Has prepared me so much more for working
I took an online degree from Oslo at the Global Institute of Sport which is based all around the world. This organisation is unconventional but that has prepared me so much more for working than a normal master’s degree could.
Close connection to the staff
The Global Institute of Sport offers great support from all the staff but particularly the module leaders. For each assignment, lecture or question the module leaders are always easy to contact and will happily help you achieve and learn the most out of the content and each task. The rest of the staff are also easy to reach where I feel like I managed to speak to everyone from student reps to the CEO and get a true connection to the organisation and where they got a reference to who I am as an individual as well. This constant support helped me achieve more in terms of results but also my understanding of the content was greater than I experienced during my undergraduate degree.
Global sport focus
The organisation has sport and the global market at heart for its operations. I have had the chance to experience sport from different viewpoints and cultures through the content of my modules but also through travelling the world to global partners of GIS.
Online and on-site events
GIS hosts numerous events both in-person and online to connect us students closer to the people in the industry. I have attended two global summits where I have had the chance to watch world-class sports as well as connect with industry professionals at the top of the sport industry. I was able to do this while seeing completely new places and experience completely new cultures. These events are also some of the opportunities to connect with fellow students and network with people in the sports industry.
Advantages of online study
The online study method meant that I was able to continue working alongside my studies which helped for my personal, professional and financial growth. The organisation gives great transparency in deadlines which also makes it easy to work at a fluid pace. The organisation also allows for studying at the campuses in which they partner with or host, so it is possible to move and study in the library with the online courses. There are also some in-person degrees at GIS but the one I took was fully online.
Transitioning into a job
Through the module content, networking events and the great support from the staff it has prepared me greatly for what to do after I finish my degree. They outline the opportunities that are available as well as a great career advisor who gives help to turn an application into a job offer.
While the institution is far from what is common in Norway it is exactly this that has given me more opportunity to grow hard and especially soft skills.
- Vilde
A Journey of Growth and New Possibilities
Studying in the UK has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It shaped not only my career path but also my personal development, giving me the confidence, skills, and global exposure needed to thrive in today’s competitive world.
I earned a B.Sc. in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, and that single step opened many doors for me. The quality of the UK’s academic system is world-class, challenging yet practical. The experience pushed me to think critically, solve problems with a structured approach, and communicate my ideas effectively.
Soon after graduation, I gained employment as a Project Accountant at the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON). HERFON is a multilateral-funded international NGO focused on health advocacy. Working there for several years allowed me to apply what I learned while also contributing to meaningful, life-changing health initiatives. The professional training and exposure I received from my UK education played a major role in equipping me for this kind of responsibility.
Later, I became a licensed Chartered Accountant through ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) and established my own accounting firm. Since then, I have consulted both local and international organizations. The foundational skills I gained from Oxford Brookes gave me the confidence to start and lead a firm, manage clients, and offer top-tier financial and business services.
In 2025, I was honored to be selected as a finalist for the British Council Alumni Award for Business and Innovation in Nigeria. Being recognized by such a prestigious institution was a proud moment and a clear sign that the UK education system continues to produce globally relevant professionals. It also motivated me to continue expanding my knowledge and expertise.
Driven by this momentum, I went on to complete an Associate Degree in Computer Science, supported by the grant from the British Council, along with additional scholarships and personal funding. This education has helped me transition beyond accounting into fields like cybersecurity, data analysis, and digital innovation. It has widened my horizon and introduced me to tools and technologies that are reshaping how modern businesses operate.
Today, I combine my accounting background with data and technology to help clients make smarter decisions. I’ve even begun developing an accounting software application designed for small and medium-sized enterprises. It is practical, user-friendly, and solves real-world problems for business owners.
Looking back, what stands out most is how UK education doesn’t just train you to pass exams, it prepares you for life. It taught me how to learn independently, communicate with impact, work across cultures, and adapt to new challenges. These are the exact skills that employers, clients, and international organizations are looking for today.
To any high school graduate or aspiring university student: I strongly encourage you to consider the UK for your higher education. It’s not just about the degree, it’s about who you become in the process. You’ll be challenged, supported, and inspired in ways that prepare you to succeed on a global stage.
As someone who started with a dream and took that leap, I can say with full confidence that a UK education gave me the tools to turn potential into purpose. It’s a journey worth taking, and I hope my story encourages you to begin with yours.
- Ladi
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
My Journey from Pakistan to Royal Holloway: Finding a Home Away from Home
Moving to a new country as an international student is never an easy decision. You are leaving behind family, friends, and everything familiar to start a new chapter in an unfamiliar land. When I arrived in the UK to begin my MSc in Business Analytics at Royal Holloway, I felt a mix of excitement, nervousness, and uncertainty. But very quickly, those feelings were replaced by a deep sense of belonging, something I never expected to feel so soon after landing.
