I am really grateful and don’t want this year to end

My name is Elsa, a Mexican student of the MArch Architecture and Sustainable Design programme at the University of Nottingham. My experience began two years ago when I decided to follow a long term dream I had: to study my master’s degree. I did not know where or how to start and Across the Pond guide me all the way. After one year of hard work applying to different scholarships and funding, I found the way and motivation to come here. I chose this university because of its broad available programmes, international student support and their compromise on teaching environmental strategies and help us get skills and knowledge to be part of the change for a better world. The MArch programme was in line with my professional goals and personal interests, and it was one of the only sustainable architecture programmes with a design focus, instead of only science and engineering. The course was very dynamic and practical, and I was able to develop research and report skills for my future career. At the end of year, I was awarded with the PGT Sustainable Prize and the Dr Wang Qi memorial prize for the best MArch portfolio.

The university campuses are amazing, all open and green. The views, the seasons changing on the landscape and the little bunnies and geese all around. The sports facilities are incredible, I was motivated all year to keep on exercising and getting stronger every day. I was part of the Intramural Football Tournament and won it with my team (go white team!). I lived on campus accommodation, self-catered in an en-suite room. I met amazing people here and felt always in good company even when loneliness came sometimes, because of course, the distance is difficult to handle, that is for sure. The university had lots of students’ societies and activities, everyone is enrolled in something. The Mexican Society was really welcoming and always ready to give us new students a hand and a safe place. The city is full of students for its two big universities. Every activity is thought for us. The locals are really friendly and welcoming. The city feels safe and always ready for a good night out for some pints!

The most challenging part was stress and uncertainty of the application process, the visa and finding the resources to come. Then, finding an en-suite accommodation without a UK guarantor in a short time, I suggest to try to get everything sorted with enough time so you have more options to choose from. Sometimes the different English accents are difficult to understand, but without noticing, you get more used to them little by little. And what everyone says, if you are Latin, get ready to miss the sunny days all year long... but it was worth it in every sense, I am really grateful and don’t want this year to end.

- Elsa