London is a magical location
My mom studied in London when she was my age and I grew up hearing stories of how magical and exciting it is. It has always been a dream of mine to explore and travel like she did, so once I had the opportunity I took it. Studying in London has been transformative for me. It definitely took a moment to adjust but in comparison to America, schooling is much more affordable and international. I have met people from all over the globe and have been able to learn so much from each experience.
Why I chose University of Roehampton...
When researching Universities my mom and I came across Roehampton and quickly fell in love with what it offered. One of the reasons it was so interesting to me was the fact that I did not have to take any general education classes, i.e math, science, language, etc. Instead I would have the chance to solely focus on my major. This is very rarely the case in America so this was exciting to me. I was also able to study two subjects simultaneously which was something I was seeking out. Furthermore, one of the biggest selling points was the fact that I did not have to have a roommate and would only have to share a kitchen. The reality of my course was not what I expected and I would recommend applying to schools outside of this one, especially if you are looking to pursue arts, but it still has redeeming qualities.
Student life
First year is very exciting because there is a week-long period to party before lectures start called, “Freshers Week”. Most London universities participate in this, including Roehampton and hold events on campus, like fairs on the lawn and silent discos. This is the perfect time to make friends and put yourself out there. Outside of the University, clubs all around the city put on big events for all of the new and current Uni students to celebrate the start of the new academic year. At the beginning everyone is very friendly because they are all in the same boat as you, so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself! Stay true to your values but also be open to new experiences. It is a great time for self exploration and growth. In my personal experience, a lot of people formed cliques after the first year and people I was once close with began to fade out of my life if it wasn't implied. Be mindful of who is genuine and spend time with those who have your best interest in mind! I think it is also very important to go to a Uni with a good social space, like a common room or dining hall. My uni lacks that and people often don’t go to the university organized events so I think that's a big factor as to why many students became more reclusive.
Accommodation
I have enjoyed my experience in my accom. The room is a decent size, there is a very spacious desk, big window, and nice bathroom. I chose Elm Grove, which is one of the only accoms on my campus where you are given your own bathroom. I am very appreciative of this, it is a bit more expensive but I believe it is worth it. The room doors lock as well as the hall door and that adds a very nice layer of protection, everything is accessed via key card. I recommend bringing a mattress pad or comfy blankets/pillows because the bare mattress isn't super comfortable. You can find mattress pads for pretty cheap on Amazon. Also make sure to bring decorations with you that will create a more home like space. I brought lots of pictures, posters and lights and it really adds to the room, you have so much opportunity to customize it and express yourself so I recommended putting in the time to make the room special, it helps with the homesickness. In addition, the kitchen has limited space but everyone should always have a few cabinets, a shelf in the fridge and a drawer in the freezer. It has huge windows and comfy chairs which I love, and again is a really fun space to decorate, which could be a good bonding activity with your flatmates. Furthermore, a big issue I faced throughout my time in Uni so far is stealing. There is often someone in the flat who tries to be sneaky and causes drama. Get ahead of this and label your things and buy kitchenware that is unique to you so it doesn't get mixed up. You can always talk to wardens and the heads of accommodation if anything like this becomes a problem. It is hard to share a space with strangers but it is a good experience to have.
Compare and Contrast
The biggest differences between Uni in England vs America is the tuition, the length of the program, the amount of lectures and the break time given. My course is only 3 years which was a pleasant surprise to me, all of my friends in school in the US are in 4 year programs. I am so excited to finish earlier because it will allow me to have my 20s to build my career. The amount of lectures per week is much more manageable and each lecture only occurs once a week. I always have a day or two off during the week which gives a lot more free time to get projects done, go to work and to explore the city. And in terms of breaks, we are given reading weeks, which are week long breaks to work on our projects but a lot of students use that time to travel as well. Christmas break is a little over a month long and the school year starts later and ends earlier in comparison to American schools. I am always less stressed than my American friends and am given more time on my assignments which I really appreciate. The tuition is also a quarter of American tuition which is another huge benefit. I’d say overall it is a great choice to choose the U.K. but if you are interested in fraternities/sororities and want the chance to explore more subjects throughout University, I don’t recommend it.
