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Turning a Dream into a Plan: How I Made Studying in the UK Possible
My journey towards studying a master’s degree in the United Kingdom actually began after returning from the UK itself. I had spent two months here taking an English course, and if I had already dreamed of living in England before, I returned to Mexico even more in love with the country and with a much cleared idea in my mind: I wanted to come back.
At the same time, I had another important personal and professional goal, to study a master’s degree and begin building a career with an international perspective. So, I thought, why not bring both dreams together? I could pursue my master’s degree while also taking the first step towards the life and international career I wanted to build in the UK.
The first thing I did was simply start moving. I attended university and study-abroad fairs, researched programmes online, and explored the different possibilities available to turn this idea into a real project. It was during this search that I found Across the Pond.
I contacted them and, from the beginning, received guidance about different universities and finance-related programmes. Whit their help, I narrowed down my options to three universities: one in London — because London had always been part of my dream — and two outside the capital.
Each university offered different modules, characteristics and approaches. Going through this process helped me think not only about where I wanted to live, but also about the type of education and experience I wanted to receive.
Then came probably one of the most important and difficult questions of the entire process: How was I going to finance it?
Studying in the UK represents a considerable financial investment, and that was a reality I had to face. At one of the student fairs, I discovered FIDERH, a financing option for postgraduate studies. I researched the conditions, received advice and began the application process. Across the Pond was also incredibly important during this stage and helped guide me through the process.
I will not pretend that I was not scared. I was very scared. It was the first significant loan under my name, and it meant taking on a considerable financial responsibility. I worried about whether it would be approved, while also thinking about my future responsibility to repay it. Even today, I remain conscious of that commitment. However, I also came to understand that I was investing in an academic and professional project that I had wanted to pursue for a very long time.
The process itself turned out to be much easier than I had imagined. Collecting all the required documentation took time and organisation, but I never felt that it was impossible. Eventually, the financing, together with a scholarship I received from the university, allowed me to make a project that had once seemed like only a dream become a reality.
Then came the final decision: Kingston University, I chose Kingston not only because it is in London, but because I found a combination of the place where I wanted to live and the type of education I was looking for. I fell in love with South London, with its more peaceful atmosphere and beautiful areas near the river, but academically I also found many of the elements that were important to me.
I wanted a master's degree that was not limited to theory and research, but one that would also allow me to develop skills that could be applied in a professional environment. During my programme, I have had the opportunity to work with tools such as Excel and use the university's Bloomberg Terminals, as well as access Bloomberg certifications. I was also attracted by the university's connection with professional qualifications (ACCA, CIMA, CFA) and its focus on entrepreneurship, start-ups and Future Skills, particularly as the professional world continues to change rapidly with the development of artificial intelligence.
If I could go back to the moment when I was in Mexico trying to organize applications, financing and all the documents required to move to another country, I would probably tell to myself something very simple: relax and trust a little more.
I wish I had known that I did not need to understand or control every single step from the beginning. There will be documents, decisions, uncertainty and moments when you ask yourself, “What if this doesn't work?” But one thing leads to another. First, you research, then you ask questions, you find people who can guide you, you evaluate your possibilities, and little by little, something that once seemed enormous begins to turn into a plan.
Today, I am still building that path. There are still uncertainties and responsibilities ahead, but if there is one thing I have learned throughout this process, it is to trust myself more, to trust the decisions I make, and to understand that every stage arrives at the right time. For me, this experience has also meant learning to trust deeply in God and remembering that His timing is perfect.
My advice to anyone who dreams of studying in the United Kingdom but does not know where to begin would be start by asking questions. Attend fairs, research universities, ask about scholarships, explore financing options and seek guidance. Do not give up on a dream simply because you do not yet know how to make it possible.
I did not know exactly how I was going to do it either.
I simply started.
And step by step, the dream became a plan, and the plan eventually brought me here.
With love,
- Nehie
The Girl Who Dreamed of the UK, and the Woman Who Made It Happen
Deciding to come to the United Kingdom to study was not something that began as a perfectly structured plan. It started with the dream of a 12-year-old girl who had always wanted to live in England, an instinct that kept calling me to fulfil that dream, challenge myself, go beyond what I already knew, and experience something completely uncertain but incredibly rewarding.
