I completed my whole undergrad degree at the University of Roehampton. If you’re considering where to study, here are four reasons why Roehampton could be the perfect choice for you:
One of the things I loved most about Roehampton was the campus itself. It has a traditional university feel, set in stunning parkland that makes it hard to believe you’re still in London. There are so many spots to relax or hang out after lectures. My favourite was The Hive Café, which serves food and drinks made with local and sustainable produce, some of it even grown on campus! There’s also a student bar that hosts events, a gym and sports facilities, and a modern library filled with study spaces, books, and online resources.
Whether you’re into sports, gaming, or just want to meet people who share your interests, Roehampton has plenty of clubs and societies to choose from. There’s a Disney Society, Scandinavian Society, E-sports Society, and the list goes on. And you can always create your own society or adopt an old one! Joining a team or a society is such a lovely way to make friends, and many of them organise events, trips and socials throughout the year.
University can be a big adjustment, but Roehampton has a lot of support in place. There are wellbeing officers available during the day and college wardens out of hours, so there’s always someone you can turn to if you need help. The careers team runs workshops, helps with CVs, and connects students with employers through Handshake, their online platform. On top of that, every student is assigned an Academic Guidance Tutor to provide advice and guidance throughout their time at Roehampton.
Roehampton offers a great mix of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. You’ll find subjects like psychology, dance, and criminology, as well as business-focused degrees such as business management, marketing, and human resource management. Whatever your interests, there’s likely a course that fits.
Studying at Roehampton gave me so much more than just a degree, it gave me a community. Between the campus life, the variety of clubs and societies, the strong support systems, and the course options, Roehampton is a place where you can truly feel at home while working towards your future.
- Erica
My main inspiration for studying in the UK was my passion for learning English. I was captivated by the UK as a multicultural country that brings together people from all over the world. The education system here is excellent, and I genuinely enjoy the music, gigs, and festivals that are integral to its culture. The stunning architecture and picturesque countryside only add to its charm.
Initially, my academic life presented some challenges due to the stark differences in the education system. I had to adapt to extensive reading lists, which I enjoy, as well as writing numerous essays and my dissertation, a skill I needed to refine because I was not accustomed to it. Although it was tough at first, I eventually adjusted and was able to achieve merit and distinction.
On the personal side, my experience was wonderful. I studied in Newcastle, a lovely town in the northeast known for its kind and welcoming residents. The locals were always willing to help, and I met incredible people from all corners of the globe. Through these interactions, I had many enriching experiences, joined various clubs, and formed lasting friendships. It was truly amazing to hear different perspectives and share those experiences. Even when language barriers arose, our friendships flourished through gestures, smiles, and cultural exchanges.
Studying abroad has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I not only learned about diverse cultures but also gained a broader understanding of the world. I will always treasure my time there and would gladly relive it without any reservations.
Throughout this journey, I discovered much about myself. I came to understand where my morals lie, the distinction between cultural and personal values, and the importance of effective communication. I learned to be open-minded and respectful of different viewpoints, cultures, and issues. I also developed independence, adaptability, and the ability to set boundaries, while recognizing how easily I could accommodate others. A highlight of my time was my wonderful swing dance club in Newcastle, which brought me immense joy. They provided a space for me to express myself freely, whether I wanted to be loud or quiet, and they always made an effort to understand me despite the challenges of accents. I'm so grateful for the friends I made from all over the world.
Transitioning from a big city to a small town was a delightful change. In Newcastle, people paid more attention to one another; I never felt a sense of insecurity, and there was always someone willing to lend a hand. Whenever I walked around town, I frequently encountered familiar faces and would greet them with a smile. This slower-paced lifestyle allowed me to form deeper connections with those around me, making it an enriching experience overall. I owe a heartfelt thank you to dear Monica for everything she did to support me.
Looking back, I also learned how brave, strong, intelligent, and adaptable I can be. Navigating a foreign country is undoubtedly challenging, but if you find luck like I did, you may discover another home. 💛🌟
Reflecting on my experience, I wish I had known more about the employment process in the UK, how to apply for part-time jobs, and how to craft a compelling CV. Additionally, I would have benefited from knowing which websites or resources are available for hiring students, and it would have been helpful to create a more detailed budget.
