The UK educational system is renowned
The why
They who have a why can bear almost any how.
-Friedrich Nietzsche, 1889.
The crucial first step. The why is often ingrained in our actions to the point where it melds with our instincts. We rarely put the why into concrete words. Yet, I have learned that a clear why sets up the what, where, when and how. My why started as “I want to make games”, a good though broad starting point. I took some time to reflect before revisiting the question. The answer that came out was “I want to make stunning games” as I realised that visuals were appealing to me. It still felt ample, and thus I repeated the process. I realised that it was the combination of visuals with fast pacing. “I want to make stunning and fast-paced games” was the result. After researching into the topic, the how revealed itself. I had to pursue computer graphics. The remaining pieces followed.
Choosing Leeds
Fortune favours the prepared.
-Louis Pasteur, 1854.
Understanding what you are looking for propels the next step: creating a list of potential courses. The list can be subsequently filtered by pondering candidates based on preferences of choice. Personally, I recommend going through enough iterations until the result is no more than 3 to 5 options. Application processes are rather involved and universities are looking for commitment. The chances of success greatly improve when the proper research is done so a timely and personalised application is realised. Finding the High-performance Graphics and Games Engineering MSc at the University of Leeds was the result of employing this strategy. The UK educational system is renowned, Masters programmes last 1 year, I was familiar with the language and the module catalogue is fantastic. However, I was foreign to the UK itself. This is where Across the Pond came into the picture. I was introduced to who would become my advisor. His role in my success was far more significant than words can convey. He went above and beyond to help me at every step of the process. This includes contacting the University and helping me push through the initial rejection to finally get accepted. Furthermore, we also discussed Visa application, UK culture and a range of topics that fully prepared me for the journey ahead. The what, when, and where fell into place.
Life in a city within a city
The city is like a great house, and the house in its turn a small city.
-Leon Batista Alberti, 1854.
The University of Leeds boasts a massive campus at the heart of Leeds, often characterised as a student city. Through the University, I was able to find affordable and comfortable accommodation. I cannot recommend this enough, especially for new coming international students as having the University as intermediary greatly simplifies the process. Finding well managed and located accommodation enhances the experience on the whole. Leeds is vibrant, both on and off campus. The Union hosts a plethora of student run societies, ranging from Meditation to Salsa, the latter which I participated in. Societies present themselves during introduction week, though are free to explore through the website or by simply showing up. The University itself has various departments aimed at assisting students. Of particular interest to international students is the Language Learning Centre. It is an excellent resource to improve your English, even offering pre-term English courses to prepare you for the academic year ahead. The University has all fronts covered to ensure a smooth student experience. As for the city itself, Leeds is UK’s third largest city and has become quite international due to the influx of students, there is no shortage of activities. Moreover, it is at the centre of the UK making it ideal for short trips to famous locations such as Liverpool or hidden gems such as York. Overall, the experience felt lively and supportive throughout the entire stay. Truly a city within a city, ready to welcome everyone.
Making it happen: the seesaw of work and play
Balance is not something you find, it is something you create.
-Jana Kingsford, 2016.
Achieving success in the UK’s educational system demands a delicate equilibrium between rigorous academic commitment and personal enjoyment. The academic calendar is designed around this balance: periods of rigorous work during term time are complemented by opportunities for leisure during breaks. This approach seeks to push your boundaries without neglecting well-being. However, it is easy to be thrown off balance as one navigates the deadlines. I had to relearn this valuable lesson after finding myself entrenched in an all-work, no-play lifestyle: you have to make it happen. Moreover, it starts well before you embark. I encourage prospective students to research the programme catalogue thoroughly and communicate with the school to gain insights. Understanding and practising its fundamentals in advance is essential for cultivating the habits that will enable you to excel academically and enjoy your time to the fullest. Striking this balance is a skill that empowers us to face not only academic but life's many challenges.
Socrates and a journey Across the Pond
I do not know what I am doing, but I am learning. I am asking questions and searching for answers.
- Socrates, long before phones were invented.
Unknowingly, I was applying the Socratic method all along, a fact that was coincidentally pointed out to me by a University of Leeds tutor. The whole process was kindled by a single question, triggering a domino effect. It ultimately led me to pursuing the High-performance Graphics and Games Engineering MSc at the University of Leeds. As linear as it might be painted out to be, this chain of events was only possible thanks to the collective support of many individuals. By this point, it should be evident that I posed numerous questions along the way, and my advisor met them all with clear answers. My advisor, who became my friend, and the entire crew at Across the Pond make these dreams happen. The guidance I received was nothing short of monumental, and I will forever appreciate it. My hope is that readers will embrace this spirit of curiosity and sharing so that everyone can realise their own journey across the pond.
- Emanuel