From Doubt to Possibility
I remember before coming to the UK, a lot of challenges came my way, and I doubted whether this dream was really meant for me. Still, I kept going, every time more tired than before, but something inside me kept pushing me forward. I think of the multiple times Across the Pond helped me — it felt like we were connected, because every time I was about to give up, I'd receive an email from them with useful information, or simply asking how everything was going. I recommended Across the Pond to one of my best friends, because I genuinely found them while navigating the internet, and I feel they were a key piece in helping me get to study my Master's in IT with Cybersecurity at the University of Aberdeen. It was a long process, as I applied to multiple universities while working out my strategy for how I would pay for everything and looking into scholarships. I didn't know much about scholarship options at the time, and Across the Pond guided me through it really well. Thanks to their support, I secured the FIDERH loan and the SECIHTI scholarship to study in the UK.
Once I arrived in Scotland, I remember the first day I got to my student accommodation. My bedsheets hadn't arrived on time, and since I'd arrived a few days early, everything was completely silent. That day was one of the scariest of my life — I was terrified about leaving everything behind and starting from scratch. Even though I had lived in different cities in my country and had spent time abroad in the USA, this felt different, because for the first time in my life, I was truly alone. Looking back, this is something I wish I had known more about before arriving: there were other student accommodation options available, some requiring far less paperwork, that would have made those first few days feel much less overwhelming.
After that, I started my classes, and I remember them being quite challenging at the beginning. In Mexico, classes tend to be structured differently, and the amount of self-study expected here was no joke — it took me a few weeks to adjust. But once I found my rhythm, I really got into the flow of studying, and I found myself researching things even outside the scope of my course, purely out of curiosity to understand how they worked. The programme at my university was genuinely well designed. I hadn't studied IT during my undergraduate degree, but I had developed a passion for it and built my career around it, even though I'd never formally studied much of the underlying theory. This programme helped connect a lot of things from enterprise IT that I hadn't fully understood before, and combined with my chosen specialization — cybersecurity — everything started coming together. I became genuinely passionate about building things, and as part of my dissertation, I built a multi-domain, AI-enhanced application security scanner for the University of Aberdeen.
Around the same time, in November, I found an Automation Developer internship opportunity. I applied and got the job — I remember how happy I was when I received the news, because I had studied so hard for that interview. This was a 9-month placement within the Microsoft development team at the University of Aberdeen, and it truly was an experience that taught me a lot. My goal in coming to the UK was to gain more hands-on technical experience, and I worked alongside colleagues from Scotland, Pakistan, and Russia, which made the experience even richer in terms of culture and different ways of working.
Yesterday was my goodbye party with my girlfriends — women I met from all around the globe: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Spain, Letonia, the USA, and Mexico. That was one of the most precious parts of this whole experience. They helped me understand the world in a completely different way than I could have imagined before, and I feel like I've carried a small piece of each of their mindsets into my own life, shaping how I now see the world.
Today marks one year since I arrived in the UK. Looking back at this whole process — the fear I felt on that first day, the sadness of missing my family — I can't feel anything but happy, proud, and thankful. Thankful for all the opportunities this country gave me, and for everything I learned during those long hours in the library. This experience is one I poured more effort into than anything before it, and that same effort is what continues to push me to keep crossing barriers, reminding me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. All I needed was hard work, perseverance, and a bit — or perhaps a lot — of life's magic: family who supported me, people I met along the way who became my family too, real opportunities, a country that opened its doors, and, in the end, life aligning itself when you want something so badly you can feel it in your chest.
This experience was priceless, and none of this would have been possible without the help of Across the Pond, who were there every step of the way, making everything so much easier and more approachable, always guiding me toward my dream.
Thank you for everything, to everyone, and to the world.
- Diana Laura
Queen’s University Belfast On-Campus Eats
Sometimes, when you are already on campus, you do not want to go too far to find something to eat and power through the rest of your day (even though Botanic Avenue has sooo many great options). These were the spots I found myself going back to most often while studying at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).
The Pantry: A FREE Food Refill Station
The Pantry is one of the things that made Queen’s feel especially welcoming to me. It’s located on the ground floor of the Students’ Union (the SU) and provides free food and essential items to students.
