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Why I chose to study in the UK

Written by admin - 16/11/2017

Nov 16, 2017 10:44:34 PM

Since high school, I wanted to move to Vancouver. That was my end-goal. I planned to finish my Bachelor’s degree in Toronto and then move across the country to B.C. for my Master’s. For years, I told everyone that I was moving to Vancouver after I graduated. I wanted to study at UBC or Simon Fraser, ski in the Rockies, hike, and visit hip vegetarian restaurants. My plan was set in stone, or so I thought.

 

My journey to the UK

Fast-forward to October 2015. The idea of studying abroad entered my radar when I developed an interest in the University of Toronto’s summer abroad program. I ended up studying in Oxford during August 2016 after my successful application to the program. Throughout the month, I spared no expense travelling to as many destinations as possible. Unsurprisingly, I fell in love with the UK. I arrived home with a new perspective on my future. Grad school applications began shortly after, in which I applied to Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and four universities across England, Scotland, and Wales.

 

Like many students, I struggled at the start of my application process. Where do I begin looking for suitable MA programs in the UK? Which universities will offer me the best education for my field? Which region do I want to live in? I did my own research, but I was in over my head. Across the Pond was enormously helpful in this regard. My advisor asked for information on my current program and matched me with a list of universities related to my academic interests. From there, I narrowed my search down to four options and began my applications. 

 

My acceptance letters led to a conflicted decision-making process. Do I abandon my Vancouver dream, or stick to the plan? Full disclosure: travelling was (and still is) one of my main motivators for studying a Master’s degree. I knew that I wanted to study away from home, whether I chose Vancouver or the UK. Vancouver always seemed like a far-off destination in comparison to my small hometown outside of Toronto. But studying in Oxford shrunk those borders. Despite the distance, Vancouver is still close to home. If I wanted to travel, I should do it properly. Right?

 

How to choose?

I find it helpful to measure my options when I have a big decision to make. I’m a visual learner, which means I like to see all the facts in front of me (I’m a huge nerd for lists). Whether you’re like me or not, you can’t go wrong with this tactic. Here’s an idea of what my pros and cons lists looked like while choosing between Simon Fraser and the University of Aberdeen (my top choice in the UK).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SFU

Pros

Cons

·         High-ranking program

·         Reputable program staff would lead to connections in my field

·         Beautiful scenery

·         Warm winters

·         Plenty of vegetarian restaurants

 

·         Vancouver and Toronto share similarities in culture and appearance – no big changes

·         Will not fulfill my desire to travel

·         Very expensive to travel between Toronto and Vancouver

 

 

Aberdeen Uni

Pros

Cons

·         Rare opportunity to live abroad for a year

·         International studies will make me more employable

·         Ability to travel through Europe with ease

·         New friends and new connections in different parts of the world

·         Independence

·         Beautiful scenery

·         Unable to visit family and friends on a whim

·         Leaving behind Sherman, my pet rabbit

·         Vegetarian options are not as extensive as Canada

 

Remember to value quality over quantity in a pros and cons list. You may have a long list of cons, but their importance might be superficial in comparison to your pros – and vice versa. For instance, I have more pros than cons listed for SFU. But can I really compare the value of warm winters to fulfilling my desire to travel?

 

Moral of the story: plans change. You might believe that your future is set in stone, but nothing is definitive. Moving to the UK might not be something you always considered, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the right option for you. If you would like to learn more about studying in the UK, feel free to contact one of our advisors.

 

 

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How to travel during your studies

Written by admin - 13/11/2017

Nov 13, 2017 12:00:00 PM


Florence

Florence's Duomo at night

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?

Santorini

Santorini, Greece

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam at night

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.

Prague

Rainy Prague rooftops

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.

Pasta

Cooking a pasta dinner on a boat!

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?

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

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Studying Public Health in the UK

Written by admin - 10/11/2017

Nov 10, 2017 12:00:00 PM

For a few years now I have known that I wanted to study the topic of ‘health’, but was unsure of what that meant exactly. It wasn’t until I sat down with a friend of a friend who studied health at the postgraduate level and had some insight and advice that I was able really narrow down my focus. After looking into the many different programs in Canada and hearing that my friend was looking into international programs I decided to follow in her footsteps and also see what was being offered across the pond. Finding the right program for me took some time, but I’m glad I was able to do some investigating and find the right program for me.

