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Invaluable academic, professional, and personal growth
Studying in the UK had been in the back of my mind ever since my first visit to London. Years ago, a former boss invited me to join her for a summer workshop she was leading in Barcelona, and as part of the course, there was a weeklong visit to London to explore architecture schools, iconic projects, and firms like ARUP, Zaha Hadid Architects, and the Architectural Association. That trip left a lasting impression on me. As an architect, walking through London’s streets felt like stepping into a living textbook of design and history. I returned to Mexico inspired, and deep down I knew I wanted to come back, not just to visit, but to grow academically and professionally.
Architecture wasn’t my only connection to the UK. Growing up, my dad introduced me to British music and films. We’d watch classics together and seize every chance to see British artists live when they came to Mexico, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, Blur, Arctic Monkeys, to name a few. Those moments shaped my cultural identity and made the UK feel strangely familiar even before I ever set foot here. So when I finally moved to the UK for my master’s, it felt like a dream come true, especially living in Nottingham, a city with its own vibrant cultural scene. Being able to go to small venues in Rock City and watch artists like The Waterboys, Peter Hook from Joy Division, Jake Bugg, and Echo & the Bunnymen, artists I grew up listening to, was something I never imagined possible.
I chose the University of Nottingham because of its high ranking in Architecture and its reputation as a leader in sustainable design education, two key aspects for my career goals. My course, the MArch in Architecture and Sustainable Design, challenged me in all the right ways. It expanded my understanding of environmental design and introduced me to the field of sustainable consultancy, an area less explored in Mexico but one I now feel passionate about pursuing professionally.
Living in Nottingham itself became an integral part of my journey. Coming from Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis where life is fast-paced, traffic is constant, and distances feel endless, the change to a medium-sized city like Nottingham was refreshing. It offered a friendlier, more local feel with the perfect balance between built environment and nature. I loved the slower pace of life, walking everywhere on tree-lined paths, and enjoying the green spaces that make the University of Nottingham one of the UK’s greenest campuses. Even commuting to classes felt special, with squirrels and the occasional group of bunnies hopping around the lawns. That daily connection with nature provided a sense of calm that allowed me to focus on my studies and personal growth in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
Of course, moving abroad isn’t without its challenges. For me, homesickness was the hardest part. I missed my family and friends deeply, and there were moments when the distance felt overwhelming. Not only did I miss them, but also the little daily routines back home, sharing meals with my family, catching up with friends after work, celebrating traditions unique to Mexico, and of course, the food. Nothing quite compares to the flavours and comfort of Mexican cuisine.
Coming from Latin America, there’s often the belief that countries in Europe or the US are far more advanced than us in education and opportunities. At first, I worried how my background would measure up in such a competitive academic environment. To my surprise, I soon realised that my education in Mexico City had prepared me incredibly well. I’ve been doing great in my classes, and I’m thankful for the solid foundation my professors and mentors gave me back home. It made me proud to see that the skills and knowledge I gained there are at the same level as what I’ve encountered here.
What helped me navigate those emotional ups and downs was engaging with the social life at university. I loved attending events by the Hispanic and Mexican societies, where I connected with like-minded people from similar backgrounds who, at times, made me feel at home. I also think it’s essential not to isolate yourself. Focus on your studies, yes, but also go out, meet new people, and travel as much as you can, even within the UK, there’s so much to explore. That balance between academic growth and social experiences has made my time here truly unforgettable.
Would I recommend studying in the UK? Absolutely. But I’d also advise future students to plan ahead and do your research if you’re thinking about staying and working afterwards, some fields can be challenging to break into.
This year has given me invaluable academic, professional, and personal growth. Studying in the UK has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
- Ingrid Daniela
This New Chapter of My Life Feels Like a DREAM!
⭐ Who I Am and Why I Chose to Study in the UK
My name is Sofia, and I’m an Italian student passionate about fashion and creativity. I’ve always wanted to expand my horizons and learn in a diverse and inspiring environment. Choosing to study in the UK felt like the perfect opportunity to do just that, thanks to its world-class education system, vibrant international community, and practical approach to learning.
Studying here allows me to grow both academically and personally, gaining skills and experiences that I couldn’t have found anywhere else. The UK offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, and being part of this dynamic culture motivates me every day.
🏫 Why I Chose University of Salford, Manchester
I chose the University of Salford because of its reputation in the fashion world and its strong connections with the industry. The campus is full of energy, with creative spaces, modern facilities, and cozy corners perfect for studying (or just daydreaming over a coffee). I especially love spending time in the library and design studio. They’re like a second home now!
