A solid foundation for a future career
I still remember starting my final year of high school with no clear idea or thoughts about what would come next. Counsellors and teachers had talked about study choices and the application process, but studying abroad was never a topic that came up. Studying abroad appealed to me, but I needed to figure out how to make it happen. The thought of being far away from friends and family was daunting and overwhelming. I also knew studying abroad was expensive compared to Norway, which caused some concern. After a year as a law student at the Royal Holloway University of London, I wish to go back in time and tell myself that there is nothing to worry about and everything will be okay.
The main reason I chose to study abroad was that I envisioned a career in international human rights law, and I believed that a law degree in England, compared to Norway, could open more doors for this path, even though it meant I probably wouldn’t end up practising law in Norway. When I got in touch with Across the Pond, I explained my career aspirations and my advisor presented various programs that could appeal to schools across the UK. That’s when I discovered LLB Law with International Relations at RHUL. I got a bachelor’s degree in law, which you need to qualify as a solicitor or barrister in England, and another degree in International Relations, which discusses war, economy, politics, and how the global society is structured from different perspectives.
Royal Holloway University of London
Royal Holloway University of London is an idyllic university in a small town southwest of London called Egham. The famous old building called Founders was established in 1879 by the Victorian philanthropist Thomas Holloway, and the school was officially opened in 1886 by Queen Victoria as an all-woman’s college to give women the opportunity for higher education. Today, you can see statues of Queen Victoria, Thomas Holloway, and his wife on campus. Founders has also been used to film several movies and series, such as Avengers, YOU, and Downtown Abbey. I enjoyed living on campus during my first year of studies and understood what this school offers. Everything from parties and nightclubs to two school libraries, restaurants/cafés, a grocery store, and a fitness centre. All of this has made life at RHUL much easier and more attractive. Not to mention RHUL gardens, the school is surrounded by beautiful nature and parks that give you a natural feel of the English countryside. Egham is a small town with enough to offer, but London is just 40 minutes away by train if you want more excitement. I appreciate living in the countryside; I prefer a peaceful and beautiful environment alongside my studies, and I’ve travelled to London several times when the mood struck. The school offers many clubs, volunteer programs, and sports, which are great ways to fill the week when you’re not studying. A friend and I became leaders of an environmental volunteer program; we organised various activities so our fellow students could sign up and support causes they care about. Extracurricular work can be gratifying to have on your CV!
Life as a Student Across the Pond
Student life as an international student has its pros and cons. I have found an excellent social circle at school with friends from all over the world. As an international student, I gravitate towards other international students since we’re in the same boat. We relate to what it’s like to move to another country and adjust to the customs and culture of that country. Now, Norway isn’t very different from England. I didn’t experience a big culture shock compared to others I met from Singapore or Argentina, where the cultural differences are more significant. I felt that my first weeks in England went by quickly because there was so much new to adjust to; I noticed that I didn’t have time to get homesick, and it took a long time before I thought about Norway. I feel fortunate that I adapted to the English lifestyle quite quickly and noticed that apart from family, what I missed from Norway was nature, the language, and milk chocolate since the one in England is not worth mentioning. However, these were just minor issues, and as time passed, I became more comfortable and happy living in England.
Finances and Life on Campus
One practical advantage of living in England is that groceries are cheaper than in Norway. Even though the Norwegian krone is weak, I get much more for my money than I would in Norway. The school offers all textbooks digitally, so I don’t buy books; I read on an iPad and use a computer to write texts, etc. My most significant expenses are tuition fees and accommodation, covered by the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). I lived on campus during my first year, where there were three payments throughout the school year. I had my room and bathroom and shared a kitchen with seven others. If you are interested in studying at RHUL, in that case, I recommend staying in Tuke, Williamson, Butler, Gower Wedderburn, or George Elliot, as these accommodations are the newest and give you the most value for your money. Many new students choose to live in Founders, and although it’s very picturesque since it looks like something out of Harry Potter, you have to share a bathroom. It’s also catered, so you don’t have the resources to cook your food, and the meals offered must be paid for in addition to the accommodation fee.
I loved living on campus; it’s much cheaper than living in the surrounding area, and all school facilities are within a short walking distance, but unfortunately, you’re only guaranteed a place on campus in your first year. I’ve been lucky enough to get a job in a school service department that helps new students with everything related to living on campus and well-being. Through this job, I still live on campus with my colleagues and students at the school. This job opportunity is open to all students every year; the school also offers many other jobs, which are a great way to earn extra money alongside your studies without travelling far for work. This can include working in the school’s help departments, in cafés, bars, restaurants, grocery stores, or fitness centres.
