After living on campus for two years, I decided to try something new and live off campus. It was time to step out of my comfort zone at Roehampton and experience London in a different way. Another uni friend and I started looking for two-bedroom flats, and that turned out to be an interesting experience, to say the least. Finding private housing is a long process with many factors to consider.

The London rental market moves quickly and is extremely competitive. If you find a place you like, you have to act fast! We started searching months before we planned to move, but many flats only get listed a few weeks before availability, which is quite stressful when your current lease is about to end. 

We used sites like Zoopla, Rightmove, and OpenRent to browse listings and contact estate agents or landlords. I reached out to many agents but often didn’t hear back. Sometimes they would only respond when I used my UK number instead of my Norwegian one.

Being an international student definitely made the process harder. Some places don’t accept students, only working professionals. Others only allow families, not multiple sharers. You also need a UK guarantor (a UK resident with a good credit history and sufficient income to cover the rent) if your yearly salary isn’t high enough. If you don’t have a guarantor, you may have to pay up to six months’ rent upfront. 

On top of that, you have to find the best deals for gas, electricity, and Wi-Fi, set up your bills, and manage maintenance issues yourself or with your landlord.

Despite all this, the outcome was worth it. I loved living off campus. We were closer to central London and able to explore different neighbourhoods, something I wouldn’t have done on campus. Public transport options were good, with multiple nearby train stations, and we were close to shops, gyms, and amenities.

Living independently also helped me develop real-life skills like budgeting and household management. We had complete autonomy, set our own schedule, and made all the decisions for our home. Sharing a flat with only one other person was much calmer than living with seven, offering more privacy and fewer distractions.

Another bonus? You can decorate your flat however you like and truly make it feel like home.

Overall, I loved living off campus! It gave me independence, personal space, and a home I could make my own. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve decided to rent privately again for my master’s degree in London

- Erica
 

If you’re planning to study at Roehampton and considering living on campus, you might be wondering what that’s really like. During my first two years, I lived in Roehampton student accommodation. First in Shaw House on the main campus, and later in Whitelands College.

Both experiences were very different, and I learned a lot about the pros and cons of living in student accommodation. Here’s my honest take.
 

My Experience: Shaw House vs. Whitelands

When I first moved to London, I was assigned to Shaw House in a quite quiet all-girls flat. While the location was convenient (close to lectures and main campus facilities), the flat didn’t suit what I was looking for.

Most of the people I’d met at uni events lived in Whitelands College (about a 15-minute walk from main campus). Whitelands felt like its own little community, and the flats were much more social in my opinion. I moved there soon after, stayed for my second year, and even over the summer before my third.

That move completely changed my uni experience! I met so many more people and had a much more social life on campus.
 

Pros of Living on Campus

• Choice of flats: Quiet flats, social flats, mature student flats, all-girls flats, or moving in with friends, there’s flexibility to suit your personality
• Different room options: En-suites vs. shared bathrooms, single vs. double beds, some even with balconies.
• Close to lectures: No commuting costs or stress. At most, you’re a 15-minute walk away.
• All bills included: Rent covers gas, electricity, and water, so there are no hidden costs or extra fees. When I lived on campus, we had to pay for laundry services (but I saw on Roehampton’s website that that is now included within your accommodation fees).
• Support: Each flat has a student rep (second- or third-year student) to help you settle in, plus easy (though sometimes slow) maintenance requests. Additionally, there are College Wardens that work as out-of-hours wellbeing support.
• Security: On-campus security and student ID access in the evenings make it feel safe.
   

Cons of Living on Campus

• Room standards: They’re not luxury flats and rooms can feel a bit basic.
• Fire alarms: They go off easily (steam from showers, cooking, even hairspray!), which often meant being outside at 2am.
• Living in a bubble: Everything is on campus: classes, library, gym, events. It’s convenient but can feel like you’re not experiencing much of London.
• Travel into central London: Roehampton is further out, with only one nearby train station about 15 mins away (even further from Whitelands) and a few bus routes. Journeys into central can feel long, and getting back from central after late events often means checking the last trains or relying on the night bus.

When I first moved to London, I thought student accommodation would be the easiest way to settle in, and it was. It made the transition to uni life smoother. Yes, there are a few downsides (like basic rooms and travel times), but overall, living on campus was such a big part of my Roehampton experience. I met friends I might not have otherwise.

- Erica
 

Hi, I’m Ananya, and I am an international student from Norway studying in the UK, specifically in Dundee, Scotland. Starting September, I will be in my 3rd year, studying BSc Biomedical Sciences. I have loved it here in Scotland, and I feel it was the right choice for me in terms of the course and place. University of Dundee is one of the top universities in the UK for biological and biomedical sciences, helping me achieve a high standard of education and allowing more opportunities after graduation.
 

