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Is swapping the Spanish Sun for the British Rain worth it…?
As much as I love a sunny day…the answer is yes! In fact, you might end up getting used to the rain, maybe even liking it! Studying in the UK was definitely a winning trade-off. Leaving the comfort of home can be hard, but for me it came with the chance to reinvent myself, expand my knowledge in top-world universities and meet people from around the globe. I had the amazing opportunity to study an integrated Masters in Chemistry with a placement in Industry in Scotland, that set the ground for me to be able to move to Sheffield to pursue an industry-funded PhD project in collaboration with AstraZeneca at the University of Sheffield.
What does the UK offer that Spain does not?
1. The Experience
I learned very quickly that university here is about the whole experience, rather than just learning and exams. Doing a degree in Spain is seen as a full-time job. UK universities prioritise learning, but always leave room for personal growth.
This approach can be seen through several examples:
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A vibrant student life: with a range of societies and sports clubs.
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A solid support network: with numerous support channels available for students.
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A balanced timetable: with lecture schedules that allow time to rest.
It is not about memorising thousands of words and writing them on a paper in an exam. But rather, about receiving the tools you need to learn and develop the skills you will require for the future; leaving time for you to work part-time, socialise, meet new people, and develop not only as a student, but also as a person.
2. The Skills
The structure of the integrated Masters is divided into 3 years of typical undergraduate degree with one placement year, followed by a final year that includes some extra master courses. This means that after 5 years you end up not only with a degree and a masters, but also with a full year of working experience. I did my placement year in a pharmaceutical industry, which meant I was paid for my work, while I completed a research project. Finishing a masters with one full year of experience in your CV is extremely valuable.
After finishing my masters I moved to Sheffield to do a fully-funded PhD, for which I get a stipend from UKRI and that includes a placement in industry. The professional skills UK universities have allowed me to learn are insuperable.
But what if I miss home?
During the first few months, what helped me feel less away of home was finding out that I was not the only student that had moved abroad to study. I quickly became part of the Spanish Society, where I met people I could speak Spanish with and celebrate my culture. I also started immersing myself into the varied cultural landscape, for example going to a ceilidh organised by the Italian Society. The great thing about studying abroad is that you will end up building a second home.
- María
From Mozambique to Sheffield: Growing Beyond the Classroom
I still remember standing in the airport in Mozambique, surrounded by suitcases that somehow contained everything I thought I would need for a new life. Family members hugged me goodbye. Friends wished me luck. Everyone seemed excited. I was excited too. But underneath the excitement was something else: fear.
In a matter of hours, I would be moving thousands of miles away to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Sheffield. I was leaving behind the people who had known me my entire life, the places that felt familiar, and the comfort of always knowing where I belonged. I had dreamed of studying abroad for years. It represented opportunity, adventure, and the chance to build a future for myself. What I hadn’t fully appreciated was that growth often begins with discomfort. As the plane took off, I wasn’t just travelling to a different country. I was stepping into the unknown.
When I arrived in Sheffield, everything felt new. The weather was the first shock. Growing up in Mozambique, I had a very different relationship with the sun. Suddenly, I found myself checking weather forecasts, carrying umbrellas, and learning that “a bit chilly” means very different things in the UK than it does back home. Then there were all the small things nobody really prepares you for. Learning public transport. Managing my own finances. Doing food shopping without relying on anyone else. Figuring out how to survive as an independent adult while also trying to keep up with university deadlines.
For the first time in my life, there was nobody reminding me what needed to be done. It turns out adulthood arrives much faster when you’re living on another continent. There were moments that felt magical too. One of my favourite memories was seeing snow for the first time. As a child in Mozambique, snow existed only in films, photographs, and imagination. The first time I watched snowflakes fall from the sky in Sheffield, I probably looked ridiculous standing outside staring upward with the excitement of a five-year-old. I didn’t care. Some childhood dreams deserve to be enjoyed properly.
Of course, not every day felt magical. There were evenings when I missed home intensely. Sometimes it was triggered by something obvious, like a family celebration I couldn’t attend. Other times it was something much smaller: hearing a familiar song, craving a meal from home, or realising that everyone around me was carrying on with life while I was thousands of miles away. During those moments, video calls became invaluable. So did cooking food from home. There is something incredibly comforting about recreating a familiar meal when everything around you feels unfamiliar. Those small connections helped me stay grounded while building a new life in Sheffield.
Academically, university challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. Chemical Engineering quickly taught me that intelligence alone is not enough. Success requires discipline, consistency, and the willingness to keep going when things become difficult. The workload was demanding. The expectations were high. There were times when assignments, labs, and deadlines seemed to arrive all at once.
Like many students, I occasionally questioned whether I was doing enough. Yet those challenges forced me to grow. I became better at managing my time, organising my responsibilities, and pushing through obstacles that initially felt overwhelming. But if university taught me anything, it is that some of the most important lessons happen outside lecture theatres.
One of the best decisions I made was saying yes to opportunities beyond my degree. At first, joining societies seemed like a simple way to meet people. Looking back, it became one of the most important parts of my university experience. Through societies and university events, I met people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Some of my closest friendships began through conversations that almost never happened. A random event. A shared interest. Sitting next to someone and deciding to introduce myself. Those experiences made Sheffield feel less like a city I was studying in and more like a place I belonged.
