Is swapping the Spanish Sun for the British Rain worth it…?

As much as I love a sunny day…the answer is yes! In fact, you might end up getting used to the rain, maybe even liking it! Studying in the UK was definitely a winning trade-off. Leaving the comfort of home can be hard, but for me it came with the chance to reinvent myself, expand my knowledge in top-world universities and meet people from around the globe. I had the amazing opportunity to study an integrated Masters in Chemistry with a placement in Industry in Scotland, that set the ground for me to be able to move to Sheffield to pursue an industry-funded PhD project in collaboration with AstraZeneca.

What does the UK offer that Spain does not?

1. The Experience

I learned very quickly that university here is about the whole experience, rather than just learning and exams. Doing a degree in Spain is seen as a full-time job. UK universities prioritise learning, but always leave room for personal growth.

This approach can be seen through several examples:

• A vibrant student life: with a range of societies and sports clubs.

• A solid support network: with numerous support channels available for students.

• A balanced timetable: with lecture schedules that allow time to rest.

It is not about memorising thousands of words and writing them on a paper in an exam. But rather, about receiving the tools you need to learn and develop the skills you will require for the future; leaving time for you to work part-time, socialise, meet new people, and develop not only as a student, but also as a person.

2. The Skills

The structure of the integrated Masters is divided into 3 years of typical undergraduate degree with one placement year, followed by a final year that includes some extra master courses. This means that after 5 years you end up not only with a degree and a masters, but also with a full year of working experience. I did my placement year in a pharmaceutical industry, which meant I was paid for my work, while I completed a research project. Finishing a masters with one full year of experience in your CV is extremely valuable.

After finishing my masters I moved to Sheffield to do a fully-funded PhD, for which I get a stipend from UKRI and that includes a placement in industry. The professional skills UK universities have allowed me to learn are insuperable.

But what if I miss home?

During the first few months, what helped me feel less away of home was finding out that I was not the only student that had moved abroad to study. I quickly became part of the Spanish Society, where I met people I could speak Spanish with and celebrate my culture. I also started immersing myself into the varied cultural landscape, for example going to a ceilidh organised by the Italian Society. The great thing about studying abroad is that you will end up building a second home.

- María