Across the Pond Made It Easy to Find a Master’s Program
I found out about Across the Pond just doing online searches for master’s programs. I eventually wanted to enter a PhD program and knew a master’s degree would make my application more competitive. When I saw that I could get a master’s degree in the UK in half the time (and half the cost) compared to the US, it seemed like a great option, and Across the Pond made choosing a program and applying super easy! Everyone I worked with was so helpful, prompt, and friendly. I really appreciated how smooth they made the application process.
Classes at University of Chester
I ended up choosing the University of Chester for its Master of Science in Family and Child Psychology program. In one year, I got a great overview of psychological testing, research and studies, behavior, and other topics that would be relevant to my current job as a teacher for students with autism. The professors were knowledgeable and really helped shape my master’s thesis project, which involved running a behavior study with a local group of primary school students.
I found the class schedule of my program to be incredibly flexible. I had class just one day a week on campus, and the rest of the week I had time to do the reading, writing, group projects, and other assignments involved in the courses. This schedule allowed me plenty of time to work part-time off campus, travel around the UK and Europe, and get involved in activities like a D&D club and a local church.
Living Off Campus
While attending the University of Chester, I lived in a nearby town and commuted to classes via bike or train. I came abroad with my wife and dog, so it made more sense for us and our budget to rent a house farther from campus than to rent a flat in the city. However, I had plenty of classmates and friends who lived on or near campus, and it was easy to meet up for dinner nearby or a study session at the campus library.
Chester was a great city to visit every week for classes. The university campus wasn’t far from the train station, and also nearby were many restaurants and shopping venues. My wife really fell in love with Chester’s traditional high street and the Roman architecture. We also traveled to nearby Liverpool and Manchester often for sightseeing because the train system made it easy to connect. Even London was only about a two-hour train ride away, so I packed a lot of travel into my year of study!
Studying in England
The biggest adjustment to living as a student in England was all the paperwork I had to do in order to get my visa, process my student loan, get added to national health insurance, pay the local council tax, etc. However, Across the Pond and my university offered plenty of guidance, and once I got all set up in my accommodations, the rest of the year went pretty smoothly.
One of the reasons I chose to pursue a degree in England was that, being from the US, I could study abroad without having to learn a new language! I had previously lived abroad in Japan and Germany for several years, so I was prepared to adjust to a new culture and way of life, and the transition to living in England was pretty smooth. After some initial homesickness, it was exciting to visit new places, try new foods (especially desserts I’d seen watching “The Great British Bake-Off”), and make international friends in my master’s program. I studied along with students from every continent, which was a great experience, and it was especially easy to make friends with the other American students in my program.
Overall, getting my master’s degree in England was a great decision and made a huge impact on my life. I was lucky enough to bring my family to England with me, and we shared many unforgettable experiences together. My wife really enjoyed the climate in England, so when we moved back to the United States, she wanted to settle down in a cool and rainy city! That decision and my master’s degree led to the amazing job I have now, so I owe a lot to my year studying in England! To this day, I’m quick to refer people to Across the Pond for helping make the experience possible for me.
- Jordan
Why Did I Choose London?
I did not originally choose to study in London. I started at a university in America before deciding to transfer once I studied abroad for 3 months. I loved the diversity on campus, the freedom that came from living in a different country, and the opportunities it opened up for me career-wise. For context, I am studying nursing, so once I graduate I will have the ability to work in the US and the UK if I so please.
What do I love and not love about London?
I love that there is public transportation so that you can get around with ease, and the cost of grocery shopping is low in comparison to the US right now. The nightlife is also amazing. If you’re not into partying, there are so many options available to you. Just taking a trip down to central at night and walking around is an experience. What I don’t love about London is that, despite my saying that groceries are cheap, the city itself can be quite expensive. As a university student and international student, the amount of time I can work personally is restricted to 20 hours, so if I planned on self-paying, the money to support myself would have to come from outside sources as well.
How are the accommodations?
Living on campus is automatically the cheapest option for people studying as international students. The rent includes utilities, and there are washers and dryers on campus. While they differ in quality based on the amount paid, they are still good quality from an objective standpoint. There’s also the option of having your own bathroom, but areas such as the kitchen and the living room are shared. Also, Roehampton allows you to choose who you want to live with. Lastly, if an issue arises in the flat, such as a clogged drain, there is a website where you can submit a ticket for that issue and a litany of other issues or questions that don’t pertain to accommodation.
How are the classes?
As an American, I am used to a large workload in terms of tests and homework. There is not a bunch of tests. There is homework, however it is not graded. This makes some people view this as optional, so you must hold yourself accountable to get the reading or work done. The lecturers are nice and will follow up with you to ensure that you have what you need. They are also good at accommodating personal issues or learning disabilities. As a nursing student, I have classes most days of the week, and then I have 6 or 7-week-long clinical placements. The dedicated time off to catch up on reading on complete assignments is also amazing. The only issue I might have is the ease of the course during the first year. It gives a false sense of security to students that results in constant questions that have already been answered, and unneeded confusion on tasks that are supposed to be “easy”.
