Studying abroad is life-changing
Hi, I’m Ananya, and I am an international student from Norway studying in the UK, specifically in Dundee, Scotland. Starting September, I will be in my 3rd year, studying BSc Biomedical Sciences. I have loved it here in Scotland, and I feel it was the right choice for me in terms of the course and place. University of Dundee is one of the top universities in the UK for biological and biomedical sciences, helping me achieve a high standard of education and allowing more opportunities after graduation.
Why the UK?
I chose to study away from home as there are more job opportunities, especially in my field, in the UK. A degree from a university in the UK has higher international recognition than a bachelor's degree from Norway, hence the appeal to study there. I also did all my schooling from 1st grade to 12th grade in an international school, or an international program, which is why I was looking to study in English.
Why living abroad is worth it
Meeting people from all over the world and getting to live in a completely new country for the first time was a surreal experience, though it could get overwhelming at times. Learning about a new culture and the customs of the locals is very enriching, and it is what I feel makes moving so far away from home worthwhile. Living alone allows more room for growth through building a life you want. By handling everyday tasks by yourself, you see how much you are capable of. Therefore, from a personal point of view, the independence you gain by living alone and growing by stepping out of your comfort zone is very rewarding.
Application process
I applied to the UK via Across the Pond, making it very easy for me. I sent them my 5 university choices in the UK and my personal statement, and they filled out all the fields via UCAS. They were very quick to respond and always answered any doubts I had, helping soothe my nerves with the whole application process. I would definitely recommend their services for anyone considering applying to the UK. As the offers I received from Manchester and Sheffield were conditional, my 12th-grade results unfortunately did not meet their criteria. As an alternative, I applied to Dundee via clearing on UCAS, which was one of the universities offering admission to my desired course in the clearing process. The clearing process was very straightforward, as once you reach out to the university regarding a place, they send you a form to fill out and get back to you about the result within a day. The period between getting my results and getting an offer was a very stressful period, but luckily, it all worked out. If it weren’t for the rejections by my firm and insurance choice, I would never have ended up in a beautiful city like Dundee, let alone Scotland.
About the city
Dundee is a very small city, and mainly a university city, where you can randomly bump into people you know around the campus and your friends won’t be staying too far away from you, as the campus is quite small. The university is only a 10-minute walk from the city center with shops all around, making it very convenient. It is a rich city filled with history and nature, with something for everyone. The people were what I found most surprising, as during my first week there, everyone I met was very lovely, both within the university and outside. The city is additionally very conveniently located, with nearby cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow being just a bus ride away. The buses are free as well for 16-22 year olds with a Young Scot card, which anyone with a residential address in Scotland can apply for.
Final tips
Even though moving abroad can seem really stressful, it is definitely worth the experience. To make your life easier, apply for your visa, accommodation, etc., as soon as you can and make a checklist of things you need to bring with you. Keeping a note of my spending has helped me a lot, as the tuition fees for international students are high and making sure you have an overview of expenses is life-saving as they can add up. Finally, make the best use of Freshers' week before classes start by going to any events organised by the university, where you get to meet lots of people and join societies. During the freshers fair, I joined the Dundee Community Youth Orchestra, in which I have found a community outside of the university and have a good time playing music with like-minded people. From experience, it can be hard to make new friends as it becomes tougher to reach out to people and take the initiative, but you will find your group of people, and things will get easier. Eventually, you will even enjoy the life you have created away from home!
- Ananya