You simply show your student ID and can visit up to twice a week to pick up fresh fruit and veggies, as well as pantry staples like pasta, rice, and spices. They also provide household essentials like toilet paper and sanitary products.
For me, the Pantry was a huge part of making studying in the UK more manageable finance-wise. I never had to worry about going hungry because I knew that, when money was tight between paychecks, I could stop by and pick up some pasta and/or other staples to get me through.
One thing to keep in mind is that the hours can be a little unusual, and there can be a line (especially when they have just restocked the fruit and veggies). Check the hours ahead of time and plan accordingly!
The Union Bar
The Union Bar is located on the second floor of the SU and was definitely a bit of a culture shock for me as an American student. In the US, the drinking age is 21, which often means students don't experience typical university bar culture until the end of their uni years.
There are pool tables and weekly events, making it an easy place to hang out with friends. One of my classes even had an unofficial tradition of going straight to the bar afterwards to decompress together.
And it is not just about the drinks! They have great pizza and chicken goujons (aka chicken tenders for my fellow Americans). My go-to order was chicken goujons with seasoned potato wedges, drenched in garlic sauce and ketchup.
Junction Café
Junction is located right across from the Graduate School in the Law School building, so it quickly became my go-to since most of my classes were in the Graduate School.
They have a daily well-balanced lunch special, along with plenty of options if you need something quick to grab between classes. My personal favorite was their vegetable soup along with a vegan sausage roll (especially on those colder Belfast days when I needed something warm before heading back to class).
Special Mention: Queen’s Film Theatre
The Queen’s Film Theatre (QFT) is right across from the Graduate School and shows a diverse array of indie films. It is super affordable compared to movie tickets in the US, and you can even get student tickets online.
My favorite discovery was actually the sweet popcorn. As an American, I had never been to a movie theatre/cinema that offered sweet popcorn. Very yum and you can do a mix of the sweet and traditional salty kind (which I would highly recommend)!
Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind!
Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch between classes, stocking up at the Pantry, or meeting friends at the Union Bar, knowing where you can easily grab some food on campus makes student life so much easier.
Happy eating!
– Christine
Traveling from Belfast to Dublin and Back
One of the best parts of studying in Belfast is that you are only about two hours from Dublin, making it a great day or weekend trip. I made plenty of mistakes during my trips (some of which left me stranded and others that cost me more money than they should have), so learn from my experience before you go!
Save Money on the Train
The first thing I recommend doing when you arrive in Belfast is getting a yLink smartcard if you are eligible. It is available to all those 16-23 for all Translink services across Northern Ireland and gives you a significant discount. If you are over 23, there is also a 24+ Student Railcard; you just need to prove you are a full-time student.
You have to apply online and have the physical card sent to you, so I would recommend doing this as soon as you arrive and have a stable address. Having the card makes traveling to Dublin via train significantly more affordable, as long as you book through the Translink website.
Getting to Dublin by Train
The first train from Belfast to Dublin is usually 8 am ish, with the last train back to Belfast 8:50 pm ish.
When you buy the ticket online, you have to print out the ticket at a kiosk inside Grand Central Station before you can get on the terminal. This means get to the station early; the train leaves on time here and they will leave you!
Getting to Dublin by Bus
The bus is another option for travelling between Belfast and Dublin. It can be a little more expensive than the train (when using the yLink smartcard), but it is much more flexible, with buses running 24/7. You can buy your ticket when you board, but booking online in advance is generally cheaper.
The journey back to Belfast is where things get a little bit trickier. There are overnight buses from Dublin, but the schedule is more limited. After the last late-night service from the city centre (12 am ish), you will have to wait until morning unless you head to the Dublin Airport pickup, which is quite far from the city centre.
One thing I learned the hard way: give yourself some flexibility when catching the bus back to Belfast from Dublin city centre. Buses can arrive a little early or late, so don't panic if yours is not there at the exact time you expect. There are usually plenty of other people waiting to travel to Belfast, so ask around if anyone has seen the bus or knows what is happening.
