Reputation for high-quality education
Coming from Mexico, I wanted my postgraduate experience to be more than just academic. It had to challenge me culturally, creatively, and personally. The UK offered all of that. It has a strong reputation for high-quality education, access to diverse perspectives from around the world, and a thriving arts scene. I chose the University of Edinburgh because of its strong reputation in film and cultural studies, and the way my program combines theory with practical curatorial work. University life here is vibrant, there are thousands of societies to join. I joined the Photography and Jazz society where I was able to meet new skills and friends from all over the world.
I lived in university accommodation, sharing a kitchen with seven other students from different countries. At first, adjusting to a shared space required communication between flatmates, especially when you’re used to your own spice cabinet back home. Now, I see it as part of my whole experience studying in the UK. We swap recipes, share late-night tea, and sometimes discover how differently people define "clean." If you’ve ever been to Mexico, you know the sunshine allows for long days in the park in short sleeves. Edinburgh’s weather, on the other hand, teaches you that in other parts of the world the seasons are noticeable and learning how to layer clothes is essential! Rain and wind are common, but the reward is watching the city’s stone streets and green hills change with the light, it’s magical in its way.
By studying Film Exhibition and Curation, I was able to explore how films are shared with audiences, from major festivals to community screenings. I valued that the University professors pushed me to think critically, experiment with creative projects, and connect cinema with larger cultural conversations. It was the perfect place to merge my passion for film with my interest in how stories are presented and experienced. Walking through Edinburgh sometimes feels like stepping into a perfectly framed shot. Between the medieval Old Town, the elegant Georgian New Town, and the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, there’s plenty of inspiration. The city also has a lively arts calendar, from the famous Fringe Festival to small, intimate film screenings.
One of the best parts of studying here is meeting people from all over the world. My friends come from places I’d only read about before, and our conversations range from comparing national cuisines to discussing cinema across cultures. In my free time, I explored hidden cafés, visited free museums, or took day trips to the Highlands. While I’ve studied in English before, doing a full master’s degree in it, especially in an academic setting, can be intense. Sometimes my thoughts start in Spanish, switch to English, and land somewhere in Spanglish. The good news is that you improve every week, and the professors here are supportive.
If there's one thing I wish I’d known before packing my bags, it’s how fast time flies here. A year feels long before you arrive, but between classes, social life, and exploring Scotland, it goes by quickly. My advice is to arrive with an open mind, a good raincoat, and a willingness to try things outside your comfort zone. You might just find a new version of yourself.
- Jorge
Why I Chose to Study in the UK Over Norway
“Why on earth would you pay a small fortune to study in the UK? You could have done a free master’s degree at home in Norway!”
This is one of the most common questions I’ve been asked over the past year, both by friends in Norway and abroad. And honestly, I can see why people wonder. With sky-high tuition fees, steep living costs, and a weak currency exchange, the UK has unfortunately become a less attractive destination for international students. Add to that the post-Brexit bureaucracy, which can be as unhelpful as it is complicated, and it’s not exactly the easiest move to make.
Still, one year after starting my degree at the University of Sussex, I can confidently say that moving to Brighton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Here are three reasons why:
A Choice for Ambitious Students
It’s widely agreed that British higher education is world-class. With the founding of the University of Oxford in 1096, Britain and education have gone hand in hand for almost 1,000 years. Today, UK universities consistently rank among the top 10 globally across most disciplines. This was, of course, in the back of my mind when I chose Sussex – alma mater to the world’s largest faculty of International Relations. Walking onto campus for the first time and seeing the red-brick buildings standing proudly against the backdrop of the South Downs honestly felt like stepping into Hogwarts. I quickly realised this was a place with high expectations – both of itself and of me as a student.
While the teaching lived up to my expectations, I often learned the most outside the classroom. Surrounded by some of the sharpest minds in International Relations, I had access to an entire network of people from all over the world, each with their own experiences and perspectives. I often felt I learned more about the syllabus over a pint at the local pub, hearing insights from classmates from India, Japan, and the US. These conversations not only broadened my perspective but also gave me a network of ambitious, intelligent people who have become both professional allies and friends.
The Happiest Student City in the UK
Year after year, Brighton is ranked as the happiest city in the UK, and it didn’t take me long to see why. When I arrived in September, I was immediately met with an atmosphere that was both relaxed and full of energy. Beach life is at the heart of Brighton – from its iconic pebble beach and the long pier lined with rides and small shops, to the pastel-coloured sunsets. Grabbing a coffee at Pink Moon before a walk along the promenade quickly became one of my morning rituals. The city is full of quirky cafés, vintage shops, and small galleries – meaning it’s almost impossible to get bored.
