Discovering Human-Computer Interaction
Since finishing my degree in Visual Communication, I had always had the idea of pursuing a master’s degree abroad. However, I was not sure what I wanted to study, so I chose to develop my career professionally in Mexico for nine years before making that decision. During that time, I worked in a variety of roles related to traditional graphic design. Although I enjoyed design, I felt that these roles did not allow me to explore other areas that also interested me, particularly technology and business.
I decided to take a UX/UI design bootcamp, which helped me rethink my portfolio and eventually led me to a job at a startup in Mexico City. There, I felt that I had found the area of design in which I wanted to develop my career. I was able to grow within the same company and eventually became the head of the product design team. This experience helped me better understand the kind of work I wanted to specialise in, but it also made me realise how much I still did not know. Towards the end of that same year, the company's situation worsened and several colleagues and I were made redundant. I found myself facing a decision: I could use my redundancy payment as a deposit towards buying a flat and continue with my life as it was, or I could use it to pursue a master’s degree abroad and expand my professional and personal horizons. I chose the latter.
I then began looking for an agency that could help me with the process of studying in London. At first, I was interested in UAL, mainly because of rankings that placed it as the best school in the world for studying design. However, an unforeseen problem with the agency handling my application made me reconsider that option. I started looking for a more technical programme, less focused on the artistic side of design and more on its cognitive and technological aspects. Thanks to the advice of Across the Pond, I discovered the Human-Computer Interaction Design programme at City St George’s, University of London. Originally, I knew very little about the university, but I discovered that the programme had a strong reputation in the UK and was also considerably more affordable than other options I had considered. So far, I have found the course very good and demanding. More importantly, it has answered many of the questions I had about my profession and that originally led me to look for a specialisation.
Another major advantage has been being able to study in London, a city I thought I knew before coming here, but which, after only a short time living in it, made me realise that much of the image I had of it was rooted in the world of Mary Poppins. In reality, not everyone drinks tea, it does not always rain, and certainly not everyone speaks with a posh accent. London has also allowed me to better understand the cultural diversity of Europe. It is a continent with an enormous amount of history, and in the UK, much of that history still shapes the way the country and its society are understood. On top of that, there are the differences between generations, as well as the perspectives brought by tourists and migrants. Experiencing all these different ways of understanding life has probably been one of the most enriching parts of this experience. I would also add all the museums, streets and historic buildings, as well as the cultural heritage that comes from having been such an important country to the rest of the world for centuries.
To be honest, there is nothing I wish I had known before coming that I would now consider essential. Personally — and I know this may be very different for other people — migrating has been much easier than I expected. If I had to mention one thing, I would say that Europeans tend to be more introverted than Latin Americans and that Londoners, in particular, can be very indirect in order to avoid coming across as aggressive. At first, these differences can feel strange, especially when you come from a culture where communication tends to be more expressive and direct, but it is not difficult to get used to. In fact, I think many of them are drawn to the more open and outgoing character that we Latin Americans tend to have. Lately, I have even started seeing quite a few British couples practising salsa in the parks, although without quite the same amount of pulling and mischief that can come with learning to dance it in Latin America… so, for those coming here single, perhaps there is a small opportunity there.
Above all, I can say that this is a culture that is very welcoming to strangers, and where it is remarkably easy to feel safe. Almost everything you think you know about Britain is true and, at the same time, falls short of the reality. There are already far too many songs and poems trying to capture everything this culture has to offer, so perhaps the best thing to do is simply come and experience it for yourself.
- Daniel Andrés
Finding My Place in STEM
Take the Leap
This year in the UK has been an experience I will never forget. Thanks to Across the Pond and the British Council, I applied for and was awarded the Women in STEM Scholarship, giving me the incredible opportunity to move to the UK and pursue my MSc in Biotechnology at Durham University.
Getting here was not as straightforward as it might sound. When I first considered applying for the scholarship, I had a lot of doubts. One of the biggest questions in my head was whether I was “enough” to actually win such a competitive scholarship. I kept wondering whether my experience and academic background were enough to make me a strong candidate.
My assessor at Across the Pond helped me get out of my own head. He told me that I had everything to win and nothing to lose by applying. After that email, I decided to stop questioning myself and submit the application. And I am so glad I did.
