Your student life in London can be anything you want
Let me introduce myself. I am a Norwegian, 22-year-old psychology student at the University of Roehampton, currently in the final moments of my bachelor's degree. I have been asked to write something about my experience as a student in London, and so I will. Note that I am not the most academic. However, you don't need to be. I appreciate social settings and have often procrastinated in the worst times. The University of Roehampton has allowed me to perform exceptionally academically and have a content-rich social life. Now, let's start with the first question.
Why study in the UK at all?
While both accommodation and universities are expensive, you must adapt to a different culture and work with constant translation; it's an experience of immense value. Even though the UK is close to Norway and the resemblances in the society are countless, the culture shock pops the Norwegian "bubble" in more than one way. I wanted to become more connected to the international community and expand my network while still being able to travel home for the weekend if needed. So, why not move to one of the most extensive network boosters in the world? Many are saddened by feeling small in a city of this size. In my eyes, to think that your surroundings are huge must mean that the opportunities are limitless. Therefore, it can be difficult, but the benefits of the experience are more significant than the detriments.
Some points that Google won't tell you about Roehampton
Roehampton is just fresh air for a Norwegian in a concrete jungle. Living in London, like any European city, involves a lot of walking. Therefore, you appreciate walking around a large campus surrounded by nature. The pathways around the lakes are my favourite parts, as I sometimes get accompanied by ducks, geese, squirrels, and other smaller animals. The simpler things enhance your daily moods, like nature or the occasional tiny pumpkin hidden along the trails around Halloween. Second on my definitely written down favourite list, I can study anywhere. Changing your study environment is surprisingly helpful when most of your time is spent studying. If it's not the massive library, it might be the student union, the Whitelands Campus computer room, one of several diners, a green lawn anywhere or in Richmond Park right down the road (loads of deer). On your way around campus, you will often meet people you know. The campus is a miniature society that makes you feel at home, even if London is a concrete jungle.
Living surrounded by students
Firstly, my university accommodation experience was as follows: I lived my first year at Whitelands College, my second year off campus, and my third year at Froebel College. For your first year as a student from another country, the smartest thing you do is move into campus halls. You surround yourself with students doing different courses from different places and cultures. This way, integrating yourself into the UK and the university campus will be fast and straightforward. Furthermore, living in student accommodation is a minimalistic practice. You have delegated cupboards in the kitchen and your room (with a shower and toilet if you choose ensuite). The room usually has one bed, desk, and chair, so there is little to work on. However, the university provides a maintenance team that fixes anything broken, a cleaner team that cleans the common area once a week, security is available 24/7, and you don't have to think about the cost of wi-fi or electricity. All this for one stable price is a good deal. Most importantly, you get flat mates who often become your closest friends. In my experience, if I ever felt like taking a study break, needed consulting, or needed to be social, I just stepped into the kitchen. Thus, you don't have to be worried about not making friends.
A liquid life in London
Student life in London is different. Back home, I am used to a schedule that is mostly the same every week, where you usually know everything going on in town. In contrast, being a student in London means every week is different. It depends on what you choose to do in your spare time and what you study (I only have lectures two days a week). Some weeks consist of events hosted by the university (if you live on campus, it's literally in your backyard) or the student union. Other weeks are reading weeks (no lecture week), and some are filled with sports society matches. There are students out and about almost every waking hour, and what I love the most is that It's always the right day or time to let go of your pencil and go out to central London. Everything is just available all the time. Overall, your student life in London can be anything you want.
Psychology: the study of everything
I study Psychology, based at Whitelands College (a campus separate from the main campus). I chose this field of science because my experiences stretching mental barriers made me curious about what the mind is capable of and why. Who would not be interested in learning more about themselves and everyone else? Also, it's more than just learning about mental illnesses. It's to understand how everything humanity has ever done is based on the basics of the brain. Throughout the first part, I was introduced to general psychology themes like social, developmental, research and statistics, psychological problem solving and psychology in the real world. We had only two days of lectures from 09:00-16:00. The further into my studies, the more interested I got in the biological aspect, most related to neuropsychology. Now I wish to study and work with both psychological and physical trauma in the future.
