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Studying Abroad in the UK: A Transformative Experience
Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, fueled by a desire to immerse myself in new cultures and experiences. When I didn't secure admission to a Canadian university, my husband introduced me to the idea of studying in the UK through Across the Pond. Little did I know, this decision would lead to an experience of a lifetime.
Choosing Brunel University:
Initially drawn to Scotland, my interview with Brunel University convinced me otherwise. Located in London, UK, Brunel offered the perfect blend of academic excellence and vibrant student life. The convenience of its location and the provision of individual tutors for each student stood out to me. Moreover, the opportunity to learn from professors who were experts in their fields, like the tendinopathy lecture taught by a renowned researcher, was truly appealing. The presence of a significant Canadian student community also made me feel at home.
Accommodation and Campus Life:
I opted to stay off-campus, just a short walk away from Brunel. Living with two fellow Canadian PT students forged strong friendships and added to the sense of community. Brunel's dedication to student experience was evident through its myriad of clubs and activities. I particularly enjoyed being part of the weightlifting and CrossFit team, where I had access to top-notch facilities and learned from experienced athletes.
Academic Pursuits:
Enrolled in the Master of Science in Physiotherapy program, I appreciated Brunel's evidence-based approach and emphasis on practical learning. The availability of pre-recorded lectures allowed for flexible learning, with class time focused on hands-on experiences and consolidating knowledge.
Exploring Uxbridge and Beyond:
Although Uxbridge wasn't the most exciting city, its proximity to Heathrow Airport and easy access to central London made it convenient. I often found myself exploring the vibrant heart of London or venturing to areas like Ealing, Camden, and Covent Gardens became a regular part of my routine, with the opportunity to visit a new country every month—a perk I cherished.
Social Life and Personal Growth:
Beyond academics, I embarked on a placement with a professional rugby team, which provided invaluable real-world experience. Weekends were filled with adventures and cultural exploration, fostering friendships with people from diverse backgrounds.
Reflecting on my time in the UK, I am grateful for the support of Across the Pond throughout the application process. Despite the challenges and expenses, studying abroad was undoubtedly worth it. The experience broadened my horizons, enriched my academic journey, and provided memories that will last a lifetime. For anyone considering studying abroad, I wholeheartedly encourage it—it's an opportunity of a lifetime.
- Jessica
I earned a world-class degree while seeing the world
I first got in contact with Across the Pond just after graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree. After some looking and job opportunities, I put my applications on hold. I contacted my student advisor again and picked up where I left off. After looking at universities and programs in the states, it became clear that many programs were both longer and more expensive in the US than in the UK. Once I added the international exposure, experience, and the opportunity that schooling would give me to secure a visa abroad, I knew a UK degree was what I needed.
Studying in the UK was definitely different than an education in the US, but in the best ways for my learning style. Unlike schools here, the UK places a greater importance on research, writing, and applying lessons in the real world. In my course, I had 4 graded term papers, a thesis research project and a thesis portfolio. No tests, no quizzes, no busy work. Read assigned books, papers, articles, and watch assigned videos, then discuss with the class each day. Class sizes were smaller than what I’d been accustomed to in undergraduate studies, which was a welcomed change. Both professors spent lots of time meeting with students individually, talking about research topics, and guiding them throughout the course.
I chose Brunel University London for a number of reasons, including its proximity to London and Heathrow Airport, its strong research base, and the opportunities for job placement and extracurricular activities. The classes were diverse in a way only the UK could offer. I had classmates from India, Kuwait, France, Italy, Ghana, Bangladesh, China, Poland, and across the UK. That diversity contributed to a classroom of varied experiences, points of view, and interests that expanded our understandings of the world.
Brunel has a University kart racing team, sports of every kind, clubs and student unions, dance parties every week on campus, a campus pub, and great facilities across campus. I got a gym pass and used the facilities each week, ate at on-campus restaurants, had morning coffee at their coffee shop, and spent many hours and days at the library preparing my papers and thesis projects. Student life was more relaxed than US schools, with an emphasis on strong studies balanced with exploring the country while you’re there. Classes are only a couple days a week, so it’s definitely manageable to do your coursework while exploring all that London, the UK, and continental Europe have to offer.
The city of Uxbridge, where Brunel is located, is a perfect British town with a great Underground station and bus system. I often took a bus a mere 5 minutes to the tube line, and I made it into London 30-40 minutes later. The high street had shopping, grocery stores, fantastic restaurants, a movie theater, mall, postal services, a gym, and pubs showing all kinds of sporting events. A rainy Sunday in Uxbridge was as quaint and calm as it was frequent. Christmas in the UK is magical, and even Uxbridge made the holidays bright even as the sun went down earlier and earlier each day. I miss trips to the Tesco or Primark after classes, or visiting the Odeon cinemas to catch a movie.
