Making a UK Master’s Possible
What first drew me to studying in the UK was the chance to attend a university that is a leading institution in my field. I also really liked the fact that I could complete my Master’s in just one year, which meant having the experience of living and studying abroad without stepping away from my professional life for too long.
Funding was, of course, an important part of making that possible. FIDERH and FUNED felt much more student-friendly than a traditional loan, especially because they are designed specifically for studying abroad and give you breathing room after you finish your degree before repayments begin. Knowing that those options existed made the whole idea of studying in the UK feel far more realistic and meant that finances didn’t have to define what was possible for me.
There are a lot of steps involved in the process, and plenty of moments when you have a million questions! Having Across the Pond there throughout made a real difference. Their information sessions helped me know what to expect and get things ready before I actually needed them, and whenever a new question came up, I knew I had someone I could ask.
I also came to the UK with a few preconceptions, especially that British people might be quite reserved or difficult to get to know. My experience in Brighton has been completely different. I’ve found a genuinely warm and diverse community, met some amazing people, and built a lovely support network of both local and international friends. More than 90% of the students in the university department my master’s is part of are international, so I’ve had the chance to meet people from all over the world and experience a really multicultural environment.
Coming from the Mexican Caribbean, though, I must admit that the British weather was probably my biggest adjustment at first! But you adapt, and quickly learn the value of a really good waterproof jacket. Looking back, perhaps the biggest thing I’ve learnt is that doing a Master’s in the UK was much more achievable than I initially thought. Having the right guidance and understanding the different funding options opened up possibilities I hadn’t realised I had and helped turn something that once felt like a huge goal into something I was actually able to do.
- Dulce
