After visiting the UK on a family vacation years ago, there was always something that was pulling me to come back. Once I finished undergrad, I thought doing my masters in the UK would be the best way for me to go back, but also shape my academic and personal growth. A year later, I can honestly say studying in the UK was one of the best decisions of my life and has become my home away from home.
 

The University of Strathclyde Reignited My Love for Learning

At the university I studied the MSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health. What drew me into the program was how the modules were focused on neuroanatomy and the biological processes/mechanisms involved in the brain. All the lectures and modules were engaging and built on one another to help us students have a more cohesive understanding of these different topics. I found myself excited to come to class and made me realize how much I love learning – especially about the brain!

The university itself is right in the heart of Glasgow – making it close to many shops and restaurants! There are also so many clubs and events on campus for students to get involved in. What amazed me the most about Strathclyde was the amount of support provided by the professors and the school itself! They listen and value students’ feedback and ensure students have someone to reach out to in case they need it. As someone who did their undergrad at a very competitive school in Canada that had little to no support for students, I genuinely appreciated the efforts Strathclyde puts towards their students’ wellbeing and overall experience.
 

“People Make Glasgow”

This slogan is plastered everywhere around Glasgow City Centre, and it holds true! The people in Glasgow are very friendly and are always willing to help if you’re lost or need recommendations. Moving abroad, especially on your own, can be quite scary and lonely at times. The community in Glasgow however turned what could have been an intimidating experience into an exciting adventure. I’ve made so many great friends here that I can’t imagine my life without. Their support and kindness made living abroad feel like home. 

Glasgow itself is a hub for many different restaurants, activities and easy transportation links to airports and other parts of Scotland. I would recommend taking the time to explore Glasgow and the rest of Scotland – each place is so unique, and the views are breathtaking.
 

The Journey Made Easier by Across the Pond   

I mean it when I say I couldn’t have made this journey without Across the Pond. From applying to schools to the visa application to the actual move, they helped guide me throughout the entire process and equipped me with many resources and knowledge which made studying abroad less daunting. I am very grateful to have found their services and hope other students looking to study in the UK do the same! 

To anyone considering moving to the UK for school, do it! There will be challenges, but the personal growth and confidence you gain from the experience makes it all worth it. Embrace the adventure, appreciate the highs and lows, and be proud of what you achieve and overcome. 😊

- Ginelle
 

Studying in the UK has been a unique and invaluable experience for me. I would encourage anyone considering studying abroad to take the leap—it’s a decision that has positively shaped my life in more ways than I could have imagined. Despite the cloudy days, the wonderful people I met and the many opportunities to learn both in and out of the classroom brightened my journey.

I chose to live on campus at the University of York, and although sharing a kitchen with seven other people came with its challenges, I don’t regret this choice. Living on campus allowed me to fully engage in university life and take advantage of everything the campus has to offer. From cheese and wine nights at my college to free menstrual health products, a nearby gym, and the beautiful natural surroundings, the campus provides a rich and fulfilling environment.

One of the biggest perks of living on campus was being within walking distance of the main library. The library has become a highlight of my university experience, offering a wealth of resources and a variety of study environments. Whether I need a quiet space, a room with a computer, or a place for video calls or group work, the library has it all.

Student life in the UK is quite different from back home in Brazil. Here, there’s a greater emphasis on independent learning, and the multicultural environment has broadened my horizons. It’s amazing to be able to listen to and learn from classmates from all over the world. Their diverse experiences have enriched my academic life and offered fresh perspectives within the European academic context. I’ve been constantly challenged to think critically and creatively, and the course structure— with its mix of lectures, seminars, and practical work—has kept me engaged and motivated.

Living in York has been a delight. The city may be small, but it’s vibrant and full of character, with plenty of charming spots to explore. In my spare time, I enjoy discovering new parts of the city, visiting cafes, and wandering through the natural beauty around me. The people here are incredibly welcoming—my nerves about arriving in a new country were eased the moment I stepped off the train on my first day, when two York ladies helped me with my luggage and jokingly remarked that it was bigger than me. Their kindness made me feel instantly at home.

As English is not my first language, the transition to studying in English was initially challenging. However, with the support of university resources, like courses offered by the library, and a welcoming community, I quickly adapted. Since my course requires extensive writing, it was incredibly helpful to have this support and to be among people who understand the challenges of pursuing higher education in a non-native language.