Flying in and out of the country when visiting friends or family was very convenient, and you can easily catch a bus or tube from Heathrow to Uxbridge. Flights to other countries, in addition to the rail and busses across the UK, made it a perfect spot for the traveler in me. I earned a world-class degree while seeing the world.
I have told many friends about Across the Pond, Brunel, and studying in the UK. The advice I wish I’d known before I went was that it would be tough adjusting to a new country for the first 3-6 months. Your student advisor will prepare you, the blogs and videos you watch will help you, but then you’re in a new place and it’s up to you to be dedicated and resilient. At times, British government agencies with their paperwork and delayed responses got under my skin. But it was no different than visiting a DMV here in the states! The minutiae of life it just that, and going abroad means immersing yourself in the daily life of another country. While getting a bank account, choosing a mobile phone plan, getting a replacement ID card, or applying for a license took a little time to figure out, it gave me understanding and appreciation for the things I took for granted growing up and living in my own country for so long. Traveling abroad doesn’t make you a strong person on its own, that’s something I wish everyone knew. Instead, with determination and the right mindset, studying abroad gives you the opportunity to become a well-rounded, empathetic, well-educated, and global-minded citizen of the world who can understand and work with people of all backgrounds and nationalities in new ways. My best friends from the program and my dorm are from countries around the world. We shared memories in class and around London that I’ll forever cherish. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity Across the Pond gave me to open myself to another part of the world, to new friends and connections, and to an education that has advanced my career in new and exciting ways.
- Tristan
Given me opportunities that I never thought possible
My experience studying in the UK has been amazing so far! I am originally from Canada and leaving home to study abroad for two years was hard and scary at the beginning but now halfway through my UK experience it has given me opportunities that I never thought possible.
My school and program are wonderful, I have made friends from all over the world, and I have been exposed to so many different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles that have broadened my perspective. Living in the UK has also exposed me to travelling, being able to take a one-hour flight, be in a completely different country, and get to try delicious foods!
Apart from living in the UK, my experience using Across the Pond service was positive. My senior student advisor was wonderful. She provided quick responses and was super helpful in guiding me to select the most appropriate schools, preparing me for school interviews, and helping me write my statements. This made my application process easy and moving to a new country stress-free. My advisor was reliable and trustworthy to guide my new start in the UK. Overall, moving abroad has challenged me to come out of my comfort zone, push myself to be the best I can be, and take the experiences around me to learn and grow into a better version of myself.
- Olivia
I absolutely have no regrets!
I took a significant leap, and I absolutely have no regrets! Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. I was in a challenging phase in my life, and I decided it would be the best time to challenge myself and embrace a new experience.
Pre-Departure
I reached out to Across the Pond, where I was fortunate to be paired with an advisor, a guiding light throughout the entire process. Her support was truly indispensable in navigating this long process. There was so much to do including drafting a personal statement, undergoing a DBS check, initiating the student visa application, and assembling transcripts and reference letters. It all seemed overwhelming, but my advisor's assistance and patience were instrumental! I still can’t believe that Across the Pond is a free service! Advice: start gathering your documents as early as possible, have a checklist and stay organized! Talk to your advisor if you have any questions and they’ll be able to direct you better. Thank you so much to my advisor for all your help!
On-campus accommodation
I opted for on-campus accommodation as it would be more accessible, and I also felt more at ease. The ensuite bedroom is small but comfortable. There is a dedicated study desk that I often use but the library is also a great alternative. Sharing a communal kitchen with nine other students can be challenging! Although the cleaning crew comes in the kitchen once a week, your bedroom is your responsibility. It’s an adaptation to live in community and I would say that for me this is the hardest part.
Physiotherapy degree and social life
I love my program! It is quite demanding as there is so much to learn in little time and so you’ll be studying A LOT. To be honest, I feel that’s the only thing that I am doing most of the time but I’m learning so much! It is rewarding and significantly prepares me for a future as a skilled physiotherapist. I’ve made good friends, and we depend on each other for note taking which has helped tremendously. To excel in this program, be sure to form a study group and ensure that you’re on track with your studying as if you fall behind, it will be much more difficult to catch up as you’re learning something new every day.
Placements are demanding as well since you’re new to the field and can be quite overwhelming, but the university offers great tools to support you and you can talk to other students as most of us feel the same way. But once you get settled in, placements are great and invaluable to improve your clinical knowledge and practical skills. They are interesting and varied from sports to women's health, pediatric physiotherapy and more!
