Why studying in the UK?

I had to answer this question several times while giving campus tours to families from different countries when I worked as an international student ambassador at the university. The answer went something like this: I had always wanted to study abroad, and while I was doing my undergraduate studies, I didn't have the opportunity. So, I set myself the goal of doing a postgraduate study abroad. I started looking for options in different countries, however, the 3 finalist universities were institutions in the UK. This was because the study programmes in Sustainable Architecture in the country, which was what I was looking to apply for, appealed to me. Plus, the fact that the masters in the UK lasted for 1 year, and that's how this journey started...
 

Why the University of Nottingham?

The University of Nottingham was not one of my original 3 finalists, however, my Across the Pond advisor suggested it to me because of an opportunity that was available at the time for my area of study. I decided to take the chance and I applied to the university. When the long-awaited acceptance letter finally arrived, what started as a dream, started to materialise....
 

It's not just about applying to the university, there are many other steps to consider...

If you're planning to study abroad, try to check in advance what's required. There are usually many time-consuming documents and procedures that often don't depend on you, but you have to meet the deadlines: language certificates, CVs, personal statements, scholarships and grants applications, immigration procedures, accommodation, among many other things. It may seem overwhelming at first, but little by little and with the help of your Across the Pond advisor, things get sorted out.
 

University Life 

The international student experience in the UK is wonderful. There are a lot of students from all over the world, and universities usually have years of experience with this. So, they have established procedures and guidelines that are very useful before and when you join the university. Also, the staff and people in general are usually very helpful and friendly.

University life is very dynamic, although I think the experience can vary depending on whether you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Most master's degrees, being usually one year long, naturally have a stricter study programme. So, sometimes free time for postgraduate students can be more limited than for undergraduates. So, this is a great opportunity to put your time management skills into practice! You can make studying a priority, while you also travel, participate in societies, and socialise and meet people. And of course, you make sure you leave enough time for your physical and mental wellbeing.

The University of Nottingham has a range of services, workshops and activities. It provides advice on financial matters, academic skills, use of digital tools, research techniques, critical writing, careers, among many others. At first, it can be difficult and overwhelming trying to digest so much information but try to gradually get to know everything your university has to offer. It can be very useful to know the services you have, with enough time to use them. Besides from the fact that you have already paid for them in your tuition fees, try to make the most out of them! 
 

Life in Nottingham 

Life in Nottingham was very interesting. It is a medium-sized city in England, with different events throughout the year. It has several tourist attractions and places for weekend activities with friends, such as bowling, mini-golf, or skating. I lived in an accommodation near the university campus, and I found life in this part of the city quiet and peaceful. I found it convenient to have the university 2 minutes-away walk, and Wollaton Park 15 minutes away, one of my favourite spots from the city. To get to the centre I usually took public transport, either bus or tram. It took me about 20 minutes to get there. 

The accommodation I chose was off-campus and had different types of rooms available. I highly encourage to check the accommodation websites of the universities, as they usually have complete information about the types of rooms available, locations, among others. So, you can make the decision that suits you best.
 

Cultural shocks and language transition

It is inevitable to have culture shocks, no matter from which part of the world you come from. In my case, me the fact that I could talk to people from similar backgrounds really helped me. As they might be having culture shocks similar to mine, so that I could feel identified with other people who felt similarly.

In terms of language, I was fortunate enough to learn English from an early age. However, I was never required to use it in an advanced academic environment or in the technical aspect of my field. Trying to keep up in class while process new knowledge and at the same time putting extra effort into understanding everything in another language, was a challenge. It's normal to struggle a bit at first, and it's okay if you need to spend extra time after class going over your notes. With time, you will get used to the language and everything will become easier. Also, universities usually have courses or material available to reinforce your language skills, if you find it necessary. 
 

What nobody tells you…

During my experience as an international student in the UK I have experienced all kinds of emotions, from happiness and fulfilment to exhaustion and guilt. The process is different for everyone. Some people found the beginning very challenging, for some others it was the final part... There are days when emotions can get very strong, and situations can feel out of hand. Try to have a support network at all times, whether it's your new friends, trained university staff, or friends and family back home. The important thing is that you feel supported and that you can maintain your mental health to get the most out of your studies.

Don't forget to enjoy every moment, be clear about your priorities and try to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Time goes by faster than you can imagine, but the memories and learning you take away from this adventure are definitely some of the most valuable you can experience.

-  Claudia Marina