From Norway to England – My Big Adventure

Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. I wanted to experience a new culture, become more independent, and at the same time receive a high-quality education. Choosing the UK felt natural – it offers an international environment, exciting student life, and amazing opportunities to build a global network of friends and connections.

I’ve always been adventurous and passionate about traveling. For me, studying abroad wasn’t just about education – it was about stepping out of my comfort zone, meeting new people, and gaining fresh perspectives. When my high school exchange year was canceled, my desire to study abroad only grew stronger. I’m also very close to my family, so it was important to me to choose a location where I could easily visit home. Studying in an English-speaking country felt like the best choice to make the transition smoother – and the UK was perfect for that.
 

🎓 Why I Chose the University of Chester

At first, I dreamed of studying in London, but life had other plans. Due to missing some required high school subjects, I didn’t get into my London option and had to choose from my four other alternatives. Chester stood out as the most practical choice – both financially and geographically – and looking back, I couldn’t be more grateful.

The University of Chester offers a strong academic environment combined with a welcoming student community. The campus is compact and easy to navigate, with everything from lecture halls to gyms and libraries within short walking distance. The university also provides a wide variety of sports and activities – whether you’re looking to compete, play casually for fun, or try a new sport for the first time. Joining these clubs has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my social life and has truly made me feel at home.

For anyone considering studying in the UK, my advice is to do thorough research beforehand – especially regarding tuition fees and accommodation costs. Choosing Chester has saved me a lot of financial stress and given me the freedom to experience even more of what student life has to offer.
 

🌆 Chester – The Perfect Balance of City and Nature

Chester is a small yet incredibly charming city. The historic city center is full of cozy cafés, shops, and narrow streets where you can spend hours with friends or working on assignments. At the same time, Chester is perfectly located – with just a few hours by train, you can easily visit larger cities like Liverpool, Manchester, London, or even Wales for day or weekend trips.

Although Chester is a calmer city, there’s no shortage of social events and activities. Everything you need – campus, grocery stores, public transport – is within walking distance. Initially, I thought I would miss the big city lifestyle, but I’ve realized that I find peace being closer to nature, and Chester offers plenty of that. For me, it’s the perfect balance between vibrant city life and quiet escapes into the outdoors.
 

🏠 Student Accommodation – My Second Home

During my first year, I lived in student accommodation where I had my own room and bathroom but shared the kitchen and living area with other students. Living with others taught me a lot and gave me an instant social circle. We cooked together, helped each other with coursework, and celebrated both small and big moments as a little family.

It was actually by chance that I ended up in that particular accommodation, as I applied late – but it turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened. I wouldn’t have learned as much about campus and life in England if I had lived completely on my own.

💡 Budget tip: If you already know which university you want to attend, apply for accommodation early. This usually gives you better prices and the option to cancel if needed. Now, I live in a student flat and I’m very happy there too. Both living experiences have had their ups and downs, but both were within just a few minutes’ walk from campus, which makes everyday life so much easier.
 

💡 My Advice to Future Students

Don’t be afraid to take the leap! Be open, put yourself out there, and you’ll have an incredible and memorable experience full of learning and growth. Moving to a new country can feel intimidating at first, but the support you receive from the university and other students makes the transition so much easier than you’d think.

Across the Pond guided me throughout the entire application process. They provided great support and answered every question I had, which removed a lot of stress from the process. I highly recommend using their services – it made everything much smoother for me.

- Amina