🇮🇹 Italian vs. 🇬🇧British Universities
Growing up in Italy, university life felt quite different compared to what I’ve experienced here in the UK, and I have to say, studying in the UK has been a wonderful surprise!
Italian universities tend to be more formal and traditional, with large lectures that lack interaction. The focus is mainly on exams and theory, which can sometimes feel disconnected from real-world practice.
In contrast, I love how UK universities emphasise creativity, practical work, and collaboration. Classes are smaller and more dynamic, with workshops, group projects, and plenty of opportunities to apply what you learn.
The teaching style encourages questions and personal expression, which suits me much better. On top of that, the support services and vibrant campus life here make the experience truly engaging and student-centered. From accessible tutors, to social events and clubs, it feels like the University genuinely cares about our growth, not just academically, but personally too.
For me, the UK system is the right fit: it’s not just about education, but a life-changing adventure that suits my style of learning and personal growth perfectly.
🧵What I Study & Why I Love It
I study Fashion & Design and I absolutely love how the course blends theory with hands-on work. From styling workshops to drawing sessions, every class pushes me creatively. The tutors are supportive, and there are always opportunities to showcase our work or collaborate with other students. 👗✂️
I was even selected to present my creations on the runway TWICE during just the first term, which felt surreal! It gave me such a boost of confidence and made me feel like I was exactly where I’m meant to be. It’s a DREAM COME TRUE.
🛏️ My Student Accommodation
This first year I lived in a shared student apartment with four other girls, and we share a kitchen. It’s been one of the most interesting parts of my experience, sometimes chaotic, sometimes hilarious, but always full of life and cultural exchange.🍝🌶️ 🥐
Some of my favourite memories are the many evenings spent teaching my English friends how to make real Italian pizza and cook pasta THE RIGHT WAY (not just boiling it and throwing sauce on top 😄). We’ve had pasta nights with music, laughter, and even debates over whether pineapple belongs on pizza (spoiler: it doesn't!). Those moments turned our kitchen into the heart of our home.
🌦️ Weather & Culture Shock? Say Less
Before moving to the UK, I expected non-stop rain, grey skies, and constant cold, but honestly? It’s not that dramatic. Yes, the weather can be unpredictable, but I’ve learned to embrace it: layer up, grab an umbrella, and you’re good to go. And when the sun comes out? Everyone’s in shorts, even if it’s 12°C. 😄
But the real culture shock? The food. British people really do love their baked beans, at any hour of the day! And I’ve never seen so many potatoes cooked in so many different ways. 🥔 Mashed, roasted, jacket, fried, boiled... they’re everywhere. It was a bit of a surprise at first, coming from Italy where olive oil reigns and carbs usually mean pasta, but now I’ve come to appreciate the quirky comfort of a full English breakfast (though I still draw the line at beans on toast).
🏙️ Manchester, The City I Now Call Home
Manchester has quickly become one of my favourite places in the world. I love how the city mixes old industrial charm with modern creativity, it’s like every corner tells a story. One of my favourite memories is wandering through the Northern Quarter and Deansgate on a Saturday morning, discovering little gems such as vintage shops and stopping for coffee at a tiny café where the barista knows my order by heart. By now, I know where all the Italian restaurants and supermarkets in Manchester are! I guess my love for home-cooked Italian food is just as strong here as it was back home! 🍝🇮🇹
Manchester has this amazing vibe that makes me feel inspired and at home, even though I’m far from Italy.
👫 Friends & Free Time
In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends. We often explore the city together, trying new cafes, visiting art galleries, or just relaxing in the park when the weather is nice. ☀️
I also enjoy hosting little get-togethers at my flat, where I cook Italian dishes and we share stories and laughs. It’s amazing how food brings people together and creates a sense of family. 💞 Whether we’re out discovering new places or just having a cozy movie night, these moments make my experience here truly special.
🗣️ Studying in English
Honestly, I didn’t have any problems with the language. I’ve always understood and spoken English quite well. What’s funny is that since moving to Manchester, I’ve even picked up a bit of a northerner accent! 🐝
Now my friends back home say I sound like I’ve lived here forever, and I kind of love it. Studying in English at university has improved my academic vocabulary and communication skills more than I ever expected. Being immersed in an English-speaking environment has boosted my confidence and made me feel ready for any challenge.
