Study in the UK - Across the Pond Canada

Befriending Other International Students

Written by Ambassador Loleini - 26/02/2018

One of my favourite parts about studying in the UK is meeting other international students. And while it’s absolutely important to make friends with locals, I find that international students tend to gravitate towards one another. Here are a few reasons why.

They want the same things as you

International students are more likely to be looking for the same experience as you. They’ll probably be more interested in travelling on study breaks and exploring the city where you live. There are so many opportunities for travelling around the UK and Europe, and I’ve found that it’s usually international friends that are up for these trips. It makes for a different university experience when you haven’t grown up in the country and you have a limited time to enjoy it. If there’s a cool event or pub to visit, international students don’t always have the luxury of saying “I’ll go next time”. We tend to make the most of the time we do have.

You have different nationalities, but you probably have similar personalities

Despite being from different backgrounds, you and your international friends probably have compatible personalities. It takes a certain type of person to pick up and move to a new continent. You’re probably adventurous, independent, and interested in the world. Of course, every international student is unique, but having those qualities in common can lead to a quick friendship. You will probably find yourself gravitating towards these peers because you have similar ways of seeing the world. You’d be surprised at how many barriers you can overcome when you have a shared love of travel.

You become a family

There’s a special bond that forms when you are so far away from home. Your family might be many time zones away and not awake to answer a call when you need them. You’re away for holidays and birthdays, and your mom isn’t around to make you soup when you inevitably get sick. Your fellow international students are in the same boat. They become your family when you don’t have your own close by. Together, you bake cakes on birthdays and cook Thanksgiving meals. You become a strong support system, and you understand each other’s struggles. It makes for a very special relationship.

It’s hard to leave, but you form lasting international bonds

It’s not always easy. Despite all the fun, time abroad doesn’t last forever; it’s an incredibly unique experience to make close bonds and then months or years later, go in different directions home to entirely different countries. It’s bittersweet to build a support system and then later have that support be accessible only by skype.

But it’s worth it. When you make friends with international students, you gain couches to sleep on all over the world. You learn about new cultures, foods to eat, and languages. You learn to associate places in the world with the people that you’ve met – a magical thing that can crush stereotypes and make you a more compassionate and understanding world citizen.

Before I moved to the UK to do my law degree, I studied abroad for a year during my undergraduate degree. Although that experience was several years ago now, I still talk to the international friends I made every single day. When I spent the summer backpacking, I planned my route to stop in all the countries where I could visit friends. International connections have brought me to small villages and big cities that I would never have expected to visit. And because neither one of you is from the country where you studied, you can spend hours reminiscing on the places you miss.

Ultimately, international students are the people who truly understand the experience that you’ve had, long after you left.

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

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4 Tips for Making Friends in the UK

Written by Advisor - 23/02/2018

I have always envied the people who can enter new situations and immediately become best friends with someone else. Although I like to think of myself as friendly, it always takes me a bit of time and multiple interactions to form a close and lasting relationship, making travelling across the world, away from my friends and family quite intimidating. Would people like me? Would I make friends? Would I find travel buddies to pop over to Europe with? Would I have people to grab a coffee or pint with on a Friday? If you are also agonizing over these types of questions, let me assure you that the answer to all them is a resounding yes! But if my word is simply not enough, let me highlight a few tips to make the friend-making process a little easier.

Embrace the awkwardness

Believe it or not, everyone in your new program is suffering with the same feelings of unease about meeting new people as you, so embrace it! Even if you are not an outgoing person, simply saying hello is a great place to start. I was lucky in the sense that my program only has 17 people in in, so inevitably we had to get to know each other, but even if you are in a bigger cohort striking up a conversation with the person sitting next you will get the ball rolling. Asking them where they are from or recommendations on where to get the best fish and chips will help break the ice. Know that you will not click with everyone, but you have to put yourself out there and risk being a little awkward to find those who you do click with!

Join a club

Universities are amazing today in offering clubs and societies to appeal to every intertest and hobby imaginable. At the Uni of Leeds, we have over 300 clubs ranging from wine tasters to surfing. Joining one or more of these groups provides a great and easy way to expand your friend network with people who share similar interests as you. I joined the hiking society when I arrived, and on top of attending organized, guided hikes across the UK, they also host weekly socials where you can go and get to know new people in a really laid back and fun environment. I joined the club with two of course mates, so not only was I am to meet new people in the club, it also brought me closer together with them, so if you are nervous about joining alone this could be a good way to break the ice with someone you want to get to know better.