Dive into my most basic week
No week is the same, but here is a generalised basic week in my life at Roehampton. Monday starts with many emails after breakfast (emails will become frequent as a university student). Then, walk to Roehampton's pride and joy, the campus library. After independent studying, I walk to Rosslyn Park down the road for my rugby training. Tuesday consists of walking (10 minutes) to Whitelands College for my early hour lectures, 11:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:00. If I haven't made lunch at home, I usually get something from the diner. The food there is varied and so good that I end up "forgetting" lunch a bit too often. In the evening, I usually go to the gym on or off campus. Wednesday is Roehampton's society day, where sports matches also take place. I typically participate in the Amnesty Student Society I am part of unless there is a rugby match that day. Thursday is specifically tough with its 09:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:00 lectures. Friday usually consists of an effective morning of studying with friends and volunteering at the nearby Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability. The weekend is about relaxing, doing what you want and regaining that will to learn the following week.
Societies are more important than you think
Student societies are essential to any university and make a massive difference if you are in your first year. There are societies for every student. It might be a society focusing on human rights, anime, debating, film, nutrition, poetry, or the law. Starting your own society if you get enough interested students is also relatively simple. Sports societies are especially important for Roehampton and for your student experience. We have sports like hockey, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, e-sports, tennis, football, and rugby. At my rugby training, I meet British, American, Australian, and South American lads who have grown up with rugby and some abroad student like me who started without knowledge of the sport. Some are there just for fun. Others take it more seriously, and that's fine. You are all on the same team, in the same boat, playing the same matches, riding the same waves. This definitely reflects on all the different sports societies at Roehampton. Also, the social aspect is the best part, as sometimes the team will gather after training at the student union for some socialising. After a match on a Wednesday, the rugby team (as well as other societies) arranges social activities of different kinds that often make you come home quite late. It is an excellent way to bond with the team and make friends, but your body will ache from the match the following day, and your head will ache from the night out if you are that type. So yes, student societies are essential and make a massive difference if you are in your first year. From personal experience, my advice when you arrive is to get out there, including yourself, and try.
English at university is different from in school
English is not my first language; Norwegian is. I grew up with English from the early years of school, which made it easy to transition to British society. However, scientific and academic English was a wake-up call. It is more technical, descriptive, and formal, but you will quickly get used to it. Additionally, the university provides you with Studiosity, the "world leader in writing feedback and peer connection" (Studiosity.com, 2023). You can submit any paper anytime and get fast feedback on your writing, which is incredibly useful (they have even corrected this text). Eventually, I realised that writing is art, even if it's a research report. To write is to express, and there are so many ways to express. You will also find that the professors talk too fast and use words that make your brain muscles twist. Luckily, the university records most lectures, so you can review them again if needed. As mentioned, if you surround yourself with English people, this transition will go faster than you realise. Your very own British accent will catch on.
A good friend called Across the Pond
I applied to the University of Roehampton through Across the Pond (AP). It was the first link when I searched for universities in London. I filled out a form with my wishes and quickly got contacted by an AP adviser. I was happy when I learned that they give you an adviser that has been in your shoes. For example, my representative also started with their psychology degree at Roehampton University, so I knew this was the right person to ask for advice. They informed me of the documents needed for a university application and provided me with a list of universities in London offering an undergraduate degree in psychology. When I received my unconditional offer, my AP representative pointed me in the right direction regarding accommodation. You can ask AP about anything, and they follow you along the way even after you have started at the university. Thus, I recommend contacting Across the Pond to make it easier for you.
- Victor-Jose
I Could Not Have Asked for a Better Home Away From Home
Hi :) My name is Mie, and I am a MSc student in Finance and Risk at the University of Dundee. So far, my experience of studying in the UK has been amazing. I absolutely love attending a university that is located in a country with an education system known to provide its students with such great academic excellence.
University of Dundee is located in the sunniest city in Scotland with a neighbourhood consisting of limitless amounts of breathtaking nature and historical attractions. It is a very safe and friendly place to live and study, and I very much enjoy having everything I need within walking distance from campus. I personally love to run down to the maritime trails or hike up to Dundee Law to see the incredible view of the city. Did you know that ‘law’ is actually the Scottish word for hill? Neither did I, but that’s just one of the many cool and unique parts about studying abroad; you will never stop learning new things.