One of Brighton’s greatest strengths is its diversity. The city has one of the UK’s largest and most visible LGBT+ communities, and its Pride celebrations are among the most famous in Europe. For me, that was a green flag – a city that not only accepts but celebrates difference. The people I met were open, respectful, and warm – all with that characteristic British bluntness and dry humour. The surrounding nature is just as charming. The rolling green hills and small villages of the Sussex Downs offered the perfect weekend escape. One personal highlight was when my class decided to walk to Lewes, a nearby town just a few kilometres away. Brighton became more than just a student city – it was a place that encouraged me to be myself, while giving me breathing space in an otherwise intense study year.
Fieldwork and Real-World Experience
Another reason I chose the University of Sussex was its Dissertation with Placement programme. This optional track lets students write their master’s thesis while working with an organisation closely tied to their research topic. Through this, I got to work alongside industry experts in my chosen field – and carry out four weeks of independent fieldwork in Argentina.
Some organisations even pay their placement students, and for those that don’t, there are a range of scholarships available to help cover costs. This was not only a fantastic springboard into the job market, but also a unique and exciting way to travel during my studies. Combining a prestigious UK master’s degree with hands-on fieldwork experience is highly sought after in the job market – something I’ve already seen reflected in job interviews since.
“But Should I Move?”
A UK master’s degree is intense. The entire programme is completed in under 12 months, and the learning curve is steep. Each semester lasts just 12 weeks, ending with one major submission or exam. In my programme, International Political Economy, I had two core modules in the autumn, two electives in the spring, and the summer to write a 10,000-word dissertation. Each module required either a 5,000-word final exam paper or an equivalent set of assignments.
This was a big jump from the pace I was used to at bachelor’s level in Norway, and it took time to adjust to the deadlines. Another unexpected challenge was the difference in academic writing styles: British academia expects you to clearly state your position early in the text – much more than is common in Norway. That took some practice, but with supportive and engaged professors, the transition was manageable.
For me, this became more than just a degree. It was a year of academic and personal growth, new friendships, unforgettable experiences – and an education that has already opened doors.
If you’re considering it, my answer is simple: Yes, it’s expensive and demanding. But for me, it was worth every single penny.
- Håkon
Finding My Way Across The Pond
Studying abroad was something I wanted to do but never really had the opportunity. When I started considering law school and was researching things like the LSAT (law school admission test), Canadian law schools, articling (a required internship period) and other steps I may need to take to reach my goal of practising law, I came across many blogs and articles suggesting I may be able to reach that goal outside of Canada. This immediately piqued my interest.
Upon starting my research on international study, I found myself incredibly overwhelmed with the sheer number of schools and directions I could go to pursue my law career. I knew I wanted to be in Europe and, with my area in Canada being a common law system, it helped me narrow it down to the UK. Still feeling lost, I decided that there must be a community of people who can help me out. This led me to Across the Pond. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this company on google that day. They walk you through the entire process of applying internationally and help you narrow down the schools based on your preferences and any existing qualifications. My student advisor with Across the Pond was so helpful and kind guiding me through the process of applying.
Why University of Sussex? Why Brighton?
The University I attend (University of Sussex) is slightly outside of Brighton which was another selling factor for me since I am more of a country girl. I’ve enjoyed the vast amounts of trails surrounding the university in Stanmer Park on numerous occasions. Something Canadian applicants should know is that there is a significant Canadian population attending school here, especially law! The student housing that’s offered is also a great way to meet people and make connections. I love the ‘small town city” feel that Brighton offers with cute markets and social events. Being from the west coast of Canada, the true selling factor of Brighton was its proximity to the ocean. I grew up on a small island and the ocean has always felt like home.
- Natasha
Dreaming Among Spires
Choosing Oxford Brookes
My decision to enrol at Oxford Brookes was a strategic one. I have family living in Oxfordshire, and this would make my time in the UK much easier, as I would be guided and helped by people who would be nearby.
Additionally, a joint honours programme was offered, and so I enrolled for the Business Management and Sociology course. A Level results were not as good as I had hope and so Brookes offered me a place in their Foundation programme, and so instead of coming in September, I arrived in the UK in the winter semester in January.
Flying into darkness
I arrived around 2 in the afternoon, and by the time my uncle had driven me from Heathrow to Oxfordshire, the sun had already set. This was the first shock to my system. I had been to the UK before on a summer school trip so the chilly weather was no surprise, but being in pitch darkness just after 4 in the afternoon certainly was. Coming from Zimbabwe and having lived in Zambia, I was accustomed to the sun setting slowly between 5.30-7.00pm. My relatives assured me this would not be the case for too much longer and that spring was just a few months away.
