From Bergen to London
Hi! My name is Sara and I come from Bergen, Norway. I completed high school with a specialization in science, and also had an exciting year as an exchange student in Cardiff, Wales. That experience gave me a taste for studying in the UK and opened my eyes to an international study environment.
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in London, specializing in finance and marketing. I chose to study in London and the UK because I wanted a unique study experience in the middle of a global finance and marketing hub, the perfect place for both education and future job opportunities. In addition, I wanted to challenge myself and experience something completely different from Norway. An additional motivation for me was also that some around me thought I would not succeed; it gave me a strong desire to prove that I could do it.
Student life in London
London is a huge and diverse city that never stands still. The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, with a cultural scene that ranges from historical museums and iconic musicals to small art galleries and live concerts in local pubs. People here come from all over the world, and I especially notice this at my school, which is an international school with students from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures. It makes everyday life incredibly exciting, you learn something new about other countries and cultures almost every day.
Studying in London is both chaotic and incredibly fun. The city can be overwhelming at times, with busy transport, a fast pace and countless opportunities, but that is precisely what makes the experience so unique. As a student here, I meet people from all corners of the world on a daily basis, and it has given me new perspectives, broadened my horizons and made me feel like part of a global community.
London also gives you a sense of freedom and endless possibilities, there is always something going on, whether it is an exhibition, a festival, an exciting lecture or a spontaneous event in the park. You never have to be bored here. At the same time, I have learned the importance of taking breaks, finding peace and appreciating small everyday moments in the midst of the chaos of the city, such as having a coffee in one of the countless small cafes, taking a walk along the Thames, or relaxing in one of the city's many parks.
One of the best things about being a student in London is that you are constantly surrounded by people who are just as ambitious as you. Many of them have big dreams, and it is inspiring to be part of an environment where everyone is looking for new opportunities. In addition, studying in such an international city is a golden opportunity to build networks, both social and professional, which can be valuable for the rest of your life.
Housing and everyday life
When I first moved to London, I knew little about the housing market here, and it was a steep learning curve. I found a room to rent online, and it was a very special experience: I moved in with a doctor who had a large parrot that sang and talked all day. The apartment was about 40 minutes away from school, which made the commute time-consuming and stressful. Although I regret that particular choice a little, I learned a lot about what to look for when finding a place to live, and I am left with a unique story to tell.
Eventually, I moved in with a friend I met at school. We rent a relatively large apartment in central London. We have space to cook, relax, and invite friends over, and I pay around 12,000 kroner a month. The standard is good, although the apartment is not ultra-modern, it has everything we need, and I like that it has a bit of a "2000 vibe" with wooden floors, old-fashioned details and a cozy touch that makes it feel homely in the middle of the big city.
My everyday life is busy, but I enjoy it. I combine my studies with a part-time job as a bartender and receptionist at a hotel, where I work about 20 hours a week, divided over three days. The job was surprisingly easy to find, and it has given me many opportunities: I have received several job offers while I have been at work, and I have built a large network of both local and international contacts. This network has been incredibly valuable, both socially and professionally.
A typical day often starts with an early morning workout to get energy for the day. After training, I go to school, and some days I go straight to work after classes. In the evenings I spend cooking dinner with my girlfriend, doing schoolwork, or taking a break with a series. On weekends I prioritize hanging out with friends, exploring new places in London or traveling, and of course, studying a bit every now and then.
When it comes to food and shopping, London has everything you could possibly want, from small, independent food shops with international products to giant supermarkets and exciting markets like Borough Market. In terms of transportation, I mostly use the Tube, buses and walking, and I've gradually gotten used to how hectic rush hour can be. At the same time, I appreciate how quickly and efficiently I can get around the city.
Academic experience
The school I attend has a completely different approach than what I was used to in Norway, and it has really challenged me in a positive way. Instead of traditional exams, the teaching focuses on group work and practical scenarios drawn from real life. We get large projects and presentations that we work on in teams over seven weeks, where we have to collaborate, find solutions and adapt, just like you have to in the working world. This way of working has made me better at communicating, planning and handling conflicts, and I feel that I have gained a realistic insight into what it is like to work in the business world.
One of the things I like best is how practical the teaching is. For example, we get assignments where we have to create marketing campaigns, financial analyses or strategic plans for real companies. Working with actual companies gives us an understanding of the challenges and dilemmas they face, and how theory from textbooks can be applied in practice. This makes the learning relevant, exciting and motivating.