What do I do in my spare time?
Right next to the campus is Richmond Park. It is so beautiful, and I love to put in my earphones and go for walks there to clear my mind. If I don’t feel like studying in my dorm, I can hop on one of the buses (there is a bus stop right outside the university) and go to a nearby cafe. There are tons in Richmond and Putney. I also like to read, and the campus has a lot of green areas that you can sit in and relax if the weather permits. On weekends, I do enjoy going to a cocktail bar, which there are also plenty of in Putney, which is about a 10-minute bus ride from campus, give or take depending on time and traffic. If I don’t want to spend money, I will just get together with my friends on campus and go to the bar on campus. The bar on campus regularly holds things such as quiz night and karaoke, which do not cost to go to.
Did you experience any issues with the university?
The only complaint I have is that the university does take a while to respond to some issues, even ones that are time-constrained, which can be very stressful. This previous year when I moved there officially, I was in continuous contact with the university to get the documents needed to start my visa process, which is also time-constrained. There was a major delay in the area for me personally. Lastly, there was an issue with students from the US receiving their financial aid. Instead of receiving my financial aid in September/October, I received it in the middle of November, which caused obvious issues with the cost of living.
Is there anything I wish I had known?
As a person coming to study abroad, I wish I had travelled more. Skyscanner is an amazing website that shows low-cost flights to places within Europe and elsewhere. As a person who is now an international student going to university full-time from America, I will say to research financial aid before you decide this is an option for you. Personally, the nursing courses at Roehampton are not eligible for federal funding, so that means private loans would be your next and only option if you do not have support from family or a sponsor. There are a few scholarships for students from the US studying permanently in the UK, but they are hard to find. I will also say to get a railcard. It will pay for itself in maybe 2 to 3 trips, and depending on where you are travelling, it might pay for itself in one trip. Lastly, if you need a job, check with campus resources first, and see if you can get a job on campus. They will accommodate your studies and other engagements better than an outside job would usually.
- Taniya
Being so close to Central London has been an amazing experience
My experience as a student within the UK University began when I was a student in the states. Back when I was a freshman at a small school in North Carolina, and by small, I mean there were 1,200 students normally, but during my year there, only the freshmen class was on campus, and there was not much to do outside of class. With all the time I had on my hands I found myself wondering what it would be like to study elsewhere. I began to search up on TikTok “life during study abroad” and then realized that maybe I didn't have to wait to study abroad and could instead do all my study abroad! I turned to google and began to search for schools and universities in the UK, inspired by a peer from High School who had gone to study in Scotland.
It was time to get serious. What did I want to do? Who did I want to be? I knew since I was young that it was going to be creative, and so I decided on writing, having always enjoyed it. When Middlesex University popped up on a list of universities with good writing programs, I added it to my list. It wasn’t long before I was convinced it was the Uni for me, and since I arrived, I know that is both in and out of the classroom.
The MDX Community
From the moment I stepped on campus, I was greeted with kindness from the teachers and other students and three years in, this feeling of community has yet to waiver. I credit a lot of my student experience to joining the Student Ambassador scheme, a decision that changed my life. Each event I've worked at introduced me to new people, from different courses, with different interests and stories, and have made amazing friends, all of whom make time on campus unforgettable.
The Location
Finally, one of the most incredible experiences of being a student in the UK, well, is being in the UK! Especially being in London.
It’s no secret that the application process, no matter where in the world you are applying, can be overwhelming, and location is a huge consideration. For me, I was so overwhelmed I didn’t double check & realized only after firming my choice that Middlesex was the only London based university I applied to. Luckily, it is still the only one I can see myself being a student. Being so close to Central London has been an amazing experience. The quiet life of campus in Hendon has allowed me to have a place to focus on my studies, and the wealth of culture and abundance of experiences right at my doorstep a few stops away on the tube is something I am deeply grateful for. Furthermore, being here has opened doors to opportunities for jobs in different sectors of the city, that coming from a small town I might not have otherwise been able to experience.
Each day I spend here studying in the UK I wake up excited to find what the day holds for my future!
- Lillian
Living my dream!
After finishing my undergraduate degrees in sociology and politics, I felt lost, confused, and without a clue as to what to do afterwards. I decided to try out different career options like working as a study abroad advisor for my previous university, a barista at Starbucks, and even a production assistant in Hollywood, but nothing stuck until I tagged along a family member’s work holiday in a big city. My experience in such a bustling and diverse environment rekindled my passion to travel for the purpose of learning from and helping others, and I was reminded that more possibilities for positive change existed outside of my stagnant hometown. Of all the cities to settle in, I chose London merely because I’ve always had an inexplicable fascination with the city when I first visited at the young age of ten. Growing up and learning more about it just increased my desire to live here more.
