London's Finest Coffee Shops For Studying
Written by admin - 29/03/2017
Mar 29, 2017 7:00:00 PM
I’m a bit finicky in that I don’t like to work at home nor do I particularly like working in a library. Home is too casual and a library is too quiet. I prefer an ideal mixture of the two: a laid-back atmosphere with hushed conversation, good music, and even better coffee. Back in the US, the baristas at my favorite coffee shop knew exactly what I ordered (a soy cappuccino). It suffices to say that when I moved to London finding a good coffee shop was at the top of my priority list. So, without further ado, I’ve compiled a list of my five favorite coffee places for studying in London. The list is in no particular order; each spot has a unique charm. If and when you’re even in London and in need of a pick-me-up, one of these shops will certainly do the trick. 1. Timberyard Located in Soho, TY can get quite busy. However, they have excellent coffee and delicious food, including vegan options. If you can find a place at a table, you’ll be surrounded by young professionals slamming away at their keyboards and light chatter as some companies use TY as a co-working space. This place is in South Kensington near the Victoria and Albert Museum. The baristas are friendly and the atmosphere is hushed and calm. Full disclosure, I actually ordered tea here, but it was perfectly steeped. I also had a slice of quiche which may have been the best slice of quiche I’ve ever had. It’s the perfect place to read a novel or that dense research paper for your Monday lecture. 2. Monmouth Iconic London coffee place. However, I will warn you that the Borough Market location does not have Wi-Fi. Also, the queue for the coffee can wrap around the block at peak times. But, if you go early in the morning Monmouth is perfect for studying as it is much less crowded. Also, their coffee is bang-up delicious. Confession: I don’t go here for the coffee, though their coffee is good. I go here for the crêpes. A friend and I stumbled upon this little shop in Whitechapel one evening when we were both on the hunt for sweets. Their crêpes are sensational, come in giant portions, and are very reasonably priced. If you’re in need of a bit of sugar, make this place at the top of your list. Near the King’s College Strand Campus, this little gem boasts well-made coffee and yummy cakes and pastries. There’s a cosy basement with ample seating making Fleet Street a nice place to work on some revision after a lecture. Finally, I will say, London can be quite pricey and I would recommend planning your dining out strategically. Still, there is so much to do here, and I would highly recommend finding your niche and exploring the city as much as you can. If you would like to find out more about studying in the UK, please contact one of our Advisors.
LGBTQ+ Diversity at UK Universities
Written by admin - 14/03/2017
Mar 14, 2017 7:00:00 PM
Finding the perfect university extends past test scores and the aesthetic of the campus grounds. Like many other minorities, being queer forces you to do research into crime rates, safe spaces, and the LGBTQ+ scene overall. We cannot assume it is safe to be ourselves at all times. The last thing you want is to commit to an institution you don’t feel entirely welcomed or involved.
Fortunately, the United Kingdom has structured equality laws called “protected characteristics.” According to the Equality Act of 2010, these nine traits are protected from overt discrimination: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. This means, (for the most part) the surrounding society is fairly welcoming and tolerant of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and other) people.
All universities boast about their diverse range of clubs and societies, from book clubs, to language societies and board game clubs. Out of the hundreds of options, several of them are LGBTQ+ oriented. These associations often have a variety of goals: activism, nights out, and simply a room to relax. My school, the University of Leeds, offers everyday meet-ups called “Coffee Hour,” where anyone is welcome to de-stress with coloring, coffee, and conversation. These types of surroundings are fabulous for making new friends and meeting people you can relate to.
Every February is LGBTQ+ History month, and many universities offer LGBTQ+ inter-sectual environments and functions to celebrate and participate in. In Yorkshire, this year the University of Leeds held multiple happenings, including spoken word nights, education panels, and ‘Scissors,’ the queer women’s social (shown above). Other universities showcase ‘It Gets Better’ campaigns and posters like ‘When Did You Chose to Be Straight/Cisgender?”
