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
Profoundly life-changing
I was looking for a world-class university that was known for its strong Life Science programs. Roehampton fit the bill perfectly. Roehampton also had the distinct advantage of being located in London with unique colleges each specializing in their respective areas. Once I discovered Roehampton I took a leap of faith and applied without ever having visited the university or the UK. That choice profoundly changed my life for the better!
WHY DID YOU WANT TO STUDY IN LONDON/UK?
I have always been an Anglophile. Since I was a boy I loved British films, culture, sports, and the history of the UK. When I was an undergraduate student I had the opportunity to study abroad in the UK and I let it pass me by. I deeply regretted that decision, therefore when I was considering pursuing my Master’s degree, I researched Master’s programs abroad and found Roehampton. Having never been to the UK, I felt London was the best choice to explore the UK. I knew London was a world-class city, hence I would find something that interested me even though I had never been to the city or knew anyone in the UK prior to my arrival!
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION?
I have worked within the US healthcare industry for the last 9 years as a professional data analyst, clinical director, and in my current role as a Quality Improvement Analyst/Consultant. I specialize in assisting primary care providers with quality improvement analysis, data aggregation, and implementation of various government lead initiatives.
DID YOU EVER ENVISION THIS CAREER WHILE STUDYING AT ROEHAMPTON?
Never in a million years did I think I would be working on projects of this size, scope, and importance.
DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE AT ROEHAMPTON WILL HELP ELEVATE YOUR CAREER?
Without a doubt, my Roehampton degree opened many doors for me. Having my MSc from a British school has allowed me to stand out from other professionals in my field.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT ROEHAMPTON?
I met my future wife at Heathrow Airport on my first day in London. She was heading to Roehampton just like me!
WHAT WAS IT LIKE LIVING AND STUDYING IN LONDON?
Profoundly life-changing. Amazing, exciting, and a real eye-opener.
- Benjamin
The faculty have shown interest in my success
I am very passionate about Archaeology, and in order to continue pursuing my research interests I decided to get a postgraduate degree.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE AND THE SUBJECT YOU ARE STUDYING?
I love how hands-on the coursework is and the fact that we don’t just read and talk about methods. We actually learn how to execute them properly.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD?
The diverse research interests of the professors, especially those of my advisor, and the city itself.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO STUDY IN THE UK?
The culture of graduate/postgraduate study outside of the US is very different, and I’ve found the change to be very positive.
WHICH SCHOLARSHIP HAVE YOU BEEN AWARDED?
The International Merit Postgraduate Scholarship
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY?
It’s fantastic! My professors are all very engaged and excited to teach; plus being a postgraduate student makes everything more personal, and you really get to know everyone. I’ve also made a lot of great friends!
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR DEGREE AT SHEFFIELD?
I plan to pursue work in the field for a year or two while I decide what specific subject I would like to study for my PhD.
HOW HAS THE DEPARTMENT AND/OR UNIVERSITY HELPED YOU TO WORK TOWARDS REACHING YOUR GOALS AFTER GRADUATION?
I’ve been given so much advice and encouragement, and the faculty here has shown a great interest in my future success.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN SHEFFIELD?
I love the city itself, especially because it’s so pedestrian-friendly. I also love how dedicated Sheffield is to the arts. The accessibility to local history is very exciting.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT THING TO GET USED TO WHILST LIVING IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY?
Missing friends and family back home.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS FROM YOUR HOME COUNTRY THINKING ABOUT STUDYING A POSTGRADUATE COURSE IN ARCHAEOLOGY AT SHEFFIELD?
Don’t be afraid! While things may take time to become accustomed to, there will always be people to help, and you’ll make amazing friends here. Additionally, this is a world-renowned department with friendly and engaged faculty. Studying here will be very advantageous to your future career.
- Rhianna
The most fun and exciting times of my life
Describing my university experience in the United Kingdom is a difficult task, as it has honestly been one of the most fun and exciting times of my life. I heartily recommend this experience to anyone who is thinking about a Master's, as living and studying in a new country allows you to not only explore new cultures, but also appreciate home more. At the beginning of my experience, settling into the university was a lot easier than expected. I live in university accommodation so everyone I met was in a similar situation of being in a new city (or country) and of knowing no one, we all became fast friends. The university offered services and a welcome package to help me every step of the way; it was an exciting time and while it was a little scary coming to a university in a new country I was able to settle in and become comfortable here in no time.
As a student of medieval archaeology, I chose University of Sheffield because of its amazing archaeology department and the comprehensive courses offered. The quality and direction of the education I was going to be receiving was the most important factor in my decision to choose Sheffield University, and it has since proven to be a good choice.
Sheffield is an interesting city. It was originally very industrial and has since transitioned into a very hip and welcoming place to live. There is always something to do, either in the city centre or in the peak district, and it is small enough that I feel very comfortable moving about and yet large enough to host any number of events and festivals. That being said, the cost of living is much greater in the United Kingdom simply because the pound is stronger than the Canadian dollar. This has impacted my lifestyle in certain ways; I eat out much less and I don’t spend as much on things I want. I tend to put any extra I have into travelling the county, something I do quite often! At the beginning of the year, when I had less coursework, I would visit one city in the surrounding area every weekend, exploring the country and having small adventures. The British transit system is amazingly easy to navigate and there are few places you cannot get to. Cities like Manchester and York have become regular destinations, and from Sheffield I have been able to travel to London, Edinburgh, and even Paris at very little expense. I would definitely recommend a rail pass!
Without Across the Pond, I don’t think I would have had the courage to apply for my Master's in the United Kingdom. It was such a daunting task, and having someone who understood the process and who was there to support me in my academic endeavours was an invaluable resource, making my experience applying for my Master's much less stressful and intimidating than it otherwise would have been.
- Hilary