Looking back, I wish I had known more about how to cope with the three biggest challenges faced by international students: homesickness, the cost of living, and the dark winter. My advice for handling all of them is to surround yourself with a supportive community. Having friends by your side means sharing the cost of groceries, making plans to spend long winter nights watching movies or enjoying a cup of tea British-style, and having someone to lean on when you’re missing home. These connections help you realize that you’ve found a new home away from home.

- Evelyn
 

The why

They who have a why can bear almost any how.
-Friedrich Nietzsche, 1889.

The crucial first step. The why is often ingrained in our actions to the point where it melds with our instincts. We rarely put the why into concrete words. Yet, I have learned that a clear why sets up the what, where, when and how. My why started as “I want to make games”, a good though broad starting point. I took some time to reflect before revisiting the question. The answer that came out was “I want to make stunning games” as I realised that visuals were appealing to me. It still felt ample, and thus I repeated the process. I realised that it was the combination of visuals with fast pacing. “I want to make stunning and fast-paced games” was the result. After researching into the topic, the how revealed itself. I had to pursue computer graphics. The remaining pieces followed.
 

Choosing Leeds

Fortune favours the prepared.
-Louis Pasteur, 1854.

Understanding what you are looking for propels the next step: creating a list of potential courses. The list can be subsequently filtered by pondering candidates based on preferences of choice. Personally, I recommend going through enough iterations until the result is no more than 3 to 5 options. Application processes are rather involved and universities are looking for commitment. The chances of success greatly improve when the proper research is done so a timely and personalised application is realised. Finding the High-performance Graphics and Games Engineering MSc at the University of Leeds was the result of employing this strategy. The UK educational system is renowned, Masters programmes last 1 year, I was familiar with the language and the module catalogue is fantastic. However, I was foreign to the UK itself. This is where Across the Pond came into the picture. I was introduced to who would become my advisor. His role in my success was far more significant than words can convey. He went above and beyond to help me at every step of the process. This includes contacting the University and helping me push through the initial rejection to finally get accepted. Furthermore, we also discussed Visa application, UK culture and a range of topics that fully prepared me for the journey ahead. The what, when, and where fell into place.
 

Life in a city within a city

The city is like a great house, and the house in its turn a small city.
-Leon Batista Alberti, 1854.

The University of Leeds boasts a massive campus at the heart of Leeds, often characterised as a student city. Through the University, I was able to find affordable and comfortable accommodation. I cannot recommend this enough, especially for new coming international students as having the University as intermediary greatly simplifies the process. Finding well managed and located accommodation enhances the experience on the whole. Leeds is vibrant, both on and off campus. The Union hosts a plethora of student run societies, ranging from Meditation to Salsa, the latter which I participated in. Societies present themselves during introduction week, though are free to explore through the website or by simply showing up. The University itself has various departments aimed at assisting students. Of particular interest to international students is the Language Learning Centre. It is an excellent resource to improve your English, even offering pre-term English courses to prepare you for the academic year ahead. The University has all fronts covered to ensure a smooth student experience. As for the city itself, Leeds is UK’s third largest city and has become quite international due to the influx of students, there is no shortage of activities. Moreover, it is at the centre of the UK making it ideal for short trips to famous locations such as Liverpool or hidden gems such as York. Overall, the experience felt lively and supportive throughout the entire stay. Truly a city within a city, ready to welcome everyone.
 

Making it happen: the seesaw of work and play

Balance is not something you find, it is something you create.
-Jana Kingsford, 2016.

Achieving success in the UK’s educational system demands a delicate equilibrium between rigorous academic commitment and personal enjoyment. The academic calendar is designed around this balance: periods of rigorous work during term time are complemented by opportunities for leisure during breaks. This approach seeks to push your boundaries without neglecting well-being. However, it is easy to be thrown off balance as one navigates the deadlines. I had to relearn this valuable lesson after finding myself entrenched in an all-work, no-play lifestyle: you have to make it happen. Moreover, it starts well before you embark. I encourage prospective students to research the programme catalogue thoroughly and communicate with the school to gain insights. Understanding and practising its fundamentals in advance is essential for cultivating the habits that will enable you to excel academically and enjoy your time to the fullest. Striking this balance is a skill that empowers us to face not only academic but life's many challenges.
 

Socrates and a journey Across the Pond

I do not know what I am doing, but I am learning. I am asking questions and searching for answers. 
- Socrates, long before phones were invented.