The experience of London
London is a magical location to experience this time in your life. I have had so many peak moments and have really found myself here. I love live music and nightlife and have found a huge community of people to experience those things with. Every night of the week there will be something to do, whether that's a jazz show or an art exhibition. The price of things can be intimidating but there are plenty of free and affordable things to do, you just have to search for them. I have spent many days at all of the beautiful parks the city has to offer which is completely free of charge, besides transportation. I have also found organizations that put on free raves, as well as, free art exhibitions. Most museums in the city also offer free entry, which is great. There is food from every corner of the world and wonderful and accessible transportation to take you to all of these places. The UK is also a great place to be if you are interested in traveling to Europe, airlines like Ryanair offer really cheap flights to a plethora of European countries. I have also had a lot of fun becoming more familiar with so many different backgrounds and cultures. The first friends I made were from everywhere from France to India. I highly recommend studying here because even if the University isn't exactly what you hoped for, the city will open up so many opportunities for you.
Visa Process
The last thing I want to touch in is the visa process. There were points where I wanted to give up going through this process but ultimately it was worth it. It takes a lot of paperwork, money and patience. Sometimes the steps are unclear but I recommend communicating with your school as much as possible and don't be afraid to ask questions. Also get in contact with other international students because it is comforting and helpful knowing people going through the same thing as you. Be prepared and keep all of the information organized. I wish all incoming international students the best of luck!!
- Willa
Taking in a new world
I have had a dream of living abroad for most of my life and three years ago, decided to take the plunge to apply to graduate school in a foreign country. During my time in the USA, I had lived in all different regions of the country, but eventually I wanted to challenge myself by living in an entirely new place. I am an American artist and knew I wanted to work as an art therapist, applying my love of creativity with a helping profession. After doing research, I realized the UK had many Art Psychotherapy programs and that there was no fee to apply. Furthermore, I found Across the Pond services and linked up with a representative who helped me through the application process. I applied to five graduate schools and chose to study at Roehampton University because it was in an idyllic part of London and had a wide offering of creative play therapy programs. I was drawn to the ideas of the culture, food, art, music, and history in London. London ended up far exceeding my expectations!
I arrived in the UK sight unseen, never having been to Europe, overjoyed and excited to begin my course. My visa had been delayed and I had a flight rescheduled, but staff at Roehampton and Across the Pond helped me through the process. Knowing no one in a new country, I opted to live in the dorms.
My campus was gorgeous. I lived near a chicken coop and visited the ducks and wildlife on the university’s ponds. One time I even saw a swan! I learned all about how swans in England were protected property of the Queen and spent time strolling along small bridges looking at the rivers. Many of the graduate students in my accommodation were also visa holders, so they would make Spanish tortilla or other dishes from their home countries. I learned a lot about the world through food and conversation. It was also convenient that the library was around the corner for late night study sessions.
One thing I really loved about my course at Roehampton was my fellow cohort of students. My British friends taught me all the local slang and took me to a diner to try a proper full English breakfast. My program was filled with interesting people from a variety of backgrounds who brought their unique passion for creativity and caregiving to their studies. We made collaborative art in varied workshops and practiced a group therapy dynamic that lasted for weeks and led to interesting discoveries. I had to adjust to the grading system and realize it was on a very different scale than what I knew of in America. Additionally, a lot of the university work was very self-guided. A big lesson from the course was sitting with uncertainty, especially when the university changed the program requirements for future students. Our tutors were invested in student success and did a great job guiding my class throughout this process. Friday studio days were fun. A small group of students brought snacks and worked on independent projects or the solo painting project we worked on throughout the year. I had the opportunity to work on a placement at a secondary school, counselling teenagers and learning about the intricacies of the British education system. All the relationships I made during this time were invaluable.
There were so many unexpected things about British culture, history, and architecture that I found charming. I enjoyed the fresh food and grocery shopping at the co-ops. Some of my best friends were Irish and had me over to their home for a Sunday roast. I was able to take two train trips to Brighton, the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK. We went to pubs, clubs, and hung out on the rock covered beaches. In my spare time from uni, I traveled to different parts of Europe I had never been, including Germany, Italy, and France. I was impressed by how many UNESCO World Heritage sites I had learned about in primary school and then saw on my travels. I was able to visit the Louvre, Uffizi, and Jewish Museum and take in so much art and world history. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for a girl from cornfields of the Midwest.
