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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!
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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.
Always been a dream of mine
🎓 Pursuing Graphic Design in the UK
Choosing to Study Abroad
Studying in the UK had always been a dream of mine. With its vibrant culture and collection of opportunities, I saw it as the perfect place to enhance my education, especially in a field as dynamic as graphic design. The appeal of studying in an English-speaking country added to the appeal, making the UK an obvious choice for me.
University Selection: Worcester and Chester
My journey began with a year of online schooling in Norway before transitioning to the University of Worcester for my second year. Currently, I'm completing my third year at the University of Chester. Each institution offered its own unique advantages, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
🏫 University Life and Accommodation
Embracing Diversity at Worcester
One aspect I cherished about studying in the UK, particularly at Worcester, was the diverse student population. Interacting with peers from around the globe expanded my worldview and introduced me to different cultures. Living in shared accommodations further facilitated social connections, creating a supportive environment for personal and academic growth.
Exploring the Charms of Chester
Moving to Chester for my third year provided a fresh perspective. The old-fashioned charm of this city, characterised by its historic architecture and picturesque surroundings, enhanced my university experience. Living amongst locals allowed me to immerse myself in the community and explore the rich cultural heritage of the region.
🖥️ Academic Pursuits: Graphic Design
Pursuing a flexible Career Path
My choice to study graphic design came from a desire for flexibility in my future career prospects. Both universities provided broad resources and state-of-the-art equipment, empowering students like me to unleash our creativity and hone our skills.
🌍 Social Life and Cultural Immersion
Building Connections Across Borders
One of the highlights of my UK experience has been the friendships I made with fellow international students. From Sweden to South Korea, my social circle spans the globe, enriching my life with diverse perspectives and shared adventures.
Adapting to Language and Lifestyle
As a non-native English speaker, adapting to studying in English presented initial challenges. However, daily engagement and interactions with friends advanced my language skills, underscoring the importance of practical language use in language learning.
💡 Insights and Reflections
Lessons Learned and Aspirations
Reflecting on my journey, I realise the value of financial planning for maximising travel opportunities within the UK and beyond. While I initially underestimated the cost of exploration, I've come to appreciate the affordability of travel within Europe from the UK.
Appreciation for Across the Pond Support
Applying through Across the Pond has been crucial in navigating the complications of the application and visa processes. Their constant support and prompt assistance eased my transition to studying abroad, especially when altering my plans to relocate to Chester for my final year.
- Marie
Choose what challenges and inspires you
I chose to study Infection and Immunity at the University of Chester because it combines my love of the progressive natures of infectious diseases, microbiology and their subsequent roles in our history and evolution, without being limited to studying only one.
Through Infection and Immunity-specific courses, I gained a greater understanding of the interplay between host and pathogen and how the arms race between diseases, immunity and the community continues to progress this field. Through the general course modules, I received perspective into the roles of medical, academic, and scientific professions, while learning to appreciate the connectivity and flexibility within each module. With ample support from the lecturers, campus resources and other students, I became more creative and adaptable when completing each assessment. Both the Medical School and MSc Infection and Immunity remind us that a necessary part of being a scientist, medical professional or academic is remaining teachable, adaptable, and personable.
- Bianca
Across the Pond Made It Easy to Find a Master’s Program
I found out about Across the Pond just doing online searches for master’s programs. I eventually wanted to enter a PhD program and knew a master’s degree would make my application more competitive. When I saw that I could get a master’s degree in the UK in half the time (and half the cost) compared to the US, it seemed like a great option, and Across the Pond made choosing a program and applying super easy! Everyone I worked with was so helpful, prompt, and friendly. I really appreciated how smooth they made the application process.
Classes at University of Chester
I ended up choosing the University of Chester for its Master of Science in Family and Child Psychology program. In one year, I got a great overview of psychological testing, research and studies, behavior, and other topics that would be relevant to my current job as a teacher for students with autism. The professors were knowledgeable and really helped shape my master’s thesis project, which involved running a behavior study with a local group of primary school students.
I found the class schedule of my program to be incredibly flexible. I had class just one day a week on campus, and the rest of the week I had time to do the reading, writing, group projects, and other assignments involved in the courses. This schedule allowed me plenty of time to work part-time off campus, travel around the UK and Europe, and get involved in activities like a D&D club and a local church.
Living Off Campus
While attending the University of Chester, I lived in a nearby town and commuted to classes via bike or train. I came abroad with my wife and dog, so it made more sense for us and our budget to rent a house farther from campus than to rent a flat in the city. However, I had plenty of classmates and friends who lived on or near campus, and it was easy to meet up for dinner nearby or a study session at the campus library.
Chester was a great city to visit every week for classes. The university campus wasn’t far from the train station, and also nearby were many restaurants and shopping venues. My wife really fell in love with Chester’s traditional high street and the Roman architecture. We also traveled to nearby Liverpool and Manchester often for sightseeing because the train system made it easy to connect. Even London was only about a two-hour train ride away, so I packed a lot of travel into my year of study!
Studying in England
The biggest adjustment to living as a student in England was all the paperwork I had to do in order to get my visa, process my student loan, get added to national health insurance, pay the local council tax, etc. However, Across the Pond and my university offered plenty of guidance, and once I got all set up in my accommodations, the rest of the year went pretty smoothly.
One of the reasons I chose to pursue a degree in England was that, being from the US, I could study abroad without having to learn a new language! I had previously lived abroad in Japan and Germany for several years, so I was prepared to adjust to a new culture and way of life, and the transition to living in England was pretty smooth. After some initial homesickness, it was exciting to visit new places, try new foods (especially desserts I’d seen watching “The Great British Bake-Off”), and make international friends in my master’s program. I studied along with students from every continent, which was a great experience, and it was especially easy to make friends with the other American students in my program.
Overall, getting my master’s degree in England was a great decision and made a huge impact on my life. I was lucky enough to bring my family to England with me, and we shared many unforgettable experiences together. My wife really enjoyed the climate in England, so when we moved back to the United States, she wanted to settle down in a cool and rainy city! That decision and my master’s degree led to the amazing job I have now, so I owe a lot to my year studying in England! To this day, I’m quick to refer people to Across the Pond for helping make the experience possible for me.
- Jordan