Unknowingly, I was applying the Socratic method all along, a fact that was coincidentally pointed out to me by a University of Leeds tutor. The whole process was kindled by a single question, triggering a domino effect. It ultimately led me to pursuing the High-performance Graphics and Games Engineering MSc at the University of Leeds. As linear as it might be painted out to be, this chain of events was only possible thanks to the collective support of many individuals. By this point, it should be evident that I posed numerous questions along the way, and my advisor met them all with clear answers. My advisor, who became my friend, and the entire crew at Across the Pond make these dreams happen. The guidance I received was nothing short of monumental, and I will forever appreciate it. My hope is that readers will embrace this spirit of curiosity and sharing so that everyone can realise their own journey across the pond.

- Emanuel
 

As the youngest of four siblings, I had watched as they all grew up and travelled away from our small town in Upstate New York to different places around the world. They in turn, came home telling the stories of their time with their host family in Vienna, the views of Prague, and the lights of London. It planted the seed that I too would one day come home and tell the stories of cities I had been, and places I had travelled. My problem was, I just wasn’t sure how. 

This dream sat in a dusty drawer in the back of my mind, always as a possibility, but never a reality. I kept thinking I’ll do it after college like my mom had, or make it a trip later in life once I was settled down. Although I wanted to do it as soon as possible, I still didn’t know how. After completing high school, I had decided to stay in the States and attend college closer to home. I told myself I could go abroad through the study abroad options my college had to offer. This played a big role in choosing my school, and I became excited. The dream of going abroad finally seemed in reach. 

One evening after a day of aimless scrolling, I stumbled upon this girl who had titled her video ‘Moving to London for my Masters’. I watched it in its entirety and swiped left on her page to see if she had more. I thought to myself, ‘going abroad for all of school? That sound so cool. I hadn’t even thought that was an option, but lucky for me, she had a whole series of pinned videos of her process. She covered everything from, how she decided on London, what the visa process was like, where she was going to live, how to commute, and so much more. That night I went to bed so excited to graduate college, so I could go to London for my Masters. This was two weeks into freshman year. 

I quickly came to realize however maybe I didn’t have to wait four years, and I could go for my undergraduate degree. A quick google search of ‘schools in London with writing programmes’ quickly proved me right and the next thing I knew I was staring at a UCAS screen clicking firm on an offer for BA Creative Writing & Journalism from Middlesex University London. 

Three months later I was moving into Platt Halls, a 20-minute walk away from Middlesex’s main campus in Hendon. I was nervous, excited, sad, happy, literally feeling all the emotions someone could feel after moving 3,000 miles away from home. My room was cozy, there was a built-in desk and dresser, my own bathroom and a single bed that I had made up with a purple duvet, and floral-patterned pillowcases which I had brought from home, giving the room a feeling of familiarity and comfort. Over the course of the first week, I was still learning how to live away from home, but after literally, running into my flat mate Sadie in the doorway of the kitchen life got a little easier. Other than a place to live, Platt gave me amazing friends which is a testament to living in halls. Sadie quickly became like a sister to me and we did everything together, from going to campus to study, to cooking together in the flat. We figured out together how to top up our TFL Oyster Cards, and even how to register for the GP. Living in halls my first year was a great way introduction to living abroad, and I went on to live in them again my third year as an RA. Which, a story for another time, but was yet again an incredible experience.

When I got to Middlesex campus for the first time, I knew I had made the right choice. Having not been able to tour it before, but only virtually, it was pretty much a sight-unseen sort of situation. The feeling of assurance that it was the right place for me came after traversing campus and navigating the maze of Grove Building, Middlesex’s (incredible) arts building on my way to my first class. I found myself during this experience, very grateful I was not traversing city streets, and has a campus base for classes. Over the course of my three years, campus became one of my favorite aspects of MDX. I loved the closeness of classes, having the quad to catch up with my friends or attend university fairs. Seeing campus bloom into shades of green after a long UK winter. The 24/7 library and free printing were a lifesaver, and the easy access to facilities directly related to my industry such as radio rooms, TV studios and an on campus supplies store, made my learning experience so much more fruitful. 

I knew by the end of my first year I loved London. I had gotten to experience life in a way that staying in my home country I never would have been able to, due to a plethora of factors. This city pushed me outside my comfort zone, and although I don’t at all recommend not getting a phone plan set up until January, not many people can say they’ve memorized the tube due to a lack of data. 

Three years later, I still know I love London. The opportunities this city offers to students through its free experiences, and incredible amount of history is unmatched. I still am finding new things to do each day that I didn’t know existed the one before. Being able to feel safe, and confident enough to able to show and share the city I have grown to love with those I love around when they come to visit is a feeling so amazing it is almost hard to believe it’s true sometimes. 

