The best experience of my life
My experience living and studying in Scotland has been the best experience of my life. The staff at RGU were so accommodating to international students and worked hard in providing us with a superior education that has proven itself over and over with the quality of graduates returning to begin employment in their home countries.
My program (MSc Physiotherapy pre registration) was a special one for me, giving me opportunities to do placements all over the country and meet so many of Scotland’s people. The locals were always so polite and kind and also curious to learn more about me and my culture.
The friends that I made in the program continue to be close to me even though we are located at all points on the globe. This international network has certainly made travel a lot more fun.
My degree gives me a new, international, perspective to healthcare. This perspective is attractive to employers who are used to seeing candidates with Canadian degrees. My degree also is a great conversation piece for my patients that I see everyday, who are intrigued to see how their life is different from those in another country.
- Liam
A perfect fit
With its highly specialized research program and the world-class faculty, Roehampton was, simply, the perfect fit for me when looking at MA possibilities. I found nowhere else in the world that had the modules directly linked to my research interests and faculty members that actively cared about my well-being. Receiving a quick, personalized email reply from Professor Andrée Grau sealed the deal that Roehampton was the place for me.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO STUDY IN LONDON/UK?
As a thriving European metropolis, I knew that London would give me plenty of possibilities to travel around Europe, discover cultural happenings in the big city, and find plenty of opportunities for newness. As a LUIP ambassador, on behalf of Roehampton, I was able to engage with many of the activities and experiences I had hoped to discover before arriving.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION?
I am currently a full-time freelance flamenco dancer and researcher, as well as co-founder and director of Al Margen Flamenco Company. After managing two careers for four years, as a dancer and high school Spanish teacher, I recently realized that I needed to dedicate all my energies and attention to dance. My current pursuit reminds me quite a bit of the path I was on while at Roehampton, which was one of the happiest and most fulfilling years of my life.
DID YOU EVER ENVISION THIS CAREER WHILE STUDYING AT ROEHAMPTON?
Yes. Returning to New York City to teach Spanish in high school was, actually, a diversion from my expected path. Even though my undergraduate degree was in Spanish education, I spent years after, including London, pursuing dance and research. This career move almost seems to pick up from where I left off in London and at Roehampton. Roehampton allowed me to do purposeful research, create artistic works, and engage with people both within and outside of my identity communities, which is what I plan to dedicate myself to moving forward.
DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE AT ROEHAMPTON WILL HELP ELEVATE YOUR CAREER?
My degree at Roehampton absolutely helped elevate my career. It introduced not only an intense focus to detail in research but, also, exposed me to a number of different approaches to dance, theory, and practice. The way I approach dance and research, today, is in no small part due to my skills attained at Roehampton.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT ROEHAMPTON?
My most memorable moment was, actually, during the first month when Professor Ann David invited me to attend a dance performance in the city. The dance performance related to my interests in gender and contemporary dance, so she took the initiative to bring me under her wings and show that our department was a caring, nurturing family. This set the tone for the rest of the year, which continued in a similar fashion.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE LIVING AND STUDYING IN LONDON?
As a New Yorker, I was intrigued by how I was going to feel in a big city other than my own, but I was pleasantly surprised. As the meeting point of so many immigrants and cultures, I felt like I could explore something new every day. Just when I thought I found all that London had to offer, there was another engaging exhibit, pop-up shop, neighborhood event, etc. that would leave me wondering more.
- Ryan
The best experience of my life
Choosing to study abroad and complete my master's degree in a different country was the most nerve-racking, but most exciting decision of my life. One that I will never forget!
Studying at Roehampton University, London, has been the best experience and has opened my eyes to a new world. Upon arriving at the university there was a welcome orientation and getting settled in was very easy and accommodating. The staff was there throughout the process to answer any questions or concerns. The campus was more beautiful than I had imagined, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who really prefers a campus university.
Also, if you are a postgraduate student, the postgraduate dorms are located a bit off of Main Campus, therefore it is less busy and more peaceful. The cost of living is a bit more than I had anticipated, although getting used to the currency exchange takes no time at all. I found that I adjusted to the currency exchange comparison fairly easily.
The best part about studying in a different country was the opportunity to travel and see the world. The fact that I was able to finish my master's degree in International Business as well as take trips and weekend getaways all over Europe is what has made choosing to study at the University of Roehampton, London, the best experience of my entire life.
- Michelle
Best choice I ever made
Going to the University of Roehampton has been the best choice I have ever made! It has given me invaluable experiences and amazing lifelong friends. I have felt supported by Roehampton's staff every step of the way, whether it be an academic or personal problem.
