The UK felt like the perfect place
I decided to pursue an MA in Creative Writing because I have always been passionate about storytelling, and the UK felt like the perfect place to do so. Many universities there have strong programs in this field, and I was eager not only to learn from them but also to live abroad, meet people from different cultures, and experience a new academic environment. I chose the University of Derby because its program emphasized employability, with modules such as Working as a Writer, which gave me practical tools for considering writing as a profession.
I lived in Agard Court, one of the university halls, which gave me the chance to meet both UK and international students. They quickly became friends, many of whom I’m still in touch with, and helped me adapt to cultural differences. Derby itself was a wonderful place to live: it’s a small, charming, multicultural city where I felt safe and inspired. I used to write in cafés in the city centre and loved walking in Darley Park, which is simply beautiful.
Of course, adapting was not always easy. As a Mexican student, even though I already spoke English, writing in a second language came with its challenges. I had learned mostly the US system, so I had to adjust to British spelling and academic conventions. For example, reflective essays were something new to me, since in Mexico academic writing tends to focus more on facts than on one’s own ideas. At first it was difficult, but over time I came to appreciate how much value was placed on originality and critical thinking. Having friends to guide me through cultural and linguistic details helped as well. For instance, learning not to use ‘trash’ but ‘bin,’ and to always boil water in a kettle, never in the microwave!
The course itself was a dream fulfilled. The MA gave me the chance to share my writing with peers in workshops, receive feedback from professors with real-world recognition, and grow more confident in my own voice. These discussions and exchanges made me realize what kind of stories I want to tell, and that writing is not just a solitary pursuit but also an opportunity for dialogue.
Student life was full of small but meaningful moments. I spent most of my free time with friends I met in my accommodation and classes. We went to pubs, the cinema, or even to cafés where we could paint pottery together. It was a balance between studying, writing, and simply enjoying the experience of living abroad.
Looking back, I am grateful for everything I learned, not just academically but also personally. I discovered new ways of thinking and writing, built friendships across cultures, and proved to myself that I could adapt to a different system. It was challenging at times, but it was also inspiring, and it made me more certain than ever that writing is the path I want to pursue.
- Jimena