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
Why study in the UK?
I am a Canadian student who applied through Across the Pond. When I was looking at where I wanted to go to university, I looked at many different countries and cities and decided on the UK which is home to some of the top-ranked universities, world-class education, and good quality teaching.
Another benefit for me was that a UK degree would be recognized worldwide (the UK is a common law country like the one I am from) I could return to Canada once I finish my course convert my degree and work in Canada.
I enjoy living in the UK because I get to experience new cultures, explore new places, and meet new people. Living in the UK I got to experience holidays which are only celebrated in the UK (Kings Coronation, Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II), it was very interesting to experience these events of the monarchs and being able to try new foods (fish and chips, Yorkshire Pudding, etc.)
Living in Birmingham
Birmingham is the second largest city in the United Kingdom. It is a safe city to live in with a relatively low crime rate. The monthly cost of apartment rent and food shopping is not too bad compared to a city like London.
Birmingham has interesting places to explore, such as the Library of Birmingham. This is the largest public library in Europe, it has books, computers and a viewpoint at the top called the Secret Garden (which has a nice view of the city). The library is located next to the Bullring which is a large shopping center for those of you that enjoy shopping. There are many shops to choose from and many places to eat close by. The city has many churches within walking distance, for those that are not religious the architecture of the churches is impressive to look at and each building holds so much history.
Studying at the University of Law
The University of Law provides legal education and has many different campuses around the United Kingdom. The university has tutors who are qualified lawyers with personal experiences that they pass on to their students. I believe that this is very valuable since the tutor can use examples from their past legal experiences to help you better understand a topic. The tutors at the university are very helpful and available every day to help with any questions you have about lectures, workshops, and readings.
The class sizes are small making it easier for the tutor to engage with the students and make sure every student understands what is being taught. The university has a silent library that is open every day from early morning to late night for students to have a silent place to study, as well as a cafeteria that has a computer lab in it where students can eat lunch and study.
- Pavneet
The Experience of a Lifetime!
Moving to the UK has always been a dream of mine. With the help of Across the Pond, they were able to turn this dream into a reality. I always knew that I wanted to study abroad in the UK – I mean, who wouldn’t? The UK is absolutely stunning; with picturesque sceneries, more castles than you can count, unlimited pubs, and the people are incredibly friendly. Moving away from home can be scary, but it can open you up to amazing opportunities. Like the chance to connect and meet new people, broadening your horizons, and having the experience of a lifetime. So, let me tell you about mine!
When I thought about studying in the UK my brain immediately thought of universities solely in England, until Across the Pond helped me in exploring my options. They informed me about prestigious universities in Scotland – a place I never imagined myself living. After I informed Across the Pond about specific degrees I was interested in applying for, they sent me the universities and their programs that would be most fitting. This is when I discovered the University of Aberdeen – and the rest is history. I now get to wake up to a cozy rainy morning or a beautiful sunny day in the charming granite city of Scotland.
The University of Aberdeen
The decision to move to the UK was an easy one, however the decision of where to study within the UK came down to three factors:
- The University’s reputation
- The safety of the city
- The beauty of the city
I informed Across the Pond of my three concerns and they did not disappoint. They sent me a list of top UK universities, all while settled in safe cities with beautiful sceneries. Many of these schools were, in fact, in Scotland – again, a place I never thought of living.
When I officially decided to pursue a masters in Creative Writing, Across the Pond was more than willing to help me achieve this dream. They helped to connect me to different UK universities, all with prestigious reputations. In the list of schools, they sent me, they highlighted the University of Aberdeen. It has been ranked as a Top 20 UK University and ranked as number 2 in the UK for Creative Writing. I was very impressed. Not only with the school’s reputation but with its safety ranking as well. Compared to other major UK cities, Aberdeen ranks very low in crime across the UK and their beautiful picturesque campus had me hooked. Thus, Aberdeen became one of my main choices.
