Studer i Edinburgh

What I like most is how included and welcome you feel as a student

I study “Business Management with Entrepreneurship” at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, and I have had a very positive experience so far. What I like most is how included and welcome you feel as a student. The modules are well structured and easy to understand, and the lecturers are very helpful and genuinely want students to succeed. At the same time, I have a flexible schedule, which allows me to work at my own pace while also making time for things I enjoy outside of university.

The assignments vary between individual work and group projects, and the expectations are always clear. If you need help, it is easy to ask, and you receive great support from both lecturers and fellow students. I also found it relatively easy to secure student accommodation, which made the transition to studying abroad much easier.

It is also very nice to live in Edinburgh. The city has a lot to offer, with a great social environment, good nightlife, and friendly people. I work alongside my studies, but I still feel that I have a good balance between university, work, and social life. There are also many great travel opportunities to other Scottish cities and towns at affordable prices. Overall, I would recommend both the university and the city to students who are looking for a supportive study environment and an exciting student life.

The application process through Across the Pond has also been a big part of giving me the opportunity to achieve all of this, and I am very grateful for it. I received great help and support throughout the entire process, which made moving to a new country to study feel much safer and easier.

- Nola
 

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Study in Scotland

My Life as a Student in Edinburgh

Why I Chose to Study Abroad, and Why the UK Made Sense

Choosing to pursue a Master's degree abroad was not a decision I took lightly, but it has turned out to be one of the best choices I have made. As someone who completed my undergraduate studies in Norway, I was looking for a programme that would challenge me in new ways and give me an international perspective on my field. Edinburgh Napier University's Business Analytics programme ticked all the boxes, combining strong academic foundations with a practical, hands-on approach that felt like a real step forward from what I was used to back home.
 

The Course

Studying Business Analytics at Edinburgh Napier has been both demanding and incredibly rewarding. What stands out most is how applied the learning is, rather than just absorbing theory, you are constantly working with real data, real problems and real-world scenarios. This was quite different from my experience studying in Norway, where the approach tended to be more traditional and lecture-based. Here, you are expected to get stuck in from day one, which I genuinely enjoy.

The class itself has an interesting dynamic, there are significantly more male than female students, which reflects broader trends in the analytics field. That said, the international mix more than makes up for it. My classmates come from all corners of the world, and the different perspectives people bring to discussions and group work have genuinely enriched my understanding of the subject. If you are someone who thrives in a diverse, globally-minded environment you will feel right at home here.
 

Edinburgh

Honestly, Edinburgh might be the most beautiful city I have ever lived in. Whether you are into history, culture, food or outdoor adventure, this city delivers. I love exploring the different neighbourhoods and trying out the many restaurants and cafés the city has to offer. Edinburgh has a fantastic food scene, with options to suit every taste and budget.

Compared to Norway, the climate in Edinburgh is notably milder in winter, no harsh frosts or heavy snowfall, which makes getting around on foot or by bike much more manageable year-round. Summers are pleasant and the long evenings make it easy to make the most of everything the city offers.
 

Flatmates and friends

One of the things I was most curious about before moving was what my social life would look like. I can say with confidence that it has exceeded my expectations. I live with two Italian girls, and we have become really close friends, it is one of those situations where you genuinely look forward to coming home.

Beyond my flat, I have built a great social circle through university and through simply being open to meeting people. When I am not studying, you will usually find me at the gym, out hiking, or exploring a new part of the city with friends. Edinburgh has a lively social scene, and there is always something going on.
 

Would I Recommend It?

Without hesitation, yes. If you are considering studying Business Analytics in the UK, Edinburgh Napier offers a genuinely high-quality programme in one of Europe's most exciting cities. The combination of hands-on academic experience, an incredibly international environment and a city that is endlessly explorable makes this a fantastic place to spend your postgraduate years. Come with an open mind, and Edinburgh will do the rest.

- Anne
 

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Formal Complaint Form

Formal Complaint Form 

We at Across the Pond want to hear from you if there’s anything you’re unhappy with, so we can work to make things right. Most issues you may encounter before or after applying to study in the UK can be resolved, and we’re here to help. If you are dissatisfied with something, please tell us by submitting a formal complaint and we will do everything we can to support you. 
 

Study in Oxford, UK

I really enjoyed my program at Oxford Brookes

I applied to study in the Pre-Registration MSc Physiotherapy course at Oxford Brookes University and received my unconditional offer to start the following year. I had applied to physiotherapy programs in Canada, UK and Australia this year and ultimately, receiving the offer to the UK solidified what I already knew – I wanted to study in the UK. I had many reasons to make this decision; I had previously considered doing a working holiday visa in the UK, I had family living in Ireland, I had friends from home and trips I previously taken who lived in the UK and I wanted to be close to mainland Europe to travel.