If You Miss the Last Bus, Don't Panic
If it gets too late to travel home from Dublin and you do not feel comfortable travelling at night, book a hostel nearby (there are plenty to choose from in Dublin), sleep, and go home the next day. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and there will always be another bus or train to make the journey back.
And finally, my most important piece of advice: always remember your passport! You are still crossing an international border, so keep it with you even if you are only going for the day.
Happy exploring!
– Christine
The Year
Deciding what to do with our future is not an easy decision. The simple act of growing up involves a whole set of actions that, in turn, trigger a reaction — one that can be good or not so good, but from which you always learn something.
In my case, deciding to pursue my master's degree was something that took time. There were doubts and excuses not to make the decision — family, work, and financial factors were the main ones. However, I was fortunate that, at the job I had at the time, I was told and advised that, in order to continue developing professionally — in my case, as a lawyer — I needed a master's degree, preferably from an English-speaking university. A few days after that conversation, the decision was made: without consulting or discussing it with anyone, I declared that I was going to study in the United Kingdom.
For reference, what I mentioned in the previous paragraph happened in January, which meant I needed to start the process as soon as possible, since I wanted to begin the course that same year. I remember that starting the process of researching universities, courses, scholarships, deadlines, and funding options was completely overwhelming — many questions and few immediate answers. During that search for information, which admittedly wasn't the most thorough in the first few days, I came across Across the Pond, and immediately got in touch with them by email and later in person, at events they held in Mexico City.
Once I met them, I realized that the support they provide — acting as "guides" — was exactly the complement I needed to keep moving toward this goal. With people assigned specifically to my case, I began deciding which university best suited the area of law I practice. The options were extensive, which is why I applied to more than 5 universities, some with Across the Pond's help and others on my own. After a process of roughly 3 to 4 months, I managed to gather all the required documentation for every application, and fortunately I was accepted at every university I applied to.
The decision was now mine, and it was time to start considering factors like which city I would live in, the costs, and finding something I genuinely liked. Despite all that, the University of York reached out to me from the very first moment and made me feel like part of their community — they followed up on my questions, kept me informed, and even offered me a scholarship. Taking that into account, the decision was made: I would pursue my master's in International Corporate and Commercial Law in the United Kingdom.
The next step was to look into funding, and once again, thanks to Across the Pond's support, I had the opportunity to apply for and secure the loan granted by FIDERH,which was essential in making this dream come true. On top of that, I was also fortunate enough to receive a scholarship from the Mexican government, and finding out I had gotten it was one of the best days of my life.
September was approaching, and this was going to be the first time I would be away from my home, my country, and my family for a long period. I was nervous and anxious about facing a new culture, climate, food, and so on, but very happy that I was fulfilling a goal, and that all the time and effort I had put into this process was finally paying off.
With a flight booked, saying goodbye to my loved ones was difficult, though they, too, were happy for me because of this experience. Before I knew it, I was in the United Kingdom, in the north of England: York welcomed me with classic rain and cold, letting me know that the shorts I was wearing had not been the best outfit choice for that day. Settling in wasn't as complicated as it might sound, since throughout the process the university also stayed in touch through a group of Latin American students who guided us on where to buy things we needed to get by in York.
Something I might have liked to know beforehand is that the university has support for pretty much everything. Sometimes you don't think certain things exist, but the university has them, and adapts to the needs of most students.
Once settled in, it was time to get to know the university, my classmates, and my professors. I hadn't set foot in a classroom in over 6 years, so it was something that excited me a lot, and that's how I started the year: eager to learn and to enjoy myself, because that was the whole point — that's what I had gone to the UK for, and I can confirm that I achieved it.
At first, I found it hard to understand some accents, and I was embarrassed to ask certain things, but that never stopped me from doing anything I wanted to do or asking about anything I was unsure of. To this day, I still sometimes struggle to understand people, but the embarrassment is gone. I wouldn't say it happened right away, but within the first few months I got to know the people who are now friends I'll have for life — some of them Mexican, others from various nationalities. All of them made my time there much easier and more enjoyable, and I'm grateful to all of them for the good times and for supporting me whenever I needed it.
