Dreaming of studying in the UK?
For some universities/courses in the UK it is important that you
apply before January 14th as this is the deadline for equal consideration.
For more information on whether this deadline applies to you:
Study Surrounded by History
Written by Advisor Brittany - 21/05/2025
One of the top reasons we hear from Canadian students on why they want to study in the UK is to be surrounded by the history and culture. Much of our cultural and national history is relatively "young" on the global scheme and certainly when compared with history of Britain. History and Archaeology students flock to the UK to embrace this long history.
The Roman invasion of Britain began around 43 AD (almost 2000 years ago). During this time, the Roman army increased its control over a significant amount of what is now England, Wales and Scotland. Their occupation required military defenses and the building of structures that have since been uncovered across the UK! These spectacular relics give a window into what Roman Britain was like.
Let’s explore a few key areas and their importance to the Roman occupancy.
York
During the Roman invasion, what is now “York” would have been referred to as “Eboracum”. What started as a fortress, the developed city would become the provincial capital that housed residents from throughout the Roman Empire!
In present-day York, several reminders of this powerful Roman occupancy are still present thanks to excavations and an effort to develop records of this period.
Of the excavations that have taken place over the past two centuries, Roman walls, several buildings, civilian houses storehouses and even a Roman bath house which can be explored in the cellar of a local pub.
In addition to the bath house, excavated Roman military headquarters are also open to the public and a section of the old city wall can be seen in the Museum Gardens. This portion of the wall is known as the Multangular Tower.
Want to explore study opportunities in York, read more here!
Chester
Archaeologists have uncovered a significant number of Roman structures in what is now Chester, England. Once a military town, the city of Chester contains remnants of Roman walls, several pieces of military structures, a Roman Amphitheatre and a Roman Garden. Much of these remnants are openly available for visitors to enjoy and have even been integrated into the modern development of the city itself.
The Roman walls surrounding Chester spanned over 2 km and date back to the very beginning of Roman occupancy. The walls were further developed by the Anglo Saxons and visitors to modern Chester can see parts of the wall beautifully maintained across different parts of the city. It is now a popular walking route with many virtual guides available to navigate the different sections.
A great example of this is https://chesterwalls.info/chestermap.html that provides maps in addition to further history about Roman Britain.
In addition to the walls, Chester is also the location of the largest stone-build Roman military amphitheatre in Britain! Located at the south-end of the walls, the amphitheatre has been partially excavated and is described as a ‘military’ type of amphitheatre. This would have primarily been used for training purposes due to its arena area being larger than its seating area when compared to other uncovered amphitheatres. Even so, the Chester amphitheatre would have also been open to general public for popular spectacle events including bull baiting among others.
Want to explore study opportunities in Chester? Speak to an Across the Pond advisor today!
London
Uncovered during the bombings of the second World War, London was once surrounded by a massive city wall during the Roman occupancy. Sections of this wall can be seen from the popular Tower Bridge to Farringdon.
Sections of the wall are scattered, but (if you know where to look for them) opportunities to walk amongst this historic construction provide a wonderful look into the past. Check out Historic UK’s City Wall Walking Guide when you’re in London!
Boudicca
Many will be familiar with the Tudor dynasty, but monarchs have been contributing to UK history for over 2000 years. There was queen who led a significant uprising against the (then) occupying Roman forces. Queen Boudicca was the queen of the Iceni people of Eastern England (what is now East Anglia). She’s been documented as a warrior queen and between 60-61AD her forces defeated numbers around 70,000 Romans and their supporters. While her forcers were defeated, Boudicca is remembered as a symbol of resistance. The site of Boudicca’s battle and final resting place are unknown, however there is a popular story that claims Boudicca’s final resting place is underneath platform 9 at King’s Cross Station.
You can visit a statue of Boudicca and her daughters at Westminster bridge, across the road from Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
Interested in exploring London university options? Our student advisors can help!
Thanks to archaeologists, many pieces of Roman Britain have been uncovered throughout the UK. Certainly not limited to the above, the remnants of this civilization provide a unique look into the influences of this powerful force. Combined with museums and other curated collections, make sure you add some of these excavated items to your itinerary during your time in the UK!
Just can't get enough learning about the rich history and culture of the UK? Maybe a degree in archaeology is for you!
Better than Fiction: Study in the Iconic Settings of your Favourite Novels
Written by Advisor Lauren - 21/05/2025
Have you dreamed of going to Hogwarts? Visiting Pemberley like Elizabeth Bennett? Walking through Birnam woods, imaging the final scenes of Macbeth? Why not study in the UK, where you can experience the iconic locations of some of society’s most beloved fictional stories, and live out the dreams as reality.
Follow along below as we go through some iconic literary settings, and their UK university equivalents! Our advising team would be thrilled to help you with your journey abroad.
