University life outside a big city
When I first decided to study in London, I pictured myself living for the first time in a major international city. I couldn’t wait to be surrounded by historical monuments, take the tube around the city, and experience London nightlife. However, my university journey didn’t quite go as planned. After thinking through all my options for studying in the UK, I decided to attend Royal Holloway University of London – which isn’t actually in the city, but in a town called Egham about a 40 minute train ride away. I was drawn to the tree-filled campus and small-town feel, but I worried I’d regret turning down the opportunity to live in a big city.
As it turns out, Egham was the perfect place for me. I had never lived in a city before, and while I was already making the transition to living abroad, learning to live in a whole new environment would have only made things harder. The town was walkable and easy to navigate, so I felt completely comfortable after my first few weeks. All the students I met lived in a similar area – no long train rides to go visit my friends! Everybody was a short walk away, which made socialising and settling in much easier.
The highlight of Royal Holloway’s location was its beautiful campus. The iconic Founders’ Building is famous for a reason, but there’s lots more to appreciate around the uni. For someone like me who loves the outdoors, I appreciated being able to walk through the woodlands on my way to lectures, or have a picnic in a grassy field with my friends. Some of my fondest memories were made at the nearby Virginia Water park, which features a huge lake, a peaceful waterfall, and miles of trails to explore.
Admittedly, there were times I wished I lived in London. I sometimes felt jealous of international students who studied in the city, enjoying the nightlife and making the most of London’s job opportunities. But in the end, I felt secure in my choice. Once I found a great group of friends, I had plenty to do in Egham. In terms of jobs, a smaller town means less competition for highly-coveted student roles – I had an on-campus job for two years, and did a remote internship. If anything, I feel that living in a smaller town allowed me to better immerse myself in British culture. Living in London can sometimes lead to always feeling like a tourist, but in Egham, I truly felt like a member of the community. And the best part? London was always a short train journey away!
There’s no denying the allure of London, and it’s a great fit for a lot of people, but I want to encourage international students to consider other locations in the UK. City life isn’t for everyone, and a campus university can provide a tight-knit community with a wealth of resources. Do your research, and consider what kind of environment you would thrive in as a student. Maybe it’ll be a bustling city, or maybe it’ll be a quiet town!
- Sophie