I used Across the Pond to apply to the UK both times I applied to study. I previously had an offer to Brunel University but wasn’t able to accept at the time for other circumstances. Both times applying, I had advisors who helped me start the application, guide me on writing personal statements, getting the right paperwork and answering all of the millions of questions I had. I have recommended them to all my friends who have at any point considered studying in the UK, because it made my life so much less stressful!
 

Finding Home Away from Home

When I moved to Oxford, I had found accommodation online a few months ahead of time. I chose not to stay in the university accommodations because I felt as a ‘mature’ student, I didn’t want to live in the residences and be distracted by potential younger students who were also wanting to have more fun. I had ‘been there, done that’ and I knew I wanted more comfort. I found a house share with 5 strangers, who all happened to be PhD students or Post-Docs at Oxford University and I was very lucky that we all were roughly the same age, and all from different countries – China, Italy, Belgium, and India. In the two years we lived together, we became close friends and I’m happy to say 2 years after moving out, we are all still in touch although we have moved separate ways. They became my family away from home, we cooked and shared meals together, celebrated our highs and supported each other’s lows together. I’m grateful to have met them.

In Oxford, it never seemed to be an issue to find a room or a house for rent. There is the peak season of doing so, I heard from friends that if you were looking to move into a house together, you had to plan ahead in advance, as often you’d sign the agreement 2-3 months prior to moving in! I would recommend generally viewing a place before moving in, I got super lucky not viewing the house, however, I was able to speak with my housemate on the phone ahead of time to get an idea of the vibe. I managed to snag the largest room in the house; I had my own en-suite because I knew I didn’t want to be sharing a bathroom with anyone or potentially cleaning up after people when their cleanliness standards didn’t meet mine (certified germ freak!). I think the price I paid was on the higher end of what you could find, but given the people I lived with and the proximity to campus, I was fine to pay this and had budgeted ahead of time to account for this. You’ll find a lot old houses in the UK, so be prepared for drafty windows and creaky floors, hopefully avoiding any leaky rooks or unwanted rodents (both I heard through friends).

I was super lucky when I signed my house share agreement, I didn’t realise I would be a 10-minute walk to campus! I lived in the residential area of Marston, a 20-minute walk to the John Radcliffe hospital, 45-minute walk to the Churchill Hospital or 30-minute walk into the high street and train station. I had classmates who drove or took the train in, others lived within Oxford in areas such as Headington or Cowley. Jericho is a touch farther, but still easily commutable. Most people in Oxford have a bike, this makes getting around so much easier! I think my life changed for the better once I secured a bike at the end of my 1st year, my house mate sold it to me since he decided to get a car instead for his own leisurely activities. Having a bike made nights out easier but also getting to campus, grocery shopping and placements. I would DEFINITELY recommend, and you don’t need anything fancy because they do get stolen sometimes, so just get a bike that works and a good lock!
 

Working in Oxford

I had to work to support myself while studying abroad, and I was really fortunate to get a part time job at the Up in Arms Pub in Marston, right across campus and a short walk from my house. I enjoyed working here; it was something I had never done and I now get to say I worked in a pub in the UK! How iconic! The team was supportive, fun and a great way to switch off. I got to know the regulars who would come in and create relationships with the people in the local community alongside other students who studied in Oxford. I also worked with a local events company and this was flexible, so I worked it around my pub job, classes, studying and placements. I was able to see the inside of the Sheldonian Theatre while working graduations or concerts, I worked weddings and events in The Divinity School (big moment for my inner Harry Potter nerd) to name a few things I did.
 

The ACTUAL Physiotherapy program

I really enjoyed my program at Oxford Brookes, I felt like we had a close-knit group of 20 students in my year. 6 of us were Canadian which was really nice, I remember within those first few weeks we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving together and the following year we had everyone on the course join us for Thanksgiving. Professors were engaging and helpful and clearly enjoyed teaching and most of them still had clinical roles in their specialities. They were available for additional support as we needed and took our preferences on board when asking for placements. I was quite lucky again, in that, 4 of 5 placements were local in Oxford, only 1 was a distance away but 3 of us were placed there and one of them had a car so we were able to carpool together. We had the opportunity to apply to support the local rugby team as student physiotherapists to develop our clinical skills in a more professional setting where we weren’t getting graded like our placements. We had the options to do lots of group work and self-directed study to learn independently. If we needed to book facilities to practice our skills in the lab, this was also available.

The course offered students a chance to go on a sports massage course or Pilates course, not covered financially, so you’d have to self-fund, but you could then use those skills to work for yourself or a clinic to further your experience and confidence. I heard good reviews from both from classmates that attended.
 

Exploring the UK

I chose Oxford, because it’s an iconic location in the UK on its own but also its proximity and closeness to everything else you’d want to explore.