The learning environment feels a bit like high school, but in a good way: The classes are small, with a maximum of 30 students, and this creates a safe and informal atmosphere where it is easy to raise your hand, participate actively and ask questions. The lecturers are accessible and interested in the students, and we quickly build a personal relationship with them. I have experienced that the teachers remember my name, give constructive feedback and really want me to succeed.
The classroom dynamic is also very international, with students from all corners of the world. It provides exciting discussions, different perspectives and many aha experiences when you understand how different cultures can think completely differently about the same issue. It has made me more open, patient and better able to work in diverse teams.
All in all, my school has given me a professional experience that feels relevant to the working world, while at the same time I have learned an enormous amount about collaboration, leadership and creative problem solving. I feel better prepared for a career in finance and marketing than I would have with more traditional education.
Social life and free time
Socially, London has exceeded all my expectations. It is incredibly easy to meet new people, and I have made friends both through class, school in general and my job. I actually met my two closest friends at work, we had good chemistry right away, and it has been extra nice that they also go to the same school as me. I find that everyone is open to getting to know each other, and because you constantly change classes based on which subjects you take, you have the opportunity to meet many new people throughout your studies.
London is a city where there is always something happening, and it is almost impossible to get bored. I have spent a lot of time exploring different neighborhoods with friends, from the colorful streets of Notting Hill to the hip markets of Camden or the cozy cafes of Shoreditch. We have often had spontaneous evenings with food from all over the world, gone to small concerts or discovered bars with live jazz. There are also always events for students, both at school and in the city in general, which makes it easy to socialize.
I have been on the school football team, which has been a fun way to combine exercise and socializing. It has not only given me new friends, but also helped me stay active in a hectic everyday life. I am also part of a couple of student associations that arrange monthly meetings and occasional social events, such as quiz nights or theme parties. These events have been great opportunities to get to know people from other disciplines, and to share experiences with students who are in the same situation as me.
On the weekends, I try to find a balance between relaxing, doing schoolwork, and experiencing the city. I often go out to try new restaurants, visit museums or parks, or take day trips out of the city. I love being social, but I have also learned the importance of taking time for myself, especially in a city like London that can be both exciting and tiring at the same time.
All in all, the social life in London has given me memories to last a lifetime, and I have made friends from all over the world who I know I will keep in touch with long after my studies are over.
Travel and discovery
One of the best parts of living and studying in London is how easy it is to travel, the city is a hub that makes it easy to get around both the UK and Europe. I have travelled quite a bit since moving here, and it has given me memories that I will never forget.
Within the UK, I have taken several trips to Scotland, which have been absolutely magical. I visited the Highlands, where the scenery is like something out of a movie, with green valleys, mirror-like lakes and majestic castles. I have also been to small towns in the South of England and loved the cozy atmosphere, old buildings and traditional pubs.
Outside the UK, I have used London's fantastic connections to go on weekend trips and holidays to several places in Europe. I have been to Split in Croatia, where I swam in crystal clear waters and explored the old town, to Nice and Monaco along the French Riviera, where I enjoyed the beach life and delicious food, and to the Netherlands and Belgium on spontaneous trips with friends. Many of the trips have been by cheap flights or trains, perfect for students who want to experience a lot without spending too much money.
What I love most about traveling from London is that it feels like Europe is right on your doorstep. It’s easy to hop on a train to Paris and be there in a few hours, or hop on a plane and spend a long weekend in a new city. I’ve also discovered how exciting it is to go on day trips by train to places like Oxford, Cambridge or Brighton, little getaways that provide a break from city life.
Among my favorites so far are without a doubt the Highlands in Scotland, where I felt like I was in another world, and Nice in France, where I experienced amazing beaches and great food. Being able to travel so easily has made me feel like I’m getting the most out of my time in London, and I learn an incredible amount every time I visit a new place.
Challenges and adjustment
Moving to a new country alone is scary, there’s no way around it. Before I left, I felt a mixture of excitement and fear, and the first few weeks in London were undoubtedly challenging. I had just left everything and everyone I knew at home, and was starting over in a huge city where I knew no one. It felt both lonely and overwhelming at times.
One of the biggest challenges was finding a place to live. The housing market in London is hectic and expensive, and it can be difficult to know what to look for, which areas are safe, and what is actually a good deal. After my first experience living far from school with a somewhat special tenant, I learned the importance of taking the time to find the right place and not being afraid to ask other students or the school for tips.
