A city full of unique opportunities
Why study in the UK/London?
I chose to study in the UK because I have always dreamed of living in London, and I find British history and culture very interesting. Getting to learn more English, as well as not being too far away from home, were also huge pluses for me. After reading many great reviews of King’s College London I also thought it would be a great academic opportunity, something which turned out to be true.
King’s College London
I strongly recommend studying at King’s College London. I studied at the Strand campus, and the beautiful outdoor areas, as well as the central location (when you walk outside you can see the London Eye and Big Ben right down the river) made me feel like I was living the London dream! I studied a European Studies MA, and the selection of modules you can choose was very diverse and unique. One of the best parts of my studies were the professors, as I felt that they were all genuinely interested in helping us learn and contribute in class. In the smaller classes some of the professors knew the students by name, something which made it feel more personal and welcoming.
Applying for accommodation
The huge number of students in London is one of its best aspects, but it also means that there are many students seeking accommodation. I would recommend starting to look for housing very early, especially if you wish to live at an accommodation run by your university. I chose to live at a privately owned student accommodation, and I found it to be a great option, even if it was a bit more expensive. Housing prices seem to be generally high in London, so that is something to take into consideration. My accommodation was located about 30 minutes outside of the city centre, which made it a bit cheaper than other accommodations.
Endless opportunities
London has so much to offer, not only in terms of things to do but also who you get to meet. My friends from school, professors and flatmates were all from completely different parts of the world, and I got to learn so much about foreign cultures. One of the best parts about London is that many experiences are free, including galleries, museums and parks. My favourite areas include Covent Garden and Soho, with huge selections of food and shopping, as well as a vibrant night life.
Help from Across the Pond
My advisor from Across the Pond was a huge help for me throughout my application process. Thanks to their assistance, I felt secure through all the required steps, and I very much enjoyed the fact that Across the Pond communicates directly with the target university. My advisor made starting the process feel very easy, and I got great advise not only on what to do, but also how and when.
- Odin
The city itself is incredibly charming
My name is Inda, and I am 22 years old. This year, I started my first year of a bachelor's degree in Forensic Science in Winchester.
When I visited Winchester (before starting here), I met Marie, a fellow Norwegian student at the university. She showed me around and told me about student life here. I believe the warm welcome I received played a significant role in my decision to choose Winchester. Everything felt very personal, and I liked that the city is not too big. Additionally, both the campus and the city itself is incredibly charming—especially when they start decorating for Christmas! It's also worth mentioning that Winchester is one of the safest cities to live in here in England, and as a girl, this is, of course, an important factor.
The university is relatively small but intimate. Something special about studying in England, especially in Winchester, is that lecturers and students interact on a more personal level. We use first names when talking to teachers, and they remember who we are. There are also various support services available to help with anything you may need. As an international student, it's particularly reassuring to know they offer academic assistance for both the subjects themselves and academic English writing.
Winchester is an ancient city with many charming activities. You can visit the cathedral where, among others, Jane Austen is buried, and where you can find the Christmas market closer to December. There's also a shopping street and a very pleasant cinema set in an old church.
After being picked up from the airport in September, I was taken to my student accommodation in West Downs student village. Here, I share an apartment with 6 others, but it varies depending on where you live. The advantage of being a first-year student is that you are guaranteed accommodation and are placed with people you don't know. I think it's common for all student accommodations that it's easy to get to know others since you live so close to each other. There are also many other ways to meet people here, especially through various student societies. I play football for the student team, which is a great way to make new friends and meet people from other courses. There are also many other societies, and the likelihood of finding something you're interested in is very high. Perhaps the most social day for the societies is Wednesday, or sports day. Many sports teams have matches on this day, and all lectures finish at 12 o'clock. In the evening, the various societies often gather before heading to BOP, which is a party held by the student union.
I am extremely satisfied with the university and life here so far, and I look forward to spending more years here in the future.
- Inda
UK Universities
UNIVERSITIES IN THE UK
US Student wanting to be connected to a UK university
Share Contact Details with UK University
As your Student Advisor with Across the Pond has made you aware, unfortunately US Federal Regulations prohibit third party organisations such as ours from working with students intending to use federal funds to support their studies. We would however be able to connect you directly to the university contacts who work with us and they would be delighted to support as best they can.
When do I need to apply to UK universities
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR STUDIES IN THE UK?
You can apply to study in the UK as early as September of the year before you want to start, even if your degree is not yet ready. Most of our universities do not have an application deadline and you can even apply right up until the start of your course, but we still recommend that you apply as early as possible!
Guardian or Parental Consent
Guardian or parental consent
In order to be able to discuss your application with parents/guardians or others, we need your permission which you can authorise by completing the form below.
NB: This form is to be completed by the STUDENT giving a parent or guardian permission to engage with us about your UK university application.
Jan Levy
Senior Student Advisor
Education
- BA Social Sciences with specialisation in Political Science and Sociology (NTNU, Norway)
- Study abroad year - Sociology (UC Berkeley, US)
- MA International Relations (University of Essex, UK)
Contact information
janlevy.gl@studyacrossthepond.com
What did you do before you started working for Across the Pond?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences specialising in Political Science and Sociology from Norway and the US. In addition, I have also completed a master’s degree in International Relations from the UK. When I was thinking of applying for a Postgraduate degree in the UK, I contacted Across the Pond. They had the knowledge needed to guide me so that I could make a good choice of degree and location. The result was an unforgettable year at the University of Essex.
Why did you decide to study in the UK?
After completing my Undergraduate degree in Norway and the US, it inspired me to continue my higher education abroad. Studying International Relations was a specialisation that was not available in Norway at the time, so that made the choice even easier. I was now able to study a subject that had international focus, in an English-speaking country and in an international environment. This seemed like the perfect combination for me.
Why do you like working for Across the Pond?
I have studied in multiple locations and countries where I have experienced different student environments. None of these were comparable as they are unique in their own way. Being a student in the UK was an incredible experience, which taught me a lot and went by quickly. Before I knew it, I was on the plane back to Norway again. I applied through Across the Pond, and I therefore thought this job looked interesting. When I later found out that there was a job opening, I did not hesitate to apply. This was to me a great opportunity to continue working with higher education in the UK, and to use my own experience to inform potential students about the great student life there. I had the best time, both academically and socially – and I hope that other students can have the experience that I had.
Why do you think international students should study in the UK?
There is so much to gain from studying abroad. You are showing a high level of independency and you get an additional language skill on top. This is an incredible opportunity if you are looking for high academic level and an international student environment. After my degree in the UK, I now have friends all over the world and wonderful memories. This is highly recommended!
List all of your favourite things about the UK!
London taxis, the red phone booths, the pub culture, old towns, castle and building, music festivals, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond and Stephen Hawking.