Helped me achieve my goals
Hello! My name is Carlos, I am from Mexico, and I am a candidate for the master’s degree in Finance and Investment at the University of Nottingham. My experience as a student in the United Kingdom has been above expectations so far. I have been fortunate to live in such a wonderful country that welcomes students and professionals from all over the world.
The University of Nottingham has been a great ally that has helped me achieve my goals as a student and professional in Finance and Investment. Firstly, I was offered a great scholarship from the University of Nottingham Business School that enabled me to consider the United Kingdom as the country to obtain my master’s degree. Secondly, they assisted me through all the process to gain access to good quality accommodation and guidance to move around the campus. The University of Nottingham forms part of the Russell Group, a selected group of the top universities in the United Kingdom.
I studied my master’s at the Jubilee Campus of the University of Nottingham, which offers great facilities, with classrooms of all different types of sizes, computer rooms, study halls, cafeterias, libraries, sport facilities and much more. I was able to keep alive my student life at this amazing university. The University of Nottingham also offers free transportation across the different campus. I was able to discover amazing hidden places with huge gardens, fountains, and old classical English buildings. The university offers students the possibility to move around the facilities easily and smoothly, with indications and staff happy to help you if you have any trouble finding a place.
As for my master’s degree, I was learning content in Finance since the first day of classes. The program excels in its field and has given me the necessary tools to immerse myself in the financial sector. The quantitative and qualitative core modules offered by the course are state of the art knowledge that will be a valuable qualification in my CV for employment anywhere in the world. The United Kingdom has one of the biggest financial hubs, where hundreds of thousands of professionals work every day in different institutions and companies. From Investment Banking to Asset Management, the UK has a lot to offer for professionals interested in Finance. This is the main reason why I chose the United Kingdom as the country to develop my career further.
My accommodation is very close to the university, it’s a 3-minute walk to be exact. Nottingham Two by Student Roost is a great accommodation if you’re looking for a friendly place with a great location that includes security, comfort, and amenities. The accommodation includes many perks for a reasonable price. It has several common rooms for study, laundry rooms, gaming rooms, and you also have access to free postal delivery service. There are many different types of flats for different price levels. My flat included a shared kitchen for 4 large rooms with all the appliances needed to cook and store food.
Nottingham is one of the most exciting and student-friendly cities in England. Nottingham has a diverse and vibrant student population. The city’s rich history, combined with the legendary stories of Robin Hood, add to the city’s charm. From the hustle of Old Market Square to the serene serenity of Highfields Park. Students can enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences in Nottingham. From eclectic cafes to dynamic music venues and contemporary art galleries, there’s something for everyone. The city’s easy-to-navigate public transport system makes it easy for students to get around from one place to another. It has a welcoming atmosphere, cultural diversity, and abundance of student-friendly amenities. I’m glad to call it my second home now.
One thing I would recommend to people is to always carry an umbrella due to the unexpected changes of the weather. Most of the days throughout the year have been rainy, even when the sun is out it can get cloudy and rain. Another aspect I would recommend is to always stay ahead of deadlines for things like medical appointments. The NHS service is fabulous but it can take a while to get an appointment, so if you suddenly feel ill, it’s better to make an appointment as soon as possible.
Overall, my experience in the United Kingdom has been incredible. It has been one of the most amazing years of my life. I have traveled across the country and seen the wonders that the UK has to offer in natural scenery, history, culture, food, and many welcoming British people. I would totally recommend the United Kingdom as a country to study for people coming from abroad. My vision about the world has been enriched and my perspective about different topics has changed as well. It’s worth studying in this country, I have gotten so much more in return to what I have invested so far!
- Carlos Alfredo
Exchange studies actually changed my life
I chose to study in the UK because the language is familiar and it’s close to my home country. I was also intrigued by Worcester because of its size and town-life. It seemed as a big city but with the small country side benefits. Which were true.
University life
University of Worcester was a perfect place for me. The campus-life was challenging me to be more social, accommodation was nice and close to my classrooms. The teachers were all very good and had a more friendly approach in my opinion. I felt very welcome. The school system was quite different from Swedish university system, but I found it fun and easy to learn. Both students and teachers were all very helpful.