As a law student, I have lectures 5-6 times a week and seminars four times a week. Seminars are mandatory, while lectures are optional, but I recommend attending. Since you get a bigger picture of the content, and if you feel that the reading material has been complex, attending the lectures can bring clarity. I am delighted with my education; studying law is interesting, although some reading material can dry. Therefore, I appreciate my International Relations degree, which gives me a little break from the law and opens up the possibility for more creative and analytical thinking
The Application Process
The most complicated part of moving to England is the visa and application process, but here, I got excellent help from my advisor at Across the Pond. Looking back, I wish I knew how long the application process could take when you want to study law in England. I didn’t realise until December of my last year of high school that I wanted to study abroad. So, there were many schools I was interested in applying to that I didn’t get the opportunity to apply to because they had deadlines in October. Many schools also require that you take various knowledge tests related to law in good time and then send the result as part of the application process. Had I done research in a reasonable time before, I would have had the opportunity to explore other schools and options. Compared to Norway, the schools don’t just look at your grades at the end of high school, but you also have to write an essay explaining why you want to get into this program. This is an advantage if you don’t have sufficiently high grades since a gym grade shouldn’t ruin your chances of studying, for example, medicine. I also got good guidance from Across the Pond; my advisor gave me tips on improving the essay and what I might consider dropping or including.
England has become my second home. I miss Norway and often relate to the saying, ‘There’s no place like home’, but I can honestly say that after long periods at home, I miss the life I’ve built in England. And after a year, I feel the saying can go both ways. Across the Pond was an essential resource during the application process, and I wouldn’t have been able to fulfil my dream of studying abroad without them. After I explained what I wanted, they found programs and schools that might suit me and sent my applications. They contacted the schools for me when needed and made the entire application process less complicated than it first seemed. So, if you're going to study in England, I would use Across the Pond!
I hope my experiences will be helpful to those of you considering studying Across the Pond. My first year as a student in England has been both challenging and rewarding. Despite concerns about being far from family, costs, and culture shock, I’ve found that many of these fears were unfounded. I feel that I have grown both academically and personally, made friends from all over the world, and now have a broader understanding of law and International Relations. Studying at the Royal Holloway University of London has given me a solid foundation for a future career while also providing unforgettable experiences. Without the help from Across the Pond, I might not have been able to take the step. If you’re considering studying abroad, my advice is to go for it—the challenges you face will be outweighed by the many opportunities and experiences you’ll gain.
- Serena
Known for its prestigious research and teaching
I was feeling stuck in Monterrey, working from home at a global company, and I knew I needed a change. I wanted something new and exciting that would help me grow both in my studies and as a person. That's when I decided to look for a Master's program in the UK. Since I already spoke English, the UK felt like the best option—plus, I'm a huge football fan, and the idea of being surrounded by that culture was thrilling.
But moving to another continent wasn’t easy. I was scared to leave my home and be so far from my family. The thought of starting fresh in a new country was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
When I finally got to the UK, things didn’t go exactly as I expected. I thought I’d be learning all about British culture and meeting lots of British people, but that didn’t really happen. It turns out, British students don’t usually do Masters in Business. Instead, I found myself surrounded by people from all over the world, especially from Asian countries like China, India, Thailand, and Indonesia. There were only a few British students in my course, but meeting so many people from different cultures turned out to be an amazing experience I never saw coming.
Newcastle University: Discovering Campus Life in the Heart of Newcastle
Choosing Newcastle University was a clear decision for me. The university offered the best program in Digital Business, aligning perfectly with my academic goals. Being part of the Russell Group, known for its prestigious research and teaching, added to its appeal. Plus, Newcastle is celebrated as one of the best student cities in the UK, offering an affordable and vibrant lifestyle.
The Faculty of Business was a highlight of my experience. It was conveniently located just in front of St James' Park, the home of Newcastle United—an exciting daily view for a football fan like me! The proximity to the city centre made it easy to explore, and the metro station right outside the faculty simplified getting around.
Overall, my time at Newcastle University was fantastic. The classes were engaging, the people were welcoming, and the city life was both easy and enjoyable. It was a perfect fit for both my academic and personal growth.
My Home Away from Home: Navigating Accommodation in Newcastle
For my time at Newcastle University, I stayed in a university dorm in South Gosforth, one of the more upscale areas of the city. My dorm was just a 5-minute walk from the South Gosforth metro station, making it incredibly convenient to reach the university and the city centre in about 8 minutes.
