I was feeling stuck in Monterrey, working from home at a global company, and I knew I needed a change. I wanted something new and exciting that would help me grow both in my studies and as a person. That's when I decided to look for a Master's program in the UK. Since I already spoke English, the UK felt like the best option—plus, I'm a huge football fan, and the idea of being surrounded by that culture was thrilling.

But moving to another continent wasn’t easy. I was scared to leave my home and be so far from my family. The thought of starting fresh in a new country was both exciting and nerve-wracking.

When I finally got to the UK, things didn’t go exactly as I expected. I thought I’d be learning all about British culture and meeting lots of British people, but that didn’t really happen. It turns out, British students don’t usually do Masters in Business. Instead, I found myself surrounded by people from all over the world, especially from Asian countries like China, India, Thailand, and Indonesia. There were only a few British students in my course, but meeting so many people from different cultures turned out to be an amazing experience I never saw coming.
 

Newcastle University: Discovering Campus Life in the Heart of Newcastle

Choosing Newcastle University was a clear decision for me. The university offered the best program in Digital Business, aligning perfectly with my academic goals. Being part of the Russell Group, known for its prestigious research and teaching, added to its appeal. Plus, Newcastle is celebrated as one of the best student cities in the UK, offering an affordable and vibrant lifestyle.

The Faculty of Business was a highlight of my experience. It was conveniently located just in front of St James' Park, the home of Newcastle United—an exciting daily view for a football fan like me! The proximity to the city centre made it easy to explore, and the metro station right outside the faculty simplified getting around.

Overall, my time at Newcastle University was fantastic. The classes were engaging, the people were welcoming, and the city life was both easy and enjoyable. It was a perfect fit for both my academic and personal growth.
  

My Home Away from Home: Navigating Accommodation in Newcastle

For my time at Newcastle University, I stayed in a university dorm in South Gosforth, one of the more upscale areas of the city. My dorm was just a 5-minute walk from the South Gosforth metro station, making it incredibly convenient to reach the university and the city centre in about 8 minutes.

Overall, my accommodation had its ups and downs. On the positive side, my flat was comfortable with a spacious room and a great common area for socializing. The neighbourhood had a dedicated social space for students, which was perfect for meeting new people. Plus, the dorm was more affordable compared to other options provided by the university.

However, living in South Gosforth did have some drawbacks. Although it was only a short metro ride from the city centre, the distance sometimes made socializing a bit tricky. Many friends lived closer to the city centre, and since the metro closed early, I often had to take an Uber home, which could get pricey.

I also faced a few challenges with the accommodation. The internet connection was unreliable, and there was a period when the hot water in the shower wasn’t working, though it was eventually fixed. Sharing the flat with five other people meant that keeping the kitchen and common areas clean was sometimes a struggle.
 

A New World of Student Life: Discovering Diversity in the UK

One of the most striking differences between student life in the UK and Mexico was the incredible diversity. Back home, I was accustomed to studying and working primarily with Mexican people. In the UK, I found myself surrounded by students from various countries and cultures, which was both exciting and enriching.

Living with people from different backgrounds was a unique experience. We all managed to adapt well and learned a great deal from each other, broadening our perspectives in the process. Despite these cultural differences, the ability to connect and collaborate with such a diverse group was truly rewarding.

In terms of lifestyle, I aimed to maintain a similar routine to what I had in Mexico, and I found it quite achievable. The day-to-day activities and social norms were more familiar than I expected, allowing for a smooth transition.

Overall, the opportunity to meet new people and immerse myself in different cultures made my time in the UK incredibly fulfilling. It was the diversity and the interactions with individuals from around the world that truly made the experience special.
 

A New World of Digital Business: Why I Chose My Master’s Course

For my Master’s, I pursued a degree in Digital Business. This program offered a deep dive into how various facets of a company operate in the digital age. We explored everything from data analytics and marketing to logistics, supply chain management, information systems, and project management—each through a digital lens.

I chose this course because I wanted to be ahead of the curve as digitization continues to advance in Mexico. Being prepared for these changes felt crucial to me. The course turned out to be a perfect fit. I thoroughly enjoyed every class and found each module incredibly relevant to my goals. One of the highlights for me was gaining a thorough understanding of a company’s lifecycle and its different departments, all viewed through the digital perspective.

Now, I feel more equipped to navigate the digital transformation that's coming to Mexico, making me more confident and prepared for the future.
 

Discovering Newcastle: A City Full of Charm and Surprises

Newcastle upon Tyne quickly became a favourite of mine. It’s a charming and peaceful city that’s perfect for walking and running—something I couldn’t do back in the hot climate of Monterrey. The weather, though windy and cold, made for refreshing strolls and jogs. The locals, affectionately known as Geordies, are incredibly friendly and welcoming.

The city centre is a gem, boasting a beautiful mix of beach, parks, and historical sites like castles. Plus, it’s conveniently close to other picturesque towns such as Durham, Northumberland, and York, and even Edinburgh is within reach.

What I loved most about Newcastle was its vibrant atmosphere. The streets were always lively with people enjoying their time out. The cost of living was reasonable, and there was no shortage of places to eat, socialize, and have fun. The nightlife was fantastic, with numerous pubs and clubs to explore, all in a safe environment where you could walk around even late at night without worry.

I had a blast engaging in various activities—attending Newcastle United football matches, dining at local restaurants, running in different parks, shopping in various centres (including Costco), and hitting up clubs with friends. I also enjoyed visiting landmarks like the castle and exploring the quayside with its local markets.

The cultural vibe in Newcastle is quite different from Monterrey, offering a refreshing change and adding to the richness of my experience.
 

Navigating the Language Barrier: My Journey with British English

British accents presented a unique challenge, especially the Geordie accent in Newcastle, which was tough even for other Brits. However, engaging with locals helped me adapt and improve my understanding.

My English skills were strong before moving, thanks to my work in a global company. Learning British English boosted my confidence. For future students, practicing British English by watching British TV shows and movies can be very helpful.
 

My Experience with Across the Pond: A Smooth Journey to Studying Abroad

My journey to studying in the UK was made incredibly smooth and successful thanks to Across the Pond. Their support throughout the application process was exceptional. From start to finish, my agent was there to guide me, making sure everything went smoothly and helping me apply to Newcastle University with ease.

Without their help, I doubt I would have been able to navigate the process as effectively. Their expertise and assistance were invaluable in making my study abroad dreams a reality.

I highly recommend Across the Pond to any future students looking to study abroad. Their dedicated support and thorough guidance were key to my successful application and transition.

-  Victor