The social life at Roehampton is amazing and one of the most special parts about campus life. There is always something going on, which makes socializing so easy!
Living in London is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience as well. Public transportation is easily accessible all across London, which makes it so easy for sightseeing and traveling from different parts of London.
Overall, Roehampton is a great fit for all aspiring students. It makes every student feel at home in as big of a city like London
- Jessica
Amazing
I was born and raised in the United States, in a town that I never had the chance to leave. The idea of traveling was always something that I yearned for, but couldn’t quite figure out how to do. In high school, I learned about doing my studies abroad, being able to do my studies in London gave me the chance to finally fulfill a dream while also getting a degree. When I visited London, I toured three London universities and Roehampton just felt right. As someone who never lived in another country, let alone a big city before, a campus felt like the right choice, I could be in London and still have a community right outside my door. Having a campus took away from the stress of having to find my classes, a social life, and other necessary resources, while 3000 miles away from home. The other reason I chose Roehampton was the beautiful, natural landscapes surrounding parts of the university which gave it the perfect balance between urban and natural landscapes.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY?
For me, the best part of university has been the independence I gained and what came with that. Living on my own, buying my own food, and just making my own decisions was an essential part of my character growth in the past two years. I am a much more confident person in so many ways and much happier and more content with what I am doing in life.
WHAT TOPICS HAVE YOU FOUND INTERESTING/EXCITING SO FAR?
As a photography student, the two main topics that were the most exciting for me were learning how to use film and analog cameras and having access to a ton of art theory. In both of these categories, the main reason for my interest is the fact they gave me inspiration and helped me to develop as an artist. Film photography forced me to take a hands-on approach to my work that digital photography does not always let you do, and having access to art theory of all kinds fuelled my love for learning about Art.
WHAT IS THE BEST ASPECT OF YOUR DEGREE?
The Art Theory aspect of my course has been by far the greatest part of my degree. When applying to universities I knew I did not want to just learn how to use the equipment, I also wanted to learn about all the people and things that have influenced photography as an art. Having a heavy theory-based course was very important to me and the lecturers at Roehampton have fulfilled that. Every lecturer has a very in-depth understanding of art theory, and their personal influencers all vary so there is a wide range of artists, philosophers, etc. they will recommend, and the library does contain all the books needed and more.
CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT ANY ACTIVITIES/PROJECTS/FIELD TRIPS YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THROUGH YOUR DEGREE?
Since photography is a visual medium, there is a ton of practical work that goes on into our first and second years. We take trips to museums, like the Tate and The Photographers’ Gallery. We also work outside constantly and are encouraged during practical classes like Advanced Skills to shoot on campus with different types of cameras. Lastly, as a third-year, I am lucky enough to be able to take part in a gallery exhibition in Brixton put together with the help of the university and other 3rd years called “Free Range”.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO AFTER YOU HAVE GRADUATED?
Currently, I am applying to master's programs and looking to continue my studies in the Fine Arts. I am also working on becoming a working artist by getting my name out as a photographer and working on a photo book that I hope to submit to different photography exhibitions and competitions. My main goal has always been to figure out how to be a working artist in some way, shape, or form, and while my journey is far from over Roehampton has been an amazing part of it.
WHAT SUPPORT HAVE YOU BEEN GIVEN AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
As one could imagine moving away to university is difficult, but there is even more difficulty that comes with going a whole ocean away. Roehampton was there to help me from the beginning processes, getting my visa, enrolling, understanding UCAS, etc. Another thing I have been supported well with is the medical center and mental health counseling on campus, which is open the same way to international students as it is to UK citizens. University is stressful for anyone and I have found that Roehampton offers a wide range of support when the stress becomes too much. It is a university that is there for every student and creates unique support for everyone.
AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT, WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED ABOUT YOUR TIME AT ROEHAMPTON?
Roehampton has been an amazing time overall, the community is something that I really enjoy, even though it’s a big university, you don’t feel like a small fish in a big pond. The community is tight-knit and there are so many things to get involved in, societies to join, sports to try, there’s constantly something happening. Coming from so far away to a totally new country I was afraid I would not make friends, I was worried I would be very lonely, but at Roehampton, it almost seems impossible to not find friends.
As someone who had never lived in a big city, let alone another country, a campus was the right choice as I could be in London and still have a community outside my door. Roehampton helped me throughout the process, from understanding UCAS and enrolling, to getting my visa. Coming from so far away I was afraid I would not make friends and would be very lonely, but at Roehampton, it almost seems impossible to not find friends.
- Emma