In my first year, the university offered weekend day trips organised for a small fee to different locations around the country. I went to Cardiff, Stratford Upon Avon, Isle of Wight and Cambridge. London is a quick train ride or you can take the Oxford Tube which runs all night and is particularly helpful during any cancelled trains.

I had friends in London, Canterbury and York who I caught up with. When I met by boyfriend, he took me to Suffolk where he was from and I got to see a different side of the country. My sister lives in Ireland, I was able to get cheap flights over from Birmingham Airport to see her and when she got married, she chose Portugal for a destination wedding, so was able to go visit beforehand. My friends came to visit from Canada and we went to Hungary and Germany and attended Oktoberfest, what a fun event and we can’t wait to go back in the future.

I’ve now moved to Kent since graduation and working in the NHS as a physiotherapist and not having to study every weekend, means I’ve been able to explore more. My boyfriend and I have been to Bath, Norfolk Broads, and Dover to name a few spots. We visit friends in London, Oxford, Winchester as hangouts arise. We’re hoping to make our way to Scotland and Devon in the next year and explore different parts of England.

- Henrietta
 

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Hult International Business School

Study in Falmouth

I can’t recommend Falmouth enough

Hi! My name is Laura, I’m 26 years old, and I’m currently enjoying my third and final year at Falmouth University, studying Costume Design for Film & TV.

Before moving to England, I was born and raised in Colombia, but I spent the last 10 years living in Sweden; so, coming to the UK felt like starting yet another exciting chapter in my international journey.

Life in the UK has been such an adventure! I’ve met so many amazing people and made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. One of the things that makes this so easy is Cornwall itself. It’s such a warm and welcoming place, full friendly faces and beautiful spots to explore. It feels very safe, which helped me enjoy the surroundings even more.

When I first arrived, I chose the airport pickup service for international students. It was a very smooth process, the bus took us straight to campus with one stop on the way to rest and eat, our bags were delivered to our rooms when we arrived and the best part is that during that trip, I met my best friend, who I now live with in my final year.

She had already lived in England before, so she helped me a lot with understanding British food, slang, and culture, those little things that make daily life so different. My course mates and mentors were also incredibly kind and understanding. They made sure I never felt out of place, and I’ve always felt supported both academically and personally.

One of the things Falmouth University does well is providing dedicated sessions for international students at the very beginning of their studies. These meetings helped explain things like the grading system, how to open a bank account, and the paperwork needed to find a job in the UK. It made such a difference for all of us trying to navigate a new country and system.

Not only that, but Falmouth University is also very dedicated to making studying an easy and enjoyable experience for students whose first language isn’t English, as well as ensuring great accessibility for students with dyslexia, like one of my friends, or for those with ADHD.

Finding part-time work in Cornwall can be a bit challenging; it’s a small region with limited job opportunities. But because many students graduate and move away each year, new positions open regularly during the summer or at the start of every year. I started looking for a part-time job even before I moved to Falmouth, and it paid off! I began working in November of my first year and have been at the same job ever since.

Another role I absolutely love is being a student ambassador. I get to meet future students, show them around campus, and even help with online sessions for international applicants. It feels really rewarding to share my own experience and help others prepare for their move to the UK.

Before ending up here, I spent a lot of time researching my options. I knew for a few years I wanted to study costume design.

At first, I found a two-year costume-making course in another country, but I wanted more than just the making aspect. I wanted to learn both design and construction, and that’s when I discovered Falmouth’s Costume Design for Film & TV program.

At the time, it was still a relatively new course, but when I looked through the prospectus, I knew immediately that this was the one. The opportunity to collaborate with other creative courses and learn from mentors with real industry experience sounded perfect, and honestly, it has exceeded every expectation.

My time at Falmouth has been incredibly exciting and rewarding. This course has given me hands-on experience, taught me valuable skills, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re passionate about design, making, or both, this program gives you the tools and confidence you need to succeed in both.

I can’t recommend Falmouth enough, it’s a place where creativity truly thrives, and where you’ll find not only your craft but also a community that feels like home.

- Laura
 

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Study in Leeds, UK

My First Days in the UK: Deciding, Arriving, and Thriving

Choosing to move to a different country is not a simple decision; with the cost, the distance, and the process of getting a visa, there are many steps that can make it intimidating. Let me assure you, however, that if coming to the United Kingdom to study is your dream, with the right resources and support you can make it a reality!

Let me first introduce myself. I’m Josephine and I just started my Masters of International Health at the University of Leeds. I had always wanted to study abroad but I never really thought it could happen because of the cost and complexity. I won’t lie, the process was not without its challenges, but with the help of Across the Pond and my family I am now in Leeds and loving every second of it.
 

