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My Student Experience in the UK
As an international student in the UK, my educational journey has been one filled with excitement, challenges, and invaluable experiences. From navigating a new culture to immersing myself in academic pursuits, each day has been a step toward personal and intellectual growth.
Arriving in the UK was both exhilarating and overwhelming. The vibrant streets of Edinburgh were a stark contrast to the familiarity of my home country. However, with the support of fellow students and university resources, I quickly adapted to the British way of life. From learning to navigate the efficient public transportation system to embracing the rich cultural diversity, every moment was an opportunity to broaden my horizons.
Studying in the UK provided me with access to world-class education and renowned academic experts. The rigorous coursework challenged me to think critically, push boundaries, and explore new ideas. Seminars, lectures, and group projects fostered dynamic discussions and encouraged collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds. Hands-on placements allowed me to put the skills I had learned in class to use. While the academic rigor was demanding, the support of professors and the wealth of resources available ensured that I thrived in my studies.
Beyond the confines of the classroom, I seized every opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities. Joining the university ice hockey team and Gaelic football team allowed me to pursue my passions, develop leadership skills, and forge lifelong friendships. These experiences enriched my student life and provided a well-rounded education beyond academics.
One of the highlights of my student experience in the UK was the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of British culture. Exploring historic landmarks, art galleries, and museums provided insights into the country's rich heritage and storied past. Additionally, travel opportunities within the UK and Europe allowed me to broaden my cultural perspective, discover new landscapes, and create unforgettable memories.
My student experience in the UK has been nothing short of transformative. From academic achievements to personal growth and cultural immersion, each aspect has contributed to shaping me into a more well-rounded individual. As I reflect on my time in the UK, I am grateful for the opportunities, challenges, and experiences that have enriched my journey and prepared me for the future.
Decoding Your Offers and Choosing the Best UK Uni for YOU
You've applied to study in the UK, congratulations! At Across the Pond, we know that you may not be familiar with the types of offers the UK provides, or the next steps. We're here to help you decode the wording on your offer letters, through examples of what you can expect from a university offer. We'll also cover what to do now that you have your university offer, and how to accept it! Tune in to learn all about how to decode your offer to your chosen UK university!
Application Timeline and Deadlines
Join our advising team as we discuss the typical application timeline for students applying for studies in the UK. We'll highlight where you can expect to be in the process month-by-month, different application requirements, major application deadlines, and other key elements to keep you on track. Applying on your own can be overwhelming and confusing but we are here to help you from start to finish.
THE SUPPORT I RECEIVED AS A FOREIGN STUDENT WAS AMAZING
The appeal of the city of Edinburgh spoke to me. I studied abroad while attending a university in Philadelphia, hoping to gain a broader horizon. While on exchange, I noticed just how different UK universities are and found I preferred them. I chose to transfer from my American university to study at Edinburgh Napier University for the practical/work-related skills they offered, the one-to-one sessions I was able to have with my lecturers, and for the warm environment the University provided.
What I love about Edinburgh Napier are the facilities available to my course. I appreciate the camera gear and studios available to film students, we are encouraged to use them freely and routinely. The support I received as a foreign student was amazing - I received help about finding flats, finding a doctor or a bank, and have attended academic help sessions where I was taught how to reach British writing standards.
Edinburgh is a university city through and through. I felt at home the moment I landed, thanks to finding it easy to make friends. There's so many places to see and activities to take part in in Edinburgh. Because I come from a big city, I found getting around Edinburgh pretty easy. Still, I found it difficult to adjust to living on my own for the first time.
Because there's so much to keep busy with in Edinburgh though, between university and work and volunteering, I found it easy to stay motivated. Each job or study related opportunity is a chance to meet new people and to explore new parts of the city.
One day, I plan to own a production company where I can direct my own films. Edinburgh Napier has allowed me to continually create films and work with new people, which is exactly what I need to suit my career plans.
I'm able to use industry-standard technology and editing labs. I love being able to use the equipment so much that I'm considering doing my masters at Edinburgh Napier University.
TUTORS WITH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
I most appreciate Edinburgh Napier University’s commitment to provide its students with the best learning experience possible. This is exemplified in my mind by the layout of the libraries at Edinburgh Napier. When you walk in to any of the campus libraries, you can see students hard at work on their studies in spaces that are designed to meet students’ needs first.
Of course there are physical and electronic materials for students to access and check out but the library is more than a storage location. There are group learning spaces that encourage collaborative work and the creation of new knowledge between students, solo work spaces that allow students to deeply engage with studies, and quiet spaces that help students hear their own thoughts as they process their ideas.
I chose the masters film course at Edinburgh Napier because of its commitment to preparing students for careers in the film industry. Many film-related masters programmes focus almost exclusively on the film director’s practice as an art. Edinburgh Napier’s MA Film programme is unique in that it trains filmmakers across several specialisms, more closely reflecting film-making as it is practiced in the industry.
In addition, the course modules are taught by tutors who are practitioners in their respective fields. In seminars and one-on-one tutorials, the tutors at Edinburgh Napier are adept at fielding student questions and pinpointing areas for improvement in student projects. Because filmmaking is largely an exercise in problem-solving, it is important to have tutors who have hands-on experience with what they are teaching.
I feel like Edinburgh is a bit like the wardrobe in Narnia or the TARDIS in Doctor Who – bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. For practical purposes, Edinburgh is a small city. I am surprised how quickly I can get between radically different areas of the city. When I arrive in a different area (often just by walking for a few minutes) there is so much to do and to see that it feels like I’ve stumbled on a city within a city.
I came to the master film course at Edinburgh Napier from a job working at a university as an occasional part-time lecturer of Film Appreciation. Before coming to the MA Film course, I envisioned earning the masters and going on to earn the MFA Advanced Film Practice and returning home to look for full-time teaching work. Now that I have spent some time working with my fellow students on collaborative projects, I can say that I will want to be more involved in day-to-day film production than I originally planned. I know that I still want to teach so I am currently exploring Creative Practice PhD programs in Scotland.