MY UNIVERSITY OF ROEHAMPTON EXPERIENCE
After the long and arduous process of applying to different London universities, I was surprised to receive an offer letter to study an MSc in Psychology and a scholarship for academic excellence from the University of Roehampton! Such a proposition was too enticing for me to pass up, so I took it, ran, and still haven’t looked back. And after accepting the university’s offer, I have received invaluable support from everyone in my expatriation to the UK from even before my arrival to now. Amanda from the USA Roehampton Team has worked above and beyond by helping me navigate the chaotic labyrinth that was the visa application process through an innumerable amount of email correspondence and calls; meeting up with us in person soon after our arrival to make sure we were adjusting well; and even making us aware of this opportunity to submit our student experiences to Across the Pond!
Additionally, the Roehampton Student Wellbeing Team as a whole has been extremely supportive in my venture towards becoming a psychotherapist in the UK. Donny has been an extraordinarily flexible and understanding line manager in helping me receive a uniquely tailored experience by encouraging candour and honesty from me about my interests and goals. Jo shared with me the path she took to receive her recent psychotherapy licence and even helped me map out from scratch the different paths I can take towards becoming a psychotherapist while simultaneously funding this endeavour. And Jen has been able to provide an empathetic safe space for me to share with her any extraneous concerns I may face when I feel like others are unable to understand or relate. Moreover, Maxina from the Accommodation Office has fully become my legal counsel for flat hunting to continue my stay here in London even after I finish my course. She made it her personal mission to pull strings looking for any leads on suitable accommodation in addition to having helped me weed out a handful of shady rental agreements. To top everything off, Maxina has shown genuine passion for my wellbeing as I’ve observed from her visible upset at landlords trying to take advantage of my situation as an international student. Overall, these anecdotes are only a few examples of the sincere care and support I’ve received from the University of Roehampton, and I’ve never before felt so prepared for the future.
- Alexander
Why study Law in the UK?
I am originally from Canada and decided to study law in the UK. When I applied with Across the Pond originally, I was 21 years old and wanted to pursue my education further and wanted to experience something new. I had lived in the same country and city since birth and ultimately will settle there in the future, but I wanted to go out and have experiences that would benefit me as a person and help me better connect with others.
The UK is a multicultural country just like Canada, there are other similarities between the countries such as the language and shared history. The UK is also different enough that it would introduce me to new experiences, cultures and would allow me to see how a country like mine has diversified themselves.
The UK has over 100 law schools around the country to choose which is a greater amount than where I lived. Based on where you want to live while studying you have a wide range of schools to choose from in each region. UK degrees are accepted in other common law countries such as Canada meaning that you can study the subjects you want outside of your country and still be able to convert your degrees and use them in your home country after you leave the UK.
An undergraduate LLB degree is three years which is significantly less than some other countries which typically take up to 7 years, this is a quicker and could be a cheaper route for some people. Coming to the UK on a student visa also allows you to work while studying. You can work up to 20 hours a week during term time which allows you to make money during the year but also apply for jobs in the field that you’re studying and do internships that will look impressive to potential employers. Having jobs or internships in other countries may be an asset to some employers and is a good opportunity to network.
The University of Law
I picked the University of Law because they have multiple different campuses throughout the UK meaning that you could travel to different locations to complete your course and get to experience more of the UK. The university offers a wide range of legal courses and offers 2 Canadian courses at their London location which makes it easier to convert your degree over once you return to Canada. They also have a huge international student population meaning that there will be many students in the same situation as you, you will get to meet new people from around the world and share classrooms with locals. They also allow for you to do courses online, in person or hybrid based on the way you want to study.
The class sizes are small allowing the tutor to be able to support students better and for you to make a connection with the tutors and your peers. The smaller classrooms allow for you to ask more questions openly, do more interactive work with others and allows the tutor to make sure all the students are following at the same pace.
The school offers services such as study skills throughout the year to help students improve their grades and develop new skills they may not have had before to succeed in their courses. Many resources are offered throughout the year to make final exams easier for students and there is free counselling and an employability service where they help you build resumes, apply to jobs and internships. Through the school I was able to apply for a 2-day shadowing scheme at the local family courthouse which I was able to put on my resume and gave me an insight into the workings of the courthouse from the perspective of a judge.
Living in Birmingham
Compared to other UK cities such as London Birmingham is much more affordable for students in terms of living costs (restaurants, rent, groceries). If you are looking for entertainment the Symphony Hall is home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, if you are looking for culture the Birmingham Hippodrome (musical theatre) attracts over 500,000 visitors a year. The Bullring is the UK’s most popular shopping destination with more than 160 shops and restaurants in the heart of the city.
Using Across the Pond
I applied through Across the Pond and found the application process to be stress free and easy. I was put in contact with an advisor that talked me through the process of applying and asked me what I wanted to study, where and suggested potential schools for me based on my interests and my previous grades and education. They helped with the UCAS process which is how students in the UK apply to university which was a new process for me. My advisor helped me with my personal statement and made edits where appropriate and there was a lot of advice and pamphlets given on the visa process.
- Komal