There’s the option to join a society or sport society while going to the University. I joined two sport societies during my exchange and I loved going to practices and meeting new people.
Accommodation
I lived at campus accommodation, En-Suite Plus. I was very lucky to get a place there and it was very lovely. I had a room with a bed, desk, wardrobe and a private bathroom with shower. Since I am a little older than most students at campus, a private bathroom was very appreciated.
How did you find the student life?
While I was in the UK I had a very different time as a student compared to Sweden. Mainly because I didn’t have any comfort zones. Living at campus made me 5 new friends who I shared halls and kitchen with. I gained friends from all over the country and spent all of my free time with these people. We ate dinners together, played games, went to the Hangar (student hangout with a bar), went out in town and so on. I made life-long friends here. In Sweden I don’t hang out with any new people, not even from my class. I’m not engaged in any student activities at my school, and I don’t even know if we have any… Exchange studies actually changed my life. I learned to have fun again after loosing myself for a few years. Now I'm planning to go see my international friends in just a few months.
What I was studying
I studied psychology and sociology since it matched what we were doing back in Sweden. I loved all my modules but especially the Visual Sociology module. The teacher was making sure everybody got a chance to understand and ask questions and were open for feedback. It was a very interesting course were we learned how to analyze visual images with sociological views.
- Fanny-Cecilia
Science knows no borders
My name is Moisés and my passion for science started when I was a child but during my undergraduate and master studies this hunger for knowledge was driven by my advisors.
Why did I decide to study in the UK?
My interest in studying abroad was that I wanted to learn methodologies and techniques in which the UK is an expert, which would benefit my development as a future scientist.
How to choose university?
It is important to clarify that I already knew the subject in which I wanted to become a professional due to my previous master's studies, so I suggest you follow what you are passionate about doing. This made it easier to search for universities because I was looking for specific subjects, on the other hand I made sure that I belonged to the top 100 universities worldwide, this makes it easier to get scholarships to finance your studies.
Advisors/Admission/Programme/Course
Having a cordial relationship with your advisors is paramount, but this relationship will evolve as you progress through your programme.
I consider it important that they are experts in the areas you want to develop, so that you can get good advice, etc.
The programme or course will depend on your interests, so be open to exploring ideas.
- Moisés
Dedicated to helping students
When I decided to apply to the University of Leeds, a friend told me that "Across the Pond" was an institution advocated to help students to access UK universities. That was surprising, and I searched on its webpage about how to receive its support. They quickly contacted me, and I had the gentle advice of my advisor, who supported me throughout the whole process, from seeking programmes and applying to getting the visa. It was a very kind, complete, and professional help key to a successful application process. My advisor explained to me the academic culture in the UK, what documents I needed to apply and what kind of opportunities I could have for studying and funding my studies.
Studying at the University of Leeds
I travelled from Chile to the United Kingdom to study for a MA in History of Science, Technology and Medicine at the University of Leeds. It was my first time travelling abroad, or in other words, a whole new experience. I decided to do it, nonetheless, because the University of Leeds has an extended tradition of social studies in science, technology, and medicine, which was the topic that I had focused on after I had got my bachelor's degree. The university has a school, a museum, a centre of studies dedicated to this field, and an excellent staff that research from early modern Western medicine to physics and electricity. Thus, I chose Leeds because it would be a unique opportunity to develop my academic interest in a fruitful environment.
The registration process had a great welcoming team that oriented me from the first day, and they even took time to give me tips to adapt better. Of course, cultural shock is real: sometimes you feel confused, but my recommendation is to have enough confidence to ask for help. The University of Leeds, for example, has many offices dedicated to helping students, and they can give you advice during those hard times. Also, there is a student's union where one of its members was always available to answer questions about where to get the best advice. Don't be afraid of asking for help: you won't be the only student with doubts that you could consider "basic" or feel ashamed to have.
