Which course are you studying and what year are you in?Image
The best experience of my life
My experience living and studying in Scotland has been the best experience of my life. The staff at RGU were so accommodating to international students and worked hard in providing us with a superior education that has proven itself over and over with the quality of graduates returning to begin employment in their home countries.
My program (MSc Physiotherapy pre registration) was a special one for me, giving me opportunities to do placements all over the country and meet so many of Scotland’s people. The locals were always so polite and kind and also curious to learn more about me and my culture.
The friends that I made in the program continue to be close to me even though we are located at all points on the globe. This international network has certainly made travel a lot more fun.
My degree gives me a new, international, perspective to healthcare. This perspective is attractive to employers who are used to seeing candidates with Canadian degrees. My degree also is a great conversation piece for my patients that I see everyday, who are intrigued to see how their life is different from those in another country.
- Liam
Profoundly life-changing
I was looking for a world-class university that was known for its strong Life Science programs. Roehampton fit the bill perfectly. Roehampton also had the distinct advantage of being located in London with unique colleges each specializing in their respective areas. Once I discovered Roehampton I took a leap of faith and applied without ever having visited the university or the UK. That choice profoundly changed my life for the better!
WHY DID YOU WANT TO STUDY IN LONDON/UK?
I have always been an Anglophile. Since I was a boy I loved British films, culture, sports, and the history of the UK. When I was an undergraduate student I had the opportunity to study abroad in the UK and I let it pass me by. I deeply regretted that decision, therefore when I was considering pursuing my Master’s degree, I researched Master’s programs abroad and found Roehampton. Having never been to the UK, I felt London was the best choice to explore the UK. I knew London was a world-class city, hence I would find something that interested me even though I had never been to the city or knew anyone in the UK prior to my arrival!
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION?
I have worked within the US healthcare industry for the last 9 years as a professional data analyst, clinical director, and in my current role as a Quality Improvement Analyst/Consultant. I specialize in assisting primary care providers with quality improvement analysis, data aggregation, and implementation of various government lead initiatives.
DID YOU EVER ENVISION THIS CAREER WHILE STUDYING AT ROEHAMPTON?
Never in a million years did I think I would be working on projects of this size, scope, and importance.
DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE AT ROEHAMPTON WILL HELP ELEVATE YOUR CAREER?
Without a doubt, my Roehampton degree opened many doors for me. Having my MSc from a British school has allowed me to stand out from other professionals in my field.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT ROEHAMPTON?
I met my future wife at Heathrow Airport on my first day in London. She was heading to Roehampton just like me!
WHAT WAS IT LIKE LIVING AND STUDYING IN LONDON?
Profoundly life-changing. Amazing, exciting, and a real eye-opener.
- Benjamin
Living in Glasgow was amazing!
Moving to Glasgow, Scotland to complete my Master’s of Science was the best decision I have ever made. I took a leap forward and decided to pursue a Master’s of Science in Forensic Science at the University of Strathclyde once I completed my B.Sc (Honours) back home in Canada. I was lucky to have Across the Pond assist me in every aspect prior to moving to the UK and I’m certain I would have been lost without their guidance.
SETTLING INTO GLASGOW
If anyone knows me, they know that I want to know every single detail before I make a decision. I am the type of person who is ALWAYS busy with hundreds of tasks; and because of this, I want know as much detail as possible to set goals, stay on track and prepare for my week. Prior to signing my apartment contract, I spent days on Google Maps trying to figure out distances and viewing what was around my building. I had printed out maps, created notes for myself and included the approximate distance and time to reach every place. I had spent hours on end researching where I would grocery shop, pick up kitchen supplies and bedding. It wasn’t until I finally arrived to Glasgow did it finally hit me that life in Glasgow wouldn’t be as hard and busy as I imagined it to be.
On the first day I went for a casual walk and found myself at City Centre. According to my notes, it should have taken 20 minutes- but I was there in less than 10 minutes. I realized that all my analytical preparation was unnecessary and started embracing a different kind of lifestyle!
I spent the first couple of days settling into my new apartment which was a huge penthouse suite shared with 6 other post-graduate students (I got lucky in student housing!). I found settling in to be extremely easy, everything I needed was right in City Centre! I got my student card within the first couple of days of registration and started getting student discounts in almost every store (cha-ching for savings!).
