Kingston was and is perfect
After graduating with my Bachelor, I knew I wanted to continue my education. But the amount of time and money that most Master's degrees take in the US was not something I wanted. Master programs in Europe intrigued me much more, and mixed with my desire to return to London, I felt it was an easy choice to make. Am currently getting my MA in Media and Communication at Kingston University. My program is a year-long, and it has flown by fast.
I love living in Kingston; it's about a 30/35 minute train ride into Waterloo Station in the center of London. But in Kingston, it has a bit of city life. The community here in Kingston has a mix of everything for a college kid, great cafes, good food, Wetherspoons (a pub that's cheap and open late), and Pryzm (a club that's aimed towards students). If you like being up early, going for a walk, shopping a bit, reading a book at a park, or going out at night with friends dancing; Kingston is perfect for both. As someone who didn't want to be overwhelmed by city life and have a sense of community but yet close to London center Kingston was and is perfect.
Accommodation here is better than I find it in the US. However, I live with seven people. I have my own room area, a kitchen space, two showers, and two toilets. I also live with other students getting their masters, and most of us are international students, so we're all around the same age and have similar behaviors. We all hang out a bit, too, whether going to the pub, getting food, or hanging out in the kitchen. Everyone is super friendly and easy to talk to.
In terms of school and how it's different to the US, it is very different; I have no busy work or weekly assignments. In all my classes, I have one to two papers, and that's it. Some people may need help as you can lose track of time with assignments and let them pile up. In my first term, nothing was due until the end of the term, during which I had five papers due in one month. I prefer this to the US way; I can put more thought and energy into one pre-class essay versus having weekly work, an exam, and an essay (or two). As a MA student, I feel relaxed, I don't feel stressed out or burned out, and I'm writing my dissertation.
I am so happy I came to London for my Masters; I love the city and the programs! I wouldn't change a thing if I got a re-do, and Across the Pond helped make this journey happen with ease. If I could give a tip or two, it would be this; when picking your University, make a list of three or four things you need in the area, then google search the area, what kind of restaurants/cafe they have, do they have live music, parks, theater. My other advice is to research the tutors at the University, particularly those in your program. See what they are researching; is it similar to what you are interested in.
- Elizabeth