SOAS has been an absolutely fantastic university

My name is Maria, I’m 25 years old and currently writing my master’s thesis in London. I started at SOAS in September, and received great help from Across the Pond throughout the entire process, both with the master’s application itself and other practical matters like the visa application and housing tips.

SOAS has been an absolutely fantastic university. I’m pursuing an international legal degree called an LLM in Human Rights, Conflict and Justice, after completing four years of law school at the University of Oslo. SOAS places a strong focus on colonialism and how it shapes power structures in the world, which has significantly broadened my understanding of international law. The professors are amazing - engaging, supportive, and excellent educators, and I genuinely feel like new connections are forming in my brain after every lecture.

London itself is an incredible city. I’ve never been anywhere as international, and my classmates truly come from all over the world. I’ve had the chance to try endless types of food from every continent, attend countless music events and stand-up nights, and I have the impression that you never run out of things to do here. The only downside I’ve encountered is that the city is quite expensive. Rent is high and the Norwegian krone has been weak this past year. I’ve managed this by getting a part-time job, as a student visa in the UK allows you to work 20 hours a week during term and up to 40 hours outside of term time. I work as a nanny for two of the sweetest and kindest children in London, which has been a wonderful break from studying a few afternoons a week (and it doesn’t hurt to be paid in pounds).

I’m actually enjoying London so much that I’ve decided to stay indefinitely. I’m applying for jobs while finishing my thesis and hope to get an offer before submitting. Without Across the Pond’s help before I moved, everything related to work visas would likely have felt incomprehensible and difficult, but since I’ve already gone through the visa process once and navigated the UK’s public bureaucracy, it all feels much less overwhelming.

I would warmly recommend studying here in London to anyone, and especially SOAS to those interested in social justice, politics, and international law. I’d also recommend reaching out to Across the Pond if you’re considering it—they’ll hold your hand through the whole process!

- Maria