Image
Hands-on learning and industry exposure
Deciding to study in the UK was one of the most pivotal choices of my life. The opportunity to learn from high-quality institutions, immerse myself in new cultures, and gain a sense of independence was too valuable to pass up. The UK, with its rich academic heritage, has been a dream destination for many, and I wanted to experience that first-hand.
Why I Chose Middlesex University and University Life
I chose Middlesex University for its outstanding program content and the Professional Experience module, which promised hands-on learning and industry exposure. The campus is not only beautiful, with its relaxing green spaces, but it also offers numerous facilities. Students here enjoy discounts and access to resources that make university life both enjoyable and enriching. The welcoming environment made my experience truly rewarding.
Living in a university residence was a great decision. It allowed me to meet new friends from all over the world, and I always felt safe and supported. The university organized plenty of events throughout the year, creating a sense of community and belonging. These experiences helped me to adjust to life in the UK and making lifelong friendships.
I am studying Sustainability, a field I am deeply passionate about. This course was perfect for me because it connects industry practices with environmental protection. It’s inspiring to learn how we can innovate and implement sustainable practices that make a difference. The curriculum is comprehensive, and the professors are experts in their fields, making the learning experience both challenging and fulfilling.
English is not my first language, so the transition to studying in English was initially challenging. However, the university provided ample support to help me understand the UK education system and what was expected of me. From language assistance to academic guidance, I felt I had enough tools to succeed in my studies.
The Vibrant City of London
London is a city like no other. It's vast, diverse, and full of life. There's a place for everyone here, whether you're seeking out new experiences or looking for a piece of home. Whenever I miss my home country, I visit Latin places in the city, where I can reconnect with my culture. These places offer a sense of comfort and familiarity among the bustling city life.
Student life in London is vastly different from my home country, Mexico. The freedom here is exhilarating, and London is a melting pot of cultures from around the globe. The city is vibrant and full of opportunities, whether it's attending cultural festivals or exploring various cuisines. Moreover, finding part-time jobs is relatively easy, which helps students manage their finances while gaining work experience.
The Role of Across the Pond in My Journey
Applying through Across the Pond was one of the best decisions I made. They helped me organize all the paperwork, from applying to the university to managing my visa process. Everything went smoothly, allowing me to focus on preparing for my new life in the UK. Their guidance and support were invaluable in making this journey possible.
- Amira
Going abroad was always on my mind
As the youngest of four siblings, I had watched as they all grew up and travelled away from our small town in Upstate New York to different places around the world. They in turn, came home telling the stories of their time with their host family in Vienna, the views of Prague, and the lights of London. It planted the seed that I too would one day come home and tell the stories of cities I had been, and places I had travelled. My problem was, I just wasn’t sure how.
This dream sat in a dusty drawer in the back of my mind, always as a possibility, but never a reality. I kept thinking I’ll do it after college like my mom had, or make it a trip later in life once I was settled down. Although I wanted to do it as soon as possible, I still didn’t know how. After completing high school, I had decided to stay in the States and attend college closer to home. I told myself I could go abroad through the study abroad options my college had to offer. This played a big role in choosing my school, and I became excited. The dream of going abroad finally seemed in reach.
One evening after a day of aimless scrolling, I stumbled upon this girl who had titled her video ‘Moving to London for my Masters’. I watched it in its entirety and swiped left on her page to see if she had more. I thought to myself, ‘going abroad for all of school? That sound so cool. I hadn’t even thought that was an option, but lucky for me, she had a whole series of pinned videos of her process. She covered everything from, how she decided on London, what the visa process was like, where she was going to live, how to commute, and so much more. That night I went to bed so excited to graduate college, so I could go to London for my Masters. This was two weeks into freshman year.
I quickly came to realize however maybe I didn’t have to wait four years, and I could go for my undergraduate degree. A quick google search of ‘schools in London with writing programmes’ quickly proved me right and the next thing I knew I was staring at a UCAS screen clicking firm on an offer for BA Creative Writing & Journalism from Middlesex University London.
Three months later I was moving into Platt Halls, a 20-minute walk away from Middlesex’s main campus in Hendon. I was nervous, excited, sad, happy, literally feeling all the emotions someone could feel after moving 3,000 miles away from home. My room was cozy, there was a built-in desk and dresser, my own bathroom and a single bed that I had made up with a purple duvet, and floral-patterned pillowcases which I had brought from home, giving the room a feeling of familiarity and comfort. Over the course of the first week, I was still learning how to live away from home, but after literally, running into my flat mate Sadie in the doorway of the kitchen life got a little easier. Other than a place to live, Platt gave me amazing friends which is a testament to living in halls. Sadie quickly became like a sister to me and we did everything together, from going to campus to study, to cooking together in the flat. We figured out together how to top up our TFL Oyster Cards, and even how to register for the GP. Living in halls my first year was a great way introduction to living abroad, and I went on to live in them again my third year as an RA. Which, a story for another time, but was yet again an incredible experience.