Harry Potter
Perhaps the most well-known children’s book series, the Harry Potter books were written in Edinburgh. While you can’t study at Hogwarts itself, you can study in the Scottish Highlands – why not check out University of Aberdeen? With it’s castle like setting, the Scottish Highlands surrounding, and the opportunity to take a steam train like the Hogwarts Express, you can live out your Harry Potter dreams!
You can take a day trip to check out the locations that inspired Diagon Alley, the character names in Harry Potter, and the actual café JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter in!
Outlander
Do you dream of travelling back in time like Claire? Visiting Jamie’s printshop, or wandering around Lallybroch? You should study at Edinburgh Napier University! While the books are set in the Scottish Highlands, the filming locations you may be familiar with from the show are actually in and around Edinburgh! Visit Bakehouse Close to see Jamie’s printshop, Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, Falkland, Culross, Linlithgow Palace, Midhope Castle and more for the gorgeous locations of some of your favourite scenes. Edinburgh Napier is the perfect base to explore! You can tour on your own, or partake in one of the organized tours leaving from the Royal Mile, and even take a daytrip to the site of the Battle of Culloden.
Shakespeare
If you’re a Shakespeare fan, there are plenty of UK locations you can check out! Study at one of our many university partners in London, and visit the Globe Theatre to see a show!
If you’re a Macbeth fan, why not study at University of Stirling or University of Dundee, and check out Birnam Woods and Cawdor Castle! Both universities are both a short train ride away from those iconic locations, and you can immerse yourself in the stories of the past. A bonus for Stirling, the university is located in the shadow of the Wallace Monument, for any Braveheart fans! If you’re a fan of Beatrix Potter, Dundee is also a great location – her hometown and museum are not far!
Jane Austen
Does the charm of Regency Era England intrigue you? Do you dream of finding Mr. Darcy, or attending a ball? Why not check out a small university in England, such as University of Derby, where you can visit Chatsworth House, which posed as Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice? Or University of Sheffield, a short train ride away from Mansfield! Escape to the sea like Lydia Bennett, and attend University of Brighton!
If you study at the University of Winchester, you can visit Jane Austen’s final resting place in Winchester Cathedral. If you want to feel like you are studying in a grand manor house, check out Regent’s University – the climbing Wisteria is something straight out of Bridgerton!
Babel, A Discovery of Witches
If you’re a fan of more modern literature, like Babel by RF Kuang, why not check out Oxford Brookes University? Located in Oxford, it has significantly cheaper tuition, and students are able to use the Bodleian Library! Study through the night like Diana Bishop, or wander through town like Robin Swift.
Alternatively, if you want the old feel of a university, with the college system, prestige, and stunning buildings, check out Durham University! You’ll feel like an old-time scholar with all the modern amenities to give you an excellent education.
The United Kingdom has a rich history of literature – if your favourite isn’t mentioned, sign up for an advisor today to find out your university options to make your UK literary dreams come true!
Surviving Your First Holiday in the UK
Written by Advisor Lauren - 13/12/2023
The holiday seasons are stressful for most people, but they can be especially emotional if you are away from home for the first time, in a new country. At Across the Pond, we’ve been through it, so we’ve put together our top tips and tricks for surviving (and thriving!) during the holidays if you are staying at uni for the break.
Travelling home for the holidays can be expensive – flight prices go up, and if you’re only doing a one-year program, it may not be worth it for you to travel back to Canada for the break. Even if you can’t travel across the ocean, there are many ways to enjoy your break that won’t break your student budget.
Christmas Markets
The UK is very well known for their Christmas markets – beautiful displays of lights, local venders, and rides, centred around the holiday. Most will start in November and stay active through January, so you have plenty of time to get out and get a cup of mulled wine, enjoy the lights, and get some unique presents to send to friends and family back home. If you have the time, you could visit multiple cities to see their displays – my personal favourite is Edinburgh’s Christmas! Good food, pretty lights, and beautiful sights, what more could you want?
Travel
While the university is closed, why not take advantage of your break and visit a new country or two? Mainland Europe is so close, and when else will you be able to get a flight to France at that price (thank you, RyanAir!)? If you want a break from the darkness and cold of the UK in winter, Europe has tons of warm climates you can explore to get some sun. Check a few things off your bucket list at a fraction of the price it would cost you to visit from Canada. You don’t even need to go abroad – you can explore new parts of the UK!
Host Visitors
Just because you can’t go home, doesn’t mean your family and friends can’t come to you! Maybe you’ll get some visitors for the holidays – most people have time off around the end of December, and having a newly local guide is a nice bonus for them. You can show friends and family around, share a holiday meal, and catch up. It’s a great opportunity for them to explore a new country, and also see one of their favourite people.