MLitt Creative Writing
I am currently obtaining a master’s degree in Creative Writing. It is a one-year program that I began in January. The program focuses on courses in writing short fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and other English literature. My course is extremely enjoyable. I look forward to writing new stories, learning about poetry from experts, and developing a new skill in scriptwriting. The professors for my course were not only experts in their fields but also incredibly kind and approachable. Their teaching methods encouraged me to think out-side-the-box and collaborate with other Creative Writing students. One of the most valuable aspects of my experience at the University of Aberdeen was the opportunity to collaborate with students from, not only the UK, but across the globe. My classrooms were filled with students from all different cultures, languages, and perspectives. Engaging in group discussions provided me with a broader perspective which benefited my writing undoubtedly. It also helped me to develop essential teamwork and communication skills that can benefit me in the future.
Making New Friends can be Scary… But it Doesn’t Have to Be!
The historic architecture of King’s College, the lush green surroundings, and the warm Scottish hospitality made me feel at home the minute I stepped foot onto Aberdeen’s campus. The University staff was extremely welcoming, along with its student’s during Fresher’s Week. Fresher’s Week was an unforgettable experience and I encourage anyone and everyone to participate once they arrive at the University. It is a chance to meet people and make new friends. It is also the opportunity to join multiple societies and connect with the university’s student associations. Joining societies and attending campus events was one of the main ways I met my long-term friends.
The University of Aberdeen offers a boat-load of societies. If there isn’t a society in your field or one that you are interested in you could even create one! You would think as a Creative Writing student I joined the Creative Writing society, I did not. Writing is a passion of mine, not a hobby. Therefore, I wanted something that separated me from my studies. I joined Aberdeen U’s Wine Society – one of my best decisions. I was able to meet new people who shared the same love for wine as I did. We would host events, meetings, and parties which allowed me to meet a wide range of different people who enjoyed similar things as I did. This made meeting new people and making friends much easier when moving abroad to a new country.
Prestige Living in Aberdeen
One of the best decisions I ever made was living off campus. As a 25-year-old Master’s student, I was not up for the challenge of living with four to seven flat mates. As I did my own research regarding Aberdeen U’s accommodation, I realized this wasn’t going to be an ideal fit for me – I can be quite picky with where I live. But, it was good that I was because I ended up discovering that Aberdeen has student accommodation housing across its city for students studying at the Universities. The one I ended up applying for suited my needs in every way. Its modern studio design was absolutely perfect for what I was looking for. Spacious rooms with a private ensuite bathroom and kitchenette were of top priority to me. All studios also came with a large bed and study area. Its communal spaces allowed me to socialize with new friends. Such as hanging out in the cinema room, playing ping-pong or pool, or just catching up by the couches; these areas opened my opportunities to meeting new people from the University who I never would have met at Fresher’s or in my course. It is also in the perfect location – only a 10-minute walk from the University of Aberdeen and just a 10-minute walk to the city center: best of both worlds!
The Beautiful Granite City of Scotland
Aberdeen is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. From the cobblestone streets of Old Aberdeen to the stunning beaches along the coastline, every corner of the city is just picturesque. My weekdays were filled with exploring new cafes, pubs, and Aberdeen’s exquisite nightlife. While my weekends were spent hiking through the Scottish Highlands and visiting ancient castles (which some were only a short drive away)! I love this walkable city that is filled with delicious local bakeries alongside fair-trade cafes. I love it for its unlimited access to pubs and clubs. As well as its incredible beaches. I love taking a stroll down Aberdeen’s Beach Front. After grabbing a coffee and dessert from one of the carts at the beach. I would plop myself down at one of the benches and look out at the beautiful, peaceful sea – which is sometimes filled with dogs playing by the sand. As a nature lover, I am always keen to spot wildlife. So, I jumped at the chance when I was told about seal watching at Newburgh Seal Beach, only 20 minutes north of Aberdeen. The Greyhope Bay Cafe in Aberdeen is another wonderful cafe with the opportunity to see marine life. A historic site of Torry Battery offers panoramic views of the coast and is the best place in the UK to spot dolphins from the shore. The cafe even provides its guests with binoculars!
