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Studying abroad adds so much more value
My dream was always to study in the UK, and now I'm living that dream. The process was much easier with the help of Across the Pond, who made my life SO much easier by helping me with the paperwork and the necessary requirements. They have experts in different subjects, which is much more helpful, especially with the visa process and various paperwork that can be a bit stressful, but their assistance makes everything easier.
I chose the Master's in Marketing with Festival and Event Management because it combines the best of both worlds. I only found this program at Edinburgh Napier University here in Edinburgh, which is why I came here. The truth is, I never considered studying a Master's in Mexico, where I'm originally from, because studying abroad adds so much more value. Regardless of the academic aspects, the personal learning is on another level. It helps you realise that you are capable of many things, and that you can do many things "on your own," meaning far from family and friends, in an unfamiliar environment, and that makes you mature in many ways. If you're capable of this, you're capable of anything in life.
Napier is a good university with excellent teachers. Everyone always looks for ways to help you and make sure you're okay, especially with mental health issues, something they take into account, which I really liked.
To avoid the hassle of finding private accommodation, I stayed in one of the university buildings, and it was the best decision. They're really comfortable. I had my own space and bathroom. I only shared the kitchen with five other people, but lifelong friendships emerge from there. The building is secure; security personnel come around regularly to check on you. Everyone is very friendly. What I also liked is that there's a laundry room. Personally, I can't live without a washing machine nearby, but that's a matter of taste and personal preference. What I also liked is the central location, which was very close to my campus and the city centre. It's super well connected, with plenty of shops nearby, including the supermarket.
I'm not much of a partyer, but the truth is, the nightlife here isn't anything special. It's not a place for partying, but of course you can find clubs and places to go. I prefer sitting in a pub, having a beer and chatting.
The people here in Edinburgh are lovely; everyone is very friendly and cool. They don't hesitate to help you if they see you need help; they reach out. That really gives this city a huge plus. Speaking of which, I'm from Mexico City, a huge city with millions of people, and being here in Edinburgh, which is also a city, makes a big difference. It's a small city, with few inhabitants, and very quiet, and above all, safe.
Something I also like about this side of the world are the trains. They're very easy to take, and in just a few hours you're already in another city. They're very practical and you can get affordable prices. The bus routes are also super well-designed, and it's easy to get anywhere. The app is very easy and practical.
In my free time, I rested, hung out with friends, went sightseeing, and also started working, where I've met a lot of people. It's a job that doesn't feel like a job, and the good thing is that it allows me to earn an income during my time here.
I've already finished my master's degree, and my graduation is coming up soon, and I'm very excited. I actually plan to stay in the UK, as I'll be applying for a graduate visa, which will allow me to work here for two years.
If you're coming to study in the UK, I recommend you enjoy every step and every process. No matter how stressful it can be, it's all part of the experience. But much of this process is made easier, as I mentioned, thanks to the help of Across the Pond. Everyone is very friendly, they help you with any issue, even the smallest ones, and they respond very quickly. Thanks to them, everything was much easier. They answered all my questions, and it's thanks to them that I learned about this master's degree. I told my advisor, the areas I wanted to study. He sent me a list of all the options in the United Kingdom. I narrowed down a few until I was left with three, but my first choice was the one I studied because it has the two industries that interest me the most.
And well, here I am, writing about my adventure of more than a year, including the time Across the Pond accompanied me throughout the process. I'm sitting at my desk in my new room, having recently moved because my contract in university accommodation ended. I'm happy to have finished my master's degree and excited about graduating. I'm also excited about everything that's coming up in my personal and professional life. I'm ready to apply for the graduate visa and now I'll start looking for a job. I'm sure something great will come of it.
Trust that like thousands of people, including me, this life experience will go incredibly well for you, because it's something you'll be able to tell your children about. Enjoy university, your life away from your home country. Although the distance can sometimes be great, video calls bring us closer to our friends and family. Make new friends, as I'm sure they'll be lifelong. Enjoy the good times and the bad, because everything passes; the good stays in the heart, and the bad serves as a lesson and experience. Enjoy every moment and dare to do anything; life is one.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jess, my friend who recommended Across the Pond to me, and my advisor for being an excellent advisor. Thank you for making the paperwork so much easier and more understandable.
- Maria Fernanda
One must live it to truly appreciate it
My dream was always to live in the UK, and I can say I've achieved it!!! I'm living my dream of living here while studying for a master's degree. It's something I never imagined would happen, but dreams do exist, and here I am, writing these lines from my room in Edinburgh.
Studying a master's degree here is an inexplicable experience; one must live it to truly appreciate it. My words aren't enough to express everything I've experienced. Time flew by; you experience so many things that time is lost. My academic life was incredible. I really enjoyed going to classes, meeting people from all over the world, people with specific dreams and goals, all of whom met in the same classroom. I met a Spanish girl who's been living here for 10 years, an Englishman who came with his girlfriend and both studied for a master's degree, a girl from India, a girl from Turkey who just moved to Edinburgh from Manchester, and a girl who's half Greek and half Scottish. In short, we all came from different countries with different backgrounds and stories, and we found ourselves on this path. Life brought us together, and wow, I can't believe we're about to graduate!