Now, adapting to a new culture isn't easy, but it isn't impossible either. Fortunately, my love of music, football, and simple food helped me adapt quickly, and that's how the months started going by: lots of reading, classes, trips, hanging out with friends, rain and more rain — but I was enjoying all of it. From walking across campus to get to class, to going to fifth-division professional football matches, concerts in muddy fields, countless train rides, catching very cheap flights to other parts of the world, meeting people from countries I didn't even know existed, and plenty of video calls with people back in Mexico — all of these things came together to make one of the best years of my life.
Again, my goal was to learn as much as possible, to make the most of my classes, professors, and everything the university had to offer, but it was also to experience new things and have fun. Being part of a college football team at the university was a rewarding experience, since besides playing the sport, I got to meet and become friends with even more people.
I can't say I have countless stories from this year — that would be an exaggeration on my part — but I do have plenty to share, and enough to encourage more people to be brave enough to do something similar to what I did. The tools are within reach of anyone who sets their mind to it. Being in the UK wasn't easy at all: it took time, money, and giving up other things, but in the end the reward is huge. I couldn't say I regret anything, because honestly, this was the year I had imagined. Nothing in life is free; there will be situations that hold us back, but we have to keep trying until we get there.
If you're thinking about taking this step, take it. In the end, if you go after it, things will fall into place and they will happen. Don't miss out on one of the best years of your life.
- Juan Fernando
Edinburgh - My Home Away from Home
Walkability and convenience
When I first landed in Edinburgh to start my studies, I was in awe on how beautiful the city is, and I could hardly believe that this city will be my home for the next few years. Edinburgh has many historic buildings and architecture on almost every street. I often spend time exploring the city, taking photos, and going into the various little shops. The city itself is extremely walkable, as many attractions are located in or around city centre. Even when I’m doing my weekly food shop, I can simply walk to the nearest grocery store. I also find the transit system to be extremely convenient. There are many bus routes you can take to reach your destination, so if you miss one bus, you do not have to worry—you can often take another route that will get you there in a similar amount of time. I also enjoy taking the tram to my school, Edinburgh Napier University because it is quick and reliable, arriving every 7 minutes. I think Edinburgh’s walkability and public transport make it especially easy to adjust to living here. You can get around the city without needing a car, which makes everyday life much more convenient.
Student Life and Community
There is an active student community in Edinburgh. You will have many chances to meet students from different backgrounds, whether through your accommodation or school community. If you choose to stay in a student accommodation, which is what I decided to do, there will be plenty of opportunity to connect with other students in your building. Student accommodations will often host welcome events and activities for residents to get to know each other. I have met a wonderful group of students through the accommodation’s welcome party, and we have continued to meet up and go out for food during our free time. If you choose to rent a private flat, you may also have the opportunity to become roommates with other students who are looking for accommodation. Many of my classmates who rent privately have become close friends with their roommates.
My university, Edinburgh Napier, acknowledges the diverse community of international students, and aims to create a welcoming environment for students to feel more at home. There is a lot of support available for international students, whether it is regarding visa support, searching for suitable accommodation or adjusting to life in a new country. There was a lot of paperwork involved in the student visa process and getting registered as a new student, but the university’s support team as well as Across the Pond was able to help me sort things out. The Napier Students’ Association also organizes a wide range of sport clubs, student societies and social events, giving students the opportunity to meet people and make friends who share similar interests. I have decided to join the book club hosted by the Edinburgh Napier Book Club Society, and we would come together monthly to share our thoughts about the chosen book of the month, and this is something I would look forward to every month!
Exploring New Cities
There so much to explore in Scotland outside of Edinburgh. I have already taken daytrips to Glasgow and Stirling, and I hope to visit the Highlands during my time here. Scotland is very much accessible by train. I hopped on the Scotrail from the train station and was able to reach Glasgow in less than an hour. Studying in the UK is convenient if you plan on visiting other countries and cities in Europe. It is a relatively quick flight to neighbouring countries. For example, I took a weekend trip to Dublin, Ireland and it was only less than hour flight from Edinburgh. I definitely recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to explore beyond your university and city while you’re studying abroad! I was able to create memories, discover new places and meet new people that I will carry with me long after my studies are over.
- Olivia