💡 What I Wish I Knew Before Coming
Before arriving, I imagined the UK weather to be a constant storm of wind and rain, but it’s actually not that bad! Sure, there are grey days, but there are also plenty of cozy, sunny moments in between. The key is layering, a good coat, and always having a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. ☁️☀️ What really surprised me, though, was how much there is to do here! From weekend walks around the city to day trips to Liverpool (perfect for a sea lover like me 🌊), and even hiking adventures in the Lake District. 🥾⛰️ I never expected to find so much variety and beauty just a short train ride away.
🤝 GRAZIE (thank you), Across the Pond!
I applied through Across the Pond, and I’m so glad I did. Their support was incredible: from helping me choose the right University to giving me information about the visa process and sharing helpful tips before departure.
A special thank you to my advisor, who followed me through every step with patience and kindness. We still keep in touch from time to time, which really shows how personal and genuine their support was. 💌
So far, studying in the UK is one of the most exciting, challenging, and beautiful experiences of my life. I’ve grown so much, not just as a student, but as a person.
If you’re thinking about taking the leap, DO IT. You might just find your place in the rain, too. 🌈
- Sofia
I wanted to study in the best University of the UK
My name is Isela, a postgraduate student of MSc Advanced Sustainable Design at the University of Edinburgh. Today I want to share my experience about the beautiful journey of studying in the UK.
First of all, studying abroad became one of my biggest goals since I had the opportunity to meet foreign students during high school, I realized that the quality of education in other countries especially in the UK is amazing, and the experience of knowing different cultures even more, so from that moment the idea of experiencing this first hand, living in another country, meeting people from different parts of the world got me so excited that I set it in my goals.
My goal was to study in the UK, but not only in there, what I wanted is to study in the best University of the UK. I always knew I wanted to focus my studies into sustainability, therefore the next step was to find the best programme to do it, I remember I listed all Universities of the UK according to QS ranking, then I wrote the programmes to find out which one has the best to suit to my objectives. Since that moment the University of Edinburgh became my gold dream.
Despite diverse circumstances that impacted my life, this aim always remained in my mind, but I was not sure where to start. Fortunately, I found an advertise online about Across the Pond, they truly helped me to leave my fears behind and chasing my dreams, clearing my thoughts by showing me every step I needed to achieve this objective. They advised me on the options available to cover the expenses, from scholarships to student loans, of which I was not aware, and they were always willing to answer any questions that arose in the process.
I applied to many universities until I finally got an acceptance letter from the university of my dreams. From that moment on my life changed and I am sure that it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, as a year after living in Edinburgh I am even more convinced that I could not have chosen a better university or a better country to study my postgraduate degree. The United Kingdom is amazing, but Scotland and the city of Edinburgh have so much charm that I fell in love with them from the first moment I arrived here. From its cobbled streets with a medieval atmosphere and the castle in the middle of the city, to Hollyrood Park, where Arthurs Seat mountain is located, it makes you feel like you are in the Highlands themselves in the middle of the city.
The passion for teaching and the preparation of the teachers, the quality of the programs and without forgetting the work spaces with cutting-edge technology, the physical and digital libraries, computers and laptops available to all students at any time, as well as the natural environment, make this a very pleasant experience. Being a non-native English speaking student, I was very nervous and worried at the beginning, but both the patience of the teachers as well as the help of my classmates were key to helping me develop my language skills in a better way.
In addition to studying, I was also part of some university societies, such as the rifle and swimming clubs. From the first time I visited the gym facilities, I was impressed by the high-quality equipment and the well-suited spaces for engaging in a wide range of activities.
Student life in the city of Edinburgh is very fun and cheerful, the amount of activities on and off campus is immense, as well as the benefits that we as students have, such as discounts in most shops for food, clothing, events, transportation and even pharmacy and leisure. Student housing is out of this world, it has much more than just basic facilities but also spaces that allow you to have a healthy coexistence that encourages cultural exchange even more, such as play and meeting areas, gyms, cafeterias, laundry services and spaces with musical instruments.
Lastly, I had the great opportunity to meet and connect with amazing people from various parts of the world, such as India, Taiwan, China, Germany, Canada, Turkey, the USA, and South America. Getting to know their cultures, traditions, and perspectives on life has broadened my worldview. The personal and professional growth I have experienced over the past year has been unparalleled, thanks to this wonderful interaction.
I conclude this text by inviting students to take this big step, which they will undoubtedly never regret, and if they feel afraid or do not know what to do, do not hesitate to approach experts like Across the Pond, who will undoubtedly make this experience extremely light and pleasant.