As my confidence grew, I began challenging myself to step further outside my comfort zone. That is how I became a student ambassador. What started as a way to gain experience became one of the most rewarding parts of my time at university. Today, I often find myself speaking with prospective students who are asking the same questions I once asked myself. Will I fit in? Will I make friends? Will I be able to do this? Every time I hear those questions, I see a little of my younger self.
Being able to reassure students from my own experience is incredibly meaningful. I remember how uncertain I felt before arriving in Sheffield. If sharing my story helps even one student feel more confident about taking that leap, then it is worth it. The experience has also transformed my confidence. If someone had told me before I left Mozambique that I would one day stand in front of groups of prospective students representing the University of Sheffield, I would have laughed. Then I would have asked if they had the right person. Yet here I am.
Another experience that shaped me was becoming an academic representative. Through this role, I learned how important it is to speak up, listen carefully, and advocate for others. Acting as a bridge between students and staff showed me that positive change often starts with ordinary people who are willing to contribute their voice. It also gave me something unexpected: confidence in conversations. Whether speaking to lecturers, university staff, or fellow students, I became more comfortable engaging with people from all walks of university life.
Volunteering also became an important part of my journey. Supporting community initiatives, including events for St Luke’s Hospice, reminded me that university is about more than personal success. It is also about contributing to something larger than yourself. Volunteering had always been important to me, and continuing that commitment in Sheffield helped strengthen my connection to the city. The more I gave back, the more Sheffield began to feel like home.
Looking back now, the most surprising part of my university experience is not what I learned in Chemical Engineering. It is how much I have changed as a person. When I first arrived in Sheffield, I thought university was primarily about earning a degree. I still care deeply about my studies. But university has given me something far greater than academic knowledge alone. It has taught me confidence. It has taught me resilience. It has taught me leadership. It has introduced me to people and experiences that have challenged my assumptions and expanded my perspective. Most importantly, it has shown me that growth often happens when you say yes to opportunities that scare you.
The student who arrived from Mozambique was excited, hopeful, and uncertain. The person writing this today is still excited and still hopeful. But he is also more confident, more independent, and more willing to embrace the unknown. That transformation did not happen overnight. It happened through countless small moments: joining a society, starting a conversation, volunteering at an event, speaking in front of a group, making mistakes, learning from them, and trying again. So, if I could offer one piece of advice to anyone considering studying abroad, it would be this: Say yes. Say yes to opportunities. Say yes to new experiences. Say yes to conversations with people you have never met before. Your degree matters, but some of the most valuable lessons you will learn at university happen beyond the classroom. When I left Mozambique, I hoped to gain an education. What I found in Sheffield was a community, a second home, and a version of myself I had not yet discovered. And for that, I will always be grateful.
- Abdul
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.
It by far exceeded my expectations!
Have you ever wondered how studying abroad could change your life? In my case, I never imagined the turns that life would take with this decision, but it is a fact that I have reflected on over the years.
Before leaving...
The first important step I took was to attend an Europosgrados fair and there I met my advisor from Across the Pond. This was the turning point: when this dream began to materialize.
In total, the preparation process to study abroad took me a year, during which I:
- Received my degree -the process takes a bit of time in Mexico-;
- Worked full time, which helped me a lot to gain professional experience while allowing me to save a little for my studies;
- Applied to my desired master's degree options;
- Applied to a scholarship which I obtained (so happy!) for the master's degree;
- And as the last step: I carried out the visa process.
In my experience, having an advisor was very helpful because she encouraged me and was an excellent guide, she definitely helped make the process much easier.
Choosing can be difficult!
As an architect, I always knew that I wanted to study something that would allow me to develop projects in a broader context, so initially I was looking for courses related to Urbanism or Landscaping, as usual, life tends to surprise us and adjusts on its own; in the year I was preparing to leave, I had the opportunity to participate in a very important Landscaping project and it helped me be completely sure this is what I wanted to study.
Why did I choose MA in Landscape Architecture at Sheffield University?
There are many reasons why I chose this course, but among the main ones I can mention:
- What most caught my attention was the teaching method. I can highlight the site visits to feel and explore the spaces on site (an essential thing as an architect).
- The lecturers. I love that many of them, in addition to being published authors, have a lot of experience in the field and also work professionally in their area of expertise.
- The fact that it was a two-year course (not the most common in the UK).
- The accreditations of the course.
And I can definitely say that it by far exceeded my expectations!
What sets Sheffield University apart?
Now, it is true that there are several universities that offer studies in Landscape, but the University of Sheffield was the one for me because:
- It is one of the oldest landscape schools in the UK, topping the rankings of the best schools in the world (within the top 100) and the best landscape schools.
- As I mentioned earlier, I found the faculty to be impressive.
- The quality of its educational offer.
- The facilities are very modern and for several years it has been voted by its students as the best "Student's Union".
- There are many renowned alumni, including several Nobel laureates.
- The economic cost of housing (compared to other cities and universities).
