriving to a room devoid of kitchen utensils, linens and most importantly food! Try using mapping apps to get an idea of the layout of your UK university or town that way it’s easier to navigate on your own during your first few days.
 

Get Excited

Now that you’ve covered your basic preparations, go ahead and get excited! Watch all your favorite movies that are set in London or introduce yourself to some classic British favorites (the Monty Python film and TV shows such as The Office are a good place to start)! Do a Pinterest search to find some travel blogs with must-see British destinations (don't forget to check our own Across the Pond Pinterest page!) Check out the faculty page for your university department and make a summer reading list out of the articles and books of some of your future professors.

Top Tip: Check out Across the Pond’s Predeparture Guide for further practical advice on preparing yourself for your studies overseas. If you already have an Across the Pond Advisor, you can ask them about the guide, if not sign up and begin working with an advisor today!
 

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