Why the UK?

I chose to study away from home as there are more job opportunities, especially in my field, in the UK. A degree from a university in the UK has higher international recognition than a bachelor's degree from Norway, hence the appeal to study there. I also did all my schooling from 1st grade to 12th grade in an international school, or an international program, which is why I was looking to study in English.
 

Why living abroad is worth it

Meeting people from all over the world and getting to live in a completely new country for the first time was a surreal experience, though it could get overwhelming at times. Learning about a new culture and the customs of the locals is very enriching, and it is what I feel makes moving so far away from home worthwhile. Living alone allows more room for growth through building a life you want. By handling everyday tasks by yourself, you see how much you are capable of. Therefore, from a personal point of view, the independence you gain by living alone and growing by stepping out of your comfort zone is very rewarding.
 

Application process

I applied to the UK via Across the Pond, making it very easy for me. I sent them my 5 university choices in the UK and my personal statement, and they filled out all the fields via UCAS. They were very quick to respond and always answered any doubts I had, helping soothe my nerves with the whole application process. I would definitely recommend their services for anyone considering applying to the UK. As the offers I received from Manchester and Sheffield were conditional, my 12th-grade results unfortunately did not meet their criteria. As an alternative, I applied to Dundee via clearing on UCAS, which was one of the universities offering admission to my desired course in the clearing process. The clearing process was very straightforward, as once you reach out to the university regarding a place, they send you a form to fill out and get back to you about the result within a day. The period between getting my results and getting an offer was a very stressful period, but luckily, it all worked out. If it weren’t for the rejections by my firm and insurance choice, I would never have ended up in a beautiful city like Dundee, let alone Scotland.
 

About the city

Dundee is a very small city, and mainly a university city, where you can randomly bump into people you know around the campus and your friends won’t be staying too far away from you, as the campus is quite small. The university is only a 10-minute walk from the city center with shops all around, making it very convenient. It is a rich city filled with history and nature, with something for everyone. The people were what I found most surprising, as during my first week there, everyone I met was very lovely, both within the university and outside. The city is additionally very conveniently located, with nearby cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow being just a bus ride away. The buses are free as well for 16-22 year olds with a Young Scot card, which anyone with a residential address in Scotland can apply for.
 

Final tips

Even though moving abroad can seem really stressful, it is definitely worth the experience. To make your life easier, apply for your visa, accommodation, etc., as soon as you can and make a checklist of things you need to bring with you. Keeping a note of my spending has helped me a lot, as the tuition fees for international students are high and making sure you have an overview of expenses is life-saving as they can add up. Finally, make the best use of Freshers' week before classes start by going to any events organised by the university, where you get to meet lots of people and join societies. During the freshers fair, I joined the Dundee Community Youth Orchestra, in which I have found a community outside of the university and have a good time playing music with like-minded people. From experience, it can be hard to make new friends as it becomes tougher to reach out to people and take the initiative, but you will find your group of people, and things will get easier. Eventually, you will even enjoy the life you have created away from home!

-  Ananya
 

What motivated you to study in the United Kingdom

After working for six years, and facing the uncertainty of leaving my professional and financial stability, I decided to take the leap and pursue my dream of living abroad. I felt ready to take the next step in my career, as I have always wanted to continue growing and developing both professionally and personally. I was mainly looking for an English-speaking country to practice the language, and what better choice than the United Kingdom? The country where my favourite book and movie series, Harry Potter, was created, and the home of great musicians like Oasis and Dua Lipa, whom I also love. Additionally, there are daily direct flights from here to Chile, so my parents and family could visit easily. Last but not least, the academic excellence of UK universities and their internationally recognised prestige offered an incredible opportunity to develop in a highly competitive and multicultural environment.
 

How was your academic, personal, and cultural life

Everything in the UK has been a unique and unforgettable experience. I won’t lie, academic life is demanding if you want to achieve distinction, but everything at the university has been amazing. From the facilities to the academic quality, everything is spectacular. The university provides high-tech facilities, events, talks, emotional support, and everything is so well organised that you can focus fully on your studies and enjoy your time. On a personal level, it has been a journey of significant growth. Even at 30, I have always been very close to my parents, and being away from my family was something I had to manage. However, communication through social media and WhatsApp today makes the distance much easier to handle. Time has flown so quickly—it feels like I just arrived, and now this journey is already coming to an end. Culturally, I have learned a lot. The UK is a country with a large immigrant population from all over the world. I have friends from India, China, and the Arab world, and it has been amazing. I’ve tried foods I never imagined eating, learned a few words in Chinese and Hindi, and experienced cultures very different from my own firsthand, which has been incredibly enriching. Finally, being here also allows you to travel easily to other parts of the UK and even Europe, which is amazing.
 