 

Program Structure

The Public Health and Health promotion program here a Brunel differs from what I saw in Canada in that it covers more topics, but on a more general level. Many of the MSc or MPH programs in Canada seemed to have specific concentrations that you had to select, whereas here it is just one general cohort covering a range of topics. This appealed to me as I didn’t want to specify so much, and rather wanted to learn about many different topics within public health.

 

Module Offerings

The modules that are offered in this course are really interesting and are one of the main reasons I chose this university over others. It covers broad topics such as ‘Health and Society’ and ‘Health Promotion’, but it also offers lectures on topics that are more practical useful in real life such as ‘Implementing Change’ and ‘Health Policy, Politics, and Social Justice’.

 

Assessments

This program differs from what I experienced back home in my undergrad in terms of how we are assessed. I am used to having multiple quizzes, papers, labs, and exams spread throughout the entire semester, but here there are only a few assessments used that carry more weight. I have only 6 or 7 different assessments that all take place in the second or third term, and they range in both type and weight. These assessments plus the dissertation are what make up your final grade for graduation. This is both daunting in the sense that there is a lot riding on the grades you receive, but it is nice to not be facing a test or paper deadline every few days.

 

A dissertation here is part of most postgraduate courses, and I was unsure of what that meant compared to a research based program back home. What I have found out is that it is very similar to a thesis, but is like one step below; you can use both primary and secondary data, the length requirements are not as long, and there is a lot of guidance and research support offered. It is integrated into many modules and aspects of the course as you go along but is not the sole focus of the program. I was not looking for a research based program so this is part of the reason I chose the Brunel program.

 

Mode of Instruction

The mode of instruction here is quite similar to back home with us having different professors lecturing us on different topics. Here though we have each course only once a week but for a longer period of time. For example, every week I have multiple 2hr courses, a 1hr lecture, and a 4hr lecture (the professor is awesome and gives us multiple coffee breaks!). It is nice as you have more time to dive deeper into the material and have some in-depth conversations and debates, but come ready with coffee and snacks!

Studying aboard might seem scary, but I highly recommend it! I was worried that the process of picking a program and applying would be confusing and complicated, but that was not the case at all due to the amazing work of my advisor from Across the Pond! She was there every step of the way to help me and answer any and all questions! If you would like to find out more about studying in the UK, please contact one of our Advisors. 

 

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Studying Communications in the UK

Written by Hailey - 08/11/2017

Time passes quickly in Aberdeen.  The leaves drop without warning and the sun sets earlier every day. It’s hard to believe that two months have passed since the beginning of the semester. I’ve submitted essays, worked on group projects, and given presentations. Yet, I still feel as if I only arrived last week.

I study an MSc in Professional Communication. The program combines linguistics and business, offering a practical approach to the science of communication. Prof. Comm. students learn to communicate effectively across disciplines – a feature that attracted me to the subject. Like any communications program, Prof. Comm. teaches skills that are invaluable and applicable to almost every field of study.
 

Why communications?

Jim Rohn said, “Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.”

Like many 22-year-olds, my career is still up in the air. I’ve toyed with the ideas of writing, editing, journalism, and public relations. Sadly, no degree combines all of these areas.

Communications is a perfect option for people like us – those who haven’t quite made up their minds yet. I don’t imply that you should use a communications degree to kill time. Rather, you should study communications to add depth to your career. The subject is universal and timeless. You can bring these skills to any job, now or in the future.

Without a doubt, writing is my vocation. Yet, the idea of a full-blown communications degree appealed to me. Even if you have a strong understanding of your professional interests, communication is an extremely practical tool to have on your resume. It complements every field – you can’t go wrong.
 

Why the UK?

Communication is always relevant, no matter the country. That being said, I believe you have more to gain from studying communications in a new country. Here’s why:

  1. You witness how different cultures communicate within themselves and with outsiders.
  2. You incorporate new communicative styles into your behaviour that you can bring back to Canada.
  3. Different countries teach different histories and methodologies. You learn about your subject from an alternative perspective.
     

