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
Living in London was all I hoped it would be
I chose Roehampton because of the stellar reputation of its faculty in the Department of Dance, who are all leading scholars of dance studies. I wanted to continue my study of dance history with specialists in the field, and many of the best dance researchers in the world are at Roehampton.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO STUDY IN LONDON/UK?
I had never studied abroad during my undergraduate career, so the opportunity to spend an entire year in London was very appealing to me.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION?
I am currently in my second year as a Ph.D. student in the History department at Columbia University, where I study 20th century U.S. cultural history, with a particular focus on dance and the performing arts.
DID YOU EVER ENVISION THIS CAREER WHILE STUDYING AT ROEHAMPTON?
Yes. I knew as I was applying to Roehampton that I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. after getting a Master’s. With that plan in mind, I knew that getting my Master’s degree at Roehampton would show a deep commitment to my subject since the university has an international reputation as a leading institution in my field.
DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE AT ROEHAMPTON WILL HELP ELEVATE YOUR CAREER?
Certainly! It is difficult and probably not advisable to enter a Ph.D. program immediately after finishing a bachelor’s degree, since graduate school can be intense work. So, I chose to pursue a master’s degree first before committing to a five-year PhD program. Completing my Master’s in Dance History at Roehampton confirmed my interest in the subject and in continuing my education, while also signaling to prospective programs that I was serious about conducting research at the Ph.D. level.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT ROEHAMPTON?
My most memorable moment was the Thanksgiving that I celebrated abroad. I lived in a flat with seven other women – one American, two from the U.K., and four from Greece. The other American and I decided to throw a full-fledged Thanksgiving celebration for our flat to give the others a taste of a true American holiday. All eight of us went grocery shopping together and crowded the kitchen for a night of cooking, eating, reflecting, and bonding. To this day, all eight of us keep in touch and have even visited each other on both sides of the pond since graduating!
WHAT WAS IT LIKE LIVING AND STUDYING IN LONDON?
Living in London was everything I’d hoped it would be. Roehampton’s area is a beautiful place to live, and the campus itself is like a park full of plants and animals. Yet, the city of London was just a short bus ride away. Sometimes, I would go and walk along the Thames in central London just to remind myself that I was living in one of the greatest cities in the world. I learned just as much from living in London – observing the culture, politics, and societal norms of another nation -- as I did from my coursework.
- Emily
Exactly what I was looking for
Roehampton's Creative Writing course in the heart of London was exactly what I was looking for. As a university that is not too big, it was easier to make the transition.
WHAT MADE YOU ACCEPT ROEHAMPTON?
I accepted Roehampton as the international recruitment staff were very helpful and extremely encouraging.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
I live at one of Roehampton's off campuses accommodations, Spring Mews in Vauxhall.
ARE YOU GLAD YOU ARE AT ROEHAMPTON?
I am very happy at Roehampton. The staff are highly knowledgeable and their resources are plentiful.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF ROEHAMPTON?
The fact that there is an actively encouraged career office, mental health support, sports program, and massive library. Though I probably won't be able to scratch the surface during my time at Roehampton, it is reassuring to have.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COURSE?
I am in the Creative Writing program which means that my course is about professionally applying to be creative. Creativity is a skill like any other that must be cultivated and used in a professional, disciplined way.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL WEEK LIKE?
My typical week is a mixture of lectures and seminars followed by going to the large library to study.
- Elliott
Much more reasonable than expected
I am an international student studying Zoology, which is in the Department of Life Sciences at Whitelands College, a ten-minute walk from the main campus. The program explores various aspects of the animal kingdom, from cell biology and evolution to physiology and ecology. I really enjoy the practical aspect of the course. Through lectures and practicals, lecturers are able to help you shape the skills necessary in a variety of fields. Although the university is based in London, the course takes field trips to locations outside of London and to Wales. There is also an optional field course in South Africa.
I chose to apply to university in the UK on a whim. I had been studying at a community college in the US for two years, which felt like it was going nowhere. I applied to a few schools around London and ultimately chose Roehampton due to its parklands campus and proximity to Richmond Park.
I lived in the dorms for my first year where I met amazing people who became some of my best friends and housemates. Everyone was welcoming and friendly and very patiently taught me how to ride buses and trains! I now live in a house off-campus, in Putney, with a few people a lived in the dorms during my first year. Not only are the campus grounds lovely, but the university is also only a short bus ride from the neighborhoods of Putney, Barnes, and Sheen, which offer shopping as well as a variety of delicious restaurants and cafes. Plus, it’s easy to travel into Central London once you’ve got the hang of public transport!
I really feel like I have been able to build professional relationships with my tutors and lecturers, who are always more than willing to support students with research ideas, grant writing, feedback, and anything else academic. I am happy I chose Roehampton as it has provided a platform for me to develop professionally and academically. I have found the cost of university and living to be much more reasonable than expected, partly due to having a part-time job that I use to offset living expenses. One of the best things about living in London is that it is a cultural hub as well as a scientific hub. It is home to organizations such as ZSL London, the Royal Society of Biology, and many more. With help from the university, it’s easy to get involved with these organizations and many more.
- Brooklynn
