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Something academically that I couldn't find in other countries
The United Kingdom offers something academically that I couldn't find in other countries: a wide range of master's programs in interdisciplinary studies. For a long time, I was interested in Environmental Humanities (the intersection between Humanities and Environmental Studies), specifically in ecocriticism (the study of nature in literature), but in Mexico, where I’m from, there isn't a university that specializes in this field. Additionally, I wanted a master’s program that would provide practical tools for the job market, not just theory. I found these specific requirements in the MSc in Environment, Culture, and Society at the University of Edinburgh, a comprehensive program with courses in art and environment, political ecology, and environmental philosophy. We also had field trips and meetings with artists that beautifully complemented the theoretical classes.
What I appreciated most about studying there is that the programs generally have a multidimensional perspective. Environmental problems and solutions, for example, aren’t just technical issues, but also human and social ones.
Although I knew that similar programs existed in the United States, I chose the United Kingdom for the lifestyle, and that's what I want to talk about.
A City of Short Distances
During my university years in Mexico, I spent three hours a day in traffic getting to and from school. In Edinburgh, on the other hand, it took me just 25 minutes to walk from my house to campus, and 15 minutes by bike. This small but significant change in my life allowed me to do so much more: join student associations, have a better social life, have more time to eat well and exercise, and I even managed to keep a part-time job!
I was also lucky that my house and the library were very close to one of Edinburgh's large parks, so if I felt stressed, sometimes just a 15-minute walk would help me reset before getting back to studying.
The transportation system here is very efficient and offers many options, which made it easy to make plans with friends because I knew I could get anywhere easily. Also, being close to the train station meant that if I wanted to visit a small town like Stirling or Perth on the weekend, or take a short hike in Linlithgow, I could get there with ease.
My Study Days in a Beautiful City
If there was one thing the various University of Edinburgh campuses had in abundance, it was study spaces. Whether on couches, tables, in libraries, study buildings, or cafes, you could find a spot to study before, after, or between classes. In my school, we also had something called the Hub, where you could access with your student ID. Inside, besides computers and study spaces, there was a small kitchen where students could store and heat their food, prepare tea or coffee, and then wash their dishes. There was something similar in a building dedicated to study spaces, which also had a microwave, hot water, and tables for eating. This made my life easier because on days when I didn't have classes, I would bring my lunch and spend the whole day studying, writing essays, and taking breaks to eat and make myself coffee before heading home.
Every now and then, I would change my study spot to explore other campuses or simply to take different routes through the city. For example, sometimes I would go to the Architecture, Art, and Design library because I liked passing through the Old Town. Sometimes, before or after studying, I’d take a walk there and enjoy the views.
An Inclusive and Supportive University
The University of Edinburgh has a Disability & Learning Support Service that you can turn to if you have learning difficulties. There are special booths in the library, and there are also wellbeing services if you're struggling. This allowed me, for example, when I had mental and physical health issues, to ask for help and receive support in my studies. Without a doubt, this enabled me to have better academic and personal development.
My Temporary Home
I was fortunate to "inherit" the apartment of a girl who had the same scholarship as me (Chevening). So I recommend contacting scholarship holders or students to ask if they know of any accommodation. Maybe they’re about to leave theirs!
I preferred to stay in a private apartment for reasons of privacy, cleanliness, and having the opportunity to host friends or family. Also, since I decided to stay for more than a year, it was quite convenient. Friends who stayed in student accommodation had to move out once their contract year ended, but I was able to extend mine.
Whether you stay in student accommodation or a private apartment, I recommend choosing one close to your campus. Make sure to check where your classes will be.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Scottish Accent
At first, I was very nervous about speaking because my pronunciation isn’t the best, and neither is my level of English, but in Scotland, people are very patient. Try to listen carefully and ask if you don't understand a phrase or word. The Scots will certainly try to make themselves understood. Also, since Edinburgh is such a multicultural city, you’re sure to find people from all over the world, even some who speak your language.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Weather Either
In Edinburgh, they say that if you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes. That’s how changeable it is. It can start sunny, then rain, then have strong winds, and then end with a beautiful sunset all in one day. So never take anything for granted and always carry your raincoat. I don’t recommend buying an umbrella because they break in the wind, but a good raincoat and maybe some boots will make your life much easier. Always check the wind conditions because it can be sunny and at a nice temperature, but if it’s windy, you’ll feel cold. In the summer, make the most of the sunny days by organizing picnics in The Meadows or Holyrood Park or hikes with your classmates or friends.