- Miriam
Studying in the United Kingdom was an unparalleled experience. I am an industrial engineer dedicated to supply chain management; mitigating the environmental impact has become my greatest passion. I chose to study in the UK because, in addition to being a leader in sustainable progress, it also represented an immense benchmarking opportunity: to learn first-hand and bring new ideas back to my country, the Dominican Republic, with the hope of paving the way toward a greener future.
Academically, I cannot deny that adapting was a challenge. The professors were excellent, the university’s resources exceeded my expectations, but the grading system was confusing at first. What truly made a difference was the group of friends I built in class. With them, I shared notes, kept track of deadlines, worked on projects, and studied together for exams. That academic community was key in making the year more manageable.
One of my personal goals was to maintain hobbies familiar to my life back home. In the Dominican Republic, I practiced rope climbing, danced Cuban salsa, played guitar, sang, and went to the gym. Upon arriving, I sought to recreate that lifestyle through university clubs, which not only helped ease the initial homesickness but also made it easier to connect with people who shared my interests. On the cultural side, I decided from the very beginning to explore as much as possible. I had the chance to visit London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds, Oxford, Nottingham, York, and of course, my home for the year: Newcastle. If I had to recommend one trip, without a doubt it would be Edinburgh, a magical city that completely stole my heart.
Among the many lessons I take with me, I want to highlight two. The first is understanding the importance of community for both emotional and physical well-being, especially during the colder seasons. For those of us who come from warm climates, winter can be tough, and the temptation to stay indoors is strong. However, my circle of friends encouraged me to go out, make the most of my time, and stay active, something I deeply appreciated. The second lesson is that, beyond academics, the UK has so much to offer: from natural landmarks and sporting events (especially football and tennis) to concerts, themed parties, and a gastronomy as diverse as its people. All of these experiences not only broadened my cultural perspective but also allowed me to feel the spirit of unity that characterizes the country.
Before arriving, I wish I had known just how changeable and intense the British weather can be. It’s not only that it rains, it can rain several times in a single day, often accompanied by winds strong enough to change the direction of your walk. My survival hack was always carrying a hoodie in my bag, ready for anything.
In conclusion, studying in the United Kingdom not only strengthened my academic and professional formation, but also transformed me on a personal level.
- Giselle
My dream was always to study in the UK, and now I'm living that dream. The process was much easier with the help of Across the Pond, who made my life SO much easier by helping me with the paperwork and the necessary requirements. They have experts in different subjects, which is much more helpful, especially with the visa process and various paperwork that can be a bit stressful, but their assistance makes everything easier.
I chose the Master's in Marketing with Festival and Event Management because it combines the best of both worlds. I only found this program at Edinburgh Napier University here in Edinburgh, which is why I came here. The truth is, I never considered studying a Master's in Mexico, where I'm originally from, because studying abroad adds so much more value. Regardless of the academic aspects, the personal learning is on another level. It helps you realise that you are capable of many things, and that you can do many things "on your own," meaning far from family and friends, in an unfamiliar environment, and that makes you mature in many ways. If you're capable of this, you're capable of anything in life.
Napier is a good university with excellent teachers. Everyone always looks for ways to help you and make sure you're okay, especially with mental health issues, something they take into account, which I really liked.
To avoid the hassle of finding private accommodation, I stayed in one of the university buildings, and it was the best decision. They're really comfortable. I had my own space and bathroom. I only shared the kitchen with five other people, but lifelong friendships emerge from there. The building is secure; security personnel come around regularly to check on you. Everyone is very friendly. What I also liked is that there's a laundry room. Personally, I can't live without a washing machine nearby, but that's a matter of taste and personal preference. What I also liked is the central location, which was very close to my campus and the city centre. It's super well connected, with plenty of shops nearby, including the supermarket.
I'm not much of a partyer, but the truth is, the nightlife here isn't anything special. It's not a place for partying, but of course you can find clubs and places to go. I prefer sitting in a pub, having a beer and chatting.