For me, it was very important to find a university that fulfilled my ambition of pursuing a master’s in finance while also being located in a friendly and safe environment. During my visit to the University of Dundee, I was welcomed by a homelike and friendly atmosphere, and consequently felt at home right away. I was also very excited to learn that the university offered the possibility to pursue a MSc in finance combined with another business topic. University of Dundee fulfilled both of my wishes, and I could not have been happier with my choice of enrolment.
I currently live in a student accommodation on campus with five other amazing flatmates that I love to spend time with. We all share a kitchen and lounge, but have our own bedroom and bathroom. In this way, I am able to have my own privacy, yet, I always have friends to hang out with in the common area at any point. A typical weekday for me consists of lectures and a great amount of individual and group studies at the library. The main library has a variety of silent, quiet, and group study rooms, and in combination with its nice interior, it has quickly become one of my favourite places on campus. After a long day of studying, I very much enjoy attending one of the fun workout classes at our institute of sports and exercise, or attend one of the very knowledgeable business-related events organized by the university. During the weekends, I absolutely love spending my time visiting one of the charming cafes in the city of Dundee, taking the short train ride to one of the nearby cities, or discovering the breathtaking Scottish Highlands.
All things considered; I could not have asked for a better home away from home. The University of Dundee has without a doubt been absolutely amazing, and I cannot wait to continue this journey of creating new and fun memorable experiences.
- Mie
One of the most incredible experiences of my life
A couple of years ago I decided that I wanted to study abroad. Finally, I began the process of deciding where to go and what to study, this process led me to Falmouth, UK, a beautiful town in the south of England. Five months after arriving I can confidently say that this has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life, I have met people from all over the world, visited incredible places, and learned a lot, not only in the master's degree that I am studying at Falmouth University, but also about myself.
Looking back, I would not have been able to get here if I hadn't had the support of Across the Pond, they not only helped me find the university and the master's degree that I wanted but also guided me through the entire application process (a process that was more complicated than I expected), thanks to the infinite patience with which my advisor answered all my questions, I was able to gather my papers, apply and fulfil my dream of studying abroad.
- María José
If you're thinking about it, go for it
I find the creation and complexity of the human body very interesting. How it is so well made and how it adapts to its surroundings. I primarily knew that I wanted to work with people and help them optimise their health and life, and in that process of finding out what I wanted to study, chiropractic just felt right. With its thorough examination and its non-invasive approach helping the body heal itself. Optimising the function and the mobility to better cope with life and the challenges we might experience. I simply find it very fascinating.
Why did you choose to study at the AECC University College?
Before coming here, I studied one year of Spanish, and one year of multicultural communication and international work. Through that I got to live in different parts of Spain, and I also worked six months in Colombia. That was an amazing time and quite an adventure, but it was also quite far from home. When I was looking at chiropractic, I did consider going to New Zealand or Australia, but ended up at AECC because it's the oldest chiropractic College in Europe, I had heard a lot of positive things about the school and Bournemouth, and it meant that I could go home to visit family over the holidays. Another thing that drew me to the AECC University College was that about 50% of the students are international, meaning I could continue developing my interpersonal skills, and increase my communication skills to make me better equipped meeting with different people in future practice. I think that because of the diversity, studying at the AECC University College gives you an opportunity to learn, grow and develop strong social skills in addition to your studies.
How did you find leaving from Norway?
Leaving Norway to study in the UK didn’t feel like travelling far at all. After living in Colombia this felt like moving just across the country considering physical distance. Culturally however, I was surprised over the fact that it is quite different living here compared to back home. I had quite a reversed cultural shock still adapting to Norway after living in Colombia when I decided to cross the pond and move over here. So, I started my stay not feeling quite like I belonged anywhere to be honest. I wasn’t rooted in my own culture let alone in the English culture. I remember finding it difficult to get honest replies as to how people were doing, because the stereotypical English answer to “How are you” is either “I am fine thank you, what about you?” or “Not too bad, yourself?”. The equivalent to this in Norway would be a simple hello or a nod. I soon learned the lesson that the English communication is more about pleasantries and politeness compared to if you ask the same questions in Norway. I have many times made people feel rather uncomfortable by replying honestly to the polite questions, and my impression is that Norwegians come across quite rude when we don’t take the time for pleasantries. However, if we do ask “how are you doing” you can share almost anything, some examples are, how bad you have slept or how you are experiencing some mental health problems. Another challenge I experienced and continue to experience after moving is that my brain is fried by the end of the day from speaking English. After 9/10pm I am not as approachable, and my sentences starts falling apart.
