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Studying in the UK is an enormous opportunity
After having a wondering experience during my master’s at University of Nottingham, I decided to pursue a PhD in Biological Sciences at the Department of Biosciences, Durham University.
I chose Durham because I really liked the project that was advertised at Professor Przyborski Laboratory. Furthermore, the group has an excellent reputation in the field of Tissue Engineering.
Durham is a small town located in the North East very close to Newcastle. The prettiest things from Durham are the city centre and the botanic gardens. Furthermore, you can find lots of shops, restaurants and coffee shops in the city centre. Living there is very quiet and peaceful. For a night out, the best option is going to Newcastle, which is located 10 minutes by train.
On the other hand, Durham University is well ranked not only in the UK but also in the World. Also, it has 17 colleges that are responsible for the domestic arrangements and welfare of the students. Moreover, there are lots of activities within the University thanks to the many societies in Durham.
Depending on what you are studying, your day might be different from mine. In my case, a regular day for me is going to the Department for 6-9 hours to do lab work. After that, I usually go to the gym, attend to salsa and bachata lessons, or just hang out with friends to the pub or for a coffee. Talking about accommodation, the first year of my PhD, I used to live in a student accommodation. The following years, I got different private accommodations with different housemates.
Finally, studying in the UK is an enormous opportunity and experience that will help you to grow in every aspect of your life. However, there are some challenges to take into account. For example, the british food which is not 100 % great (my recommendation is to bring some food from your hometown, so you won’t miss it). Another tough part is when it gets dark around 4pm during wintertime. Nevertheless, studying and living in the UK is a unique experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.
- Alejandro
Across the Pond was there to help me every step of the way!
Across the Pond was highly recommended to me by a friend, and it was an incredibly useful resource throughout my application process. Coming from an American high school, my college counselors didn't have a lot of experience with the UK applications system, so I mainly worked with Across the Pond on my personal statement and application. The information they provided me was critical, as it allowed me to complete my application with the confidence that I was doing it correctly. Additionally, they were vital when it came to applying for a student visa. The visa webinar was helpful, and I relied on those instructions throughout my visa application process. I honestly don't think I could've done it without their help. I'm now at Durham University studying Criminology!
I picked Durham because it's located in a beautiful, historic, small town, but is close enough to Newcastle that I can travel easily. I love walking along the river in Durham, especially when it's sunny, and I've taken up rowing so I can spend more time outdoors. Durham University also has a residential college system, which I absolutely love! It helped me make friends easily in my first year, and it creates a great sense of community that, especially as an international student, was very important to me. Deciding to go to Durham was obviously a big decision for me, but Across the Pond was there to help me every step of the way!
- Sara
Life changing
My experience studying in the UK has been life changing, and Across The Pond was a huge help in making it happen. From applications to visas and all of the rest they made my experience run so smoothly - I can't imagine applying without them. Durham University has been incredible so far. With a 1,000 year old Castle and Cathedral as part of the University, you really can't lose. Doing a Masters in the UK means less class time, which gives you the freedom to study on your own schedule. This means that you have to be more proactive, but if you take advantage of the experience you can really get a lot out of it.
The long breaks built in to the UK university schedule also leaves lots of time for traveling. I have had the opportunity to explore a lot of the UK and Scotland, and am about to depart on the trip to Ireland. Travel in the UK is affordable and helps provide a rewarding extra curricular experience to add to your studies. The friendships I have made here will last a lifetime as will the memories. In the end, studying in the UK gives you so much more than a degree, and I would suggest it to anyone.
- Noah
Hard to say goodbye
When deciding to pursue a master's degree in the UK I was really excited for my year-long adventure, but very stressed about the path it would take to get there. Browsing the Internet, I stumbled upon Across the Pond and their services are definitely what helped me get to where I'm at now. The advisors that assisted me with my applications were very helpful with all the questions I had, and I could tell they were really interested in finding the university that best suited my wants and needs.
Through lots of research and a few YouTube videos, I decided that Durham University was the best fit for me and what I wanted out of a postgraduate university. Coming from the southern US, I was not used to the history and beautiful architecture that we have in Durham, so being exposed to the Durham Castle and Cathedral on a weekly basis has made me fall in love with the town.
My college is University (Castle) College, and it blows my mind to know that I can study and hang out with my friends in a thousand-year-old castle! My time in the UK has taught me how to use public transport, that sometimes a pint at 11 am is acceptable, that recycling is important, and that international friendships are the best. My journey at Durham is coming to an end which is making me reflect on all the things I need to cherish in the time I have left, but how good it is to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
- Laura
I cannot be happier with my choice to come to Durham
Even though I have been to the UK many times and stayed for a few months at a time living in the UK was a completely different experience. Making friends and getting settled was easy at Durham, everyone was friendly and helpful and the city center I live near has all the amenities I need, however sorting out my banking in the UK was extremely difficult. I highly recommend you look into getting a letter of recommendation (which you need as an international student setting up a bank account in the UK) ahead of time, and look into booking an appointment at the bank of your choice to set that up as soon as possible, because it took me nearly 3 months to get things sorted and it was incredibly stressful.
I chose Durham partly because of its beautiful location and setting, its world renowned reputation and for the unique and multi-disciplinary program it offered, International Cultural Heritage Management. The professor who runs the program also has a varied and rich background and has proved to be vital in giving us as students a great background to the industry and well as setting us up with great contacts through the placement module. I haven't found any other program like this and I cannot be happier with my choice to come to Durham. Its a collegiate university as well, and the college I am a part of has given me such a supportive and rewarding life outside of school; I was able to get involved with the postgraduate student society and its again one of the best decisions I have made here.
I have also had a lot of opportunities to volunteer and get experience in my field and build a network that I could use to get a job after this. There are several museums in the area and tons of opportunities to present research or papers, or participate in conferences, or even publish in my college journal. I can't stress enough to go out and take advantage of every opportunity you can, to make he most out of your experience here
I live in college accommodation, and while its a little more expensive than private renting in the town, the location is close and setting up the lease, having things around the house fixed and other issues are never a worry to me because I can simply go to the college and have it sorted out.
The cost of living is higher than in Canada, but thankfully my friends, family, the university and my advisers at Across the Pond all advised me of this ahead of time so I was able to budget accordingly. You have to be careful when deciding to eat out or not, but since I am a good cook I usually offer to host potluck dinners or lunches, which cut down on the cost of eating but still allow for socializing.
I haven't been able to do a lot of travelling as my course keeps me busy, but I have flown to Dublin and have enjoyed a number of visits within the UK with my program. You won't be short of willing travel buddies however if you need to go further out into Europe, and flights are usually pretty cheap, you just have to shop around for the best deals and make sure you plan ahead for hostels or hotels.
That's really all I have to say I think, other than saying that one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life was coming to the UK to study, and choosing Durham to study in was second.
- Krystal
