The city is amazing
One of my dreams has always been to do my master's abroad. I knew that having an experience in a foreign country would be incredible in all senses. The United Kingdom is well known for its prestigious universities and multicultural life. In that way, I saw a great opportunity to study in the UK as well as the perfect option to improve my English. Furthermore, the possibility of applying for an extension of the student visa after my studies, is a great opportunity compared to other countries.
My course and the University
I am a master's student at the University of Kent in Canterbury, Kent, UK. I chose this university because it is a significant institute with a good reputation, it offers good facilities that enhance the learning experience, it has a good student environment, and it has a good location because it is very close to London.
I selected the Urban Planning and Resilience master's course because one of my professional dreams is to make better cities. I trust that this course will give me the tools to achieve this dream. The course covers a wide range of subjects; cities are very complex with many systems, and because of current concerns, the programme focuses on how cities can survive, adapt, and thrive for new challenges like climate change. For my classes, I had a lot of guest lectures from different backgrounds, which enriched the academic experience. I also attended some conferences in London related to the field.
Furthermore, I have participated in other activities inside the university organised by the School of Arts and Humanities, like workshops and conferences, so you will never get bored as you look for as many events as possible!
University life is full of opportunities, with a lot of academic and creative events. Furthermore, the university is a very beautiful place surrounded by greenery, and it’s possible to have a view of the cathedral from there! which is the most important urban icon in Canterbury.
Accommodation
I live at the university’s accommodation, and it’s very convenient because the campus is just across the street, so I can be in the library within 5-7 minutes, as well as the rest of the buildings in no more than 10 minutes. You can also find other facilities like cafeterias, the grocery store, and the gym. Renting on campus gave me the opportunity to have a free membership to access the gym and any sports facilities. And lastly, but not less importantly, the campus has a nightclub where they have parties for students all the time.
Also, sharing the accommodation has given me the opportunity to meet people and make friends from different cultures around the world, gaining fascinating insights into diverse cultures and lifestyles from both foreign and local students.
Student Life in the UK vs. Home Country
Academic life in the UK is different from what I was used to in Mexico. The focus is on individual learning, critical thinking, and research, which has forced me to broaden my horizons in terms of academic study. Student life has provided me with the opportunity to make friends with students from all around the world, expanding my understanding of international concerns.
Social Life and making friends
You will be surprised by all the people from different countries that you can meet. My time in the UK has given me the opportunity to meet friends from everywhere, frequently having cultural exchanges and sharing knowledge. Furthermore, I like to share my culture, so I have organised some meetings where I cook Mexican food and prepare some drinks to share with my friends. Favorites from them have been the "Chilaquiles" and the "Palomas". And, I have attended some meetings where I have tried food from different cuisines, as well as become a fan of the typical scones and tea from England.
Some associations, on behalf of the university, organise trips. I had the chance to go to Oxford, Bodiam Castle in Sussex, Dover, and Rhye. And one time, the School of Arts and Humanities at the university organised for free a trip to Walmer Castle.
The city
The city is amazing; it has a rich cultural and historic heritage, and a medival environment can be felt due to the architecture of the town, including the amazing Canterbury Cathedral. I try to visit this as many times as I can; as a student at the University of Kent, I have free access. The high street and the green spaces along the river Stout are very charming, perfect for a picnic in the summer along the river!
Canterbury is very close to London (55 minutes by train), so I have visited London many times and also had the opportunity to go to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Derbyshire, and Manchester. as well as visiting places in other countries like Amsterdam and Dublin.
Transitioning to Studying in English
The transfer has gone well since the multicultural atmosphere has made it possible for me to develop my language abilities both academically and socially.
Additional Insights
Recently, I started working as a kind of part-time job where eventually I do shift work as a member of staff at weddings, which has helped with my economic expenses and given me the opportunity to meet more people. My only advice would be that if you plan to work at some point during your master's, start to apply with anticipation, because even though there may be opportunities for part-time jobs as a student, it takes time.
Furthermore, I wish I had understood more about the fine details of academic culture before starting the journey, like a career plan according to my goals with different networking options available. as well as general tips to survive and write a dissertation in the British academic context.
Application Process and Across the Pond
Across the Pond, there is excellent help. I have tried in the past to achieve this dream, and it was only with the advice from this agency that I accomplished the goal. The staff is very kind and give you very good advice.
- Martha