Getting here

If you are a non-UK student, you will require a student visa to study in the UK, and no that is not a type of credit card! If I could only give you one piece of advice, it would be to start the application as soon as possible because everything else depends on you receiving it, like booking your flight, confirming your accommodation, and really just planning your adventure! The application is not difficult, it’s just time-consuming because of all the documents you must collect. Your Across the Pond advisor will provide you with updated visa guidance in the late Spring to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
 

Arriving

I was so nervous when I stepped off the plane at Heathrow. What if I forgot something? What if customs asked for something that I didn’t bring, what if, what if, what if… It is completely normal to feel anxious, this is a huge move, but let me reassure you, customs is a breeze if you come prepared. I organized all my documents in an accordion folder allowing me easy and quick access to anything I might need, which really came in handy when you have a lot of documents to bring!
 

Thriving

I arrived in Leeds thinking that I wouldn’t start classes for two weeks because there was an international welcome week followed by freshers (aka frosh) week. However, unbeknownst to me, master’s programs start the very first day! I can’t speak for all programs, but as far as I can tell they do ease you into it, starting off with introductory classes that allowed us to get to know the course and teaching staff. They also made sure that we had enough time to acquaint ourselves with the campus and city, meaning I have been able to attend all sorts of "O-week" events such as open mic nights, barbeques, and art gallery tours. There is seriously something for everyone. I am really looking forward to the freshers’ fair, where over 300 of the school’s clubs and societies set up booths giving students a taste of what they can get involved with.

The highlight of my time so far has got to be my first night going out to the pub with new friends and knowing that this is the start of such an incredible adventure. If I can pass along just one more piece of advice, say yes to everything, especially in the first few weeks. Put yourself out there, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and jump into this experience head first!

- Josephine
 

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Study in Aberdeen, UK

My First Days in the UK: Adjusting to Scotland

My move to Scotland didn’t feel real until I stepped into Aberdeen Airport, fresh from a 9.5-hour flight from Toronto. I staggered off the plane and walked towards baggage claim. Alone. I felt tired, thirsty, and completely unprepared for my journey ahead. I recalled the long hours editing personal statements, corresponding with references, and gathering writing samples. At the time, I thought nothing was more arduous than my postgraduate applications. But in hindsight, pressing “submit” was the easiest part of the process. Cramming my life into two suitcases, on the other hand? Quite the challenge.
 

ARRIVAL

Nothing truly compares to the experience of entering a new city. The world feels fresh and uncharted. Despite my sudden dose of reality, I couldn’t wait to begin my adventure in the UK. The first item on my To-Do list? Visiting the University of Aberdeen, A.K.A. my home for the next year.

The King’s College campus greeted me with weathered brick buildings and climbing ivy as I walked through the gates for the first time. Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the third oldest university in Scotland and the fifth oldest university the UK. If you have no other motivation to study in the UK, the cozy old-world charm of the universities ought to be a strong starting point.
 

SETTLING IN

Since moving abroad comes with a long checklist, finding an affordable student flat should not be your top priority. To save myself the hassle of house-hunting, I opted for off-campus student accommodation. Fortunately, the University placed me in a complex with other postgraduate students, making it easy to meet people with likeminded interests.

I arrived in Scotland one week before my check-in date, which is something I highly recommend. With one week to spare, I had time to overcome my jetlag, shop for items that wouldn’t fit in my suitcase (i.e. raincoat, bedding, stationary), and travel around Scotland. By the time I moved into my flat, I had already adapted to the groove of Aberdeen. 
 

FRESHER’S WEEK

The University kicked into gear with Fresher’s Week on the day I moved in. Many events and activities are targeted towards undergraduates; however, all students are welcome to enjoy the many offerings of free food, live music, and poster sales.

Fresher’s Week also included promotional fairs, such as the “Societies Fayre” and “Sports Fayre.” During these events, student societies and sports teams arranged booths on campus for students to browse around and sign up. I can’t speak for every UK university, but societies and teams are a major component of student life at the University of Aberdeen. They can be a great way to meet new friends, so I definitely recommend attending Fresher’s Week for these initial meet-and-greets.
 

STARTING CLASSES

On Orientation Day, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my program only consists of seven other people. Postgraduate programs in the UK are typically quite small, so you quickly become close with your classmates. The class structure, however, required more adjusting. For me, classes occur in blocks, with each class running back-to-back for three week intervals. This system has its pros and cons.

Con: Three weeks of intensive reading, lecturing, and studying.

Pro: No exams in December!

I won’t pretend that moving overseas is easy. I felt displaced for two weeks before I began to acclimatize and feel at home. But these initial feelings shrink in comparison to the people you’ll meet, the places you’ll visit, and the lifelong memories you’ll create.

- Hailey
 

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