The people here in Edinburgh are lovely; everyone is very friendly and cool. They don't hesitate to help you if they see you need help; they reach out. That really gives this city a huge plus. Speaking of which, I'm from Mexico City, a huge city with millions of people, and being here in Edinburgh, which is also a city, makes a big difference. It's a small city, with few inhabitants, and very quiet, and above all, safe.
Something I also like about this side of the world are the trains. They're very easy to take, and in just a few hours you're already in another city. They're very practical and you can get affordable prices. The bus routes are also super well-designed, and it's easy to get anywhere. The app is very easy and practical.
In my free time, I rested, hung out with friends, went sightseeing, and also started working, where I've met a lot of people. It's a job that doesn't feel like a job, and the good thing is that it allows me to earn an income during my time here.
I've already finished my master's degree, and my graduation is coming up soon, and I'm very excited. I actually plan to stay in the UK, as I'll be applying for a graduate visa, which will allow me to work here for two years.
If you're coming to study in the UK, I recommend you enjoy every step and every process. No matter how stressful it can be, it's all part of the experience. But much of this process is made easier, as I mentioned, thanks to the help of Across the Pond. Everyone is very friendly, they help you with any issue, even the smallest ones, and they respond very quickly. Thanks to them, everything was much easier. They answered all my questions, and it's thanks to them that I learned about this master's degree. I told my advisor, the areas I wanted to study. He sent me a list of all the options in the United Kingdom. I narrowed down a few until I was left with three, but my first choice was the one I studied because it has the two industries that interest me the most.
And well, here I am, writing about my adventure of more than a year, including the time Across the Pond accompanied me throughout the process. I'm sitting at my desk in my new room, having recently moved because my contract in university accommodation ended. I'm happy to have finished my master's degree and excited about graduating. I'm also excited about everything that's coming up in my personal and professional life. I'm ready to apply for the graduate visa and now I'll start looking for a job. I'm sure something great will come of it.
Trust that like thousands of people, including me, this life experience will go incredibly well for you, because it's something you'll be able to tell your children about. Enjoy university, your life away from your home country. Although the distance can sometimes be great, video calls bring us closer to our friends and family. Make new friends, as I'm sure they'll be lifelong. Enjoy the good times and the bad, because everything passes; the good stays in the heart, and the bad serves as a lesson and experience. Enjoy every moment and dare to do anything; life is one.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jess, my friend who recommended Across the Pond to me, and my advisor for being an excellent advisor. Thank you for making the paperwork so much easier and more understandable.
- Maria Fernanda
My dream was always to live in the UK, and I can say I've achieved it!!! I'm living my dream of living here while studying for a master's degree. It's something I never imagined would happen, but dreams do exist, and here I am, writing these lines from my room in Edinburgh.
Studying a master's degree here is an inexplicable experience; one must live it to truly appreciate it. My words aren't enough to express everything I've experienced. Time flew by; you experience so many things that time is lost. My academic life was incredible. I really enjoyed going to classes, meeting people from all over the world, people with specific dreams and goals, all of whom met in the same classroom. I met a Spanish girl who's been living here for 10 years, an Englishman who came with his girlfriend and both studied for a master's degree, a girl from India, a girl from Turkey who just moved to Edinburgh from Manchester, and a girl who's half Greek and half Scottish. In short, we all came from different countries with different backgrounds and stories, and we found ourselves on this path. Life brought us together, and wow, I can't believe we're about to graduate!
Regardless of your academic achievements, you learn a lot as a person. You discover parts of yourself you didn't know existed. You learn to be strong, capable, and brave. But above all, you mature in a way that wouldn't happen if you stayed in your own country. It's a way of seeing life differently, of opening your mind and heart.
Sometimes the distance can feel overwhelming, but in truth, thanks to technology, this distance is greatly shortened. You'll miss the hugs and cuddles of family and friends, but a video call resets everything.