Overall, my accommodation had its ups and downs. On the positive side, my flat was comfortable with a spacious room and a great common area for socializing. The neighbourhood had a dedicated social space for students, which was perfect for meeting new people. Plus, the dorm was more affordable compared to other options provided by the university.
However, living in South Gosforth did have some drawbacks. Although it was only a short metro ride from the city centre, the distance sometimes made socializing a bit tricky. Many friends lived closer to the city centre, and since the metro closed early, I often had to take an Uber home, which could get pricey.
I also faced a few challenges with the accommodation. The internet connection was unreliable, and there was a period when the hot water in the shower wasn’t working, though it was eventually fixed. Sharing the flat with five other people meant that keeping the kitchen and common areas clean was sometimes a struggle.
A New World of Student Life: Discovering Diversity in the UK
One of the most striking differences between student life in the UK and Mexico was the incredible diversity. Back home, I was accustomed to studying and working primarily with Mexican people. In the UK, I found myself surrounded by students from various countries and cultures, which was both exciting and enriching.
Living with people from different backgrounds was a unique experience. We all managed to adapt well and learned a great deal from each other, broadening our perspectives in the process. Despite these cultural differences, the ability to connect and collaborate with such a diverse group was truly rewarding.
In terms of lifestyle, I aimed to maintain a similar routine to what I had in Mexico, and I found it quite achievable. The day-to-day activities and social norms were more familiar than I expected, allowing for a smooth transition.
Overall, the opportunity to meet new people and immerse myself in different cultures made my time in the UK incredibly fulfilling. It was the diversity and the interactions with individuals from around the world that truly made the experience special.
A New World of Digital Business: Why I Chose My Master’s Course
For my Master’s, I pursued a degree in Digital Business. This program offered a deep dive into how various facets of a company operate in the digital age. We explored everything from data analytics and marketing to logistics, supply chain management, information systems, and project management—each through a digital lens.
I chose this course because I wanted to be ahead of the curve as digitization continues to advance in Mexico. Being prepared for these changes felt crucial to me. The course turned out to be a perfect fit. I thoroughly enjoyed every class and found each module incredibly relevant to my goals. One of the highlights for me was gaining a thorough understanding of a company’s lifecycle and its different departments, all viewed through the digital perspective.
Now, I feel more equipped to navigate the digital transformation that's coming to Mexico, making me more confident and prepared for the future.
Discovering Newcastle: A City Full of Charm and Surprises
Newcastle upon Tyne quickly became a favourite of mine. It’s a charming and peaceful city that’s perfect for walking and running—something I couldn’t do back in the hot climate of Monterrey. The weather, though windy and cold, made for refreshing strolls and jogs. The locals, affectionately known as Geordies, are incredibly friendly and welcoming.
The city centre is a gem, boasting a beautiful mix of beach, parks, and historical sites like castles. Plus, it’s conveniently close to other picturesque towns such as Durham, Northumberland, and York, and even Edinburgh is within reach.
What I loved most about Newcastle was its vibrant atmosphere. The streets were always lively with people enjoying their time out. The cost of living was reasonable, and there was no shortage of places to eat, socialize, and have fun. The nightlife was fantastic, with numerous pubs and clubs to explore, all in a safe environment where you could walk around even late at night without worry.
I had a blast engaging in various activities—attending Newcastle United football matches, dining at local restaurants, running in different parks, shopping in various centres (including Costco), and hitting up clubs with friends. I also enjoyed visiting landmarks like the castle and exploring the quayside with its local markets.
The cultural vibe in Newcastle is quite different from Monterrey, offering a refreshing change and adding to the richness of my experience.
Navigating the Language Barrier: My Journey with British English
British accents presented a unique challenge, especially the Geordie accent in Newcastle, which was tough even for other Brits. However, engaging with locals helped me adapt and improve my understanding.
My English skills were strong before moving, thanks to my work in a global company. Learning British English boosted my confidence. For future students, practicing British English by watching British TV shows and movies can be very helpful.
My Experience with Across the Pond: A Smooth Journey to Studying Abroad
My journey to studying in the UK was made incredibly smooth and successful thanks to Across the Pond. Their support throughout the application process was exceptional. From start to finish, my agent was there to guide me, making sure everything went smoothly and helping me apply to Newcastle University with ease.
Without their help, I doubt I would have been able to navigate the process as effectively. Their expertise and assistance were invaluable in making my study abroad dreams a reality.
I highly recommend Across the Pond to any future students looking to study abroad. Their dedicated support and thorough guidance were key to my successful application and transition.