GLASGOW CITY
Living in Glasgow was amazing! I got the true UK living experience by ALWAYS getting caught in the rain and living in a city with buildings that were hundreds of years old. University of Strathclyde, Caledonian University and City Glasgow College were all dispersed throughout Glasgow city. Due to this, there was a grocery store, Costa Café (UK Starbucks), and a Greggs (UK Tim Hortons) on every corner. Living in the city was nothing like living in Markham, ON. I always needed my car to grocery shop or go for a coffee run. In Glasgow, I walked everywhere. I did not buy a bus pass, since it wasn’t needed. I only took the bus when I went on trips and needed to get to the airport. This bus was a Glasgow Shuttle Express, took 20 min and only cost £6 (I later discovered they offered a 10-ride pass for £30!). I did however, take the train almost every other weekend when I went to discover Edinburgh. Edinburgh was my second home when I lived in Glasgow, I was there all the time discovering all the tourist attractions, catching lunch-dates with my friends and many times I did find myself spending my entire weekends there. Edinburgh was A LOT more expensive than Glasgow so in the end, choosing to live in Glasgow but being able to catch a 30 min ride to Edinburgh allowed me to experience the best of both worlds.
MAKING THE DECISION, THANKS ACROSS THE POND!
When I was first introduced to Across the Pond, it was at a graduate fair and I had no intention of moving away to complete my Master’s studies. I did not want to put myself through the trouble of packing up my bags and re-locating. Especially to an extremely expensive place where my savings would be halved (CDN to GBP exchange rate).
It wasn’t until I finally started speaking with an Across the Pond advisor did I slowly begin to learn more about the advantages of moving to the UK to pursue my studies. A Master’s of Science in Canada would mean two more years of education, I could not pursue my desired field of Forensic Science since it was not offered… and the cost would be relatively similar if I added up two years here vs. one year in the UK. I later discovered that the UK offers their “taught” post-graduate programs as 8 months of courses and 4 months to complete a research project. This appealed to me the most, since I would be not only doing classwork and be studying, but also have the opportunity to conduct research in the field I loved.
I decided to apply to four institutions which offered a Master’s of Science in Forensic Science. My advisor instructed me to prepare all the documentations: CV, transcripts, personal statement, passport and two reference letters. I was given a form to provide to my referees which directed them not only where to send the reference letter, but the type of information which should be included to strengthen a reference letter. Within one week of sending out my applications, I began to receive acceptance emails and letters. I completed a Skype interview with King’s College and since I was happy to meet the professors and speak to them, King’s College was one of my top two options.
When it was time to make an acceptance and put forward a deposit, my advisor was my therapist. I was making lists, having Skype calls with him, and weighing out the pros and cons for each of the programs, and lists for each of the cities… I was slowly going crazy. I knew that in the University of Strathclyde, I would have the opportunity to specialize in the stream of my choice, I would be given hands-on practical lab experience and I had known people in Canada who did graduate from that program. But there was something about moving to London to complete a degree from an Ivy League University which I found so intriguing. I finally reached out to speak to my professor and she had given me advice that made my final decision. It does not matter if I graduate from a UK recognized Ivy League institution if I planned on returning back to Canada (Toronto is my home, and I was 100% returning!). I finally made my final decision to study at the University of Strathclyde for a lower tuition, in a city with lower living costs, and completing a degree that would give me the opportunity to have a specialization.
COST OF LIVING
Living in Glasgow was actually a little cheaper than living in Toronto, ON. My rent was about £500 per month (this included electricity, water and internet) which was equivalent to around $1000 CAD at the time. My phone plan was unlimited everything (I chose this only for the data) and cost me £12 every month! I was also able to use this plan when I travelled to certain destinations in Europe. Talk about a steal! I had signed up to the University Athletic Centre which was 90£ for the entire year which averaged to 6£ every month! I found many things in Glasgow MUCH cheaper than in Canada… including groceries. The only thing I found more expensive was eating out… A burger in a restaurant would cost about £12 which was almost $24 CAD! For this reason, I always preferred making my own food at home, especially since groceries were about the same price as in Canada. I would say that in my entire time living in Scotland, I ate out 5 times… I was obsessed with travelling so I always made sure I saved and kept track of my spending so I can take another trip!
UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION
I lived in university accommodation- the Post-Graduate building (James Goold Hall Block A). I chose to do this because I wanted to be set up with roommates which I was compatible with, and I wanted my monthly fees to include all expenses (electricity, water, and internet) so that nothing was a surprise in the end of the month. My roommates and I were all international students from all over the world, we were placed in a penthouse style floor… we needed a key to get to our floor since the elevator would open up to our apartment. We had access to the roof (which we technically weren’t allowed on for safety reasons) but once a while, set up chairs and tables to sip on our teas and coffees while enjoying the view of Glasgow. The accommodation was actually pretty nice for the price I was paying, it also included having a housekeeper come in once a week and “deep clean” our kitchen.
In my spare time I found myself out with my friends, at the gym (at least 3 times a week), and obviously travelling to different destinations to explore. I loved hiking up Arthurs’ Seat in Edinburgh, and many times would drag my friends along to complete a morning hike. I made amazing friends when I was in Scotland, they were a mix of classmates and students I met through different connections. These were the friends that would always be ready for an adventure- whether it be a weekend trip to a Scottish destination, or for a two week backpacking Euro trip.
TRAVELLING UK AND EUROPE
I was lucky enough to be one of the few MSc Forensic Science students to return back to Canada to complete my research project at the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto (which was the best way to wrap up my education!). This meant I was only in the UK for eight months, but was able to travel to Rome, London (many times), Amsterdam, Berlin and Barcelona. Throughout Scotland, I would always either take a train or a bus to visit parts of the Highlands. Flying from Europe is very cheap, so as long as I booked my flights in advance I would be getting a bargain. My flight from Berlin to Barcelona actually cost £30 ($60 CAD!!). I always travelled with at least one friend, and we would stay in hostels while we explored these cities. Hostels always had lockers so you can “lock-up” before you start your day. I personally felt there was no point in wasting money on a hotel room if I was going to be out and about all day. Hostels were also a great way to meet other international students, make even more connections and a way to learn more while travelling.
ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
For any students thinking of spending a year completing their Master’s studies at the University of Strathclyde I would tell them to prepare for the best year of your life!
Practically speaking, invest in a good pair of walking shoes, a good rain coat and a pair of rain boots. There is no point in having an umbrella (the wind will break them)… and you will most likely be the only one with an umbrella. Prepare to embrace the rain of Scotland!
Once you arrive, make sure you are always getting involved with social events, especially the International Society. It is a great way to meet other international students and they hold many trips around Scotland throughout the year.
Everything you envision for your year abroad should be taken with a grain of salt, so be ready to be adaptive! Keeping an optimistic perspective is key to making your year away the best experience of your life!
- Youstina
Glasgow is a fabulous city
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO SETTLE IN AT STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY?
The process of setting into Scottish university life was fairly easy for me. I had just finished my undergraduate degree in June, so I was still in the mindset of a student. Strathclyde had a number of events planned for new students, as well as events geared toward international students, so I made sure to go to some of those events to meet people. Strathclyde also had a number of excellent facilities (fitness centre, library) that made settling into university life very simple.
WHAT WAS GLASGOW LIKE?
Glasgow is a fabulous city. It has a more industrial vibe than most European cities, and yet it still has a number of beautiful historical sites. Coming from a large city (like Toronto), it was great to be able to walk just about anywhere. In cases where something was a little too far to walk, the single subway loop made it easy to get somewhere without getting lost… you eventually end up right back where you started! There are a number of bars and clubs in Glasgow, and many music and performing artists will make stops there on international tours, so you have the chance to attend those if you so choose. Glasgow also has its own international airport with a bus that goes direct from the city centre to the terminal, so travelling is quite simple.
Weather-wise, Glasgow fits the stereotype of the UK – rainy most days. It doesn’t get too cold (I think it hit negative temperatures less than 5 times all winter), but the rain can drench you pretty quickly if you’re not properly covered. However, when the sun does come out, it’s absolutely beautiful. Almost every restaurant will have some sort of outdoor seating so you can really appreciate the nice weather.
There are a number of shops and malls in the city centre as well, so if you’re looking for designer clothing (or a good bargain), you’ll be able to find it in Glasgow. You don’t have to go very far to find something you absolutely love in this city.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY?