The more I explored the possibility, the more sense it made, both in my mind and in my heart. The United Kingdom offered me everything I had imagined and much more. It gave me the opportunity to study in an international environment recognised for its high academic standards, which motivated me even further. At the same time, I would be immersed in a multicultural environment, something that can be challenging but is also incredibly enriching because it broadens your perspective and encourages you to think differently. I have loved discovering new cultures, food and languages, especially while living in London, which, within my industry, is one of the most important financial centres in the world.
Another motivation was improving my English. I have always loved languages, but I have a particular ambition to speak English like a native. It is certainly challenging, but moving to a country where a different language is spoken pushes you to develop skills that might otherwise take much longer to acquire.
As an Accounting and Finance student with the ambition of building an international professional career, I was also very attracted by the possibility of learning not only inside the classroom but through exposure to global companies and institutions. For example, I had the opportunity to visit the IASB offices and observe the discussions involved in developing and approving new financial reporting standards.
Last but certainly not least, coming here meant fulfilling a dream that had lived in my heart for years. It has been challenging, but that was exactly what I wanted: to step outside my comfort zone and become a more independent woman.
Academic life was definitely a challenge at first. Being accustomed to a different educational system made my first semester particularly demanding, but it was also incredibly enriching. I discovered another passion of mine: research and critical analysis. I am eternally grateful to my professors, who have guided and supported me throughout this process, and especially to my dissertation supervisor. At the beginning, I had so many ideas but did not know which one to pursue—something very characteristic of me! So, my advice is not to be afraid of undertaking a research project.
As long as we continue thinking and questioning, there will always be something new to create, explore or investigate more deeply, and that is part of the beauty of learning.
The United Kingdom has taught me so much and continues to teach me every day. Academically, I have learned to become a more independent learner. Instead of simply memorising concepts to pass an exam, I have learned to investigate topics more deeply, question ideas, support my opinions with evidence, develop my own projects, and use tools that are applied in a professional environment.
Another important lesson has come from living and studying alongside people from many different backgrounds and perspectives. It has challenged me to become more open-minded and tolerant of different points of view. From my perspective, this is something wonderful: being able to disagree, explore different opinions and understand where someone's ideas come from when their culture and experiences may be completely different from your own.
On a personal level, this has been an incredibly enriching experience, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to live it. I have had to adapt to the systems of a new country, learn to manage my own resources, solve the difficulties that appear along the way, and accept that many things will not work in the way I was accustomed to. But that is also one of the most beautiful parts of growth.
I learned that being independent does not mean knowing how to solve everything; it means trusting that I will find a way to solve it. Through this experience, I have also developed a beautiful and deeply rewarding relationship with God and learned what it means to trust completely.
Of course, living in another country is not always beautiful. I have also experienced days when uncertainty, homesickness and frustration became part of the journey. This brings me to something I wish I had known before arriving: I did not need to have everything figured out from the very first day.
Adapting to a new country takes time. As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day, and I think the same applies to life. There are incredibly exciting moments, but there are also days when you miss everything familiar: your family, your home, or simply your mum's hug telling you that everything is going to be okay. There are moments when you become frustrated or even doubt yourself.
Over time, I understood that these moments are also part of the experience and part of growing. You can learn so much from them, and for that reason, I believe we can also be grateful for having the opportunity to experience them.
One of my greatest lessons has been understanding that studying in another country does not only transform your academic education. It also transforms the way you see yourself. I have learned to trust my decisions and my instincts more, to navigate unfamiliar environments, to connect with people from different cultures, and to discover abilities within myself that I might never have known existed if I had remained within what was familiar and comfortable.
At the end of the day, I am deeply grateful for this opportunity: for the guidance I received from Across the Pond from the very beginning; for my family, who have always been one of the strongest pillars of support in my life; for myself, for having the courage to take on this challenge and discover a more complete version of Nehie; for fulfilling the dream of that little girl; for life; and for God, because I know He is always by my side and I trust Him completely.
This is only the beginning of the journey, and I am incredibly excited to discover what the future holds. I hope my experience can help someone else who is considering taking the same step, because I believe we are here to support one another and contribute to a more empathetic, compassionate and safe society.