What you do kind of like outside of your studies?
In Bournemouth there are lots of things that you can do! The University has a variety of sports and clubs that you can join. Personally, I love dancing, so I normally go dancing in town at least once a week. I’m currently dancing salsa, bachata, kizomba and zouk. The Latino dance community in Bournemouth is huge and we have so much fun being taught by amazing dancers from all over the world.
What do you most love about living in Bournemouth?
I think that Bournemouth is a beautiful place to live considering the beach, nature, variety of people and opportunities. There are so many communities that you can join, and the place is generally very social. The size of the city is perfect in my opinion, because there are enough people to feel anonymous, but you can still run into friends whilst grocery shopping. If you want to be alone you can, and if you want to be sociable you have a lot of different opportunities. So regardless I think you can find the places where you thrive the most. I love that you can do most things locally such as go clubbing, go to the cinema, go bowling, play minigolf, go to the aquarium, go hiking down the Jurassic Coast etc. The weekends fly by because there are so many things to see and new places to explore.
Finally, what are your ambitions for the future?
To use my education and skills to help other people achieve their goals and reach their best potential. I look forward to start working and explore a new chapter in life. I will probably go home and start working there, because I quite look forward to seeing my friends and family more often. The most difficult thing with that is to leave England and all my friends here. I have had a really good experience studying at the AECC University College, and I have met some amazing people that will always have a special place in my heart. I will look back at this time with joy and happiness.
What would you say to a school leaver who was thinking about studying abroad?
Go for it, you're not going to regret it. I will not lie to you, it will be difficult, it will be frustrating and challenging. But the reward, joy, enrichment, and character development you will experience will be an amazing journey.
If you're thinking about it, go for it as you might end up regretting not going. It will also go by very fast, and it will leave you with many wonderful memories to look back at. If you are worried about leaving friends and family, my experience is that by living far away from home I value my time with them even more. It is also easier to keep up with the good vibes only, because they understand why you cannot make it to every event, birthday etc. We are lucky to have social media, so you can keep in touch, it is not like you are disappearing out of their lives.
Finally, how did Across the Pond help you with your application?
Across the Pond really helped me with the whole process. They told me everything I needed to know before, during, and after sending my university application. They helped me keep up with deadlines, and they gave me a checklist before writing my personal statement as well as reading it and giving me feedback. In Norway we don’t do personal statements, and we don’t know how to navigate UCAS, so I honestly don’t think I could have done it without them. The support and follow-up from their team were crucial for my very good experience with applying to go to University the UK.
- Elena
The experience of your life, go abroad!
Hey, what’s up! My name is Julio from Mexico. I did my MA in Finance and Investment at the University of Aberdeen. Choosing among prices, quality, times, challenges, levels, etc. was really a challenge but in the end, I live a wonderful time been a student in the UK.
Since the beginning at looking for advice, getting ready all my international documentation, looking for funds to pay, planning where I should gonna live, and how would I gonna deal with the language if it would be that hard to live alone or if could I be enough to meet new people was all an adventure with so many hard but such a great times that taught me how to be a better person in so many personal and professional profile.
The main point of this adventure was learning from a whole different culture which lids a huge part of the world. Since I started with the English language, I could see how step by step it flowed out, enhancing my knowledge with a different perspective of how I learned Finance in Mexico. Developing my skill of communications help me a lot to get my targets and go above what I was looking for as just learning. Now I get more contacts, experiences, and a more international point of view on how to trade different situations.
I remember how a daily day at the University started with classes with lectures already red and with questions done to enhance our professional profile and talk deeply about the topics and their issues. On the other hand, my personal life gave me the chance to go to so many places by scheduling, budgeting, and enjoying such easy but great moments with others around me.
Developing yourself is a must that brings this opportunity to go further as a person and as a professional. And it is always good to hear from others, so you can do your own criteria to do the best decisions among topics and link them to do them better.
Finally, each decision makes who you so give to yourself a chance to go far and accomplish your goals; catch your dreams, and carry people around you to do an impact on what you wish to do.
- Julio