What I like about traveling and this experience is that you learn about other cultures, a different mentality, and a completely different pace of life. Everything is different, but after a while, it becomes familiar. You're no longer a stranger, you're part of the place. You no longer feel like a visitor, you're moving around like a resident.
Obviously, I'll take with me all the academic lessons, but the life lessons will stay with me forever. Every time I experienced something extraordinary, I thought, "I'm going to tell my children about this," and that excited me even more. I'm living experiences that I'll tell my children as bedtime stories.
What would I have liked to have known before arriving? Oddly enough, nothing. I love the adventure of the unknown and learning about what I didn't know and now know.
- Maria Fernanda
Hi, I’m Juan Carlos from Chile, and a year ago I decided to take a big step. I put my life on hold in Chile, my job, my family and my friends, to pursue a dream and study in the United Kingdom. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I wanted to deepen my knowledge of finance in one of the most renowned countries for it, immerse myself in a completely different culture, adapt to new challenges and discover new ways of seeing the world. That’s how I arrived at the University of Birmingham to study the MSc Financial Management, and I can say with absolute certainty that it has been one of the best decisions of my life.
Preparing my application was a huge challenge. I was working full time and had to balance my responsibilities with the application process. There were moments of uncertainty, but thanks to the support of Across the Pond everything became much easier. Their guidance at every stage gave me the confidence I needed to take this big step. Today, I can say the effort was worth it. I have learned so much, made friends from all over the world and lived experiences I will never forget.
The University of Birmingham impressed me with its vibrant campus, excellent academic resources and the quality of its professors. But the most enriching part has been the diversity, meeting people from different cultures, sharing experiences and learning from unique perspectives. This journey has opened my mind and prepared me for a globalized world.
Before arriving, I was worried about finding accommodation, but there were plenty of options at reasonable prices, which gave me peace of mind from day one. And when it comes to Birmingham, it is a city full of life. As a Latin American, the nightlife is something you cannot miss, there are parties every week and always something new to discover.
If you are thinking about studying in the UK, go for it. There will be fears, but the experiences, friendships and opportunities you will gain will far outweigh any uncertainty. Come with an open mind, enjoy every moment and if you can, rely on Across the Pond, they will make your journey so much easier.
- Juan Carlos
For me, studying abroad has been as much about personal growth as it has been about academics. Moving across the world forced me to become more independent and to figure out how to adapt quickly to a new environment.
Another big part of the experience has been travel. Coming from North America, I’ve loved how connected Europe is. Flights and trains make it easy to take trips I’d never be able to do at home. Some of my favourite memories so far include celebrating Halloween in Lisbon and Lagos, Portugal, visiting magical Christmas markets in Sweden and Denmark, and taking a weekend trip to Edinburgh for even more Christmas markets. Those opportunities are one of the best parts of living here.
I chose York because I wanted somewhere smaller and more personal than London, but still lively. The city is full of medieval streets, old stone walls, and beautiful architecture. It feels like you’re walking through history every day. People are also genuinely friendly, which makes settling in a lot easier.
York is the right size: big enough that there’s always something going on, but small enough that you get to know it really well. I’ve loved the pop-up markets, abundance of thrift shops, and spending time in cafés and pubs. Some of my favourite spots are Shambles Korner, Gatehouse Coffee, Valhalla Pub, House of Trembling Madness, Nola, and SPARK. If you want to know what’s happening around the city, I recommend following @york.uk and @york.independentlife on Instagram.
One of the main reasons I chose York Law School is its unique problem-based learning (PBL) approach. I found the idea of working through real-life legal problems in small groups much more engaging than traditional lecture-heavy teaching. It’s been a great way to learn because it mirrors how lawyers actually think and work, and it makes classes feel collaborative rather than competitive. I’ve really enjoyed the mix of seminars, workshops, and independent study, and I feel like it’s helped me develop not just legal knowledge but also practical skills like teamwork, research, and communication.
- Cristina
York is super walkable, which I love, but buses are handy too. As a student you can ride free on the U1 and U2 buses within campus. The U1 is free until Green Dykes Lane and the U2 is free until The Retreat. If you live off campus or plan to go into the city center frequently I would definitely suggest buying a term or annual bus pass on the First Bus app. Many students buy bikes, and Ubers are always available.