- It is the greenest city in the UK (this is very much related to my topic of interest).
- The Peak District.
I loved taking classes in English!
I have to admit that when I started my classes my notes were in Spanglish and with many diagrams, but little by little they evolved to be more in English. When I had to write essays or research, the same thing happened to me: after doing a lot of research, sometimes the ideas came in Spanish, other times in English, and my first draft used to contain two languages.
Eventually, in some moments of daily life, I missed speaking Spanish. Just like now, I miss speaking English.
A normal day as a student
In the day to day at school, I had a fairly defined routine. Get up early, get ready to go to class and walk to school. My house was a 10–15-minute walk to school and it gave me the chance to enjoy at least 3 parks before arriving, this gave me the opportunity of finding surprises along the way, from a blossoming cherry tree to a friend to chat with on the way. Taking public transport is an excellent idea on a snowy or rainy day, since it is super punctual and clean.
I would take classes from 9 am to 5 pm approximately and when we finished, many times my friends and I would meet at the pub. Afterwards, I would return home to do chores, homework or rest.
Also, I had many sleepless nights in the Arts Tower (after approving the necessary trainings) in which we worked on our projects after school. This helped us to socialize a little more, share knowledge and help each other. Also, we used to take a break and go to the Student's Union to relax for an hour or so and have dinner, before continuing with work.
Is education really that different?
Among the things that I loved about the English education system, is that we all had a tutor assigned from the beginning of the course. All tutors get to know their advisees. This tutor is very helpful in case of setbacks, if you have problems at home or something goes in an unexpected way. If you need support, you can always discuss with your tutor the possibilities to follow.
For me, the classes were always very exciting, and I felt that I was learning actively, with a repertoire of real cases and on sites. We would go outside of the classroom to draw, study and experiment. We made scale models with creative techniques and learned different methods of representation. We studied the sites thoroughly and with different perspectives. My master's degree left me with great analytical and representation skills.
In addition, guest speakers were often invited to classes and conferences were held with experts in the field. Even during lunch breaks, small workshops were organized by students about tools that we used every day, these were optional, but extremely useful.
The atmosphere, the facilities, the equipment, everything is top quality. I never thought that I would like to go to work so much or study in a library or simply get together in the workshop with my colleagues to spend an all-nighter.
But not everything is about studying, even in a very demanding course, there is free time and free days to enjoy.
Free time: parks, picnics, trips and more...
England is a place where there is a lot of nightlife, you can find a variety of concerts, visiting djs and music festivals. In Sheffield you can annually enjoy the 'Tramlines' and 'Peace in the Parks', to mention a few.
I loved walking around the city and enjoy its places and architecture. Also, getting together with my friends for picnics or barbecues (especially during summer). As well, we often went to the pub or organized excursions to York, London, Bath, and many other places. We would rent a car, took a bus or train. You can also go to weekend getaways to nearby places or plan a vacation to another part of Europe: my favorite method was to look for cheap plane tickets, oh the surprises I got!
Sheffield is charming and exciting
Sheffield is a student city, so you will find many people who are in a similar situation to you. Whether you're pursuing your bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D., it's easy to meet acquaintances and friends, starting in your classroom or research department.
Among the unique attractions, they have the Paternoster (a kind of elevator that circulates slowly and does not stop) of the Arts Tower which is 1 of the 2 that exist in the world, believe it or not, it is a great attraction and really meets its functions in daily use.
It is a super green city, with many parks in addition to the Peak District. The City Center is very dynamic and beautiful, especially in the winter season when you can enjoy the Christmas Market. They also have a tram, which is used to get to a super large mall with cinemas, bowling, etc.
Another excellent point is that Sheffield has a beautiful train station, it's a great welcome on arrival. It's also near to airports with international destinations: it is only 1 hour by train from Manchester and around 3 hours to London.
Sharing a flat with more students from different grades, what an adventure
In my stay of almost 2.5 years, I always stayed in private accommodation, which I shared with other students. My first flat was shared with 8 people (Wow!) and conveniently located near the university, very close to the best Indian food and an excellent Fish and Chips. I shared the flat with Mexicans, Spanish, South-Koreans and British students, both undergraduates and postgraduates. I won't deny that sharing a home with so many people was a bit challenging, but it was definitely fascinating.
More than expected
When I left my home country, I knew that I was going to get certain things like an excellent education and a little bit of traveling, but definitely among the things that I never imagined I would get from this experience are the great friendships that developed in those years. Today I have created unbreakable bonds with some people who crossed my path.
To keep up to date, I am part of the school's alumni group and there is even a chat for former Mexican students managed by Sheffield University.
Regarding what I did expect, the knowledge I received was wonderful. The tools that my master's degree gave me still help me a lot in my professional life and were perfectly translated to my environment, thanks to the teachings of my professors. Likewise, the experience that living abroad gave me helped me expand the way in which I see and appreciate the world and those who are part of it.
Are you ready?
Did any of what I mentioned sound familiar to you? Did something catch your attention? Do you want to study in UK? If you answered yes to any of these questions, don't hesitate any longer and take the first step in this life-changing experience.
- Veronica
