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
Cultivating Creativity in Belfast
Although I came to Queen’s University Belfast to study children’s rights, I knew that if I wanted to get the most out of my experience studying in the UK, I needed to make space for my creative side too. I found that nurturing my artistic self gave me a chance to recharge, meet people outside my programme, and ultimately helped my academic life flourish.
Here are six of the many ways I found creativity and community while studying at Queen’s University Belfast.
1) Discover Belfast’s Art Scene at Late Night Art
Late Night Art is an art crawl held on the first Thursday of every month across galleries, museums, and other creative spaces throughout Belfast. It is a fantastic way to explore the city, and all of the participating venues offer free drinks and snacks along the way.
The venues change each month, which keeps it exciting. Two of my favourites were Craft NI Gallery, which showcased work from local artists with live demonstrations, and The Black Box theatre, which has a really fun alternative atmosphere.
Late Night Art is also a great low-pressure activity to do with new friends. You can spend as much or as little time as you want at each venue, and you never know who you might meet along the way!
2) Live Music, Lemon Loaf and Art at Crescent Arts Centre
When I was looking for somewhere to live, I wanted to be close to a creative space, so I chose Prestige Student Living Aster House student accommodation right next to the Crescent Arts Centre. This ended up being one of my favorite parts of living in South Belfast.
The centre has a coffee shop with some of the best homemade lemon loaf I have ever had, surrounded by artwork from the creative classes offered throughout the year. On Saturdays, you can often find live traditional music while people study, draw, and chat.
I also took a beginner fan-dancing class there, which was definitely outside of my comfort zone. That was one of the things I loved most about Belfast: there were always opportunities to try something completely new.
3) Make Friends Over Crafts at Local Pubs
One of my favorite ways to meet people in Belfast was through a biweekly craft night at The American Bar. There were general craft nights as well as live drawing sessions, so I could grab a drink, make something, and meet people from across the city, not just students from Queen’s.
These nights became much more meaningful than simply having something fun to do after class. They were where I met some of my closest friends in Belfast and gave me something to look forward to during particularly busy periods of my degree.
I met so many artists and learned about creative practices I would never have encountered otherwise. Sometimes, sitting around a table making something together is all it takes to turn new acquaintances into the best of friends.
4) Get Creative on Campus at Queen’s
There is a reason why Queen's Students' Union is voted best in the UK. One of my favorite experiences there was a series of embroidery workshops led by a professional embroidery artist. Each week introduced a different technique, and the workshops brought together postgraduate and undergraduate students from departments across the university.
I learned how to embroider with dried flowers and experiment with new materials, and it was such a nice way to step away from academic work for a while. Queen’s also made the experience feel especially welcoming by providing tea, scones, and biscuits during the workshops.
The spaces filled up quickly, so I bookmarked the “What’s On” section of their website and learned to sign up as soon as possible!
5) Take a Creative Day Trip to Lisburn’s Knit + Stitch Show
If you love textiles, crafts, or simply discovering something new, the annual Knit + Stitch Show in Lisburn is worth putting on your calendar in November. It is an easy day trip from Belfast, with a short train journey followed by a bus directly to the convention centre.
The show brings together local artists, vendors, and heritage craft groups. I learned about three-dimensional appliqué embroidery, explored the artists’ gallery, watched a fashion show, and discovered traditional crafts through local guilds. My favorites were the lace guild and the spinners, and I even bought a spindle so I could try making my own yarn!
There are also plenty of beginner kits and classes, so it is very easy to get carried away shopping. If you go, I recommend making a full day of it with friends and signing up for at least one workshop.
One practical tip: bring your own snacks, water, and lunch if you can. Food at the exhibition can be expensive, and you will probably want to save your spending money for all the craft supplies!
6) Give Back Through Community Arts
I have always believed in giving back to the communities I am part of, so volunteering was another important part of my experience in Belfast.
I volunteered at Arts-For-All, a community arts centre at the Cityside shopping mall, where every week I got to make crafts with toddlers and their grownups. This particular organization offered creative programmes for people from all different backgrounds and walks of life, so there was always something new to learn. One of the highlights was watching the children grow throughout the year and learning which craft materials and colors were their favorites.
If you have the time, I really recommend volunteering consistently rather than treating it as a one-off activity. Giving your time to the community can be incredibly rewarding, and it is also one of the best ways to feel connected to a new place.
There Is Always Something New to Experience
These are only six of the dozens of ways I was able to connect with the arts while living in Belfast. The city has a wonderfully active creative scene, with festivals, exhibitions, workshops, performances, and community events happening all throughout the year. The city is littered with flyers, posters, and banners, so keep an eye out.
Most importantly, do not limit yourself to the things you already know you enjoy. Studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to try something completely new, whether it is a new craft, a class, or simply appreciating an exhibit with strangers.
For me, creativity helped me build friendships, become part of the local community, discover new interests, and showed me that I could build a life abroad and truly make Belfast feel like home.