The support from Across the Pond was also really helpful throughout the application process. There were quite a few documents and requirements to keep track of, and honestly, I probably would not have known exactly what was needed without their guidance! Their system made it much easier to understand the different steps and organise everything I needed to submit. Having someone there who knew the process and could guide me along the way made the whole experience feel much simpler and more manageable.
Why Durham Became Home
When I first arrived in Durham, I knew I was excited, but I don't think I fully understood everything that this experience would bring.
One of the things I was most excited about was the opportunity to actually live in a Durham college. I stayed at Ustinov College, where I had my own en-suite room throughout the year.
Living in a college was honestly something I had always dreamed about. Growing up, I had seen the idea of university colleges in movies and thought it looked like such a unique experience. So when I finally arrived at Durham and realised that I was actually going to live in one, it felt a little surreal.
There is something very special about being part of a college community at Durham. It gave me a sense of belonging beyond my degree and allowed me to meet people from completely different backgrounds. Having a place where you can come back after a long day at university, see familiar faces and feel part of a community made a huge difference to my experience.
Studying Biotechnology in the UK
A Master's degree is challenging enough, but doing it in another country, adapting to a new academic system, managing everyday life far from home, and trying to make the most of every opportunity has been a whole different experience.
Studying Biotechnology at Durham has pushed me academically and personally. It has required me to become much more independent in the way I approach my studies, manage my time and deal with challenges.
There have definitely been moments when I have felt overwhelmed, homesick, or unsure of myself. But those moments have also taught me that struggling with something doesn't mean you are not capable of doing it.
Sometimes you just need to give yourself time to figure it out.
The International Experience I Didn't Expect
Beyond the academic challenges, one of the things I have valued the most has been the international experience.
Living and studying at Durham has allowed me to meet people from so many different countries, cultures and backgrounds. The campus itself feels like a little international community, where every conversation can teach you something new about the world.
I came to the UK to study Biotechnology, but I have also learned so much simply by being surrounded by people who have completely different experiences from my own.
There is something incredibly valuable about sitting down with someone from another part of the world and realising that, despite having grown up thousands of miles apart, you can still find so much in common.
That international perspective is something I know I will carry with me long after I leave Durham.
Learning Science in Another Language
Another part of the experience that I think is important to mention is studying in English.
English is not my first language, so studying a Master's degree in English has been a challenge of its own. It is one thing to have a conversation in English, and another completely different thing to write an academic paper, understand a complicated scientific concept, participate in discussions and give presentations, all while trying to make sure you are actually saying what you mean and getting your perspective across.
There have been moments when I have had to work twice as hard simply because I was processing both the science and the language at the same time.
But it has also given me a lot of confidence. I have learned that I am capable of communicating and working in an international scientific environment, even when English is not my first language.
More Than Just a Degree
Looking back, I think this year has taught me much more than I expected to learn from a Master's degree.
It has taught me independence, resilience, adaptability and, perhaps most importantly, how much you can grow when you put yourself outside of your comfort zone.
There have been so many moments when I have stopped and thought, “Wow, I am actually doing this.”
I am studying Biotechnology at Durham University, living in the UK, meeting people from all over the world and experiencing a completely different way of life.
And now, when I look at where my career is going, I realise that this experience has changed much more than just my CV.
I truly feel that my career is heading in a direction I would never have fathomed before, and that has been incredibly exciting. I came to the UK to pursue a Master's degree, but I am leaving with a much clearer idea of the kind of scientist I want to become and how I see myself contributing to the scientific world.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. This year has not always been easy, but I know for sure that it has been completely worth it. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I am incredibly grateful to Across the Pond and the British Council for making this opportunity possible, and especially to the people who encouraged me when I was still questioning whether I was “enough” to apply.
Sometimes the biggest obstacle is not whether you are capable, but convincing yourself to take the chance.
And now I am here, finishing my Master's in Biotechnology at Durham University, with a year of knowledge, memories, friendships, challenges and experiences that I will carry with me for life.
This experience has already shaped the person I am and the way I see my future in science. And I cannot wait to see where it takes me next.