Strathclyde was pretty much a no-brainer for me. In pursuing a Master's in Science (in Forensic Science specifically), there were a few universities in the UK that offered a world-class program. After narrowing down to two choices (King’s College in London and Strathclyde University in Glasgow), I ultimately chose Strathclyde for a few reasons. First, Strathclyde appealed to me slightly more due to the difference in price – as King’s is right in London, everything would have been exponentially more expensive. Second, the style of the program. Strathclyde presented the program as a hands-on learning environment with a number of scenario-based assignments, which really peaked my interest. Being a hands-on learner, I much prefer performing my own experiments than reading about someone else’s. Finally, I spoke with a number of people in the Forensic community, who all assured me that a Strathclyde degree is highly recognized in scientific circles. Knowing that the content I would be studying appealed to me, as well as knowing that the degree would be recognized in a positive light, I chose Strathclyde.
DID YOU LIVE IN UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION OR PRIVATE HOUSING?
I chose to live in private housing, however the housing I chose was only open to students (you had to be a student to rent, but it was not exclusive to one university or college). As such, it felt kind of like a university dorm, except I had way more space. I had a double bed and an ensuite washroom, and I shared a fully-equipped kitchen with 4 other people. My apartment was less than a 10 minute walk from the farthest point of the campus, so it was incredibly convenient. There was also a grocery store right across the street, so I never had to go far for anything I needed.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
The main things I did with my spare time while living in Glasgow were exploring the city, attending fitness classes, and travel. Whenever I had a long break from my studies, I would go and explore somewhere new (both within the UK and beyond). I also did a lot of exploring around the city, attending farmer’s markets and events in the city centre. I also stayed active by going to the gym (a great stress reliever when you’re homesick, I should add).
HAVE YOU DONE ANY TRAVELLING DURING YOUR STUDIES?
In short, yes. Lots. I travelled all over. I travelled to a number of places in Scotland (Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and The Isle of Skye, to name a few). I also spent a long weekend down in London in September, and the weather was beautiful. I also travelled to many countries in Mainland Europe, including Italy, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, and Denmark. If you want to travel, you can definitely find the time.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW STUDENT AT YOUR UNIVERSITY?
I would have to say, get involved. There are so many clubs and committees, as well as an amazing athletic facility! Chances are, there is something that interests you offered by Strathclyde. You’ll get to meet like-minded people from all over the world. It can be a little daunting at first, being in a new country, but if you push yourself out of your comfort zone a little bit, I guarantee you’ll become a better person for it.
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE WITH ACROSS THE POND?
My experience with Across the Pond was nothing but positive. In fact, I would call my assigned advisor an invaluable asset in my pursuit of post-graduate education in the UK. He provided me with personalized feedback on my statement of intent and made sure I had all the necessary documentation to apply. Once I had accepted an offer, he kept me up to date with scholarship information and walked me through the visa application process. I really don’t think I could have done all of it on my own, and I’m so glad Across the Pond was there to help me through it!
- Emily
Very hands on
Across the Pond was an absolute godsend for my school and visa applications, and beyond really. My adviser was exceptionally polite and helpful. He responded to any and all questions I had, held my hand throughout the entire process, and assured me every step of the way that he was as involved in this process as I was.
When choosing my university, I was asked about what my study interests were, and then we narrowed down the choices based on the programs available. After this, my adviser liaised with my selected university to find out if, based on my academic standing, completing a full application was recommended. This was excellent as I'd been through the Postgraduate application process before only to be told (after spending a great deal of time and resources) that I did not meet the matriculation criteria.
My adviser was very hands-on throughout my entire process- filling out forms, sending me frequent emails to advise me of what was being done, and proofreading my personal statements. It was excellent and reassuring! The visa application document was exceedingly helpful, as it gives you a comprehensive step-by-step process of what you should do. Also, my adviser was willing to chat with me via Zoom to clarify anything that I was unclear about.
I managed to settle in well enough and the reception team at my accommodation is always very helpful. York is gorgeous! Lovely cobblestoned town, with lots of restaurants, shops, and sights that will enchant you.
I was on the fence about which aspect of psychology I wanted to pursue... clinical or educational. My program delves into both and gives you a better understanding of exactly what each avenue entails so that I could make the decision that is right for me. The program is also a year, which financially was the better option for me. In my spare time, I love reading and exploring! I've always been a fan of architecture, and that was yet another reason why I chose York.
Working with Across the Pond made this entire process 100% easier for me. I was always given quick and helpful responses day or night, weekdays or weekends. I was heard when I talked about what I wanted to study and what programs I felt would suit my needs. My adviser was gracious enough to put up with my anxiety-filled emails. It was truly a wonderful experience working with Across the Pond I have recommended them to a few of my friends, and I will definitely recommend them to anyone! Cheers!
- Brianne