Travel was a large part of my education alongside my studies. I loved attending Pride in Paris and London. I felt very safe in the UK, as gun violence was not an issue. I was impressed by laws being implemented to strive for equality and climate consciousness. Though life grew to be busy as a grad student, I felt very much at ease in Europe. My father was diagnosed with cancer toward the end of my first year of university. After a trip home, I chose to defer for another year. The university assisted me in this process. I will be returning this autumn and I can’t wait; it is a place I have fallen in love with. Across the Pond is helping me make sure I have all the important pieces in order. I am forever thankful for their assistance, as I was an older student returning to graduate school and I have had a remarkable experience. My dream is to finish my degree and practice art therapy in the UK, hopefully building a home in Europe for as long as possible. Ideally, I will be able to work with a variety of populations within the NHS and outside charities to give people the gift of using creativity therapeutically. I feel fortunate to have taken this risk and for all the assistance in my journey of pursuing my goals and education.
- Nicole
The country felt like a home to me
I found my entire time studying abroad to be life-changing. London, England is a whole new world in itself; with a much different culture, architecture, and atmosphere than my hometown of Austin, Texas. I choose to study at the University of Roehampton in London because it is a partner university that my home institution had worked with previously and I knew our education standards were similar; so the transition would be made slightly easier. Upon arriving at the University of Roehampton I was greeted by study abroad staff who lived in London for many years, they were kind and helpful when introducing us to our new home. As a political science major, I knew I wanted to indulge myself in the British world of politics, and at the time of my arrival, I was thrown into the political arena! At the time of my arrival, the Queen had just passed and the country was going through Prime Minister changes. These events encouraged me to stay focused on my mission of attaining as much knowledge on the politics of the country. I had the privilege to visit the Houses of Parliament at Westminster and attended a debate as well as joined political activists in a March against greenhouse emissions. Being in London was surreal to me, as the city is the epicenter of world culture, architecture, history and so much more! I knew I wanted to be involved within the city and travel to the surrounding areas to gain a better insight into England and the UK as a whole.
Throughout my time, I made many local friends who were more than happy to take me around London and to their hometowns to give me a taste of what their lives were like before moving to “London Town.” I had the chance to visit the quaint city of Bicester by train. Coming from the US, this was a new experience for me as I'm so used to driving everywhere. I must admit, I had an emotional moment on the way; I was able to sit and view the countryside. Taking this all in made me appreciate the opportunity I had been given as many people back home would and will not have the pleasure to view England's countryside, though it's something that we talked about in school and viewed on television. Another opportunity I am greatly thankful for was the opportunity to stay in the picture-perfect town of Lewes, England. When I received an extremely joyful invitation from my friend and her parents to stay with them over the break. I knew this was a special moment I would remember for the rest of my life. My entire time at their welcoming home was full of cultural exchanges, more than I had ever experienced in my life. I was introduced to marmalade, meat pies, Yorkshire puddings and so much more! We also discussed the politics of our countries and found we all share similar values and goals for the world that include inclusivity and equality. I stay in contact with my friend and her family to this day! I will forever cherish the memories and exchanges we shared, I could not have asked for a better family to invite me into their home.
I realized how much, not just the town of Lewes but the whole of the country felt like a home to me. Even in my accommodation, which was located on the ground floor of a 3 story building in a small complex on campus, I felt that I could be comfortable just as I would in my home back in the States. Though I shared a space with 3 other roommates, I befriended them and we got along so well that we had scheduled dinner nights every week. We'd cook tacos in our shared kitchen and recalled stories of our hometowns, this was made special by the fact that we were each from different countries! The exposure to different cultures like this was something I hadn't experienced before as I came from South Texas, which is predominantly Hispanic. I enjoyed our late-night talks and going to the local pub and discussed our stress levels for upcoming assignments and papers.
While at the University of Roehampton, the most noticeable difference in my education was that I only had class twice a week. This gave me a large chunk of free time during the week to complete assignments and travel. Most assignments were writing papers, which I love, and in-class discussions, in which I excel. My favorite course was my Political Philosophy class which focused on philosophers and their thoughts on politics, religion, and mankind. My professor, from Paris, was passionate about teaching and ensuring we understood the class discourse as well as our research paper, so he scheduled mandatory one-on-one meetings to ensure our readiness. We met through Zoom while I was visiting Paris and we discussed my research paper as well as places to visit in Paris. He understood the needs I had, as a study abroad student: getting accustomed to the grading system, academic practices, and of course indulging in my host country.
Though my time in London was limited, the memories are forever engrained and have become a part of who I am. The friends I made will always have a special place in my heart and I will continue to have contact with them, hoping to one day see them again; either in their home countries or in mine! I am thankful for the opportunity to study abroad and am entirely grateful to my home institution, St. Edward's University for encouraging me to explore. I couldn't have chosen a better host institution, the University of Roehampton, with its smaller campus size allowing me to meet and mingle with individuals from across the world with varying and insightful perspectives.