- Wendy
How My Master's Changed My Career
Why I chose the University of York
When I was researching Master's programmes, I wanted something that combined theory with practical clinical knowledge. The MSc in Development and Clinical Practice at the University of York stood out immediately because of its focus on child neurodevelopment, developmental conditions and evidence-based interventions.
During the admissions process, I also noticed something that became one of my favourite things about York: the people. Even before I accepted my offer, everyone I spoke to was approachable, supportive and genuinely interested in helping prospective students.
That support ever disappeared once I became a student.
Learning beyond the textbooks
One of the most fascinating aspects of my degree was comparing how developmental assessments and support services are delivered in the UK versus Mexico.
Learning about Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the wider support system completely changed how I think about multidisciplinary care and long-term intervention for children and families.
The course constantly encouraged us to think critically, compare international approaches and consider how different healthcare systems can learn from one another.
The people who made the difference
My supervisor deserves a special mention: having someone who was knowledgeable, encouraging and always willing to discuss ideas made a huge difference to my confidence throughout the programme.
The wider university staff were equally supportive, and I always felt comfortable asking for help whenever I needed it.
Using my degree every single day
One of the best parts about this Master's is that I still use what I learned every day. I now work in the UK supporting students with autism and other mental health needs. The knowledge I gained at York helps me make appropriate adjustments, better understand individual needs and approach each case with greater confidence. In the future, I hope to return to Mexico and establish my own private practice supporting children and their families.
Knowing that the education I received in York will continue making a difference long after graduation is probably the greatest outcome I could have hoped for. For me, this Master's wasn't simply another qualification, it became the foundation for the career I want to build.
-Denisse
A Student's Guide to Manchester
So, You've Chosen Manchester—Now What?
Moving to a new city for university can feel overwhelming. When I first arrived in Manchester from Pakistan, there was so much I had to figure out for myself: how to get around, where to study, where to eat, how to meet people and, perhaps most importantly, how to make a completely unfamiliar city feel like home.
After two years at the University of Manchester, I have picked up a few things that I wish someone had told me before I arrived. So, if you are about to become a student in Manchester, here is my unofficial guide to making the most of your time there.
Getting Around: Manchester Is Easier Than It Looks
One of the first things I learnt was that you do not need a car to explore Manchester, or even much of the UK.
The city has a good network of buses and trams, and a lot of the places you need as a student are accessible without driving. I also found myself walking much more than I expected, particularly around the university and city centre.
And Manchester is a fantastic base for travelling further afield. One of my favourite things about studying here has been how easy it is to turn a free day into an adventure. I have travelled with friends and on my own, explored different cities and villages, and gone hiking in places such as the Peak District and the Lake District.
My advice? Don't wait until the holidays to explore. Some of the best trips can happen spontaneously when you realise you have a free weekend or even just a free day.
Finding Your Perfect Study Spot
University life is not just about attending lectures. You will spend a lot of time studying independently, so finding places where you actually enjoy working can make a huge difference.
The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons quickly became one of my favourite places to study. Having access to a study space that is open around the clock is particularly useful when deadlines start approaching, and yes, I have experienced the occasional all-nighter there!
The University of Manchester campus itself also has plenty of places to work, meet friends and take a break between classes.
My biggest piece of advice is to experiment. Try different libraries, study spaces, and cafés; believe me, there are plenty of options until you find somewhere that works for you.
Eating, Coffee and the Student Life Essentials
Food is a surprisingly important part of settling into university life.
Coming from Pakistan and living in catered university accommodation, I didn't suddenly become a master chef! Most of my meals were provided, but on weekends I would alternate between getting a takeaway and making something simple for myself. Sometimes it was an easy meal, sometimes just a snack, but having that little bit of independence in the kitchen was another small part of learning to look after myself.
I also loved how easy it was to find food that reminded me of home while still discovering something new. Manchester's food scene is incredibly diverse, from the famous Curry Mile, with its huge variety of South Asian restaurants, to Chinatown, where you can explore a completely different range of cuisines. For an international student, having so many different cultures and flavours within easy reach makes the city feel even more welcoming.
And then there is coffee.