Regardless of your academic achievements, you learn a lot as a person. You discover parts of yourself you didn't know existed. You learn to be strong, capable, and brave. But above all, you mature in a way that wouldn't happen if you stayed in your own country. It's a way of seeing life differently, of opening your mind and heart.
Sometimes the distance can feel overwhelming, but in truth, thanks to technology, this distance is greatly shortened. You'll miss the hugs and cuddles of family and friends, but a video call resets everything.
What I like about traveling and this experience is that you learn about other cultures, a different mentality, and a completely different pace of life. Everything is different, but after a while, it becomes familiar. You're no longer a stranger, you're part of the place. You no longer feel like a visitor, you're moving around like a resident.
Obviously, I'll take with me all the academic lessons, but the life lessons will stay with me forever. Every time I experienced something extraordinary, I thought, "I'm going to tell my children about this," and that excited me even more. I'm living experiences that I'll tell my children as bedtime stories.
What would I have liked to have known before arriving? Oddly enough, nothing. I love the adventure of the unknown and learning about what I didn't know and now know.
- Maria Fernanda
Studying abroad – A dream come true
A decade is a long time to wait, but studying abroad in the UK was everything I hoped for and more! I have been dreaming about it since middle school, and while it took almost ten years to make it happen, it was absolutely worth it. My younger self could never have imagined the extent of joy it would bring. Studying abroad is not only a great addition to your CV, but it also allows you to meet some amazing people you never would have met otherwise.
The final decision to move
For me, the decision to study abroad was easy, what held me back was timing and place. When things (FINALLY) lined up, I had decided on a course (Business Management with Entrepreneurship) and a location (Edinburgh), all that was left was getting ready for the move. Now don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of stuff to do, visa application, funding application, accommodation application, etc., a lot of applications basically, but all the worry and the nervousness seemed so small once I got off the plane and made my way into the city centre. All the thoughts that were left was: “I actually did it”, “wow”, and “this is amazing”. I fell in love with the city as soon as I left the airport, and that has not changed yet. Once I settled into my accommodation, I was ready to explore what the city had to offer.
Edinburgh has it all
It doesn’t matter if you love nature or city life (or perhaps both), Edinburgh has the perfect balance of it all. If you are interested in being close to the city centre but are worried you will miss going on hikes or connecting with nature, don’t worry. You have places like Calton Hill, The Meadows and Arthur’s Seat, all close by. And if you are wanting to have a good night out on the town, then Cowgate is filled with pubs, bars and clubs. If travelling is on your mind, you can go on day trips to Glasgow, St. Andrews or even Manchester, and you can also get a 4-hour train to London.
The good, the bad and the ugly
Now, I have already mentioned a lot of the good stuff: meeting new people, good experience, looks good on the CV, and if you choose Edinburgh specifically it has a lot to offer. Now for the bad and the ugly: just like back home, there will be bad days. Some days you will feel homesick, you’ll realise that time flies by for those at home, your little brother grows up even if you’re not at home. If you’re like me and English is not your first language, you will have days where speaking English is a hassle, or some classes seem extra hard because of the language. However, there are solutions to all these issues: call home as often as you need to, visit home whenever you can, take a break from consuming English, and if things get tough, remember that it is ok to reach out for help, whether it’s to a friend, family or even your university. It might be a scary journey you’re about to set out for, but I promise you, it is worth it! And if there is one thing I can recommend no matter where in the UK you decide to study, it is to immerse yourself in the culture, make the best of the time you have there and be open to trying new things, that is how you create memories for life.
- Siri Marlene
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!
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Visa for European Students who want to study in the UK
Do you want to study in the UK and are wondering if you need a visa? Maybe you have applied to British universities already, or are considering applying to university in London or elsewhere in the UK, but would like to know more about the UK student visa for European students? This webinar recording is about the UK Student Visa for students who will be starting their studies at a British university and are from European countries. We cover everything regarding the CAS, the application process, cost and other practicalities worth thinking about when applying for a student visa.
Did you know that all non-UK students need a visa to study in the UK? How much does a student visa cost? Is it difficult to get a student visa if you want to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? For most European students in the UK, a student visa is now a fact.
After the UK left the EU, student visas have now become a reality for the vast majority of international students. It is therefore important to familiarise yourself with this process as early as possible, so that you are well prepared when the time comes to submit an application for a student visa. In this webinar recording, we will go through useful information about student visas, when to apply, what you need for the application, costs, and other tips and tricks that can make the process easier. This webinar is suitable for those who have already applied, those who have accepted an offer, but also those who are considering studies in the UK and want to know more about the visa process.
We have the information and tools most people need to be able to go through the visa process without the need for individual follow-up/advice beyond the general information and guide from us. Remember that Across the Pond cannot provide individual advice on your visa application, only certified immigration staff can. In this webinar recording, you will learn about a number of important points that are good to be aware of when you familiarise yourself with the visa process.