- Vince
Your student life in London can be anything you want
Let me introduce myself. I am a Norwegian, 22-year-old psychology student at the University of Roehampton, currently in the final moments of my bachelor's degree. I have been asked to write something about my experience as a student in London, and so I will. Note that I am not the most academic. However, you don't need to be. I appreciate social settings and have often procrastinated in the worst times. The University of Roehampton has allowed me to perform exceptionally academically and have a content-rich social life. Now, let's start with the first question.
Why study in the UK at all?
While both accommodation and universities are expensive, you must adapt to a different culture and work with constant translation; it's an experience of immense value. Even though the UK is close to Norway and the resemblances in the society are countless, the culture shock pops the Norwegian "bubble" in more than one way. I wanted to become more connected to the international community and expand my network while still being able to travel home for the weekend if needed. So, why not move to one of the most extensive network boosters in the world? Many are saddened by feeling small in a city of this size. In my eyes, to think that your surroundings are huge must mean that the opportunities are limitless. Therefore, it can be difficult, but the benefits of the experience are more significant than the detriments.
Some points that Google won't tell you about Roehampton
Roehampton is just fresh air for a Norwegian in a concrete jungle. Living in London, like any European city, involves a lot of walking. Therefore, you appreciate walking around a large campus surrounded by nature. The pathways around the lakes are my favourite parts, as I sometimes get accompanied by ducks, geese, squirrels, and other smaller animals. The simpler things enhance your daily moods, like nature or the occasional tiny pumpkin hidden along the trails around Halloween. Second on my definitely written down favourite list, I can study anywhere. Changing your study environment is surprisingly helpful when most of your time is spent studying. If it's not the massive library, it might be the student union, the Whitelands Campus computer room, one of several diners, a green lawn anywhere or in Richmond Park right down the road (loads of deer). On your way around campus, you will often meet people you know. The campus is a miniature society that makes you feel at home, even if London is a concrete jungle.
Living surrounded by students
Firstly, my university accommodation experience was as follows: I lived my first year at Whitelands College, my second year off campus, and my third year at Froebel College. For your first year as a student from another country, the smartest thing you do is move into campus halls. You surround yourself with students doing different courses from different places and cultures. This way, integrating yourself into the UK and the university campus will be fast and straightforward. Furthermore, living in student accommodation is a minimalistic practice. You have delegated cupboards in the kitchen and your room (with a shower and toilet if you choose ensuite). The room usually has one bed, desk, and chair, so there is little to work on. However, the university provides a maintenance team that fixes anything broken, a cleaner team that cleans the common area once a week, security is available 24/7, and you don't have to think about the cost of wi-fi or electricity. All this for one stable price is a good deal. Most importantly, you get flat mates who often become your closest friends. In my experience, if I ever felt like taking a study break, needed consulting, or needed to be social, I just stepped into the kitchen. Thus, you don't have to be worried about not making friends.
A liquid life in London
Student life in London is different. Back home, I am used to a schedule that is mostly the same every week, where you usually know everything going on in town. In contrast, being a student in London means every week is different. It depends on what you choose to do in your spare time and what you study (I only have lectures two days a week). Some weeks consist of events hosted by the university (if you live on campus, it's literally in your backyard) or the student union. Other weeks are reading weeks (no lecture week), and some are filled with sports society matches. There are students out and about almost every waking hour, and what I love the most is that It's always the right day or time to let go of your pencil and go out to central London. Everything is just available all the time. Overall, your student life in London can be anything you want.
Psychology: the study of everything
I study Psychology, based at Whitelands College (a campus separate from the main campus). I chose this field of science because my experiences stretching mental barriers made me curious about what the mind is capable of and why. Who would not be interested in learning more about themselves and everyone else? Also, it's more than just learning about mental illnesses. It's to understand how everything humanity has ever done is based on the basics of the brain. Throughout the first part, I was introduced to general psychology themes like social, developmental, research and statistics, psychological problem solving and psychology in the real world. We had only two days of lectures from 09:00-16:00. The further into my studies, the more interested I got in the biological aspect, most related to neuropsychology. Now I wish to study and work with both psychological and physical trauma in the future.