Finally the United Kingdom has a loud and prominent Pride scene. There are over 40 official events around the Commonwealth throughout the year. Over 40,000 people attended the 2016 Pride in London, and celebrities from across the globe flock to other Pride events and Mardi Gras. However, almost all of these parades are in the summer, so international students should plan accordingly.
Use your university life to spread your wings, test your borders, and try new things: you can make your time there as inclusive or exclusive as you wish. My university has people from over 140 countries, over 5 religions, and more than 300 clubs and societies. You deserve to be able to find your place in the world, no matter who you are. Enquire with Across The Pond to find out more about student life in the UK.
Grocery Shopping on a Student Budget
Written by admin - 10/03/2017
Mar 10, 2017 7:00:00 PM
Grocery shopping in the UK is first and formerly a ball, seriously! Yes, we have a lot of similar brands and items (if not the same) back home in North America, however, in the UK all the baked goods, scones and selections of tea are vast, not to mention absolutely delicious.
One thing that the British do, and do right, is “The Meal Deal” for £3.50 (approx. $4.36), or even cheaper depending on where you go. You can choose a delicious sandwich, my favorites include egg and watercress, BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato), and cheese and onion. You can also pick a soft drink or water, and a packet of chips (or ‘crisps’ as they call them here). This is a great meal idea when you’re struggling for time, and it’s terrific for your student budget! Another great thing about Britain, you ask? Their toiletries! Hear me out… A package of 9 rolls of toilet paper, (Or ‘loo roll’ as the Brits call it) can be as cheap as £2.
The funniest thing I have noticed is the supermarkets’ “American section.” This includes a couple of shelves filled with the quintessential, fattening American foods. Some of these include, Pop Tarts, Beef Jerky, Hostess Twinkie's, Lucky Charms, Arizona Ice tea, as well as candies, such as Nerds and Hershey bars. This section is definitely not cost effective, with a box of Oreos costing £6 (approx. $8.00). Six pounds! A fortune for something we can get at Walmart for around $1.50 back at home.
Do you like fresh fruit, or fresh and locally sourced eggs? Well, you’re in luck! Europe is known for their fresh markets and fruit stands. You can find fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables, and buy your eggs pretty much new from the chickens! This is a great way to keep your student diet a healthy one.
The market nearby my place sells 20 eggs for £1, so not only would you be supporting local farmers, it’s light on the wallet too! If you are buying your eggs from a supermarket, it can be a struggle to find the right aisle. Although in North America we are used to heading for the refrigerated section, in Britain, eggs are kept elsewhere. When in doubt, head for the bread isle.
There’s something quite fun about shopping in a different country, checking out all the foreign grocery items for new meal experiments! And between the eggs, the meat, the fresh veg and fruit, and the fantastic meal deals, you can stay on budget while living and studying in the UK.
If you would like to find out more about studying in the UK, enquire with a UK Study Expert today.
How To Zip Across Europe Cheaply While Studying In The UK
Written by admin - 05/03/2017
Mar 5, 2017 7:00:00 PM
I am writing this blog while on holiday in the Czech Republic. You can travel here via a short flight or a longer, yet enjoyable train ride through France and Germany. Being an international student with a tier-4 visa, I was able to purchase an interrail pass for UK residents. This is much less expensive than the Euro rail pass. With a 7 non-consecutive day Global Pass I have been able to travel for up to 1 month throughout 30 European countries. I bought my pass at an STA travel agent, who are located throughout the UK. If you are stuck on booking trips, I recommend visiting an STA agent as they will help you plan and book your travel. They make it really easy, and you receive their expert knowledge.
The Czech Republic has been just one of my many adventures around Europe…
I took the opportunity to visit the French Capital a few months ago. Paris is very simple to travel to; the city is one quick train from London to the city center, and if booked weeks in advance you can usually find a great rate. Recently I discovered Eurostar Snap; if you are flexible on the time of travel, you can book yourself on the Eurostar for £20-25 each way! All you need to do is book your day of travel in advance, and you will be sent your departure time before you leave. Once I had arrived in Paris, I enjoyed walking, exploring museums and took a wonderful river cruise - all affordable, easy and safe. I also took the opportunity to cycle around the city, which is a great way to see the sights. Check out Fat Tire Tours for a guided experience; they work in multiple cities!