The university's facilities were excellent: they were similar to my university in Chile (such as a library, a kitchen, and a gym) but with a good infrastructure where you can enjoy the best availability of resources to engage with your student life. Also, the Library advised you to enhance your academic skills for doing essays or your dissertation. The campus is very walkable, allowing to enjoy the site where you will dedicate most of your time.
Accommodation and cultural adaptation
I was lucky to find a room in a university's residence, thanks to a person from the university who came to Chile to meet me and asked how she could help me. That was an amazing opportunity provided by the University of Leeds, where they understood why I didn't apply before the official deadline for accommodation (mainly because of my ignorance) and helped to allocate me in the best place possible.
The first night there was shocking, however. The people in my apartment were kind and welcoming, but the difficulties understanding English appeared rapidly. Although I have a good English level, it is a different experience to speak it constantly and without the chance to ask if you committed a mistake. In addition, as I said before, I hadn't travelled abroad until that moment, then, the experience was very new for me. Over the days, I learned to adapt myself to this new environment: I identified where to buy groceries, where to go shopping, how to use public transport, etc. My advice: get a SIM card quickly for your smartphone. These days, mobile phones are necessary to access maps on the Internet to find places, or to call someone, even in your residence or the university, if you have any problem, especially in the first days.
The cultural adaptation started in the first weeks. Although there are cultural differences, in my experience, I saw more similarities across the pond: I saw a wide range of personalities than in my country, and if you can find people with the willingness to help you (as you can find in your home country), you will adapt easily.
Enjoying Leeds
Leeds is a marvellous city, with many cultural activities in its Library or the Museums. I especially remember the "Light Night Leeds", a light festival where you can find the most typical buildings of the city covered in different lights to play with the citizens or to enjoy an artistic performance. This was my first time walking throughout the whole city, just for my spare time, and I could feel involved with the people in all the activities. At that time, I felt at home, a new home.
Other kinds of places to enjoy in Leeds are its varied restaurants. You can find full range of cuisines in the city, from Indian and Chinese food to Mexican or typical British restaurants. I loved the “Pizza Express” near my residence, where I could forge a friendly relationship with their attentive staff, and the variety of products provided by restaurants in the centre of Leeds.
- José
An Adventure Beyond Borders
As an international student from Canada, the decision to study abroad was driven by a desire for a transformative educational experience. The UK's rich legal heritage and prestigious universities made it the ideal destination for pursuing a law degree. Embracing a new culture and meeting diverse individuals from around the world were also significant motivations.
Choosing the University of Leicester and Embracing University Life
Among the esteemed universities in the UK, I chose the University of Leicester for its renowned School of Law and vibrant campus life. The university's welcoming atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, including the well-equipped library and modern lecture halls, fostered a conducive learning environment. Engaging with approachable professors and participating in thought-provoking discussions became an integral part of my university experience..
Embracing a Different Student Life
Compared to life in Canada, student life at the University of Leicester was invigorating. The city's vibrant culture and historical charm were captivating. Exploring the city's museums, parks, and attending cultural events expanded my horizons. Engaging with the university's clubs and societies allowed me to pursue my interests outside academics and form bonds with like-minded individuals.
My Passion for Law and the Stimulating Course
Studying law has been an exhilarating journey. The well-structured course challenged my critical thinking and analytical skills while nurturing my passion for justice and legal advocacy. The professors' dedication to their subjects and their support for students' growth have been truly inspiring.
Falling in Love with Leicester
Leicester's unique blend of tradition and modernity won my heart. From the iconic King Richard III Visitor Centre to the bustling streets lined with shops and cafes, the city exudes a warm and welcoming ambiance. The multiculturalism and friendly locals made me feel at home from the start.
Across the Pond: A Guiding Hand
The application process through Across the Pond was smooth and reassuring. Their guidance and support throughout the journey made the transition to the UK far less daunting, allowing me to focus on my studies and personal growth.
A Remarkable First Year
Reflecting on my first year at the University of Leicester, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, friendships, and growth I have experienced. The decision to study law as an international student in the UK was undeniably one of the best choices I have made. I eagerly look forward to the remaining years of my degree, knowing that they will be just as rewarding and memorable.
- Rocco
