I love interdisciplinarity!
My journey began in Mexico City, at a Euro-postgraduate fair with my friends from University. We were going through an after-degree identity crisis. I felt even more lost because I was passionate about many disciplines, but they were all very dispersed. I studied Hispanic Literatures at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and I thought I could continue my studies at a Spanish university and decide if I wanted to study culture, history or literature. I saw the Across the Pond booth and filled out a form. Shortly after I received an email from my advisor, and from there we started talking about all the different master's degrees in the United Kingdom. After many more emails and a year of preparation I began my master's in Global Culture and Literature at the University of York. At the time I didn't really know why I chose this program beyond "how interesting!", but now I better understand why it was such an important part of my path, eight years later and just about to finish my PhD at the University of Nottingham: I love interdisciplinarity!
The educational experience was very different from what I knew. They are have short terms, with few subjects and few hours, and the workload compensates for that free time. I think the hard part about this, for me, was that I had to learn better self-management, and being alone in a new place! But it was worth it, and adjusting to university and social life was easier. I was surprised by the number of activities and events for all tastes. I even went to a “Retired Dog Petting Day.” Little by little I started making a family among the international roommates that I randomly had with the student accommodation, my classmates from the master's degree, and the community of Mexicans that Across the Pond helps you form from the moment you arrive.
I think the only thing I wish I'd known before moving (and didn't care to research) is that there really isn't much sun. I knew, from the movies, that it is a rainy and cold country, but I also knew that it rains more in Mexico City than in London, so it didn't seem so serious to me. What I didn't know is that during the winter it gets dark from 4:00 pm. And when it's daytime, weeks can go by without seeing the sun or the blue sky. But I also didn't know that Mexico had taught me to love the United Kingdom, and that the United Kingdom would teach me to love Mexico more.
- Alicia
The best option for my career was the UK
When I started planning to do a masters, it was always in my mind to do it in Europe, however, the more research I did, the best option for my career was the UK. I am an architect and I have been always passionate about sustainability. After deep research, I found that they were way more advanced than in Mexico, with plenty of strategies already implemented all around the country, and even on the university campus. This was the main reason for deciding The University of Nottingham. The main campus is huge and astonishing, and the Faculty of Architecture had integrated many sustainable strategies that would be taught throughout the course.
Nevertheless, my first approach with Across the Pond was when I was not sure of which university to choose and my advisor helped me to do it. After lots of corrections to my application I finally was accepted by the university, but what I consider the main support, is to get the scholarship acceptance which, for me, was the most important factor to study abroad.
A few weeks before starting the course her help was an enormous support. She contacted us with other Mexican students who were going to the same university and she even told us where to buy duvets and warm clothes.
Student and social life in the UK
A couple of days before the start of the course I found lots of Facebook groups about activities for the new students at the university. There is also a “welcome week” where you can get to know all the available societies you can enrol. This was completely new for me, as when I did architecture in Mexico, we were only focused on our university studies. There were societies that I had never imagined before, like the magic or yoga society. So, besides doing your postgraduate course, you also had the opportunity of doing extra activities which was an excellent option to make new friends.
During my course, I had classmates from different parts of the world, such as Greece, Italy, China and of course, the UK. For me, it was really interesting to know more about their cultures and their perception about architecture and sustainability topics. It was enriching to see how things were being done by their countries to achieve sustainability goals.
In the same way, there were lots of things to do for social and nightlife. There were plenty of options depending on your mood. The public transportation system, even though it was a bit expensive for me, was incredibly awesome and easy to use. You could check on an app which tram or bus to take and how much time it would take you to get there, even though the city was not that big. However, if you decided to walk, you could feel safe anywhere at any time.
- Eduardo
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
When your career dreams come true
Since I finished my master's degree, I dreamed of doing a PhD. It was not an immediate process because I took my time to embark on that path. However, my whole life changed when I finally decided to do it and choose the UK as my study destination.
My name is Emanuel, and I am a PhD student from Mexico at the University of Nottingham. I am currently in my third year. My area of study is Mechanical Engineering. Due to the extensiveness of this knowledge area, at first, it was difficult for me to focus on a specific research topic. Still, thanks to the guidance and experience of my supervisors, this problem was solved after a deep analysis done by me and the two of them.
Nowadays, my supervisors and I are pioneers in analysing, designing and implementing magnetorheological dampers to suppress vibrations in on and offshore wind turbines. The results have been so satisfactory that not only have doors opened for me in the professional field, but the impact of this research work is so significant that I also have the option of continuing to develop research on this topic in a postdoctoral offer.
Life in the UK as an international student is fascinating. On the one hand, you have to adapt to many things; on the other, their cities' infrastructure makes this adaptation process happen naturally and easily. For instance, climate conditions are pretty humid, and it rains unexpectedly. Knowing this, Nottingham City Council has effectively designed the bus and tram stops to shelter many people from the weather.