Trust yourself, because dreams really do come true. Nothing is too crazy or impossible to happen. If you can imagine it, you can believe in it, and if you believe in it, you can create it. And when you finally have it, simply be grateful and keep building.
- Nehie
Studying in London: One of the Most Rewarding Experiences Ever
When I first stepped off the plane at Heathrow, I had no idea how quickly London would start to feel like home. From finding my accommodation to joining my university course, the whole journey of moving to another country has been far smoother and more rewarding than I expected.
Everything started with Across the Pond, the communication and application process were so clear and supportive that it set the tone for everything that followed. The visa process went smoothly, finding a room in London was surprisingly straightforward, and integrating into university life was easy with the friendly staff and professors.
Why I Chose the UK
I wanted high-quality, specialised training in Historic Building Conservation, a field in which Britain has a long and well-respected tradition. I’m from Mexico, with a background in architecture, and I was also looking for an international experience that would help me grow both academically and personally.
University Life at Kingston: Beyond Lectures
I’m currently studying for my MSc in Historic Building Conservation at Kingston University, and the experience has been incredibly enriching. The course offers a great balance between theory, practical work, and independent research.
We’ve taken part in study trips both within London and further afield, such as to Cambridge, where we spoke directly with conservators at sites like King’s College Chapel. In London, we’ve also visited conservation projects such as the Palace of Westminster and Banqueting House, learning first-hand from professionals about their conservation approaches.
The university’s workshops have been another highlight. As part of the course, we’ve worked with timber, metal, plaster, and other materials. Students are also welcome to use the facilities for their own projects — it really feels like the entire university is at your disposal!
Making Friends from All Over the World
I’ve made friends from many different countries, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Hearing so many perspectives has made me more aware of different cultures and customs. Equally rewarding has been the opportunity to share my own culture with them.
Comfortable Housing and a Great Location
I live in private accommodation, a little distance from the university, but I don't mind the commute. Travelling by bus has been a great way to discover new neighbourhoods. I chose a location between the university and central London, which has turned out to be perfect, as galleries, museums, and parks are all within easy reach. While living closer to the university might be more expensive, being open to different locations can be a great way to save money. My room is small, but it's okay, as I spend most of my time in the library anyway. I live in a house with a really cool family; the mum and I get along very well, and we often share recipes. They've been incredibly supportive.
Something I Wish I’d Known Before
One thing I wish I’d known before arriving is that in the UK, almost everything is sorted over the phone — from medical appointments to academic queries and course information. At first, making phone calls in English was intimidating, but it ended up boosting my confidence in speaking.
Surprisingly Chatty Brits!
Another positive surprise has been how chatty people are. Whether at the bus stop, in the supermarket, or in the local library, British people often strike up a conversation. Small talk happens much more here than in Mexico or other parts of Latin America I’ve lived in, which makes everyday life feel warmer. I wasn’t very confident with small talk at first, but now I see it as a chance to practise and connect with all kinds of people.
The Dreaded Dissertation — But Not Here!
In Mexico, the dissertation is often seen as one of the most daunting challenges of university life. It's understandable to feel nervous about it, and I certainly felt that way starting out. However, my experience has been completely different.
For my research, I've found that historical societies, local archives, and London archives have been very open and willing to help. Specialists and people working in the field have responded enthusiastically to my emails, and even companies I contacted have gone out of their way to share knowledge. And, of course, my tutor has been a great guide, pointing me toward useful contacts and strategies. It's been a much more positive and collaborative experience than I anticipated.
My Advice to Future Students
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Take part in as many activities as possible, both in and out of university they will enrich your academic and professional life.
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Attend networking events and workshops.
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Explore events related to your personal interests, and don’t be afraid to discover new ones as well, London is yours!
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Try new food!
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Talk to new people, ask questions, and stay curious.
Coming here has been one of the best decisions of my life. If you embrace the unknown, you’ll discover not only academic growth but also countless small moments that make this journey truly unforgettable.