Communications in the UK vs. Canada 

Studying in the UK expands your travel options tenfold. Cheap airlines, trains, and busses offer you the opportunity to explore Europe on a student budget. Spain for the weekend? Sure. Edinburgh for lunch? No problem.

Program length is also a major contender for studying in the UK. In Canada, Master’s programs usually last two to three years, full-time. But in the UK, your Master’s will only take one year to complete. Studying in the UK is a great way to accelerate your degree if you want to enter the workforce faster.
 

Bachelor’s workload vs. Master’s workload

Undergraduate degrees require you to take several courses at once – typically, full-time students take 4 or 5 a semester. But in my program, I’m only required to study one course at a time. The classes run back-to-back: I have three classes each semester and my final dissertation over the summer.

Naturally, program structures shift from undergraduate to graduate levels. A full-time Bachelor’s student will take a variety of different electives, on top of their required program courses. In my opinion, Master’s degrees are more efficient; I’m only required to take program-specific classes. You might discover that graduate classes demand more effort. However, you end up with more spare time, so your schedule balances out in the long-run.

Time drags when you choose a program or university out of convenience. Don’t settle. Make decisions that will lead to your happiness. Make decisions that will make the months feel like minutes. For further inquiries about studying in the UK, please contact one of our Across the Pond advisors. 

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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

Halloween in the UK

Written by Across the Pond - 06/11/2017

What is not to love about October? It is the perfect time to cozy up in your favorite sweater and sip on a cup of, well, pumpkin flavored anything while cracking open a new novel. October is a time for walks in the changing leaves, brisk morning runs, and of course Halloween. A classic holiday in North America, I was prepared for jack-o-lanterns adorning every doorstep, cheesy gravestones on lawns, and human-sized bags of candy being sold in shops. Alas, this is not the reality over here in fair old England. Halloween, although gaining steam, is just not as big or built-up as it is back home. Pumpkins do fill giant tubs in the entrances of grocery stores, and you may find a shop window or two covered in fake spider webs, but the overall extravagance of Halloween is sadly lost. Despite the lack of decoration, there is still plenty to do on the scariest night of the year!
 

What’s On

Firstly, bars and clubs take the opportunity to host dress-up nights where you can show off your best costume and mingle with fellow ghosts and vampires. A quick warning for you though, costume shops are not as common in the UK, so expect to embark on a DIY costume if you’re thinking of dressing up. Anyway, homemade outfits are the best kind and it can be a great way to bond with friends by doing a partner or group costume! Many sites give epic Halloween ideas, so make sure to first check out Pinterest and Buzzfeed for inspiration! Movie nights are also popular, so if you are a scary movie buff grab your friends and a bag of popcorn and join your fellow students at one of the many Halloween movie-a-thons hosted by the student union or local movie theatres.

There will also be no lack of house parties to choose from as what student doesn’t love an excuse to have fancy dress party (that’s what the English call a costume party!). The Saturday night preceding Halloween is usually the best night to go out, you’ll find plenty to do and parties to attend.
 

What’s missing

Sadly, there are a few things missing from the UK Halloween scene, but if you brace yourself you can prepare! Firstly, pumpkin patches are not a seasonal necessity here, so you’ll have to take your fall pics elsewhere. Secondly, I have recently discovered that pumpkin puree is not a shelf staple here, making the process of baking pumpkin pie a slight pain. And lastly, most folks don’t dress up to go to school or work on Halloween day. Going to class on the 31st you wouldn’t even know it was Halloween save for the snap-chat filters, they don’t even play monster mash in the cafeteria!

Overall, my suggestion for anyone who is a big Halloween fan is to start planning early, that way you can build excitement within your friend group and ensure that you have a Spooktacular Halloween across the pond! If you are interested in discovering for yourself how Halloween is celebrated in the UK and thinking about coming here to study, please get in touch with us!

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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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Why I Chose to Study in the UK

Written by Across the Pond Ambassador - 25/10/2017

“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” – Unknown

I feel that this quote does a great job at summing up what led to me to look into moving half way across the world to pursue my dream of completing a postgraduate Master’s program. Of course, there are other factors that come in to play when making such a big decision, but wanting to get out of my comfort zone and routine life helped me get on to the path that led me to where I am now – one month in to my MSc program at Brunel University London!
 