Although the bulk of my day is devoted to studying and going to class, I also use the university's gym to stay active and I ensure to spend time with my friends to explore London’s bars and nightlife. There are also a multitude of student societies that you can join to meet new people.
Final thoughts
Entering the second and final year of my master's degree, I'm happy to say this is by far one of the best experiences of my life! Although this program is very demanding and I can’t wait to be back home with my family, the insights I’m gaining into my future profession and the friendships I’ve made overshadow these challenges. I can’t wait to look back to this adventure in years to come and be proud of what I’ve accomplished! But for now, I’m taking everything in as it goes by fast and I’m enjoying every bit that I can!
- Marla
Get a master’s degree in 1 year
I had no experience of living alone and in another country. I never thought of studying in English and abroad until I found out that my friend was doing it and that it is possible to 1) study masters in psychology without the requirement of a bachelor in psychology, as required in Norway, 2) get a master’s degree in 1 year where usually 2 years is normal for masters.
I currently have a bachelor in social work, but I always wanted to study psychology. Through Across the Pond, I had a chance to study Psychology, get a master’s degree within 1 year and the experience of living alone and in another country. This caught my interest and after talking with friends and family I thought «why not try it» and
get the experience of living on my own in another country, and I contacted Across the Pond.
Brunel University London
I have always been interested in human behaviour, why we are how we are and do what we do. I found the MSc Culture and Evolution Psychology very interesting and the modules in the course caught my attention. I didn’t really expect anything special from Brunel University from their course structure and lecturers as I don’t have any experience with studying abroad and never had an interest until recently. For me the decision to study abroad was very last minute and not something I had always planned or envisioned for myself.
I was very stressed in the beginning with all the new modules, the language and how the education in British universities work. I thought it was going to be very formal, and that I had to work a lot on my own to be able to catch up, but I have found the lecturers in my course to be available and helpful. They make time for you and help you out until you understand. I have also met wonderful people from my class and from other psychology classes who are in the same situation and we help each other.
Accommodation - living on campus
I chose to live on campus after I concluded that that will be more practical and also more social. I did try to look off-campus first but I just found it more convenient with campus. Also, I wasn’t able to visit and actually see the room, I did have video calls with some of the landlords but again you don’t really know how it is.
I have an ensuite with a bedroom and my own bathroom, but I share kitchen with 8 other flatmates. There is housekeeping that comes once a week to clean the kitchen and vacuum the hallway and we have maintenance as well in case something doesn’t work or needs fixing. The campus is also very green and surrounded with parks and benches, it is a nice way to escape and take a break.
My flatmates are amazing and I could never have settled in like I did without them, they gave me practical support which I needed as I came late to UK due to some complications with my visa. I learned that you are never alone and talking with others and socialize can make everything easier and better no matter what the circumstances are, you will always find comfort in the people around you. Of course, you will experience some stuff that you will not like, it could be the flatmates habits or attitudes kitchen being messy etc. Eventually you learn how to regulate around that. In my case, I am glad that I chose to live on campus and my experience with my flatmates were good, they will forever be close friends to me.
What to do on campus
There are a lot of opportunities and stuff to do apart from studying. I go to the campus gym to exercise and play badminton as well. I joined Brunel Volunteers which has been a nice experience, where you meet different people and local people as well. Every week they send upcoming volunteer events where you decide what event you are interested to volunteer for. There are a range of societies you can join, everything from book reading, dance to art. They also have job shops and can assist you in finding a part time job. Apart from campus, I have been exploring new places such as parks, markets, having afternoon teas and trying varieties of food. There is a lot to see and do from local pubs and malls to going out.
Still not sure?
If you are one of those who might be interested in studying abroad but are unsure if this is worth it, you find it hard to move out of your comfort zone and see no crucial need to study abroad. I felt the same. What I realized is that it is a good thing that you have it good where you are now but that is a reason in itself by challenging yourself to move out from that comfort zone and to be able to grow and experience new skills and sides of you that you might not have been able to do in your comfortable home.
Also, the study you have chosen will give you new ways of understanding and give you new skills that you could show on your CV and make you stand out in the job market. Your social network will expand and you will meet international people that also could be an advantage for future reference. And you will get to know yourself a lot more and be able to choose to do or try things you always wanted to try but haven’t
had the chance to regardless what the reasons are. This is a valuable experience both for your personal journey, but also for your practical experience that can open up doors for you in the job market.
Experience with Across the Pond
My supervisor from Across the Pond helped me throughout the process and told me what to do in each step. For one who doesn’t know where to begin and what to do in order to study abroad, this is an amazing way to get help to do it and it is completely free!
- Amanda