Attend events

Throughout the year tons of events are held both through the university and city that you can and should attend! These are things such as expert talks from visiting professors, farmers markets, or wine and beer festivals. No matter the time of year, there will always be something going on. These events are not only fantastic ways to meet people, but also gives you a chance to invite someone that you have class with or a flat mate to attend with you in order to get better acquainted.

Get connected

Last but not least is to make sure when you first meet someone to get their contact info. This can be as simple as adding them on Facebook or following them on Instagram, just a way that you can connect in the future. There is nothing worse then finding someone you really get on with in class or at a party and then not being able to find them again!

All in all, meeting people in Uni is a little intimidating, but not difficult. Brits are really friendly and will always be up for a trip to the pub, you just have to be willing to put yourself out there! If you are wondering how you can find your British BFF please contact one of our advisors here.

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Befriending Students from the UK

Written by Ambassador Haley - 19/02/2018

Moving to the UK is scary - there’s no sugar coating it, but it also gives you the opportunity to broaden your horizons and meet new people from all across the globe.

When I first moved here to London I knew no one at all, which is both a scary and exciting thought. I was excited to experience new things and meet new people, but knowing that I would have initially not know a single person was a bit daunting. Luckily the universities understand that and host many social events for both international and local students to ensure that we as students have many opportunities to make new friends and build up our social circle and support system.

I was lucky that my course was filled with about 50% international students and 50% local students; this allowed me to make friends with people that could show me around the UK and with others that could teach me about all the different cultures that exist around the world beyond London and the UK.

While my entire class are friends with each other, I have become especially close to some girls who are locals here and were born and raised in London. This has been amazing as they have shown me around and become my own personal tour guides. They have accompanied me to the major spots like Big Ben and Hyde Park, but they have also shown me small shops and spots that are not know well to tourists. This has been my favourite part! Don’t get me wrong I love London’s history and the monuments and spots that display this, but I love that I am slowly feeling more like a local and less like a tourist or foreigner. I love knowing about the small coffee shop off a main drag, or the little local shop that sells the most amazing hand painted pottery, and the many other places that my UK friends have shown me and that I have come to love.

Becoming friends with UK locals though can give you more than just a one-up on the other tourists. They have welcomed me into their home and allowed me to become part of their family. I know it’s somewhat of a cliché but there really is nothing like sharing a good home cooked meal with your friends/family. Last week my friend invited me and another girl over for dinner and then afterwards we watched a movie on her amazingly comfy couch, and while it doesn’t seem like much it was so nice to get out of the sometimes-cramped dorm room and just chill with friends.

Befriending classmates and other students who are locals has definitely been a highlight of my experience so far and am so happy to have me the people I did. And even though sometimes they make fun of my ‘funny’ Canadian accent, I still highly recommend befriending local UK students J

If you also want to befriend some local UK students, Across The Pond can help. Please contact one of our Advisors if you would like to find out more about studying in the UK.

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Celebrating Christmas in Scotland

Written by Hailey - 26/12/2017

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

Don’t believe me?

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

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

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

Christmas in Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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Bringing the Figgy Pudding: The Christmas Season in London

Written by admin - 23/12/2017

Dec 23, 2017 12:00:00 PM

First of all, let me say Merry Christmas to all! December can be a busy time for everyone, but I know this
is especially true for students! With classes coming to an end stress levels seem to continually rise with
every final assignment and exam that comes our way.

While it may be tempting to just curl up in the library and study for what seems like an eternity, I highly
suggest leaving the library to see some of the magnificent Christmas displays and festivals that London |
has to offer! I have not seen everything, and nor do I think it’s possible as London has what seems like
an endless list of things to do during the Christmas Season, but here are some things that I highly
recommend:

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Back home we have multiple Christmas light displays throughout the city, but Winter Wonderland goes
above and beyond anything I’ve ever seen. They have amazing, intricate light displays all throughout the
grounds, so many different fun carnival rides and games for you to enjoy, and booths for food and drinks
that will make you feel all warm inside (literally, they have everything from hot chocolate to mulled wine
and cider). They also have multiple shows, indoor food venues, and even an ice skating rink that you
can book a time slot for! It’s easy to get to using the tube as its in central London, and has free entry so
you have no excuses not to go!