Types of Programs Offered

The first thing I looked into after deciding that I wanted to move away for school was what kind of programs were offered in the UK. After some research I learned that many postgraduate programs here are only 1 year long, which was very enticing to me. Back home in Canada most programs are at least 2 years long. Completing a master’s degree in half the time played a major role in me deciding that the UK was the place for me.

The program I am in is a course-based or taught master’s program, meaning that research is not the only method used for us to learn. We have 8 modules or courses to complete with different forms of assessments (exams, case studies, essays) and professors who conduct lectures on a wide array of topics. We still conduct research by completing a dissertation at the end of the year, but it is not as intense as the full research programs. I am not intending to complete a PhD or go into a career that is research based, so I decided to only look into taught programs.
 

Opportunity for Travel

Another reason I chose the UK as my new home was the opportunity for travel. I had been to Europe two separate times before moving here, and loved how easy it was to get from city to city or from country to country. There are so many cheap air, planes, and bus companies here that travelling can be cheap and easy! The UK is so well-connected that hopping on a train or bus to head to the coast or on a ferry to Ireland is not a big deal, which is something I am not used to, but can’t wait to utilize! Just be sure you know of any limitations that your student visa may have, as you wouldn’t want to have any issues coming back home if you leave the country!
 

Price/Scholarships

Another main factor that played into my decision of picking the UK was how much it would cost and if there were any opportunities for scholarships. I knew I was going to have to get a student loan to help me cover the costs of tuition and living fees, but wanted to know if it was worth it. After finding out the cost for an overseas student I crunched the numbers and the cost for a 1 year program across seas was very similar to the price I would pay at a Canadian university for the 2+ years! The only extra cost would be for accommodation and living fees, which I would be paying for whether I was back in Canada or here in the UK. Plus, there are no fees to apply to universities here* so I was able to apply to 5 different universities without breaking the bank!

*Note from Across the Pond: This is usually very much the case over 90% of the time; occasionally a course will have an application fee. Your Across the Pond advisor can help you identify which courses/universities charge. 

Lastly, the opportunity for scholarships played a role in my decision. I looked at the universities I was interested in and did my research on all the scholarships I would be eligible for. Most of the universities I wanted to apply to offered both academic performance scholarships as well as specific ones for international students. It is important to note, though, that you will not know if you receive any of these until you apply and are accepted; some universities may offer scholarships to you when they send you your confirmation letter, and others may require a scholarship application once you accept their offer. 

 

One last bonus is that if you use Across the Pond to help you apply for a university in the UK, you have access to exclusive opportunities through them to help with the cost of your program. Across the Pond provided me info on all these topics and more and helped me make an informed decision. If you would like to find out more about studying in the UK please contact one of our advisors.

 

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My First Days in the UK: Adjusting to Scotland

Written by Hailey - 13/10/2017

 

Meet Hailey, one of our bloggers for the 2017-2018 academic year.  Hailey is studying at the University of Aberdeen.

My move to Scotland didn’t feel real until I stepped into Aberdeen Airport, fresh from a 9.5-hour flight from Toronto. I staggered off the plane and walked towards baggage claim. Alone. I felt tired, thirsty, and completely unprepared for my journey ahead. I recalled the long hours editing personal statements, corresponding with references, and gathering writing samples. At the time, I thought nothing was more arduous than my postgraduate applications. But in hindsight, pressing “submit” was the easiest part of the process. Cramming my life into two suitcases, on the other hand? Quite the challenge.
 

Arrival

Nothing truly compares to the experience of entering a new city. The world feels fresh and uncharted. Despite my sudden dose of reality, I couldn’t wait to begin my adventure in the UK. The first item on my To-Do list? Visiting the University of Aberdeen, A.K.A. my home for the next year.

The King’s College campus greeted me with weathered brick buildings and climbing ivy as I walked through the gates for the first time. Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the third oldest university in Scotland and the fifth oldest university the UK. If you have no other motivation to study in the UK, the cozy old-world charm of the universities ought to be a strong starting point.
 