- Isela
Why studying in the UK?
I had to answer this question several times while giving campus tours to families from different countries when I worked as an international student ambassador at the university. The answer went something like this: I had always wanted to study abroad, and while I was doing my undergraduate studies, I didn't have the opportunity. So, I set myself the goal of doing a postgraduate study abroad. I started looking for options in different countries, however, the 3 finalist universities were institutions in the UK. This was because the study programmes in Sustainable Architecture in the country, which was what I was looking to apply for, appealed to me. Plus, the fact that the masters in the UK lasted for 1 year, and that's how this journey started...
Why the University of Nottingham?
The University of Nottingham was not one of my original 3 finalists, however, my Across the Pond advisor suggested it to me because of an opportunity that was available at the time for my area of study. I decided to take the chance and I applied to the university. When the long-awaited acceptance letter finally arrived, what started as a dream, started to materialise....
It's not just about applying to the university, there are many other steps to consider...
If you're planning to study abroad, try to check in advance what's required. There are usually many time-consuming documents and procedures that often don't depend on you, but you have to meet the deadlines: language certificates, CVs, personal statements, scholarships and grants applications, immigration procedures, accommodation, among many other things. It may seem overwhelming at first, but little by little and with the help of your Across the Pond advisor, things get sorted out.
University Life
The international student experience in the UK is wonderful. There are a lot of students from all over the world, and universities usually have years of experience with this. So, they have established procedures and guidelines that are very useful before and when you join the university. Also, the staff and people in general are usually very helpful and friendly.
University life is very dynamic, although I think the experience can vary depending on whether you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Most master's degrees, being usually one year long, naturally have a stricter study programme. So, sometimes free time for postgraduate students can be more limited than for undergraduates. So, this is a great opportunity to put your time management skills into practice! You can make studying a priority, while you also travel, participate in societies, and socialise and meet people. And of course, you make sure you leave enough time for your physical and mental wellbeing.
The University of Nottingham has a range of services, workshops and activities. It provides advice on financial matters, academic skills, use of digital tools, research techniques, critical writing, careers, among many others. At first, it can be difficult and overwhelming trying to digest so much information but try to gradually get to know everything your university has to offer. It can be very useful to know the services you have, with enough time to use them. Besides from the fact that you have already paid for them in your tuition fees, try to make the most out of them!
Life in Nottingham
Life in Nottingham was very interesting. It is a medium-sized city in England, with different events throughout the year. It has several tourist attractions and places for weekend activities with friends, such as bowling, mini-golf, or skating. I lived in an accommodation near the university campus, and I found life in this part of the city quiet and peaceful. I found it convenient to have the university 2 minutes-away walk, and Wollaton Park 15 minutes away, one of my favourite spots from the city. To get to the centre I usually took public transport, either bus or tram. It took me about 20 minutes to get there.
The accommodation I chose was off-campus and had different types of rooms available. I highly encourage to check the accommodation websites of the universities, as they usually have complete information about the types of rooms available, locations, among others. So, you can make the decision that suits you best.
Cultural shocks and language transition
It is inevitable to have culture shocks, no matter from which part of the world you come from. In my case, me the fact that I could talk to people from similar backgrounds really helped me. As they might be having culture shocks similar to mine, so that I could feel identified with other people who felt similarly.
In terms of language, I was fortunate enough to learn English from an early age. However, I was never required to use it in an advanced academic environment or in the technical aspect of my field. Trying to keep up in class while process new knowledge and at the same time putting extra effort into understanding everything in another language, was a challenge. It's normal to struggle a bit at first, and it's okay if you need to spend extra time after class going over your notes. With time, you will get used to the language and everything will become easier. Also, universities usually have courses or material available to reinforce your language skills, if you find it necessary.
What nobody tells you…
During my experience as an international student in the UK I have experienced all kinds of emotions, from happiness and fulfilment to exhaustion and guilt. The process is different for everyone. Some people found the beginning very challenging, for some others it was the final part... There are days when emotions can get very strong, and situations can feel out of hand. Try to have a support network at all times, whether it's your new friends, trained university staff, or friends and family back home. The important thing is that you feel supported and that you can maintain your mental health to get the most out of your studies.
Don't forget to enjoy every moment, be clear about your priorities and try to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Time goes by faster than you can imagine, but the memories and learning you take away from this adventure are definitely some of the most valuable you can experience.
- Claudia Marina
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!
