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Living in London was all I hoped it would be
I chose Roehampton because of the stellar reputation of its faculty in the Department of Dance, who are all leading scholars of dance studies. I wanted to continue my study of dance history with specialists in the field, and many of the best dance researchers in the world are at Roehampton.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO STUDY IN LONDON/UK?
I had never studied abroad during my undergraduate career, so the opportunity to spend an entire year in London was very appealing to me.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION?
I am currently in my second year as a Ph.D. student in the History department at Columbia University, where I study 20th century U.S. cultural history, with a particular focus on dance and the performing arts.
DID YOU EVER ENVISION THIS CAREER WHILE STUDYING AT ROEHAMPTON?
Yes. I knew as I was applying to Roehampton that I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. after getting a Master’s. With that plan in mind, I knew that getting my Master’s degree at Roehampton would show a deep commitment to my subject since the university has an international reputation as a leading institution in my field.
DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE AT ROEHAMPTON WILL HELP ELEVATE YOUR CAREER?
Certainly! It is difficult and probably not advisable to enter a Ph.D. program immediately after finishing a bachelor’s degree, since graduate school can be intense work. So, I chose to pursue a master’s degree first before committing to a five-year PhD program. Completing my Master’s in Dance History at Roehampton confirmed my interest in the subject and in continuing my education, while also signaling to prospective programs that I was serious about conducting research at the Ph.D. level.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT ROEHAMPTON?
My most memorable moment was the Thanksgiving that I celebrated abroad. I lived in a flat with seven other women – one American, two from the U.K., and four from Greece. The other American and I decided to throw a full-fledged Thanksgiving celebration for our flat to give the others a taste of a true American holiday. All eight of us went grocery shopping together and crowded the kitchen for a night of cooking, eating, reflecting, and bonding. To this day, all eight of us keep in touch and have even visited each other on both sides of the pond since graduating!
WHAT WAS IT LIKE LIVING AND STUDYING IN LONDON?
Living in London was everything I’d hoped it would be. Roehampton’s area is a beautiful place to live, and the campus itself is like a park full of plants and animals. Yet, the city of London was just a short bus ride away. Sometimes, I would go and walk along the Thames in central London just to remind myself that I was living in one of the greatest cities in the world. I learned just as much from living in London – observing the culture, politics, and societal norms of another nation -- as I did from my coursework.
- Emily
Exactly what I was looking for
Roehampton's Creative Writing course in the heart of London was exactly what I was looking for. As a university that is not too big, it was easier to make the transition.
WHAT MADE YOU ACCEPT ROEHAMPTON?
I accepted Roehampton as the international recruitment staff were very helpful and extremely encouraging.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
I live at one of Roehampton's off campuses accommodations, Spring Mews in Vauxhall.
ARE YOU GLAD YOU ARE AT ROEHAMPTON?
I am very happy at Roehampton. The staff are highly knowledgeable and their resources are plentiful.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF ROEHAMPTON?
The fact that there is an actively encouraged career office, mental health support, sports program, and massive library. Though I probably won't be able to scratch the surface during my time at Roehampton, it is reassuring to have.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COURSE?
I am in the Creative Writing program which means that my course is about professionally applying to be creative. Creativity is a skill like any other that must be cultivated and used in a professional, disciplined way.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL WEEK LIKE?
My typical week is a mixture of lectures and seminars followed by going to the large library to study.
- Elliott
Much more reasonable than expected
I am an international student studying Zoology, which is in the Department of Life Sciences at Whitelands College, a ten-minute walk from the main campus. The program explores various aspects of the animal kingdom, from cell biology and evolution to physiology and ecology. I really enjoy the practical aspect of the course. Through lectures and practicals, lecturers are able to help you shape the skills necessary in a variety of fields. Although the university is based in London, the course takes field trips to locations outside of London and to Wales. There is also an optional field course in South Africa.
I chose to apply to university in the UK on a whim. I had been studying at a community college in the US for two years, which felt like it was going nowhere. I applied to a few schools around London and ultimately chose Roehampton due to its parklands campus and proximity to Richmond Park.
I lived in the dorms for my first year where I met amazing people who became some of my best friends and housemates. Everyone was welcoming and friendly and very patiently taught me how to ride buses and trains! I now live in a house off-campus, in Putney, with a few people a lived in the dorms during my first year. Not only are the campus grounds lovely, but the university is also only a short bus ride from the neighborhoods of Putney, Barnes, and Sheen, which offer shopping as well as a variety of delicious restaurants and cafes. Plus, it’s easy to travel into Central London once you’ve got the hang of public transport!
I really feel like I have been able to build professional relationships with my tutors and lecturers, who are always more than willing to support students with research ideas, grant writing, feedback, and anything else academic. I am happy I chose Roehampton as it has provided a platform for me to develop professionally and academically. I have found the cost of university and living to be much more reasonable than expected, partly due to having a part-time job that I use to offset living expenses. One of the best things about living in London is that it is a cultural hub as well as a scientific hub. It is home to organizations such as ZSL London, the Royal Society of Biology, and many more. With help from the university, it’s easy to get involved with these organizations and many more.
- Brooklynn
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
Study at the University of Roehampton (London)
This online session provides an introduction to Roehampton University in London. Roehampton truly provides the best of both worlds - you study at a gorgeous campus university and have access to Richmond Park (a true place of natural beauty), but you are also brilliantly located for the best that London has to offer.