Study
Hear me out – it may not be the most fun, but you’ll be able to focus on studying for your exams and assignments, without as many distractions while campus is quiet. Take frequent study breaks, but get ahead, so that when everyone is back to school and panicking about the new semester, you’re prepared!
Celebrate with New Friends
With semester one done, you’ll likely have made a few new friends! Plan a holiday celebration with them, either before they leave campus, or on the day of your chosen holiday, if they’re also staying, and celebrate together. As well, if you have friends who live locally in the UK, you could get invited to their home to celebrate. Just because you aren’t at home, doesn’t mean you can’t have a lovely celebration! The International Office at most universities (or sometimes Student Societies) will often host holiday gatherings to share the traditions of different cultures on campus, you can check to see what activities they have scheduled for December and use it as an opportunity to learn about different cultures or maybe to share your own traditions with friends at the university.
Being away from loved ones during holidays can be difficult, but it’s a perfect opportunity to create new traditions, which you can eventually share with those at home. This may be your only holiday season in the UK, so enjoy it while you’re there, and I’m sure it will become a fond memory for all future holidays!
Sports 101 for Canadian Students in the UK
Written by Advisor Brittany - 24/03/2020
Updated 18 July 2024 by Advisor Brittany.
Spectator Sports and Etiquette
Canadians are no strangers to spectator sports. Professional, semi-professional and university level teams are scattered across the country which means there is ample opportunity to watch your favourite teams play in person or on television/streaming services.
The UK is no different. Spectator sports are insanely popular events in the UK, with some of the most popular sports being football (aka soccer), rugby, tennis and cricket. It is quite easy to arrange viewing of one of these popular sports either in person or at the local pub, so I highly recommend seeking out some of the popular sports to attend during your stay in the UK.
Below you’ll find some information that might be useful to know if you’re planning on seeking out some very popular sports to attend and give you a little insight into how sporting events work in the UK, how they differ from similar events in Canada, and what you should know to ensure you have the best and safest time viewing.
Team colours and histories are a little more important
We’re familiar with sports rivalries in Canada, but if you’re living in an area that has a popular sports team in the UK, you should be aware of what the team’s colours are. You should also take note of opposition colours.
Believe it or not, spectator sports, such as football are incredibly popular in the UK and the supporters can get quite rowdy in public. A popular example from London is the rivalry between Chelsea Football Club (blue) and Arsenal Football club (red). If you live in London and find yourself in a Chelsea pub on an important match day, you may be asked to leave (for your own safety) if you are wearing the colour red (the colour of rival team Arsenal).
It might seem a bit extreme, but colours are not the only significant distinguishing factor between football clubs in the UK. Another example from Scotland can be seen with their two major football teams (Rangers and Celtics). These two teams (both located in Glasgow) have official "non-sectarian" policies but their fanbase still reflects the historic divide between Protestants and Catholics. Pubs and bars will often ban people from wearing team colours during matches to avoid incidents.
Spectator sports are not always one-day events
If you’re a fan of going to sporting events in Canada, you’re probably used to taking a few hours out of your day (most likely in the evening) so see your favourite hockey, basketball or baseball team play. This isn’t the case for all spectator sports, though! The extremely popular sport Cricket has several different types of matches that can range between a few hours (like what you would experience from watching a baseball game) to several days! If this is something that you’d be interested in experiencing, make sure you’re aware of the different types of Cricket games so that you know exactly what you’re in for:
- Twenty20 (also known as T20) – This is the shortened version of Cricket but still takes place at the professional level.
- Test Cricket – This is the version which has the longest match duration. Games at this level can take up to 5 days to complete!
** Are you in the UK to study law? Cricket, as a game, doesn’t technically have any rules! Instead, the rules and regulations are referred to as ‘Laws’. There are currently 42 Laws that outline how the game is to be played.
Some sporting events have a dress code
Some higher-end sporting events are not always accessible to the general public, but it’s worth taking note of these events that require their spectators to conform to certain clothing restrictions. Certain sporting events are made to be lavish excuses to wear fancy attire and bring out the best fascinators (hats) to make a statement. Popular sports where this is a tradition include:
Cricket
Specifically, the Ashes which is a Test Cricket series played between England and Australia.
Tennis
Specifically, the Wimbledon Championships*. This tournament bans the wearing of items such as dirty athletic shoes or cut-off shorts. While there is no official dress code for spectators at this event, you will likely feel out of place if you don’t dress ‘smart’.
*Believe it or not, it is possible to get tickets to this iconic tournament day-of! Though still difficult, if you think this is something you’d like to try and see, and happen to be studying in/around London, a quick trip to Wimbledon will give you the opportunity to stand in what is called ‘The Queue’. Information about this unique experience, (including downloadable PDF guides) can be found on the tournament’s official website.
Horse Racing
Specifically, the Royal Ascot which has an official dress code featuring restrictions on items like the base of your fascinator or headpiece. The official restrictions state that ‘fascinators and headpieces without a base of 4 inches (10cm) are not permitted’.