Aberdeen is regarded as a safe and welcoming city. I can confidently say that I have felt nothing more than safe and comfortable while in Aberdeen. The city’s well-lit streets, efficient public transit system, and the University's safety app contribute to a sense of security. It has a strong sense of community and a very low crime rate. It has offered me a peaceful environment for me to explore the city during the day or night.
Beyond Aberdeen’s breathtaking sceneries, Aberdeen’s warm and welcoming community adds to my sense of belonging here. The city’s rich history and medieval architecture and museums, adds to the city’s mystery and curiosity. Whether sipping on a cup of tea or locally brewed coffee in a cozy cafe, strolling through Seaton Park from campus, or enjoying the lively atmosphere of its traditional pubs, I found that Aberdeen offers a balance between tradition and modernity. I absolutely love it here!
Missing Home is Okay
While my time abroad was one of the best experiences of my life, it had its struggles too. Adapting to a new culture, being away from loved ones, and having to navigate life in a foreign country is not easy. But, this experience helped me grow into an independent, resilient, and adaptable young woman. Overcoming these challenges made me feel a sense of accomplishment that, overall, boosted my morale and confidence in all aspects of my life. Because if I can do it, anyone can!
Reflecting on my own journey abroad has reminded me of just how amazing this experience has been. I can confidently say that I have not only gained a world-class education from the University of Aberdeen in a degree that I am extremely passionate about while being taught by the top experts in my field, but I have also gained many new memories, long-life friendships, and experiences that will shape my life for years to come. Studying abroad has ignited a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world and the people in it and I have Across the Pond to thank for it!
- Ashley
Studying Abroad
Studying abroad has been one of the best decisions I have done in my life. Starting at high school I did a foreign exchange program to the USA where I had one of the best years in my life. Moving back home was great, but I was still eager to experience more. Therefore, I decided that I wanted to study abroad for my undergrad degree and ended up in The Netherlands. Again, moving back home was great but I still felt that I was not finished with experiencing the student life abroad. I decided to do a postgraduate degree in London, England. After having several years of studying abroad and the best time of my life doing that, I had high expectations. I have had a great time in London during my postgraduate degree, but it was different than what I expected. I ended up in a class with only 8 people who already had a settled life in the UK with a job and their own life. None of my classmates lived on campus and was often busy with their own lives. Therefore, it was a bit tough in the beginning to meet new people and socialise.
Doing studies abroad teaches you a lot. It teaches you to be openminded, curious, independent and you grow a lot personally. However, being a foreigner in a new country can be difficult. But I thought it is only me, myself, and I that could do something with my social life. I needed to show interest in meeting new people and get myself out there. I love sports and was very pleased that the university offered various sports or social communities to join. I ended up with playing rugby for the school team and was lucky to meet a fantastic group of people that made my stay in the UK a lot better. So, if you like sports and want to get to know people, I highly recommend you looking into this if you ever decide to study abroad.
Another thing to mention that I feel is important to say is “just do it”. If you think about studying abroad and have a small feeling that it could be something that you want to do, just do it. It is better to regret the things you have done, rather than regret the things you have not done. I have never studied in Norway before, so it is difficult to compare studying in Norway compared with abroad. What I can say is that it sucks to leave your friends at home, but you will for sure meet some great, new people and make friends for life. Also, English is not my first language, but moving to an English-speaking country where you are forced to speak English most of the time, you get into the transition quickly. Additionally, you end up with an experience for life and you will for sure meet other students that study abroad where you can share your experience with, helping each other through tough times as they understand how it is to live far away from family and friends.
MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology at Roehampton University
I ended up at Roehampton University because of the course I wanted to take and the location. I did a MSc in Sports and Exercise Psychology, and Roehampton was the University with the course and location that fitted best with my wishes. The campus was great, old but great. It was quite big and had 4 colleges within the university. The facilities were not the same standard as back home in Norway, but I feel that it is something you get used to. The university had a lot of old buildings and different architecture than back home in Norway which was fascinating and cool. It is always exciting with a change in scenery from what you are used to.