Dive into my most basic week
No week is the same, but here is a generalised basic week in my life at Roehampton. Monday starts with many emails after breakfast (emails will become frequent as a university student). Then, walk to Roehampton's pride and joy, the campus library. After independent studying, I walk to Rosslyn Park down the road for my rugby training. Tuesday consists of walking (10 minutes) to Whitelands College for my early hour lectures, 11:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:00. If I haven't made lunch at home, I usually get something from the diner. The food there is varied and so good that I end up "forgetting" lunch a bit too often. In the evening, I usually go to the gym on or off campus. Wednesday is Roehampton's society day, where sports matches also take place. I typically participate in the Amnesty Student Society I am part of unless there is a rugby match that day. Thursday is specifically tough with its 09:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:00 lectures. Friday usually consists of an effective morning of studying with friends and volunteering at the nearby Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability. The weekend is about relaxing, doing what you want and regaining that will to learn the following week.
Societies are more important than you think
Student societies are essential to any university and make a massive difference if you are in your first year. There are societies for every student. It might be a society focusing on human rights, anime, debating, film, nutrition, poetry, or the law. Starting your own society if you get enough interested students is also relatively simple. Sports societies are especially important for Roehampton and for your student experience. We have sports like hockey, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, e-sports, tennis, football, and rugby. At my rugby training, I meet British, American, Australian, and South American lads who have grown up with rugby and some abroad student like me who started without knowledge of the sport. Some are there just for fun. Others take it more seriously, and that's fine. You are all on the same team, in the same boat, playing the same matches, riding the same waves. This definitely reflects on all the different sports societies at Roehampton. Also, the social aspect is the best part, as sometimes the team will gather after training at the student union for some socialising. After a match on a Wednesday, the rugby team (as well as other societies) arranges social activities of different kinds that often make you come home quite late. It is an excellent way to bond with the team and make friends, but your body will ache from the match the following day, and your head will ache from the night out if you are that type. So yes, student societies are essential and make a massive difference if you are in your first year. From personal experience, my advice when you arrive is to get out there, including yourself, and try.
English at university is different from in school
English is not my first language; Norwegian is. I grew up with English from the early years of school, which made it easy to transition to British society. However, scientific and academic English was a wake-up call. It is more technical, descriptive, and formal, but you will quickly get used to it. Additionally, the university provides you with Studiosity, the "world leader in writing feedback and peer connection" (Studiosity.com, 2023). You can submit any paper anytime and get fast feedback on your writing, which is incredibly useful (they have even corrected this text). Eventually, I realised that writing is art, even if it's a research report. To write is to express, and there are so many ways to express. You will also find that the professors talk too fast and use words that make your brain muscles twist. Luckily, the university records most lectures, so you can review them again if needed. As mentioned, if you surround yourself with English people, this transition will go faster than you realise. Your very own British accent will catch on.
A good friend called Across the Pond
I applied to the University of Roehampton through Across the Pond (AP). It was the first link when I searched for universities in London. I filled out a form with my wishes and quickly got contacted by an AP adviser. I was happy when I learned that they give you an adviser that has been in your shoes. For example, my representative also started with their psychology degree at Roehampton University, so I knew this was the right person to ask for advice. They informed me of the documents needed for a university application and provided me with a list of universities in London offering an undergraduate degree in psychology. When I received my unconditional offer, my AP representative pointed me in the right direction regarding accommodation. You can ask AP about anything, and they follow you along the way even after you have started at the university. Thus, I recommend contacting Across the Pond to make it easier for you.
- Victor-Jose
The staff was incredibly friendly
I loved being so close to so many beautiful European countries. All I had to do to get to Paris, Rome, Athens, or anywhere else, was pay anywhere from 30-200 pounds (very cheap compared to cross-continental flights) and catch whatever bus, train, or plane was cheapest!
I chose the University of Roehampton for its beautiful country landscapes and delicious meal plan. Everything I ate at Froebel college was the best thing I ever tasted.
The staff was incredibly friendly and everyone was super helpful when I didn’t understand things about the geography, culture, etc.
Just a short bus ride toward the Thames was the city of Putney which was so cute! There were markets and fruit stands and pastry shops lining the streets. Old book shops and coffee stands drew you in from miles away. It was quaint and clean and picturesque to spend a Saturday.
I’m a theater major at UCSD in America, so being in the cultural centerpoint, the New York City, of England was magical. I saw over 30 professional caliber plays and musicals. I went to ballets and operas. I got to rehearse and train in the city. It was beautiful.
- Clara