I quickly developed a habit of finding new coffee spots and trying different drinks. Joining the Coffee Society at university gave me another excuse to explore this interest while meeting people at the same time.
Sometimes university memories really are built around something as simple as getting coffee with a friend between lectures.
How to Make Friends in a City Full of Students
One of the biggest questions international students have is probably: How am I going to make friends?
My answer is: put yourself in places where friendships can happen naturally.
Join societies. Go to events. Volunteer. Try a competition. Talk to the person sitting next to you in a workshop. Say yes to plans, even when you are nervous.
The University of Manchester has hundreds of societies, so you are very likely to find something that interests you, even if it has nothing to do with your degree.
And don't worry if you don't immediately find your people.
I actually missed Freshers' Week because my visa arrived late, which made settling in socially more difficult at first. But eventually I found people I connected with. My friends and I have celebrated birthdays together, had game nights, cooked together, gone for late-night sweet treats and supported one another through exams.
Friendships don't always happen immediately. Give yourself time.
Student Discounts: Your New Best Friend
One of the best things about being a student is learning just how many student discounts are available. Before paying full price for something, it is always worth checking whether there is a student offer on UNiDAYS or Student Beans. Discounts can make everything from food and shopping to entertainment and travel a little more affordable.
After two years, I have become so good at finding discounts that my friends now message or call me before buying practically anything! Whether they are about to make a big purchase online or are sitting in a restaurant or coffee shop wondering if there is a student deal, I have somehow become the unofficial student-discount expert of the group.
My advice? Always ask. The worst that can happen is that there isn't a discount, and you never know when simply showing your student ID might save you some money.
Manchester After Your Lectures
Manchester is a student city, so there is always something happening.
You can spend an afternoon walking around the city, meet friends for coffee, explore a park, attend a society event or simply find somewhere to sit and talk for hours.
And you do not always need a big plan.
Some of my favourite memories have been the simplest ones: sitting in the park with friends, going for coffee, walking around campus, watching the sunset or spontaneously deciding to go somewhere for the day.
You can also explore Manchester on your own. One of the most valuable things I learnt after moving abroad was that you don't have to wait for someone else to be free before doing something you want to do.
Your Accommodation Can Become Your Community
Where you live can have a huge impact on your university experience.
I lived in university accommodation, and my room became my own little space. I decorated it with pictures, posters and things that reminded me of home, alongside memories I collected in Manchester.
But what made the experience special was the community around me.
Having friends living nearby meant that there was almost always someone to have dinner with, study alongside, go for a walk with or make a spontaneous plan with.
University accommodation is not just somewhere to sleep. For many students, it becomes the first place where they build a community in a new country.
Don't Forget to Explore Beyond Manchester
One of my strongest recommendations to any student moving here is to explore beyond the university and the city itself.
Manchester is a great starting point for discovering more of the UK. Some trips can be carefully planned, while others can be as simple as waking up and deciding that you want to see somewhere new.
Travelling has also helped me become much more comfortable doing things independently. I have travelled both with friends and on my own, and both experiences have given me completely different memories.
You do not need to travel far to feel like you have had an adventure.
My Biggest Manchester Tip
Don't spend your entire university experience waiting for the “right time” to do things.
There will always be another assignment, another lecture, another deadline or another reason to stay in your room.
Study hard—but go for the coffee too.
Prepare for your workshop—but take the day trip.
Apply for the opportunity—but join the society just because it sounds fun.
And if you are new to Manchester and everything feels unfamiliar, remember that it will not always feel that way.
Two years ago, I arrived knowing very little about the city. Now, I can walk across campus, meet friends for coffee, jump on a bus for an adventure, settle into my favourite study space and feel completely at home.
Manchester started as the place where I came to study.
Somewhere along the way, it became the place where I built a life.
- Aisha
Law School: The University of Manchester Version
From Suits to the Real World of Law
I have wanted to study law and become a lawyer for as long as I can remember. Part of that came from witnessing first-hand how legal issues can affect people's lives and wanting to be in a position to help. And, if I am being completely honest, watching the glamour, ambition and fast-paced world of law on shows like Suits probably made the decision a little easier too!