What you have learned

My experience in the UK has been incredibly enriching. Academically, it allowed me to approach accounting and finance from a critical perspective, developing the ability to analyse practices I had never questioned before. Personally, living alone abroad taught me to be more independent, to face problems on my own, and to appreciate cultural diversity. Practicing English in everyday life helped me gain confidence and fluency, while stepping out of my comfort zone allowed me to make friends and seize new opportunities.
 

What you wish you had known before arriving

I wish I had known about the StudentBeans app, which offers discounts at many stores and apps of all kinds.

-  Ivania
 

When I first stepped off the plane at Heathrow, I had no idea how quickly London would start to feel like home. From finding my accommodation to joining my university course, the whole journey of moving to another country has been far smoother and more rewarding than I expected.

Everything started with Across the Pond, the communication and application process were so clear and supportive that it set the tone for everything that followed. The visa process went smoothly, finding a room in London was surprisingly straightforward, and integrating into university life was easy with the friendly staff and professors.
 

Why I Chose the UK

I wanted high-quality, specialised training in Historic Building Conservation, a field in which Britain has a long and well-respected tradition. I’m from Mexico, with a background in architecture, and I was also looking for an international experience that would help me grow both academically and personally.
 

University Life at Kingston: Beyond Lectures

I’m currently studying for my MSc in Historic Building Conservation at Kingston University, and the experience has been incredibly enriching. The course offers a great balance between theory, practical work, and independent research.

We’ve taken part in study trips both within London and further afield, such as to Cambridge, where we spoke directly with conservators at sites like King’s College Chapel. In London, we’ve also visited conservation projects such as the Palace of Westminster and Banqueting House, learning first-hand from professionals about their conservation approaches.

The university’s workshops have been another highlight. As part of the course, we’ve worked with timber, metal, plaster, and other materials. Students are also welcome to use the facilities for their own projects — it really feels like the entire university is at your disposal!
 

Making Friends from All Over the World

I’ve made friends from many different countries, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Hearing so many perspectives has made me more aware of different cultures and customs. Equally rewarding has been the opportunity to share my own culture with them.
 

Comfortable Housing and a Great Location

I live in private accommodation, a little distance from the university, but I don't mind the commute. Travelling by bus has been a great way to discover new neighbourhoods. I chose a location between the university and central London, which has turned out to be perfect, as galleries, museums, and parks are all within easy reach. While living closer to the university might be more expensive, being open to different locations can be a great way to save money. My room is small, but it's okay, as I spend most of my time in the library anyway. I live in a house with a really cool family; the mum and I get along very well, and we often share recipes. They've been incredibly supportive.
 

Something I Wish I’d Known Before

One thing I wish I’d known before arriving is that in the UK, almost everything is sorted over the phone — from medical appointments to academic queries and course information. At first, making phone calls in English was intimidating, but it ended up boosting my confidence in speaking.
 

Surprisingly Chatty Brits!

Another positive surprise has been how chatty people are. Whether at the bus stop, in the supermarket, or in the local library, British people often strike up a conversation. Small talk happens much more here than in Mexico or other parts of Latin America I’ve lived in, which makes everyday life feel warmer. I wasn’t very confident with small talk at first, but now I see it as a chance to practise and connect with all kinds of people.
 

The Dreaded Dissertation — But Not Here!

In Mexico, the dissertation is often seen as one of the most daunting challenges of university life. It's understandable to feel nervous about it, and I certainly felt that way starting out. However, my experience has been completely different.

For my research, I've found that historical societies, local archives, and London archives have been very open and willing to help. Specialists and people working in the field have responded enthusiastically to my emails, and even companies I contacted have gone out of their way to share knowledge. And, of course, my tutor has been a great guide, pointing me toward useful contacts and strategies. It's been a much more positive and collaborative experience than I anticipated.
 

My Advice to Future Students

• Take part in as many activities as possible, both in and out of university they will enrich your academic and professional life.

• Attend networking events and workshops.

• Explore events related to your personal interests, and don’t be afraid to discover new ones as well, London is yours!

• Try new food!

• Talk to new people, ask questions, and stay curious.

Coming here has been one of the best decisions of my life. If you embrace the unknown, you’ll discover not only academic growth but also countless small moments that make this journey truly unforgettable.

- Luz