Other cities that are a quick and easy trip from Britain include Dublin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin, Rome, Milan, Barcelona and many more! Remember, no matter what city is on your bucket list during your studies abroad, there are easy and affordable ways to make those a reality.
What about accommodation, you ask? I often use hotels.com and book last minute for amazing deals. I was able to find a single room with breakfast in a hotel for only $18.00 a night in Karlovy Vary, a 650 year old spa town Czech Republic. If I’m looking for group accommodation, Airbnb is my go-to! My friends and I booked a whole apartment in Paris for only $91.00 a night.
Venturing off to main land Europe is incredibly easy, so take the opportunity while you are studying in the UK. You will find that traveling adds an exciting dimension to what is already an amazing experience. With Across The Pond, you can make this all a reality.
University Grading in the UK Compared to Canada
Written by admin - 01/03/2017
Mar 1, 2017
One of the most common concerns Canadian students have about studying in the UK is the grading scheme, which varies considerably from the Canadian system. Indeed, navigating university grading in the UK can be challenging. But don't despair! Once you understand the basics, entry requirements and the grades you receive while a student make much more sense.
Canadian universities do not have consistent grading schemes, which makes a comparison to the university grading systems in the UK even more difficult. In Canada, universities use percentages (for instance, 65% or 78%), as well as letter grades (such as C or B+) and GPAs. These GPAs can be on scales anywhere between 4.0 and 13.0. So, even within your own country, it can sometimes be difficult to transfer and translate academic results.
If you are applying for an undergraduate program in the UK right out of high school, you will need to understand how UK students are assessed in high school; if you are applying for a graduate level program, you need to understand how undergraduate degrees are classified in the UK.
Students applying to LLB programs in the UK will need to provide both high school and university transcripts (if they already hold a Canadian undergraduate degree), and therefore may need to understand both systems.
Undergraduate entry requirements
When applying to a UK university, you might see entry requirements described as "ABB" or "Upper Second". These terms -- or similar ones -- describe the level of results a student receives for A-Levels, which are a series of qualifying tests in specific subject areas at the secondary (high school) level. In the UK, students typically take A Levels in three major areas, hence the three letter sequence.
For Canadian students, the subject areas under consideration will vary depending on the program, but the grades that will be reviewed are those from the last year of secondary school (typically Grade 12 U or M courses).
- An "AAA" ranking means that a student scored within the A-range for all three exams. In the Canadian system, this equates to results between 80-100% area.
- An "AAB" ranking would equate to mixed results, so approximately 73-79%).
- An "ABB" is slightly below that, with a spread of approximately 63% or 64% to 72% (mid- or high C to a low B).
Postgraduate degree language
When you graduate from a UK undergraduate program, your degree will be given a "class" based on your results. Typically, these classes are:
- "First," which represents results in the 80%+ area;
- "Upper Second," which represents results from the mid- to high 70s;
- "Lower Second," referring to the mid-60s to the low 70s;
- "Ordinary Pass," which encompasses everything else considered a passing grade; and
- "Fail," which falls under the 50% pass threshold.
How your grades convert into the UK system will depend on the grading scheme from which they arise. If, for instance, you are in a school with a 4.0 grade scale, an Upper Second degree would encompass GPAs between 3.00 and 3.33. If you were on a 12.0 grade scale, then you would fall into the 8.0-9.0 range for this degree class.
Receiving Grades: Expect to be shocked!
Many of the graduate programs in Britain use a sliding scale based on 85 points rather than 100 for percentages, with 70 being the cut-off point for distinction (with the distinction being akin to an honours or "A" in Canada). So, remember: if you get a 68, don't panic! That's actually a solid grade. If you get a 72, even better! It might feel odd at first to see numbers we associate with lower grades, but you'll get used to it.
The best thing you can do to be sure of how your grades convert and how they fit within the requirements for your application is to consult with an Across the Pond Personal Advisor; our team is fully trained in working with these conversions and do so on a daily basis!
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