Settling into university was so easy

Study Law in Scotland My experience with Across the Pond was wonderful! My adviser always responded to my e-mail in a quick span of time and encouraged me to what schools would be best for the experience I was looking for. She would help to look over my personal statements as well as give me any advice on how to further better my application. She was extremely helpful and honestly without her and Across the Pond the application process would have been so much harder.

My favorite aspects from working with Across the Pond is the the advisers genuinely care about the students and what kind of experience they are hoping for in University in the UK. From the application process, to how to go about applying for your visa everything was answered! The information that was given was always very useful, they sent everything you could imagine to answer your questions about going overseas for school. The Visa Application information that they sent I would have to say is the most helpful as it outline exactly what you needed for the application.

Settling into university was so easy. I came on my flight here, visa in hand ready for a new adventure. I settled in very well in to the city of Glasgow. Glasgow is different from my small town of Elora, Ontario. It is a bigger city, bus systems, and lots to do! I still have not explored the whole city (but luckily I have another year and a half to do so!). I have been around different parts of Scotland (travelling is pretty cheap here so it is easy enough to do!).

I choose University of Strathclyde for their Dual Qualification Program so that I would come out with a degree in both English and Scots Law; making it easier for me to come back and practice in Canada. As well as pursue International Law if I so choose.

In my spare time I am apart of the Law Clinic here at Strathclyde as well as apart of the Law Society, I usually go to a cafe in my spare time and do some readings or try to find a new book to read. Sometimes I go for a run or walk to try and see new parts of Glasgow!

Best of luck to you all and I hope your experience is as wonderful as mine has been!

- Jessica

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Glasgow is a fabulous city

Study at Strathclyde

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO SETTLE IN AT STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY?

The process of setting into Scottish university life was fairly easy for me. I had just finished my undergraduate degree in June, so I was still in the mindset of a student. Strathclyde had a number of events planned for new students, as well as events geared toward international students, so I made sure to go to some of those events to meet people. Strathclyde also had a number of excellent facilities (fitness centre, library) that made settling into university life very simple.

WHAT WAS GLASGOW LIKE?

Glasgow is a fabulous city. It has a more industrial vibe than most European cities, and yet it still has a number of beautiful historical sites. Coming from a large city (like Toronto), it was great to be able to walk just about anywhere. In cases where something was a little too far to walk, the single subway loop made it easy to get somewhere without getting lost… you eventually end up right back where you started! There are a number of bars and clubs in Glasgow, and many music and performing artists will make stops there on international tours, so you have the chance to attend those if you so choose. Glasgow also has its own international airport with a bus that goes direct from the city centre to the terminal, so travelling is quite simple.

Weather-wise, Glasgow fits the stereotype of the UK – rainy most days. It doesn’t get too cold (I think it hit negative temperatures less than 5 times all winter), but the rain can drench you pretty quickly if you’re not properly covered. However, when the sun does come out, it’s absolutely beautiful. Almost every restaurant will have some sort of outdoor seating so you can really appreciate the nice weather.

There are a number of shops and malls in the city centre as well, so if you’re looking for designer clothing (or a good bargain), you’ll be able to find it in Glasgow. You don’t have to go very far to find something you absolutely love in this city.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY?

Strathclyde was pretty much a no-brainer for me. In pursuing a Master's in Science (in Forensic Science specifically), there were a few universities in the UK that offered a world-class program. After narrowing down to two choices (King’s College in London and Strathclyde University in Glasgow), I ultimately chose Strathclyde for a few reasons. First, Strathclyde appealed to me slightly more due to the difference in price – as King’s is right in London, everything would have been exponentially more expensive. Second, the style of the program. Strathclyde presented the program as a hands-on learning environment with a number of scenario-based assignments, which really peaked my interest. Being a hands-on learner, I much prefer performing my own experiments than reading about someone else’s. Finally, I spoke with a number of people in the Forensic community, who all assured me that a Strathclyde degree is highly recognized in scientific circles. Knowing that the content I would be studying appealed to me, as well as knowing that the degree would be recognized in a positive light, I chose Strathclyde.

DID YOU LIVE IN UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION OR PRIVATE HOUSING?

I chose to live in private housing, however the housing I chose was only open to students (you had to be a student to rent, but it was not exclusive to one university or college). As such, it felt kind of like a university dorm, except I had way more space. I had a double bed and an ensuite washroom, and I shared a fully-equipped kitchen with 4 other people. My apartment was less than a 10 minute walk from the farthest point of the campus, so it was incredibly convenient. There was also a grocery store right across the street, so I never had to go far for anything I needed.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

The main things I did with my spare time while living in Glasgow were exploring the city, attending fitness classes, and travel. Whenever I had a long break from my studies, I would go and explore somewhere new (both within the UK and beyond). I also did a lot of exploring around the city, attending farmer’s markets and events in the city centre. I also stayed active by going to the gym (a great stress reliever when you’re homesick, I should add).

HAVE YOU DONE ANY TRAVELLING DURING YOUR STUDIES?

In short, yes. Lots. I travelled all over. I travelled to a number of places in Scotland (Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and The Isle of Skye, to name a few). I also spent a long weekend down in London in September, and the weather was beautiful. I also travelled to many countries in Mainland Europe, including Italy, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, and Denmark. If you want to travel, you can definitely find the time.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW STUDENT AT YOUR UNIVERSITY?

I would have to say, get involved. There are so many clubs and committees, as well as an amazing athletic facility! Chances are, there is something that interests you offered by Strathclyde. You’ll get to meet like-minded people from all over the world. It can be a little daunting at first, being in a new country, but if you push yourself out of your comfort zone a little bit, I guarantee you’ll become a better person for it.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE WITH ACROSS THE POND?

My experience with Across the Pond was nothing but positive. In fact, I would call my assigned advisor an invaluable asset in my pursuit of post-graduate education in the UK. He provided me with personalized feedback on my statement of intent and made sure I had all the necessary documentation to apply. Once I had accepted an offer, he kept me up to date with scholarship information and walked me through the visa application process. I really don’t think I could have done all of it on my own, and I’m so glad Across the Pond was there to help me through it!

- Emily

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