Living an academic dream
My name is Diana, I am 31 years old, and professionally I am a dietitian and diabetes educator from Mexico.
I wanted to accomplish my dream of studying for my master’s degree at one high-ranked university. Moreover, I wanted it to be a challenging experience that, at the same time, would help me broaden my global knowledge.
As a student of the MSc Clinical Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, I feel very proud of this decision to study abroad. So far, studying in the UK has nurtured me greatly, from academic learning to cultural experiences.
Great programme & and experienced professors
I chose my course at the University of Nottingham (UoN) because it fulfilled my expectations about complementing my career. I investigated the modules, the optional courses, the professors’ work experiences and the facilities and opportunities for international students. I found everything I was looking for, so I engaged and applied for an unconditional offer. During this process regarding the communication with the university, my advisor from Across the pond helped me the most.
Scholarship: British Council for Women in STEM
At the same time, I also applied for the “British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM”, which I was fortunate to be awarded. It provides me with total funding for my postgraduate taught studies and a monthly stipend to live well and healthily in the UK. This scholarship, among other help, funded my visa application and my national health service (NHS), which I am glad I have as it is helping me achieve proper management of my Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune health condition for which I need constant medical supplies and treatment for glucose management.
Before applying for this scholarship, I made sure I understood all the conditions. Then I started working on the essay questionnaire, for which I asked for feedback from several experienced people that have gone through similar situations and were fluent in English so they could provide me with their critics and advice. Across the pond helped amazingly in this process and with essential feedback for a robust essay.
Accommodation: House
As my husband is accompanying me in this studies adventure and given that the university accommodation could not provide a place for two people, we had to look out for ourselves and finally found a suitable house to rent. It was not easy or fast, but after some busy weeks of house visiting, we found a good and pleasant place to live, which is very accessible to the city centre by transportation and close to the main Campus: University Park Campus, where I can take the Hopper bus which will take me to my faculty in Sutton Bonington Campus every time. Here, in Nottingham, I live in an area called Lenton, which is safe and calm; we like living here very much.
Student life: Uni life and social life
There are many opportunities to get together with other students from different campuses and backgrounds in the university; activities never stop, from clubs to sports or excursions; there is always something to do so the students feel at home and accompany.
There are as well excellent options to visit in the city. However, what I like the most is the city centre, the exquisite little restaurants, the beautiful and colourful streets and architecture, and the nightlife in pubs, with good music or live bands playing. Nottingham is active and alive, has great day and nightlife, and is secure and safe.
From all in Spanish to all in English
Before starting my master, I had done all my studies in Spanish in Mexico, so the transition was a little complicated, mainly in the speaking part. But I realised I’ve been progressively improving at communicating with others. I must mention that from the beginning, the teachers have always been respectful and encouraged the international students to participate and give their opinions; we are all comfortable sharing our thoughts and ideas in the classroom.
Finally, I am delighted with my decision to study abroad, being the UK, a place that has welcomed us since the very first day. I will encourage everyone with this dream to apply for the different opportunities the universities give to international students to facilitate our immersion into their academic programmes.
- Diana