I went into Oxford City Centre a few times in the week before Freshers’ Week, getting used to the public transport system and learning where all the shops were, as well as my route to the campus. So, by the time I was full registered for my program, the idea of a 4pm sunset became less foreign, although it still took me off-guard well into February.
Spring came around a bit slower than my family had stated, but when it did arrive, I enjoyed observing the spring blossoms gradually blooming. The UK is stereotypically grey and miserable, particularly when it rains, but beauty can always be found by eyes that seek it.
I had also met people from many different cultures and eaten from different foods and began to appreciate the UK’s cultural diversity. The sun was setting a little bit later and so I got to see how colourful a sunset can be in Oxford.
Adapting to more Technology
The technology in the UK is far more advanced than in Southern Africa, and so my next task was getting used to being on a laptop or phone for a few more hours than I was accustomed to, but for any Gen Z student, this is not difficult. Observing the efficiency of new programmes helped me organise my university work more effectively.
Being an international student means not only learning the content of your degree, but learning a new culture and a new technology and data set. While this can feel overwhelming for some, I look back on this incredible feat and admire how wide my skill set is compared to the average person. This gives international students a unique strand of resilience and adaptability, as well as ability to multitask.
Re-Freshed
I attended Fresher’s Fair again as a first-year student, and this felt like a refresher because I was meeting a completely new set of people, many of whom would be my friends for the next three years. However, I was more knowledgeable of the campus already, so I quickly became known to be the right person to ask certain questions. I had enjoyed the International Relations module in my foundation programme so much that I changed my course to BA (Hons) International Relations and Business Management.
Academic Support leading to Success
I was quickly noticed by my lecturers as being very well engaged in the material and unafraid to speak in class. It can be intimidating to engage in conversation with a lecturer in front of a room of over a hundred students, but this is easily overcome by following the advice to actually do the reading before class! First year may not count towards your final grade, but reading as much as possible in between parties and socials will help you get ahead in second year as well as third.
By the time your first assignment has been handed, the reality of the need to read kicks in and prompts you to develop a good studying routine. This slowly becomes second nature before your second assignment, and becomes more refined in second semester.
In second year, the readings got bulkier, but this was easily conquered by the encouragement of friends to go to the library together, read diligently and reconvene to discuss in a few hours before heading for lunch or for a quick drink before heading home. By second year, we were all more confident to speak to our lecturers and had meeting with them on our concerns more regularly. Support from friends and lecturers gets you through the long hours of research for your dissertation and keeps your mind at ease in stressful periods.
Societies and Unions
I joined a number of societies in my first and second year, which exposed me to different activities and even more friends. When the Student Union elections ran, I applied for the Women’s Officer role, which I got. This was a challenging role, but representing students, while completing third year, was a rewarding experience.
Societies get you out of your room, which is essential for your physical and mental health. It is also another channel to gain more knowledge about the UK which is important as different stories shape different approaches. These are spaces where you can share your struggles as a student and come together to find solutions. As an international student, you also gain valuable knowledge from both other international students and local students about navigating life in the UK, particularly as you get closer to entering the job market full time.
Masters’ Degree
I enrolled to continue studying International Relations at Master’s level. My love for the subject grew the more I read, and my understanding deepened in ways I cannot thank my lecturers enough for. Getting into the field in the UK may be difficult for international students. Some may find more ease at home, or may equally be met with a different set of challenges back home. Regardless, studying this subject at Brookes has opened up my mind to several new possibilities for a better world where people cooperate and move towards sustainable development while pursuing the ultimate humanitarian goal of world peace.
Part-Time work
International students are only allowed to work for 20-hours during term time, as per visa regulations, and so I found an agency catering job to make some money during the summer. This was a great opportunity to go to new places in Oxfordshire and learn more about the food culture here.
I did care work, and then gradually pivoted into receptionist and tour guide work. This allowed me to get into administrative work after my final semester came to a close and has set me up for the future, as I have gained a wide range of skills. There are many sales jobs in Westgate which may be more suitable for sales focused careers, particularly for Business and Marketing students. However, after university, looking at London and other large cities is best.
A new home
Overall, I enjoyed my time at Brookes and continued to live in Oxford well after graduating. This city of dreaming spires has become my home, and is a cosy place for people keen to stay on and teach or work as an academic at with Oxford University or at Brookes. Nursing and other hospital jobs can also be found at the hospital. Big city life is not for everyone, and many have made their home and community here in Oxford, as have I.
- Sasha
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
