5 Unconventional Ways Canadian Students studying in the uk Can Explore London
Written by admin - 23/11/2015
Nov 23, 2015 6:00:00 PM
London BY NIGHT
Seeing London during the day is one thing, by night, it is a different place. And it is spectacular.
Typical London landmarks are no more – they are all lit by bright lights and vivid colours, perfect snapshots for your Instagram.
Oxford Street will show you why London could be another city that never sleeps – shop fronts that are dressed up to the nines with colourful lights and opening hours that will allow you to shop until you drop.
If you have chosen to study in the UK over the winter and Christmas months, you’ll be lucky enough to experience London’s Winter Wonderland. If ice skating, a huge Christmas market, big top shows and fantastic Christmas themed views from the London Eye sound like your thing, you will love Winter Wonderland.
London BY WATER
If you fancy seeing the same London, but from a different view point, take to the water! Aboard the amphibious vehicle with Duck Tours, see the sights of London finished with a splash in the Thames. Maybe you should take a quack at it!
Or if that isn’t for you, maybe a touch of Venice in the heart of London would be… Regent Canals are home to numerous waterside cafes, pubs and restaurants. From here, you can take a canal boat and experience the tranquillity that London has to offer.
London BY AIR
It is no question that London has a spectacular skyline, but have you ever thought of eating dinner with that skyline as your view? Restaurants such as the Roof Gardens or the Aqua Shard make the most of their location and use it to amaze their diners.
If dining in the air isn’t up your street, maybe a trip in a cable car across the Thames would be. Emirates Air Line brings you London, like you have never seen it before. You can discover a unique view of London showing you a bird’s-eye-view of the most iconic buildings and attractions.
London BY FOOD
When you’re in London, you have to try the best of British cuisine and this includes the great dish: Pie and Mash (mashed potato). You could even tour London by the TOP restaurants that are renowned for their Pie and Mash dishes…
- Rules in Covent Garden - one of London’s oldest restaurants
- The Windmill – self-confessed pie specialists
- Pieminister – if your after something cheap and quick
- Old Bank of England – allegedly flanked by Sweeny Todd’s barber shop
Not sure about Pie and Mash as a dish? Street feasts are another great way to experience the culture of London. They combine every cuisine you can think of, all in one place. Not only that, but it is a great way to be social and be around the ‘proper Londoners’.
London BY FRIENDS
"It’s LONDON BABY!"
Everyone loves Friends… You know… The TV show… You should definitely experience London just like Joey!
Take lots and lots of pictures, even of the simpler things, you’ll regret it if you don’t. And don’t worry about being too ‘touristy’, London is full of them! See all the sites, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Big Ben and the Tower Bridge. Even better, do it all wearing a ‘London-esque’ hat, just like Joey! Just don’t stand in a map in the street…
These unconventional ways you can explore London will definitely give you a unique and varied view of London, which, as Canadian students studying in the UK, is exactly what you need to do. Make the most of your time here!
Photo Credits: Lukemn, Donna Rutherford, Chris Pople, Sarah, BBC America
5 Things You May Forget About When Budgeting For Studying In The UK
Written by admin - 12/10/2015
3 ways to find the best UK university for your degree
Written by admin - 20/05/2015
May 20, 2015 10:30:00 PM
What type of university is it?
First off, take a close look at the particular kinds of universities to which you are applying by reading mission statements and getting a sense of their overarching goals. Look for the qualities that you value most, whether that’s an urban location, a socially active student body, or a vibrant sports scene.
At the same time, consider the requirements for entry in comparison to your academic record. This can be especially troublesome for more competitive schools that provide offers to fewer applicants, so you may want to balance the schools on your list.
Different types of universities can ensure career success, whether in finding a position after graduation or continuing into postgraduate coursework. Whatever you do, be realistic, and choose a back-up school, just in case.
Another consideration is whether you choose a practical-based university or a research-based one. Depending upon your career path and the sort of job you’d like to aspire towards at the end of your studies, choosing the type of university that suits you best could make a massive impact.
As an example, those who wish to go straight into a designer job in marketing would benefit more from a practical-based university and degree, gaining valuable experience in fulfilling briefs using specialist design software.
What is the campus life like?
University community is essential. The location will play a large role, as urban campuses will be livelier and closer to nightlife, while more self-contained universities will provide opportunities to study, rest, and play on campus.
For those who have an interest in a particular sport, has your potential new university got a team or club you can join? These are all things that will make your stay more homely and the opportunity to meet new friends.
Going to university is as much about the experience as it is studying, however from a study perspective, socialising means collaboration and for those looking to set-up their own business after studying, this could be your chance to find the perfect partner.
A great way to find out more about your potential university is looking at the latest National Student Survey which compiles the opinions of thousands of current students. Have a look at the latest survey here >>
What are the costs & benefits of each university?
Last but not least, calculate the exact advantages and disadvantages of each potential course.
Fees will vary by course and even within each university, but it’s important to choose a course for the opportunities it provides and its alignment with your preferences.