From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could tell that Royal Holloway was not just a university, it was a community. The lush green spaces, the iconic Founder's Building, and the genuine warmth of everyone I encountered instantly made me feel at ease. It did not matter that I was from another country, I was treated as part of something bigger, a shared experience of learning, growing, and becoming.
One of the most comforting aspects of my experience has been the incredible support network for international students. From orientation to academic support, and even career advice tailored for international graduates, the university has made it clear that I am not on this journey alone. The International Student Support Office answered questions I had not even thought to ask yet, and events like the Welcome Week helped me make friends from all over the world. In just a few days, I formed bonds that will likely last a lifetime.
Academically, the experience has been both challenging and rewarding. Studying at a globally respected institution like Royal Holloway has pushed me to think critically, apply my knowledge practically, and grow as a future data driven decision-maker. What makes it even more special is the collaborative atmosphere. Professors are approachable, seminars are interactive, and students genuinely support one another, a refreshing shift from the sometimes rigid academic cultures I was used to.
But beyond lectures and coursework, it’s the small things that have made this journey so memorable, sharing food from different cultures with flatmates, late-night walks across the beautifully lit campus, or simply being greeted with a smile by someone from a completely different background. It’s in these moments that you realise how truly global and yet closely knitted the Royal Holloway community is.
I also had the opportunity to become a Postgraduate Student Ambassador, which has been a highlight of my time here. It’s given me a chance to give back, to support new students as they take their first steps into this new life, just as I once did. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my story and support might make someone else’s transition smoother.
Looking back, choosing Royal Holloway was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s not just the academic prestige or the beautiful campus, it’s the people, the culture, and the unwavering support that truly make this place feel like home. As an international student, you expect challenges but what you might not expect is just how quickly those challenges are softened by kindness, inclusion, and opportunity.
To anyone considering studying here, take the leap. Royal Holloway will not just educate you, it will empower you, connect you, and most importantly, welcome you with open arms.
- Muhammed Uzair
How to meet people and settle in Leeds
My journey to Leeds
“Keep moving forward, do not look back” were the words my father told me as I was saying goodbye to my family at the airport. Upon hearing that, my long-held efforts of not crying came crashing down. Although coming to do my master’s degree in the UK was a dream I had had for a long time, leaving the warmness of home was daunting. Looking at my dad, the man that never cried, with teary eyes, made me feel bittersweet. I knew that he was proud of me, and I intended to follow his recommendation. With a last hug, I embarked on a 12-hour journey to the city that would become my second home.
Since day one, the University makes it easy to meet people. The first friends I made were during the shuttle from Manchester to Leeds. Talking with each other, we found out that we were all master’s students from Latin America and coincidentally we were staying in the same residence.
We walked together at 9pm from the University to St. Marks accommodation. We were a little lost and carrying our luggage, but happy that we had found each other.
International Orientation Week
An unmissable opportunity to make long lasting friends is attending the International Orientation Week. Through the conferences, webinars, activities, and parties organized, you will meet people from all around the world. Don’t worry if you don’t remember all the details of the people you meet, because more likely than not, you will be seeing them in the next event. Take advantage of the closeness and familiarity that this week provides, to reinforce the initial connections you make. I would recommend keeping in touch through social media and don’t be scared to reach out!
Enhance your CV and your connections through societies
On the 23 and 24th of September, the Welcome Fair showcases many societies that both undergraduate and postgraduate students can join. Visit the stands at the fair, but also browse through the “Clubs & Societies” page to know the more than 300 groups you could be a part of. I joined the “Women in Leadership” society, where I could network with like-minded women, as well as benefit from events to improve my professional skills.
Additionally, there are “Give it a Go (GIAG)” events where you can join activities before deciding to join a society. Follow the clubs’ social media to know the dates where the GIAG will take place. I went to the LATAM Society’s social at the Eldon, which was a great opportunity to meet a community that made me feel close to home. At their next GIAG, we went to a nightclub with Latin music. Because of the society, I got to know many places relating to my culture around Leeds. I strongly recommend looking for the groups that bring you close to home, they will help you avoid feeling homesick during your study abroad.
I have no doubt that you will love your time at Leeds!
Although doing something out of your routine can be difficult, take advantage of all the events and activities that the University and the Union organize. Don’t be afraid to be part of communities you are familiar with, but also be open to learn about other cultures. You will soon find out, like I did, that Leeds is a very close-knit town that makes it feel you have known your new friends since forever.
- Sandra