Another example is the efficient way in which the bus and tram lines are interconnected with each other. This allows you to cross the city from north to south in less than an hour. Besides, if you want to stay in any city area, there’s no stopping you because each neighbourhood has everything you need to live well and peacefully. There are shopping centres, gyms, parks, churches, cinemas, theatres, hotels and recreational places in each city sector. It is impressive!
It doesn't matter if you are a student, professional or tourist; the city of Nottingham has all the entertainment options you can imagine. You have access to outdoor activities and many clubs to practice the sport of your choice. Everything is at your fingertips!
As far as English culture is concerned, it is one of the most interesting in the world. The English are an organised, punctual and hard-working people. They always hold on to their promises and follow their rules with extreme care. They are also sensitive to the presence of foreigners. They know we are there to contribute to developing their economy and life quality. Also, unlike other European countries, you can find multicultural environments everywhere, as they are an open-minded and diverse society.
Diversity is a reality. Everyone can be what they want without being criticised, disturbed or excluded. This creates environments of peace and tranquillity that favour British citizens' and foreigners' studies and professional development.
No country in the world is similar to the United Kingdom if what you want is to study and develop your professional skills. That is why I recommend whoever reads this post to look for a postgraduate degree at a British university. Broaden your perspectives and change your reality by studying in Great Britain; You won't regret it!
- Emanuel
Helped me achieve my goals
Hello! My name is Carlos, I am from Mexico, and I am a candidate for the master’s degree in Finance and Investment at the University of Nottingham. My experience as a student in the United Kingdom has been above expectations so far. I have been fortunate to live in such a wonderful country that welcomes students and professionals from all over the world.
The University of Nottingham has been a great ally that has helped me achieve my goals as a student and professional in Finance and Investment. Firstly, I was offered a great scholarship from the University of Nottingham Business School that enabled me to consider the United Kingdom as the country to obtain my master’s degree. Secondly, they assisted me through all the process to gain access to good quality accommodation and guidance to move around the campus. The University of Nottingham forms part of the Russell Group, a selected group of the top universities in the United Kingdom.
I studied my master’s at the Jubilee Campus of the University of Nottingham, which offers great facilities, with classrooms of all different types of sizes, computer rooms, study halls, cafeterias, libraries, sport facilities and much more. I was able to keep alive my student life at this amazing university. The University of Nottingham also offers free transportation across the different campus. I was able to discover amazing hidden places with huge gardens, fountains, and old classical English buildings. The university offers students the possibility to move around the facilities easily and smoothly, with indications and staff happy to help you if you have any trouble finding a place.
As for my master’s degree, I was learning content in Finance since the first day of classes. The program excels in its field and has given me the necessary tools to immerse myself in the financial sector. The quantitative and qualitative core modules offered by the course are state of the art knowledge that will be a valuable qualification in my CV for employment anywhere in the world. The United Kingdom has one of the biggest financial hubs, where hundreds of thousands of professionals work every day in different institutions and companies. From Investment Banking to Asset Management, the UK has a lot to offer for professionals interested in Finance. This is the main reason why I chose the United Kingdom as the country to develop my career further.
My accommodation is very close to the university, it’s a 3-minute walk to be exact. Nottingham Two by Student Roost is a great accommodation if you’re looking for a friendly place with a great location that includes security, comfort, and amenities. The accommodation includes many perks for a reasonable price. It has several common rooms for study, laundry rooms, gaming rooms, and you also have access to free postal delivery service. There are many different types of flats for different price levels. My flat included a shared kitchen for 4 large rooms with all the appliances needed to cook and store food.
Nottingham is one of the most exciting and student-friendly cities in England. Nottingham has a diverse and vibrant student population. The city’s rich history, combined with the legendary stories of Robin Hood, add to the city’s charm. From the hustle of Old Market Square to the serene serenity of Highfields Park. Students can enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences in Nottingham. From eclectic cafes to dynamic music venues and contemporary art galleries, there’s something for everyone. The city’s easy-to-navigate public transport system makes it easy for students to get around from one place to another. It has a welcoming atmosphere, cultural diversity, and abundance of student-friendly amenities. I’m glad to call it my second home now.
One thing I would recommend to people is to always carry an umbrella due to the unexpected changes of the weather. Most of the days throughout the year have been rainy, even when the sun is out it can get cloudy and rain. Another aspect I would recommend is to always stay ahead of deadlines for things like medical appointments. The NHS service is fabulous but it can take a while to get an appointment, so if you suddenly feel ill, it’s better to make an appointment as soon as possible.
Overall, my experience in the United Kingdom has been incredible. It has been one of the most amazing years of my life. I have traveled across the country and seen the wonders that the UK has to offer in natural scenery, history, culture, food, and many welcoming British people. I would totally recommend the United Kingdom as a country to study for people coming from abroad. My vision about the world has been enriched and my perspective about different topics has changed as well. It’s worth studying in this country, I have gotten so much more in return to what I have invested so far!
- Carlos Alfredo