Settling In

Since moving abroad comes with a long checklist, finding an affordable student flat should not be your top priority. To save myself the hassle of house-hunting, I opted for off-campus student accommodation. Fortunately, the University placed me in a complex with other postgraduate students, making it easy to meet people with likeminded interests.

I arrived in Scotland one week before my check-in date, which is something I highly recommend. With one week to spare, I had time to overcome my jetlag, shop for items that wouldn’t fit in my suitcase (i.e. raincoat, bedding, stationary), and travel around Scotland. By the time I moved into my flat, I had already adapted to the groove of Aberdeen. 
 

Fresher’s Week

The University kicked into gear with Fresher’s Week on the day I moved in. Many events and activities are targeted towards undergraduates; however, all students are welcome to enjoy the many offerings of free food, live music, and poster sales.

Fresher’s Week also included promotional fairs, such as the “Societies Fayre” and “Sports Fayre.” During these events, student societies and sports teams arranged booths on campus for students to browse around and sign up. I can’t speak for every UK university, but societies and teams are a major component of student life at the University of Aberdeen. They can be a great way to meet new friends, so I definitely recommend attending Fresher’s Week for these initial meet-and-greets.
 

Starting Classes

On Orientation Day, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my program only consists of seven other people. Postgraduate programs in the UK are typically quite small, so you quickly become close with your classmates. The class structure, however, required more adjusting. For me, classes occur in blocks, with each class running back-to-back for three week intervals. This system has its pros and cons.

Con: Three weeks of intensive reading, lecturing, and studying.

Pro: No exams in December!

I won’t pretend that moving overseas is easy. I felt displaced for two weeks before I began to acclimatize and feel at home. But these initial feelings shrink in comparison to the people you’ll meet, the places you’ll visit, and the lifelong memories you’ll create. If you’re interested in beginning your journey abroad, please get in touch!

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My First Days in the UK: Deciding, Arriving, and Thriving

Written by Josephine - 03/10/2017

Choosing to move to a different country is not a simple decision; with the cost, the distance, and the process of getting a visa, there are many steps that can make it intimidating. Let me assure you, however, that if coming to the United Kingdom to study is your dream, with the right resources and support you can make it a reality!

Let me first introduce myself. I’m Josephine and I just started my Masters of International Health at the University of Leeds. I had always wanted to study abroad but I never really thought it could happen because of the cost and complexity. I won’t lie, the process was not without its challenges, but with the help of Across the Pond and my family I am now in Leeds and loving every second of it.
 

Getting here

If you are a non-UK student, you will require a student visa to study in the UK, and no that is not a type of credit card! If I could only give you one piece of advice, it would be to start the application as soon as possible because everything else depends on you receiving it, like booking your flight, confirming your accommodation, and really just planning your adventure! The application is not difficult, it’s just time-consuming because of all the documents you must collect.  Your Across the Pond advisor will provide you with updated visa guidance in the late Spring to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
 

Arriving

I was so nervous when I stepped off the plane at Heathrow. What if I forgot something? What if customs asked for something that I didn’t bring, what if, what if, what if… It is completely normal to feel anxious, this is a huge move, but let me reassure you, customs is a breeze if you come prepared. I organized all my documents in an accordion folder allowing me easy and quick access to anything I might need, which really came in handy when you have a lot of documents to bring!
 

Thriving

I arrived in Leeds thinking that I wouldn’t start classes for two weeks because there was an international welcome week followed by freshers (aka frosh) week. However, unbeknownst to me, master’s programs start the very first day! I can’t speak for all programs, but as far as I can tell they do ease you into it, starting off with introductory classes that allowed us to get to know the course and teaching staff. They also made sure that we had enough time to acquaint ourselves with the campus and city, meaning I have been able to attend all sorts of "O-week" events such as open mic nights, barbeques, and art gallery tours. There is seriously something for everyone. I am really looking forward to the freshers’ fair, where over 300 of the school’s clubs and societies set up booths giving students a taste of what they can get involved with.

The highlight of my time so far has got to be my first night going out to the pub with new friends and knowing that this is the start of such an incredible adventure. If I can pass along just one more piece of advice, say yes to everything, especially in the first few weeks. Put yourself out there, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and jump into this experience head first!

If you have any questions about how you too can make your dream a reality please contact one of our advisors.

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