There are long-standing rivalries and traditions that go along with them
You’re probably aware of the top 2 universities in the UK according to the Times Higher Ranking, commonly referred to as ‘Oxbridge’, but what you may not be aware of is that these two rival universities participate in an event called ‘The Boat Race’ each year drawing an estimated 250,000 spectators in London. There are many areas where you can view this race for free along the Thames (typically in the Putney or Hammersmith area) and spectators will be met with a carnival-like environment including food and drink stalls! This is the perfect opportunity to grab a pitcher of Pimm’s with your friends and take in this exciting event! You will be outside to make sure you dress according to the weather.
Some sporting events are different- and that’s okay
Gloucester Cheese Rolling
Not your typical spectator sport; the Gloucester Cheese Rolling is an event that takes place in Gloucester’s Cooper Hill. The event involves a big wheel of Gloucester cheese (yum) and its roller who anxiously chases the cheese down the steep hill to catch it.
Although it’s probably not possible to catch the wheel of cheese, the winner of this race is the first person to cross the finish line at the bottom of the hill.
Believe it or not, this world-famous event has taken place in Gloucester since the 1800s!
This event is free to observe but, depending on where you’re located, will take some time to get to as many streets close around Cooper hill the day of the event. Best to plan ahead if this is something you’d be interested in seeing!
Interested in studying in the UK? You can find out more by contacting one of our advisors!
Befriending Other International Students
Written by Kiranpreet - 12/03/2020
Updated 18 July 2024 by Advisor Brittany.
Amongst the fears of moving across the pond, we also fear if we are going to make friends. This is one of the things I was most worried about as without friends, the experience would be very lonely. However, I assure you, it is much easier to making friends abroad than you would expect!
Utilize Social Media Groups
My first tip for making friends abroad are Facebook and Whatsapp groups. I got to know the group of friends that I have now, due to these groups. Everyone is in the same boat, whether you are an international student or not. This meaning that everyone is trying to find friends, or at least get familiar with a few people before uni starts. I would definitely recommend getting involved in these groups and talking about yourself because I did that, and everyone is so friendly and accepting. The larger groups, so for example I was in the “Law Freshers” group was then divided into a smaller group of just Canadians on the course, this was super helpful again, because it allows you to see who you will be studying with abroad.
Attend "Freshers Week"
The second way to make friends with international students abroad is when you first arrive at the uni. There will be “Freshers Week” which has a bunch of activities and parties you can attend to help get familiar around campus and the city, as well as make new friends. For my first week at Leicester, we had a few lectures surrounding the law school and what to expect, this was a great way for me to put faces to names that I had read in the chat. The friends that I made from the chat agreed to go together to these lectures so we would all have someone to sit with, I suggest doing this as well, so you don’t feel so overwhelmed!
Join a Tutorial or Study Group
The third way which can help you to make friends are tutorial groups. At Leicester we have tutorials for each class every 2 weeks, the tutorial groups consist of 5-8 people and they’re all in the same program. This meaning that my group members are all Canadian and in the 2 year JD Pathway program as well. These are people that you see so often and end up befriending. One of my now really good friends is from my tutorial group and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
Think Outside your Program
If you're living in university accommodation, this can also be a good way to meet students from outside your program. Befriending flatmates who are studying other programs will also enrich your experience and give you a break from program-specific topics. While it's good to have a set of friends from within your program to aid with studies or in-class items, adventuring outside of your program and participating in university clubs is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and can lead to some long lasting friendships outside of your discipline. For example, if you're studying Law but like to watch films in your free time, consider joining a film club! If you have a second passion for sports, or want to try a new sport like rowing or football, consider joining a extracurricular! The amount of clubs available at UK universities are endless, and most universities will also allow students to start their own club if a specific subject or club doesn't already exist.
Put Yourself Out There!
Lastly, the best way to befriend other international students is to put yourself out there! Everyone is literally in the same boat as you and they all are nervous about meeting new people and living in a new area. Once you get your core group of friends at the beginning, there is no going downhill from there. I highly believe that these are the friends that will last you a lifetime. If you have any more questions or concerns, Across the Pond Advisors are always there to help. I would ask my advisor so many questions and she would always reassure me and be a shoulder to lean on whenever I was feeling nervous.
Interested in studying in the UK? You can find out more by contacting one of our advisors!
The start of the Christmas season is marked in different ways for different people. Many of us in Canada have grown up with the notion that decorating your house with lights and tinsel is a good way to get into the holiday spirit. Maybe you have even driven around with your family looking at other decorated houses in your neighbourhood.
le, check out Winter Wonderland in central London. Located in London’s Hyde Park every holiday season, this massive carnival includes opportunities to do some shopping, rides, carnival eats and other fun activities.