Hayley - Christmas 3.jpg

Christmas Markets

Along with the market located inside Winter Wonderland, there are other Christmas markets located all
over the city! These markets have booths that sell everything and anything – the perfect place to pick up
a gift for every person on your list! My personal favourites are the Leicester Square and Southbank
markets, but I know other places have awesome stalls as well. And of course, there are also food and
drink stalls to help sustain you on your shopping adventures. I find this site useful as it lists all the London
Christmas markets!

https://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/christmas-markets-and-fairs-in-london?package_page=67741

Film Screenings

Something that I was not aware of at all, but was very excited to learn about is all the Christmas movies
screened throughout the city at awesome venues. We all know it’s not really Christmas until you watch
Elf four times, and these screenings can help you make it the most festive experience ever! These are
not free, but if you save up your coffee money for a few days you’re all set! There are pop-ups all over
the city that have big screens, pretty lights, and comfy chairs to help you and your friends relax and forget
about exams for 2 hours! In Hackney, ‘The Cinema in the Snow’ looks about as festive as it can get, and
screens films such as Home Alone, Elf, and The Grinch. This site lists some of the other locations you
can go and watch some Christmas favourites:

http://www.theresident.co.uk/london-culture-events/londons-best-winter-pop-up-cinemas-festive-film-screenings/

Christmas is a time that makes everyone happy, and it is amazing to be somewhere totally new and
experience this time in a new and different way. This would not have been possible without the help of
my Across the Pond advisor. If you want to be able to spend Christmas in the UK with your new friends
and classmates, Across The Pond can help. Please contact one of our Advisors if you would like to find
out more about studying in the UK.

Hayley - Christmas 2.jpg

Sources

https://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/christmas-markets-and-fairs-in-london?package_page=67741

http://www.theresident.co.uk/london-culture-events/londons-best-winter-pop-up-cinemas-festive-film-screenings/

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Why It’s Important to Befriend Other International Students

Written by Across the Pond Advising Team - 29/01/2017

When first arriving in England, you might be expecting your new friend group to be filled with posh accents and tea-sipping, but in reality that’s not the case. In fact, after I moved across the pond, about 80% of my friends were other international students from around the globe. While making friends born under Her Majesty is important, here are some reasons why welcoming other international students is even better...

They’re just as lost as you

Traveling to university can be stressful: new house, new city, new teachers and new friends. You may feel like the world is against you, but rest easy in the thought that everyone else feels the same way.

Hurdle over the language barrier

Most people will immediately point to learning a new tongue as a great reason to make new friends. However, while learning how to curse in 5 different languages is an entertaining party trick, having international friends teaches you more on speaking English than any other language. Depending on where your friends are from, you might have to cater your speech so that everyone can understand each other. Honing your circumlocution skills is not only important for movie nights, but an important talent for any profession.

Who doesn’t love food?

In the event you make an acquaintance who is familiar with different cuisines from your own, food is often the first step in becoming fast friends. Invite some people over for some “TexMex,” cheesesteaks or perhaps your Italian grandmother’s best recipes. Have fun with experimenting in making your own meals - it’ll improve your own cooking skills and others can try great dishes in the process!

Not only will you learn how to make your own food, you can try out food from another culture! A perfect example is when my Japanese friend prepared a home cooked meal for our friend group. As silly as it sounds, some of us learned that Japanese food isn’t only sushi and miso soup. You’ll muster the courage to eat whatever they put in front of you, and experiment with ingredients you’ve never heard of.

Brush up on “Fishbowl Philosophy”

Learning about different cultures helps break down stereotypes you may have of nations and other ethnicities. You’ll grasp the‘dos’ and ‘dont’s’ of other cultures, from hand gestures to table etiquette! In university, there’s always a reason to celebrate, and what better excuse than to brush up on some international traditions! I held a Chanukah party for my friends, as some of them had never heard of the Jewish Chanukah celebration. Finally, all of this knowledge gives you a multicultural perspective; you’ll have learned how to navigate the world with an eye for understanding and empathizing with a variety of environments.

Learn to develop a better sense of self.

When I moved from a small town in New Jersey to a big city in England, I came in with the expectation that my life would be similar to those across the pond. I thought my experiences would be the same as what the world sees on TV, and convinced I lived the drab life of a family sit-com; I could never compete with my flatmates from Zimbabwe and Malaysia. However, after befriending people from all over the world, I learned there’s more to my identity than being ‘from New Jersey,’ and that people want to befriend “all of you“, not just your hometown.

Remember that it’s all about give-and-take, not just putting yourself out there! So go out and attend some cultural clubs, visit international events, or try a new sport. Making friends from across the globe improves your understand of the world and its different cultures!

If you want to learn more about studying in the UK contact one of the Across The Pond Advisors!

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Dreaming of studying in the UK?

Befriending Other International Students

4 Tips for Making Friends in the UK

Befriending Students from the UK

Celebrating Christmas in Scotland

Don’t believe me?

Christmas in Scotland

Bringing the Figgy Pudding: The Christmas Season in London

Why It’s Important to Befriend Other International Students

They’re just as lost as you

Hurdle over the language barrier

Who doesn’t love food?

Brush up on “Fishbowl Philosophy”

Learn to develop a better sense of self.