The language was also a bit of a challenge at first. Although Norwegian school provides a good foundation in English, it took time to get used to thinking and speaking English all day, and especially to understand all the dialects and accents you encounter in an international city like London. But after a few weeks I started to think more automatically in English, and now it’s completely natural.
Another thing I had to get used to was the pace of the city. London is hectic, and it can feel like everything is going at a furious pace, people are rushing to get on the tube, the street scene is full of life, and there’s always something going on. I had to learn to find my own breathing spaces, like going for a walk in a park or taking a quiet coffee break, so as not to get completely exhausted by the chaos of the city.
As for the culture, I was surprised by how diverse London is. Because the city is so international, you don’t really have to adapt to one specific “British” culture, it’s more of a myriad of cultures, and as long as you show respect and normal manners, you feel welcome regardless of your background.
The student life also required some adjustment. I had to find new ways to study, learn to plan projects that lasted several weeks, and collaborate closely with students from completely different cultures and with different working methods. But through these challenges, I have learned an incredible amount, both about myself and about how I work best.
Ultimately, the challenges have made me stronger and more independent. What I feared most before I left, feeling alone and insecure, turned out to be manageable obstacles that have given me valuable experience and self-confidence.
Advice for future students
One of the most important things I would say to other Norwegians considering studying in the UK is that it is completely normal to feel insecure at first. The first few weeks can be tough, everything is new, and it can feel a little lonely. But remember that almost all other international students are in the same situation as you, and most are just as open to making new friends. So don’t be afraid to take the initiative, whether it’s asking a classmate out for a coffee or joining an event.
When it comes to housing, I would recommend starting your search early, and not taking the first and best option even if it is tempting when you are stressed. Ask the school if they have reliable recommendations or lists of student housing. If you choose to rent privately, be careful to check the contract and see the apartment before you sign, there is a lot of trickery in the London rental market.
Financially, it is wise to have a buffer account, so that you have a little to fall back on if something unforeseen happens. London can be expensive, and it takes some time to figure out how to best balance your budget and student life. Remember that as a student you can often get discounts on everything from public transport to museums, cinema and food, take advantage of it!
My best tip for getting the most out of your stay is to say yes to things even if it feels a little out of your comfort zone. Join a student party, an excursion or a meeting in a student union, even if you don't know anyone there. You never know who you will meet or what opportunities will open up. Don't let the fear of making mistakes stop you, most others are busy with their own business and don't remember small mistakes that you think are embarrassing.
Also think long-term: ask yourself what you want to be left with after your studies. Is it just an education, or also memories, networks and experiences that shape you? Use the time to build relationships, be curious, and contact people in the industry you want to enter, it may give you job opportunities that you would never have had at home.
Finally: follow your gut feeling. It's easy to be scared by thoughts like "what if it doesn't work?", but distinguishing between healthy fear and real gut feeling can help you make good decisions. If you feel that you really want this, then take the chance, it's often the things we don't do that we regret the most.
Summary and reflection
Studying in the UK has been one of the most challenging, educational and rewarding experiences of my life. I remember how overwhelming it felt to stand at the airport in Bergen with a one-way ticket to London, not knowing what awaited me. Now, when I look back, I am incredibly proud of how far I have come, not only professionally, but also personally.
My stay in London has forced me to become more independent and responsible. I have had to make important decisions on my own, deal with both small and large problems, and find solutions when things have not gone as planned. All of this has given me self-confidence and belief in my own abilities, and I feel much better equipped to face new challenges in the future.
Academically, my studies have given me a practical understanding of finance and marketing, and taught me how what I learn in the classroom is actually applied in real life. I have had the opportunity to work with real companies, learn from talented lecturers and collaborate with people from all over the world. This has not only strengthened my knowledge, but also taught me the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives.
On a more personal level, I have gained memories and friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I have met people from countries I have never been to, and some of them have become close friends that I cannot imagine life without. My best friend is from Brazil, we probably would have never met if I had not dared to go, and for that I am eternally grateful.
What I take away from this experience is the certainty that I can do much more than I thought. I have learned that the comfort zone is a nice place, but that it is outside of it that you really grow. I have also learned the value of saying yes to opportunities, trusting yourself and not letting the fear of failure stop me. These are experiences that I know will shape both my life and my career for years to come.
For me, this has not only been a study abroad experience, but a journey that has shaped who I am and who I want to be. I recommend anyone considering studying abroad to take the chance, because it can change your life in ways you can't even imagine.
- Sara