- Victor
Opportunities open up when you have a Master's degree from the UK
As a professional in Electronic Engineering in Mexico with five years of experience working in various jobs and engineering fields, I realized that simply having a university degree was not enough to get the job I wanted or to start my own business, as I aspire to do. I lacked the knowledge or adequate experience provided by the companies that had hired me, so I decided to pursue a Master's in Renewable Energy.
Studying in Mexico was no longer an option for my growth and the path I wanted to take, so I chose to study in the United Kingdom because of the opportunities that open up when you have a Master's degree from the UK, as these are international opportunities. For example, even before finishing the program, I have already received job offers via LinkedIn for positions in the UK and even from other European countries like Poland or Germany.
I chose the UK because of the language, as English is an internationally required language. Personally, I have been learning English since I was very young, so it was easy for me to adapt, but even if you're not perfectly fluent, living here helps you acquire the ability to communicate with everyone. You should also consider that in the UK, there are people from all over the world, and everyone has different native languages, so you don't have to speak it perfectly to communicate well.
What Student Life is Like at City University of London and My Program: MSc. Renewable Energy and Power Systems Management
This university is located in the north of London, in a very accessible area close to major tourist and social attractions. In general, it’s a school that provides support in all the areas you need. The only thing I would recommend is to frequently ask questions and visit your program director, as they may sometimes forget about you or your situation if a problem arises. When you have a concern, insist on asking about all your doubts, and they will gladly respond within approximately 24 hours, as long as you insist.
The program I chose, MSc. Renewable Energy and Power Systems Management, focuses on the correct management of generation and demand, along with the electrical system, technical and financial aspects, and the regulations of the electricity market in the UK and Europe. This provides you with international opportunities. The program mainly covers areas such as Power Electronics, the Electricity Market, Smart Grid, Electrical Distribution, Wind Energy Generation, Solar Energy, Demand Optimization, among others.
The course is divided into eight modules, for which you have to take an exam that accounts for 50% of the grade and a written/practical project that accounts for the other 50%. After finishing and passing all the modules, you choose a project for your thesis, on which you will work for three months.
Accommodation
Staying in London is a bit more expensive compared to other cities in England. I considered living in London in the school’s student accommodations, but I also looked for options in the counties near London where there is direct access to the city. I found a room in a city 25 minutes by train from London on the UK website ‘SpareRoom,’ where you can interact directly with the people who are renting. You can search for options there and do video calls with potential landlords to find rooms that meet your needs.
The City Where I Live
I currently live in St. Albans City, a town 25 minutes by train from London. It’s a very beautiful, well-preserved, and quiet city that makes you feel at home. I can visit London whenever I want without having to live directly there, as it has a direct connection to King Cross in North London. It’s a peaceful city where you can find pubs, cafes, shops, supermarkets, etc., without needing to live in London, and the rent is more affordable.
Study Organization
For each module’s projects, I recommend working on them early, as soon as you know what you need to do. They may seem easy, but they are not, as each project requires research time. In the UK, they usually encourage you to research the topic on your own, and this can take time, so a well-organized agenda will always help you succeed. Social life happens naturally when you’re at ease, knowing that you have your tasks well organized. I don't recommend starting everything the last week, as you won’t have enough time to complete it.
Social Life
My classmates are mainly from Asian countries. You spend most of your time with them, so they inevitably become your friends. If you want to meet different people or those aligned with your interests, it’s recommended to make friends through social media groups or events that you wish to attend based on your interests. That’s mainly where you can find people with whom you have things in common, and from different nationalities.
Important Aspects Before Coming
Financial:
It is very important to consider the costs and have an initial balance for essentials like food, rent, and transportation. Transportation is usually expensive, so if you plan to live far from the university, you must consider this significant expense. Stick to your budget as much as possible if it’s tight.
Transportation:
In the UK, transportation is quite expensive, and there are many train service strikes, so it’s crucial to consider this expense and the time it will take you to travel from your accommodation to the university if you plan to live far from it. This is a very important aspect because your mobility to classes or important events depends on it.
Grades:
In UK schools, grading scales are different. The minimum passing grade is 50/100, but lecturers grade more strictly than in Mexico, so a very good grade is 70. Don’t be alarmed if you pass a subject with 50-60, as this is average in the UK. For the modules, each has credits that you need to accumulate to obtain the degree; these credits are earned by passing the module, so the scale of the grade itself is not that important.
The Process with Across the Pond
Across The Pond helped me a lot with the selection and application to the university. For the initial documents required to apply, they provide advice on how to improve your Personal Statement so that the university approves it. They also support you by sending available scholarships to help you as much as possible in achieving your personal goal.