So, when I arrived at the University of Manchester to study law, I thought I had a reasonable idea of what I was getting myself into. I had studied Law at A-level, after all. I quickly discovered that university law was a completely different experience.
Law School Is More Than Memorising the Law
The first thing that surprised me was the amount of reading.
There is a lot of it. Really, a lot.
It became completely normal for me to open my laptop whenever I had a spare few minutes and continue reading: between lectures, while waiting for friends, or even while I was cooking. At university, you quickly realise that simply knowing what the law says is not enough.
The examinations and essays require much more than memorisation. You are expected to analyse the law, question it and form your own arguments. Why does a particular rule exist? Is it effective? Are there problems with it? Should it be changed? How have judges and academics approached the issue differently?
That shift, from learning what the law is to understanding why it works the way it does, is one of the biggest differences I noticed between A-level and university.
My Biggest Tip: Learn How Your Course Works
If there is one thing I would tell a prospective law student, it is this: understand what is expected of you before you start trying to excel.
Every module can be slightly different, and so can its assessments. It is tempting to focus entirely on memorising cases, legislation and legal principles, but understanding how you will actually be assessed makes a huge difference.
Lectures are important, even when attendance is not compulsory. They allow you to engage with the material rather than simply reading it afterwards. And if you genuinely cannot attend, recordings are usually available.
For me, however, workshops have been just as important. Preparing beforehand, turning up ready to participate and discussing problems with other students helped me move from simply recognising a legal concept to actually understanding it.
And when something still does not make sense, ask.
Speaking to lecturers and tutors during office hours can be incredibly useful. Sometimes a difficult concept becomes much clearer simply by talking it through with someone who understands it from a completely different perspective.
Law School Doesn't End at the Lecture Theatre
One of the things I love most about studying law at UOM is that the degree opens doors far beyond your academic work.
Law is a competitive field, and getting good grades is important, but so is discovering what kind of lawyer you might want to become. University gives you the chance to explore that before you have to make those decisions.
At Manchester, there are countless opportunities to do this through careers fairs, society events, guest lectures, networking opportunities and legal competitions.
I have taken part in mooting and mock-trial competitions, volunteered through the Pro Bono Society, completed a summer school with Greater Manchester Law Centre and worked as a student advisor with a legal advice centre. I have also volunteered with Amicus and the Pankhurst Project.
Each experience has taught me something different. Some have strengthened my advocacy and communication skills; others have given me a better understanding of access to justice and the practical impact of law.
Most importantly, they have helped me figure out what I actually enjoy.
Find Opportunities Outside Your Comfort Zone
One of my favourite things about university is that you do not have to wait until graduation to start building experience.
There are opportunities to compete, volunteer, research, write, network and gain practical experience throughout the year. The University of Manchester has hundreds of student societies, including numerous law-related societies, so there is plenty of scope to find something that suits you.
And you do not have to know exactly what you want to do with your degree.
University is a good time to try things simply because they sound interesting. You might discover a passion for advocacy through mooting, an interest in human rights through volunteering, or an area of law you had never considered before.
Don't Forget to Be a Student
With an academically demanding degree, career applications, competitions, volunteering and everything else that comes with university life, it is very easy to feel as though you should always be doing more.
But you also have to live your life.
Join a society that has nothing to do with law. Take up a hobby. Play a sport. Go for a walk. Cook something you have never made before. Get coffee with your friends. Take a day trip. Have a completely unproductive afternoon without feeling guilty about it.
For me, some of my favourite university memories have had nothing to do with law.
The friends I have made, the places I have travelled to, the spontaneous plans, the late-night conversations and the little moments in between everything else have been just as important as my academic achievements.
The Real Lesson of Law School
Studying law at Manchester has taught me that university is not simply about getting a degree.
It is about learning how to think independently, discovering what you are capable of, trying things that scare you, building relationships and figuring out what kind of future you want.
Yes, there will be enormous reading lists, difficult workshops, demanding exams and moments when you wonder why you ever thought studying law was a good idea.
But there will also be competitions you never imagined entering, opportunities you never expected, people who become lifelong friends and experiences that make all those late nights worth it.
And perhaps the most important thing I have learnt is that you do not have to choose between working hard and enjoying university.
- Aisha