When I got to Middlesex campus for the first time, I knew I had made the right choice. Having not been able to tour it before, but only virtually, it was pretty much a sight-unseen sort of situation. The feeling of assurance that it was the right place for me came after traversing campus and navigating the maze of Grove Building, Middlesex’s (incredible) arts building on my way to my first class. I found myself during this experience, very grateful I was not traversing city streets, and has a campus base for classes. Over the course of my three years, campus became one of my favorite aspects of MDX. I loved the closeness of classes, having the quad to catch up with my friends or attend university fairs. Seeing campus bloom into shades of green after a long UK winter. The 24/7 library and free printing were a lifesaver, and the easy access to facilities directly related to my industry such as radio rooms, TV studios and an on campus supplies store, made my learning experience so much more fruitful.
I knew by the end of my first year I loved London. I had gotten to experience life in a way that staying in my home country I never would have been able to, due to a plethora of factors. This city pushed me outside my comfort zone, and although I don’t at all recommend not getting a phone plan set up until January, not many people can say they’ve memorized the tube due to a lack of data.
Three years later, I still know I love London. The opportunities this city offers to students through its free experiences, and incredible amount of history is unmatched. I still am finding new things to do each day that I didn’t know existed the one before. Being able to feel safe, and confident enough to able to show and share the city I have grown to love with those I love around when they come to visit is a feeling so amazing it is almost hard to believe it’s true sometimes.
Going to university in London provided me with so much more than just a rich education, it provided me with a home.
- Lillian
Student Accommodation in the UK
Where do you live when studying abroad? Do universities in the UK offer student housing? How much does student accommodation cost? Did you know that as an international student, you are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the first or all your years studying at most of our UK universities? You will need to apply by the housing application deadline, and of course the best student accommodation in the UK goes first - so that is a good reason to apply early! There are several different student accommodations, price levels and facilities to choose from!
Most students choose to live on campus in their first year. This is social and a fantastic way to get to know students from all over the world! After that, most students choose to move into privately rented accommodation with their new friends. We recommend everyone to live in university accommodation in their first year, as it is a great way to get to know other students (and not just those on your degree).
Learn more about the different options, on-campus accommodation, how to arrange private accommodation and everything you need before applying for student accommodation in the UK via this webinar!
Image
Visa for European Students who want to study in the UK
Do you want to study in the UK and are wondering if you need a visa? Maybe you have applied to British universities already, or are considering applying to university in London or elsewhere in the UK, but would like to know more about the UK student visa for European students? This webinar recording is about the UK Student Visa for students who will be starting their studies at a British university and are from European countries. We cover everything regarding the CAS, the application process, cost and other practicalities worth thinking about when applying for a student visa.
Did you know that all non-UK students need a visa to study in the UK? How much does a student visa cost? Is it difficult to get a student visa if you want to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? For most European students in the UK, a student visa is now a fact.
After the UK left the EU, student visas have now become a reality for the vast majority of international students. It is therefore important to familiarise yourself with this process as early as possible, so that you are well prepared when the time comes to submit an application for a student visa. In this webinar recording, we will go through useful information about student visas, when to apply, what you need for the application, costs, and other tips and tricks that can make the process easier. This webinar is suitable for those who have already applied, those who have accepted an offer, but also those who are considering studies in the UK and want to know more about the visa process.
We have the information and tools most people need to be able to go through the visa process without the need for individual follow-up/advice beyond the general information and guide from us. Remember that Across the Pond cannot provide individual advice on your visa application, only certified immigration staff can. In this webinar recording, you will learn about a number of important points that are good to be aware of when you familiarise yourself with the visa process.
Being so close to Central London has been an amazing experience
My experience as a student within the UK University began when I was a student in the states. Back when I was a freshman at a small school in North Carolina, and by small, I mean there were 1,200 students normally, but during my year there, only the freshmen class was on campus, and there was not much to do outside of class. With all the time I had on my hands I found myself wondering what it would be like to study elsewhere. I began to search up on TikTok “life during study abroad” and then realized that maybe I didn't have to wait to study abroad and could instead do all my study abroad! I turned to google and began to search for schools and universities in the UK, inspired by a peer from High School who had gone to study in Scotland.
It was time to get serious. What did I want to do? Who did I want to be? I knew since I was young that it was going to be creative, and so I decided on writing, having always enjoyed it. When Middlesex University popped up on a list of universities with good writing programs, I added it to my list. It wasn’t long before I was convinced it was the Uni for me, and since I arrived, I know that is both in and out of the classroom.
The MDX Community
From the moment I stepped on campus, I was greeted with kindness from the teachers and other students and three years in, this feeling of community has yet to waiver. I credit a lot of my student experience to joining the Student Ambassador scheme, a decision that changed my life. Each event I've worked at introduced me to new people, from different courses, with different interests and stories, and have made amazing friends, all of whom make time on campus unforgettable.
The Location
Finally, one of the most incredible experiences of being a student in the UK, well, is being in the UK! Especially being in London.
It’s no secret that the application process, no matter where in the world you are applying, can be overwhelming, and location is a huge consideration. For me, I was so overwhelmed I didn’t double check & realized only after firming my choice that Middlesex was the only London based university I applied to. Luckily, it is still the only one I can see myself being a student. Being so close to Central London has been an amazing experience. The quiet life of campus in Hendon has allowed me to have a place to focus on my studies, and the wealth of culture and abundance of experiences right at my doorstep a few stops away on the tube is something I am deeply grateful for. Furthermore, being here has opened doors to opportunities for jobs in different sectors of the city, that coming from a small town I might not have otherwise been able to experience.
Each day I spend here studying in the UK I wake up excited to find what the day holds for my future!
- Lillian