Scholarships can help if you find yourself looking at programs that might otherwise seem out of your reach. Whatever course you choose, though, be sure to organize your finances from the start, as it can be easy to lose track of loans and repayments.
For more information about further funding and scholarships, get in touch with the Across the Pond team.
At the same time, consider the benefits that each school can provide by analyzing student reviews and post-graduate success rates. You can access satisfaction rates through the National Student Survey to get a sense of how students felt after finishing their degree, from quality of teaching to comparisons with other programs.
At the same time, you can look at the percentage of graduates who have found successful careers or continued in postgraduate work, as well as their earning and employment rates.
Your next steps
Consider the university type, campus life, and costs and benefits carefully in choosing the degree course for you and your career plans when trying to find the best UK university.
For students interested in extremely specialized courses with limited offerings, this process can quickly become a simple matter. However, if your interests are a bit broader, these tips can be essential to finding a good balance in your applications between the ideal choice and the more practical alternatives that still live up to your dreams.
Best UK tourist attractions: An A-Z guide for Canadian students
Written by admin - 06/05/2015
May 6, 2015 5:00:00 PM
Make the most of your time studying in the UK by visiting some of the best attractions in the world. From fascinating museums, to thrilling theme parks, you’re bound to find a brilliant places to spend your weekend in this A-Z guide for Canadian students of the best UK tourist attractions… OK, so the UK hasn’t really got an attraction beginning with ‘X’, but why not bookmark or print off this blog and mark off the places you want to visit first! We hope that you've found our Best UK tourist attractions: An A-Z guide for Canadian students useful. If you're looking to apply to a UK university, download your copy of the ultimate checklist below.
A – Alton Towers
B – British Museum
C – Edinburgh Castle
D – Drayton Manor
E – Eden Project
F – Falkirk Wheel
G – St Giles Cathedral
H – Houses of Parliament
I – Imperial War Museum
J - Jersey
K – Kew Gardens
L – London Dungeons
M – Merseyside Maritime Museum
N – National Portrait Gallery
O – Great Orme
P – Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Q – The Queen’s Residences
R – Roman Baths
S – St Paul’s Cathedral
T – Tate Modern
U - Underground (Churchill’s underground bunker)
V – V&A Museum
W – Westinster Abbey
X Marks the Spot
Y – York Minster
Z – Chester Zoo
Master Your study in the UK University Application In 5 Simple Steps
Written by Across the Pond - 01/08/2023
Applying to UK universities is both exciting and intimidating. Applying to Canadian universities can be difficult enough, but making the decision to study overseas in the UK requires even more courage and planning since it involves additional steps that are not necessary in Canada. But don't worry about these additional steps. Plenty of Canadian students have successfully studied in the UK with the help of Across the Pond, and you can too!
This blog will help ensure you take the appropriate steps to complete your study in the UK university application...
1 - Choose the right course of study
Whilst Canadian universities can be extremely competitive, UK universities are more ‘relaxed’ in comparison. You still have to meet the requirements of the university and your course though, before you are accepted for study. When choosing your course consider your background, current skills, and plans for the future. Having the ability to showcase you are the right candidate for the program will make a big difference as to whether you’re accepted or not.
Top Tip – Only apply for courses that suit your academic interest or future career path. Don’t be tempted to apply for something random that could backfire and ultimately leave you without a course at all.
2 - Choose your top university
You may be happy going to any university in the UK, but chances are that some are a better fit for you than others. Different areas of the country offer very different experiences, so you should determine the kind of environment in which you want to go to live and study.
Top Tip - We recommend you narrow your list of potential universities. Your personal advisor at Across the Pond can help you pick the best universities for you.
3 - You have several options to offset cost
The demands of your course work may limit the number of hours you can work while you study, but international students are only allowed to work up to twenty hours a week on their student visas. With plenty of part time jobs available in grocery stores and local attractions, this could become a valuable source of income. UK universities also offer scholarships for international students; these are competitive and merit-based. Canadian federal loans also help with tuition and living expenses.
Top Tip - You need to secure funding for tuition and living expenses before you apply for the visa in July.
4 - Fill out your application
This is where you need to pay close attention to what you are doing. The application will require you to enter a substantial amount of information, including personal details, preferred courses you would like to take, your previous education, your employment history and a personal statement. As an undergraduate, you will need to pay a small application fee to UCAS, and you will need to make sure you submit the application within the appropriate time frame. Failure to enter in all information accurately, or to submit the application at the correct time, can result in denial.
Top Tip - Although Across The Pond’s students rarely experience rejection from their preferred UK degree, it’s important to keep in mind that you will have to wait until the next application window to apply again.
5 - Understand the student visa process
It is not enough to be accepted by a UK university. You also have to gain the permission of the UK government to live and study in the country. Take the time to research the student visa process in the UK, and to understand exactly how you fit into it.
Top Tip – Across the Pond can help you with visa guidance! For more information, get in touch with one of our advisors.
Free advice available
All students looking to study in the UK can take advantage of free guidance and expertise from the Across the Pond team. We can help you overcome the hurdles of applying to study in the UK and identify the best university for your degree. For more information, contact an Across the Pond advisor today!