– Christine
Betting on Myself: How an Education Loan Made My UK Master's Possible
After ten years building a career across global tech, lifestyle media, and my own marketing agency, studying in the UK wasn't a whim, it was the next deliberate step. I'd spent years telling other brands' stories: first at a global technology company, then across established lifestyle media titles, and later running my own boutique agency for clients in retail and hospitality. What I didn't have yet was the formal, internationally recognized credential that would let me compete for senior marketing roles at the kind of companies I actually wanted to work for that could expose me to international markets. An MSc in International Marketing Management from Leeds University Business School was exactly that missing piece.
But knowing what I needed and being able to pay for it in pounds, as a Mexican professional without a family fund sitting around, are two very different problems. That's where FIDERH came in. I didn't want to liquidate my savings or put my career transition on hold while I "saved enough", by the time I'd saved enough, the opportunity cost of staying in the same role for another two or three years would have outweighed the loan itself. A structured credit meant I could enroll now, on my own terms, and repay it once I was already earning the return on that investment.
For me, everything lined up perfectly, and a big part of that was having Across the Pond guide me through the process and tell me exactly what documentation I needed. That support helped me tremendously in structuring my application, making sure I had everything in place to apply on time and move through each stage that followed: acceptance, financing, the visa, and all the many questions that come to mind when moving abroad.
If I'm honest, I had real doubts before I signed anything. Was I "too senior" to go back to being a student? Was I about to take on debt for a degree that might not move the needle the way I hoped? There's also a quieter fear that doesn't get talked about enough: leaving the stability of a steady job at a global company to start again, from zero, in a new country. What got me past it was reframing the loan not as a risk but as the most direct route to the career I actually wanted, and trusting that ten years of real experience made me a stronger MSc candidate, not a late one.
Without that credit, this degree simply doesn't happen on this timeline. It's what turned "I should study abroad eventually" into an acceptance letter, a flight to Leeds, and as of this year, a completed dissertation. It also meant I could actually be present for the experience: taking on a leadership role with the Women in Leadership Society, becoming Student Representative for my programme, and building my own network, instead of white-knuckling every tuition payment.
If you're a Mexican professional weighing whether a credit like this is "worth it" to study in the UK, for me, it wasn't the leap of faith it felt like at the start. It was the bridge between where I was and where I actually wanted to go.
- Abish
Moving to the UK? Breathe
Moving to a different country can be terrifying, especially when it feels like you are unprepared and nothing is going your way. I know that feeling all too well.
When I was preparing to move to the UK, I had to apply for my visa just one month before my course was due to start because of an issue with my results. Without a visa, no student accommodation would accept me. By then, most of the good options were already booked, and I was left wondering whether I would even get to live out my dream of studying Law at the University of Leicester.
It felt like everything was happening at the last minute. But somehow, it all worked out.
Finding Accommodation
Finding accommodation without a visa was one of the most stressful parts of the process. With most student accommodation already fully booked, I had to look elsewhere.
My biggest piece of advice is don’t be afraid to ask around. Join your course group chats, contact seniors, or look for your country’s student society. You might find someone looking for a replacement tenant or a housemate. Furthermore, online accommodation and property websites are my best friends. Check them regularly because new listings can appear at any time.
Eventually, I viewed a room in a five-bedroom house. Interestingly, the landlady herself pointed me towards another property she was managing. I ended up renting an ensuite room in a flat with three kind and friendly flatmates, just ten minutes from the city centre.
So, if you’re doing everything at the last minute, remember: last minute doesn’t necessarily mean impossible. You might even end up somewhere better than you would have chosen months in advance.
Overthinking Packing
When I finally got confirmation that I was coming to the UK, I panicked about packing. At the time, fashion and dressing well felt incredibly important to me, so I was worried about not bringing everything I wanted.
Looking back, I realise it really wasn’t that serious.
Bring enough clothes to get yourself started, but don’t stress about bringing your entire wardrobe. Coming from Malaysia, a warmer climate country, I found that bringing one warm outer layer was enough initially. You can always buy sweaters, coats and other winter essentials once you arrive. Charity and second-hand shops can also be great places to find affordable clothes. More importantly, make a checklist of your essential documents — your passport, other forms of identification, CAS and anything else you need for your journey and university. Those should always be your priority.
You’re going to be okay
Most importantly, breathe. Not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay.
Your university is there to support you, so don’t be afraid to reach out when you need help.
Try not to let the panic take away from the excitement of starting a completely new chapter of your life. Take in the little moments, such as your first day on campus, your first meal with new friends, getting lost in a new city, and slowly making a place feel like home.
Looking back, these became some of the best years of my life. Not because everything went perfectly, but because of everything I experienced along the way.
So, if you’re moving to the UK and everything feels overwhelming right now, take a breath. You’re going to be okay.
- Nurinna