I wanted to do MSc course because I wanted to gain more knowledge about sports psychology. I have an undergraduate degree in physiotherapy and during the years of working I saw how important the connection between body and mind were. I experienced a lot of patients coming to me with physical problems, but after history taking and assessment some of the cases ended up being from psychological issues experienced in their daily life. I had psychology during my undergrad, but I felt it was not enough. I was scared to approach the patients and saying that the cause of your issues stem from your mental health. I have also worked with a lot of sports clubs and various patients. Psychology and mental health are important to be able to function properly and are in line with your physical health. Therefore, I wanted to learn more about psychology to better help my patients, not just physically but also psychologically. The course I ended up with was amazing. I had great lecturers which were really good, and I learned a lot. As my idea was to combine this course with my physiotherapy degree, I sometimes felt that some of the modules or lectures were not applicable to me as they were directed to doing stage two of becoming a sports psychologist.
Spare time activities
Doing a postgraduate degree meant that I only had lectures twice a week. It led to having a lot of spare time which of course most of the time ended up at the library. The library was huge, it had a cafeteria, and great facilities to study. When not being in the library studying, I tried to find something social that I liked to do. What you do in your spare time is very individual. People like different things and are amazed by different things. So, what I like to do is probably not something other people like to do, but here goes my story and experience:
I love to travel, experience new places, cultures, and meet new people. I started my stay in London with exploring the town I lived in and of course London city mostly by myself. Meet new people and becoming friends might take some time, but I enjoyed my small trips here and there and was able to explore a lot of nice, beautiful areas. As the time went by, I found myself some nice people to hang out with. Unfortunately, all undergraduate students that had way more lectures than me so I had more spare time, but we still managed to go for walks, go into London and explore the city, we went into different cafes, museums, and tried to see as much as we possibly could.
Living in London and student life
I ended up staying at the university accommodation. As mentioned earlier, the UK standard is not the same as in Norway. I shared a flat with 9 other people where all of us shared the same kitchen. Luckily, I had flatmates that did not cook very often so the kitchen was somewhat clean most of the time. Of course, it was times when you entered the kitchen and it either smelled horrible or was really dirty. But it is what it is. My room was alright even though I had to do a deep cleaning when I arrived because it did not look very nice. Especially the floor carpet that had a lot of stains. Otherwise, I had my own room and bathroom which was small but good. The costs, however, was expensive. But I guess if you decide to study in London, it is what it is, but again, do not think too much, just do what you want to do and do the best out of things.
London is great. I love London. There are always things to explore and see as the city is huge! They have a lot of free museums for those who like that, and attractions such as Madame Tussauds, London eye, Big Ben, Harry Potter attractions, Notting Hill, Paddington and so on. Additionally, the culture and the people are always nice and if you are lost and ask for directions, there is always someone there to help.
Anything else I wanted to know before I applied, started university or moved to the UK
Before and during my application, I checked out the University’s webpage to get information regarding the course I applied for. There was a lot of good information there, but it was not everything I wanted to know. I wanted to know more about the course itself such as more information regarding the modules I was going to have and exams, assignments, and the dissertation related to the course. Also, to get access to the webpage before the beginning of the semester would be great to start reading up on everything you wanted before the course started. So, there was a little lack of information from the university. Arriving in London and at the campus not knowing anything was a bit difficult and scary. Luckily, I met great people there when I arrived who helped me show where I could collect the key to my room, showed me where my room was, and also who I could contact to get more information.
Across the Pond
One day I randomly googled studying in England and courses to take. I came across “Across the Pond” and checked out the webpage. I sent in an application and was contacted by an advisor. I then decided to apply through Across the Pond and I found the application process very easy. I had one person to help me we with all information and documents needed for my application and was very pleased with the service received and I am pretty sure that was way easier than doing it all by myself. Additionally, it was free of charge, and you get help with writing your Personal Statement and help you make your documents into even better versions! So, I am very pleased that I ended up with applying though Across the Pond.
- Pernille