Going to university in London provided me with so much more than just a rich education, it provided me with a home. 

- Lillian
 

Moving away from home is no joke, especially if you are a homebody like me who never imagined making such a big move. Reflecting on my first year, I can definitely say that moving to a new country was totally worth it.
 

A Unique Academic Experience

During my university experience, I had the pleasure of studying both UK and Canadian law at the University of Leicester in Leicestershire, England. It was a bit intimidating at first, but studying law in the UK provided me with a unique academic perspective that I would have not gained anywhere else. The professors, teaching assistants, and academic staff at the Law School were incredibly supportive and dedicated to helping students like me succeed. They brought a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom and tutorials, enriching the learning experience and preparing us for future careers.
 

Rapid Personal Growth

Studying abroad and moving away from home matures you quickly, especially if you have never done either before. You develop personal and communication skills, becoming more self-reliant and resilient. A new environment forces you to step out of your comfort zone, navigate unfamiliar terrain, and solve problems independently, even though family and friends are just a phone call away. These experiences boost your confidence and adaptability, essential skills in both personal and professional life.
 

Let’s Talk About Leicester

Living in Leicester has been a fantastic cultural immersion. According to the 2021 UK Consensus data, Leicester is the most diverse city in the entire United Kingdom! The city’s historical landmarks, such as the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Leicester Cathedral, provide deep insights into English history. Additionally, Leicester’s vibrant arts scene, including the Curve Theatre and numerous local festivals – from Diwali celebrations in November to the Caribbean Carnival and Pride – offers a constant source of inspiration and learning. Every experience in Leicester has broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for the multicultural society I now call my second home. This exposure has made me more culturally aware and helped me develop a global perspective, which is crucial in today’s interconnected world.
 

Building a Global Network

One of the most rewarding aspects of moving to the UK has been the opportunity to build a global network. As a student in the 2-year JD Pathway LLB Program, I have met like-minded Canadians from across the country who are navigating law school and living abroad like me. Building these connections has helped with networking and professional opportunities. Additionally, networking with professors and industry professionals has provided valuable insights and potential collaborations that I would not have had access to if I had stayed in Canada. 
 

Some Advice for Prospective Students

Before making the move to the UK or deciding where you want to study, here are some tips that I think are crucial to ensure a smooth transition:

1)    Thoroughly Research & Apply to Schools: Apply well in advance and pay close attention to application deadlines and entry requirements. Try to understand the specific admission criteria for your program, as they can vary between institutions. If you have any questions about the admission requirements, I’d suggest reaching out to your Across the Pond advisor and the school you are applying for to get some more information about their admission policies.

2)    Consider Campus Tours: Virtual or in-person tours of campuses are so important! Many universities like Leicester, actually offer open days or virtual tours that provide insights into campus life, academic offerings, and accommodations – check them out!

3)    Familiarize Yourself with the Visa Process: If you are a Canadian citizen, you need to make sure you check out the UK Student Visa Guidelines as they always change. Apply for your student visa early to reduce the stress of packing. Be prepared to submit any additional documentation (if required), which can be time-consuming to collect and review.

4)    Prepare Financially: Research tuition fees; this is the biggest thing! One thing that occurs most frequently in the UK is the increase in tuition fees yearly, so be mindful of this! Also research living costs, and available scholarships or financial aid options.

5)    Join Online Forums & Social Media Groups: These platforms offer tips and support from those who have already made the move or are in the same boat as you who are going to be making the move. This preparation will help you feel more confident and ready to embrace the exciting journey that lies ahead.

Thank You to Across the Pond!

I want to personally thank the Across the Pond team, especially my advisor, for helping make my transition so smooth. I highly recommend using Across the Pond – their advisors are super helpful, knowledgeable and proactive about details that are easy to overlook. From linking my UCAS application to helping me decide which programs and universities were right for me, my advisor and the Across the POnd team strive to ensure you succeed in your studies. Their services were free of cost so definitely consider getting someone to assist you in your application. It is a scary moment for sure deciding to apply to another country where you may be unfamiliar with admission requirements, visa guidelines etc., but this is where Across the Pond steps in to help make your transition seamless. 
 

A Transformative Journey

Moving away was a tough decision, not only for me but for my parents, sister, and of course my dog. But reflecting on it now, I realize how much I have grown. The unique academic experience, rapid personal growth, cultural immersion, global networking and independence have all contributed to making this journey truly transformative. Leicester has provided the perfect environment for me to grow, learn, and thrive, and I’m confident that you too will find the perfect university to call home soon!

- Samir