They also assist by informing you about financial institutions that can support you, like FIDERH and FUNED. Without my advisor from Across the Pond, I wouldn’t have known about several opportunities available, like scholarships before starting the course. He also helped me with some doubts I had about the school even after the process.
- Stefanie
I chose this university because of its prestige
Studying abroad was always my “one day” dream and being able to do it, is something I will always keep in my heart.
I chose to study in the UK because I have always been fascinated by its history and culture. Also, the official language of the UK is English, and I wanted to have the opportunity to challenge myself to study in another language.
After applying to several universities, I decided to study at Queen's University of Belfast, the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development programme. I chose this university because of its prestige, as it has a good ranking and is part of the Russell Group. I also liked that the university is committed to being net zero emissions and is part of the United Nations agreement where they recognize its key role in education to achieve the sustainable development goals. On the other hand, my programme includes 3 placements, which are an excellent way to gain international work experience.
The city of Belfast is located in Northern Ireland, and although it is very small, it is full of students and young people, which gives a lot of life to the city, as well as entertainment options of all kinds; nightlife, cafes, restaurants, artistic activities, etc. The people are very friendly and warm.
I had the opportunity to live in the university residences in the city centre, and I highly recommend it, since my building is full of international students who, like me, wanted to make friends, share their culture and have a great experience. You will always find friendly people around you to make friends with.
What I value the most from this experience is everything I learned and grew this year, both academically and personally. Academically, I learned a lot and developed many technical skills in my area of interest, especially with the placements I did. Personally, it's incredible to realize how much I've grown this year.
Sometimes, daring to go to another country to study, especially one so far from home and that doesn't speak your language, can be very intimidating, but the most challenging situations also teach us everything we are capable of achieving. I am very grateful to Across the Pond for guiding me throughout the application process, from the beginning when I was totally lost on what to do, until the moment when I was accepted by the university and managed to get funding for my master's degree.
- Sandra
The warmest welcome to the best year
Hello! My name is Maria, I am from Sibajahui, El Fuerte, Sinaloa; a small rural town with around 600 inhabitants. For people like me, living in areas without access to additional services like foreign language education, studying abroad seemed like a distant dream. Fortunately, I found a way to prepare and learn the language, and while browsing online, I discovered Across the Pond agency, which was a godsend on this journey.
Their guidance throughout the process was incredibly helpful and allowed me to understand step-by-step what I needed to do to apply to universities, as there was too much information to process initially. They also provided guidance on applying for the Chevening scholarship.Thanks to their support, I'm now writing this from the UK, about to finish my Master's in Sustainable Energy Engineering at the University of Nottingham.
Course:
I chose this course and university because of its technical focus, which was what I was looking for, and the modules are relevant to current energy issues, such as green hydrogen.
With 300 acres of grounds, the campus is one of England's most beautiful university campuses. Hidden within the grounds are enchanting gardens that help you relax and connect with nature. The university is also home to Highfields Park, where you can boat on the lake and enjoy spectacular views of the Trent Building (the university's iconic building).
Student life is excellent, with many societies and clubs to join... from sports clubs (I joined archery and discovered I'm good at it!) to travel societies (organizing affordable trips every weekend). The university prioritizes students' mental health and offers many services.
City:
You've heard of Robin Hood? Well, let me tell you that the story is set here in Nottingham, in Sherwood Forest. The public transportation services are excellent and punctual, and at Christmas, there's a lovely Christmas market that makes you feel like you're in Santa's Village at the North Pole. If you're into partying, Nottingham offers a nightlife that never ends, with great parties and guaranteed fun, and a wide range of dance clubs and pubs. Did you know that the oldest pub in England is here?
My favorite spot in Nottingham is Wollaton Park, where Batman: The Dark Knight Rises was filmed, featuring the stunning Wayne Manor.
Accommodation:
Before coming to the UK, I was anxious to meet my flatmates. My dream was always to share a kitchen to make friends and food. I'm thrilled to have found what I was looking for at Student Roost - Nottingham Two. I have my own room and bathroom, which I find charming and private, and share the kitchen with three others. During this year, I became great friends with my flatmates, and in that kitchen, we've created unforgettable memories. The accommodation also has a study room, ideal for when you have a lot of work.
Overall, I've had a wonderful year. I highly recommend coming to the UK to study for a postgraduate degree, as academic excellence, history, iconic landmarks, and the culture of a good cup of tea come together to give you the warmest welcome to the best year of your life.
- Maria