- Luz
Student Life, Big City Chaos and Small Adventures: A Year in London
London: More Than Just a Big City
My year in London has given me experiences, friendships and memories I could only have dreamed of back home in Norway. Before leaving to the UK, my goal was to make the absolute most of my time here: travel around the UK and Europe, push myself outside my comfort zone and create new memories, both alone and with others. Looking back on this year, I realise that all of this actually happened. Moving from tiny Norway to the sprawling metropolis of London has been incredibly educational — and at times a bit strange. Still, you adapt surprisingly quickly to the package deal that is London life: LOTS of public transport, a strong pub culture and a constant dose of spontaneity. Despite this new everyday life, studying in London has given me huge returns, both personally and academically.
What Studying in the UK Was Really like
I did an MSc in International Business Management with a focus on finance and sustainability at Kingston University London. The university is located in Kingston upon Thames, a charming suburb in southwest London, about half an hour by train from the city centre. Previously, I had completed a bachelor’s degree in economics and management in Bodø, plus an exchange semester in Germany. So moving to London was quite a leap. Luckily, I’ve always loved to travel, so language and making international friends were no obstacle. Still, I had never studied in the UK before, and was curious how it would be. While my studies in Norway were almost entirely based on written in-class exams, here it was mostly coursework. Most assignments involved analysing a self-chosen company on different themes depending on the module, which made the studies very practical and interesting.
Endless Opportunities and Little Adventures
Living in London opens up a sea of opportunities. Whether you want to travel, enjoy culture and sports, or dance the night away, there’s always something going on. As someone who loves travelling and history, I took the chance to visit a bunch of UK cities: Edinburgh, York, Newcastle upon Tyne, Cambridge, Brighton, Folkestone, Oxford, Manchester, Cardiff, Bath and the iconic chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters. You’d think the distances were huge, but all these trips were either day trips or short overnight stays in affordable hostels. It led to many great memories — with new friends and on solo trips. If you book trains early, the prices are surprisingly student-friendly, and London has direct connections to most of these places. On top of that, I took cheap flights to various spots in Europe, including Italy, Romania and Slovakia. In short: London is the perfect base for anyone who loves to explore.
Cultural and sporting events are also a huge part of life in London. There’s always something happening — musicals, concerts or football matches — and I’ve taken full advantage. It was especially cool to see Bodø/Glimt play Manchester United at Old Trafford, and also such fun to go to Mamma Mia The Party in London. In one week alone, I managed to go to three concerts (Beyoncé, Dua Lipa and Chris Brown). I actually went to the Beyoncé concert on my own, a bit nervous, but it turned out to be a fantastic night and I met loads of lovely people. For me, experiences like these are important because they give that extra motivation and something to look forward to in everyday life. Plus, London offers all kinds of nightlife — whether it’s a night out with my Norwegian gang, techno clubbing with my German flatmate or relaxed pub evenings with friends. These are just a few examples of all the memorable things I have done during the year!
A Chapter I Would Never Be Without
My year in London has been one of the most enriching and rewarding chapters of my life. It’s given me new insights, academic growth, memories for life and friends from all over the world. I’ve grown so much — become more independent, confident and curious. This year has shown me just how much can happen when you decide to move somewhere new and try something different.
Finally, I want to give a huge thank you to Across the Pond for all their help with the application process. Without their valuable advice and expertise, this adventure wouldn’t have been nearly as easy to pull off. I can safely say that my study year in London has been truly one in a million, and I’d do it all over again without hesitation.
- Edward
Student Accommodation in the UK
Where do you live when studying abroad? Do universities in the UK offer student housing? How much does student accommodation cost? Did you know that as an international student, you are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the first or all your years studying at most of our UK universities? You will need to apply by the housing application deadline, and of course the best student accommodation in the UK goes first - so that is a good reason to apply early! There are several different student accommodations, price levels and facilities to choose from!
Most students choose to live on campus in their first year. This is social and a fantastic way to get to know students from all over the world! After that, most students choose to move into privately rented accommodation with their new friends. We recommend everyone to live in university accommodation in their first year, as it is a great way to get to know other students (and not just those on your degree).
Learn more about the different options, on-campus accommodation, how to arrange private accommodation and everything you need before applying for student accommodation in the UK via this webinar!
