Why I Chose to Study in the UK Over Norway
“Why on earth would you pay a small fortune to study in the UK? You could have done a free master’s degree at home in Norway!”
This is one of the most common questions I’ve been asked over the past year, both by friends in Norway and abroad. And honestly, I can see why people wonder. With sky-high tuition fees, steep living costs, and a weak currency exchange, the UK has unfortunately become a less attractive destination for international students. Add to that the post-Brexit bureaucracy, which can be as unhelpful as it is complicated, and it’s not exactly the easiest move to make.
Still, one year after starting my degree at the University of Sussex, I can confidently say that moving to Brighton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Here are three reasons why:
A Choice for Ambitious Students
It’s widely agreed that British higher education is world-class. With the founding of the University of Oxford in 1096, Britain and education have gone hand in hand for almost 1,000 years. Today, UK universities consistently rank among the top 10 globally across most disciplines. This was, of course, in the back of my mind when I chose Sussex – alma mater to the world’s largest faculty of International Relations. Walking onto campus for the first time and seeing the red-brick buildings standing proudly against the backdrop of the South Downs honestly felt like stepping into Hogwarts. I quickly realised this was a place with high expectations – both of itself and of me as a student.
While the teaching lived up to my expectations, I often learned the most outside the classroom. Surrounded by some of the sharpest minds in International Relations, I had access to an entire network of people from all over the world, each with their own experiences and perspectives. I often felt I learned more about the syllabus over a pint at the local pub, hearing insights from classmates from India, Japan, and the US. These conversations not only broadened my perspective but also gave me a network of ambitious, intelligent people who have become both professional allies and friends.
The Happiest Student City in the UK
Year after year, Brighton is ranked as the happiest city in the UK, and it didn’t take me long to see why. When I arrived in September, I was immediately met with an atmosphere that was both relaxed and full of energy. Beach life is at the heart of Brighton – from its iconic pebble beach and the long pier lined with rides and small shops, to the pastel-coloured sunsets. Grabbing a coffee at Pink Moon before a walk along the promenade quickly became one of my morning rituals. The city is full of quirky cafés, vintage shops, and small galleries – meaning it’s almost impossible to get bored.
One of Brighton’s greatest strengths is its diversity. The city has one of the UK’s largest and most visible LGBT+ communities, and its Pride celebrations are among the most famous in Europe. For me, that was a green flag – a city that not only accepts but celebrates difference. The people I met were open, respectful, and warm – all with that characteristic British bluntness and dry humour. The surrounding nature is just as charming. The rolling green hills and small villages of the Sussex Downs offered the perfect weekend escape. One personal highlight was when my class decided to walk to Lewes, a nearby town just a few kilometres away. Brighton became more than just a student city – it was a place that encouraged me to be myself, while giving me breathing space in an otherwise intense study year.
Fieldwork and Real-World Experience
Another reason I chose the University of Sussex was its Dissertation with Placement programme. This optional track lets students write their master’s thesis while working with an organisation closely tied to their research topic. Through this, I got to work alongside industry experts in my chosen field – and carry out four weeks of independent fieldwork in Argentina.
Some organisations even pay their placement students, and for those that don’t, there are a range of scholarships available to help cover costs. This was not only a fantastic springboard into the job market, but also a unique and exciting way to travel during my studies. Combining a prestigious UK master’s degree with hands-on fieldwork experience is highly sought after in the job market – something I’ve already seen reflected in job interviews since.
“But Should I Move?”
A UK master’s degree is intense. The entire programme is completed in under 12 months, and the learning curve is steep. Each semester lasts just 12 weeks, ending with one major submission or exam. In my programme, International Political Economy, I had two core modules in the autumn, two electives in the spring, and the summer to write a 10,000-word dissertation. Each module required either a 5,000-word final exam paper or an equivalent set of assignments.
This was a big jump from the pace I was used to at bachelor’s level in Norway, and it took time to adjust to the deadlines. Another unexpected challenge was the difference in academic writing styles: British academia expects you to clearly state your position early in the text – much more than is common in Norway. That took some practice, but with supportive and engaged professors, the transition was manageable.
For me, this became more than just a degree. It was a year of academic and personal growth, new friendships, unforgettable experiences – and an education that has already opened doors.
If you’re considering it, my answer is simple: Yes, it’s expensive and demanding. But for me, it was worth every single penny.
- Håkon