The trains here are great. From York you can get to Manchester and Edinburgh in about 2.5 hours, and London in 3.5 hours. Definitely get a Railcard for discounts and try to book tickets in advance. I’ve used nearby airports like Manchester and Leeds Bradford for my Europe trips, it makes weekend travel really easy.
There are a few different types of housing for students in York. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- On-campus accommodation is usually cheaper but you don’t get much choice about what type of room you get and may end up sharing spaces. This is a great way to make friends, but of course some people value more private living spaces.
- Off-campus student residences are pricier but often nicer and full of international students, which makes it easy to meet likeminded people.
- Private rentals are the most affordable long-term, but landlords usually want you to view properties in person, so it’s a better option for after completing first-year. If you’re looking for housing after your first year, this usually starts around November/December.
And if you’re leaving for the summer, don’t forget about storage (spaces book up quickly)!
I set up a local bank account, but getting a Wise card has also been really helpful for quickly and easily converting money into any currency I needed when travelling.
Hope this helps!
- Cristina
After living on campus for two years, I decided to try something new and live off campus. It was time to step out of my comfort zone at Roehampton and experience London in a different way. Another uni friend and I started looking for two-bedroom flats, and that turned out to be an interesting experience, to say the least. Finding private housing is a long process with many factors to consider.
The London rental market moves quickly and is extremely competitive. If you find a place you like, you have to act fast! We started searching months before we planned to move, but many flats only get listed a few weeks before availability, which is quite stressful when your current lease is about to end.
We used sites like Zoopla, Rightmove, and OpenRent to browse listings and contact estate agents or landlords. I reached out to many agents but often didn’t hear back. Sometimes they would only respond when I used my UK number instead of my Norwegian one.
Being an international student definitely made the process harder. Some places don’t accept students, only working professionals. Others only allow families, not multiple sharers. You also need a UK guarantor (a UK resident with a good credit history and sufficient income to cover the rent) if your yearly salary isn’t high enough. If you don’t have a guarantor, you may have to pay up to six months’ rent upfront.
On top of that, you have to find the best deals for gas, electricity, and Wi-Fi, set up your bills, and manage maintenance issues yourself or with your landlord.
Despite all this, the outcome was worth it. I loved living off campus. We were closer to central London and able to explore different neighbourhoods, something I wouldn’t have done on campus. Public transport options were good, with multiple nearby train stations, and we were close to shops, gyms, and amenities.
Living independently also helped me develop real-life skills like budgeting and household management. We had complete autonomy, set our own schedule, and made all the decisions for our home. Sharing a flat with only one other person was much calmer than living with seven, offering more privacy and fewer distractions.
Another bonus? You can decorate your flat however you like and truly make it feel like home.
Overall, I loved living off campus! It gave me independence, personal space, and a home I could make my own. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve decided to rent privately again for my master’s degree in London
- Erica
If you’re planning to study at Roehampton and considering living on campus, you might be wondering what that’s really like. During my first two years, I lived in Roehampton student accommodation. First in Shaw House on the main campus, and later in Whitelands College.
Both experiences were very different, and I learned a lot about the pros and cons of living in student accommodation. Here’s my honest take.
When I first moved to London, I was assigned to Shaw House in a quite quiet all-girls flat. While the location was convenient (close to lectures and main campus facilities), the flat didn’t suit what I was looking for.
Most of the people I’d met at uni events lived in Whitelands College (about a 15-minute walk from main campus). Whitelands felt like its own little community, and the flats were much more social in my opinion. I moved there soon after, stayed for my second year, and even over the summer before my third.
That move completely changed my uni experience! I met so many more people and had a much more social life on campus.
When I first moved to London, I thought student accommodation would be the easiest way to settle in, and it was. It made the transition to uni life smoother. Yes, there are a few downsides (like basic rooms and travel times), but overall, living on campus was such a big part of my Roehampton experience. I met friends I might not have otherwise.
- Erica
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