Also, prepare for winter because it gets dark at 3:30 pm, and the sun doesn’t rise until 9 am. It may seem terrible, but I learned to enjoy it by lighting scented candles (not recommended if you’re in student accommodation because the fire alarm will go off), burning incense, and drinking lots of hot chocolate with marshmallows and mulled wine. That said, try to keep going out and making plans with your friends, even if it’s raining and windy. That will help you maintain a balanced mental state. On the other hand, in the summer, the roles are reversed, so you’ll have very long days and can watch sunsets at 11 pm.
Some Tips I Wish I Had Known
- Look for the cheapest supermarkets, even if you must take the bus. Sometimes it’s better to invest in transportation than go to nearby but expensive places.
- Don’t be afraid to visit Charity Shops. There’s a lot of good quality and very cheap clothing. Go as soon as possible because that’s when outgoing students leave their stuff, so you’ll find everything: plates, baskets, organizers, jackets, raincoats, etc.
- Look for and use all the student discounts. You can’t imagine how much you can save—on streaming platforms, pharmacies, delivery services, cell phone services, and a long list of others.
- Before buying something new, look for second hand groups in Facebook.
- Meal deals will save your life. Keep this in mind.
- Finally, sooner or later, you’ll miss home, so pack those spices, cans, flours, sauces, and other products that will be hard to find here. It’s better to bring a lot of things that you can use up here so that you can go back to your country with things you won’t find there.
- One more thing: don’t accumulate too much stuff. Remember that sooner or later, you’ll return to your home country, so only acquire what you need to live here, and sell, donate, or give away what you no longer need before you leave.
Thank You, Across the Pond!
It seemed impossible to receive personalized advice and constant help without being charged for it, and I’ve seen that many people worry that the help offered by Across the Pond isn’t real, but I can assure you that everything is legitimate.
My advisor helped me from start to finish while I was also applying for the scholarship. Their extensive experience made many processes easier, gave me very valuable tips before, during, and after the application, and even helped me make better decisions.
Thank you so much for your invaluable help and for answering all my questions!
- Karla
I wanted to study in the best University of the UK
My name is Isela, a postgraduate student of MSc Advanced Sustainable Design at the University of Edinburgh. Today I want to share my experience about the beautiful journey of studying in the UK.
First of all, studying abroad became one of my biggest goals since I had the opportunity to meet foreign students during high school, I realized that the quality of education in other countries especially in the UK is amazing, and the experience of knowing different cultures even more, so from that moment the idea of experiencing this first hand, living in another country, meeting people from different parts of the world got me so excited that I set it in my goals.
My goal was to study in the UK, but not only in there, what I wanted is to study in the best University of the UK. I always knew I wanted to focus my studies into sustainability, therefore the next step was to find the best programme to do it, I remember I listed all Universities of the UK according to QS ranking, then I wrote the programmes to find out which one has the best to suit to my objectives. Since that moment the University of Edinburgh became my gold dream.
Despite diverse circumstances that impacted my life, this aim always remained in my mind, but I was not sure where to start. Fortunately, I found an advertise online about Across the Pond, they truly helped me to leave my fears behind and chasing my dreams, clearing my thoughts by showing me every step I needed to achieve this objective. They advised me on the options available to cover the expenses, from scholarships to student loans, of which I was not aware, and they were always willing to answer any questions that arose in the process.
I applied to many universities until I finally got an acceptance letter from the university of my dreams. From that moment on my life changed and I am sure that it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, as a year after living in Edinburgh I am even more convinced that I could not have chosen a better university or a better country to study my postgraduate degree. The United Kingdom is amazing, but Scotland and the city of Edinburgh have so much charm that I fell in love with them from the first moment I arrived here. From its cobbled streets with a medieval atmosphere and the castle in the middle of the city, to Hollyrood Park, where Arthurs Seat mountain is located, it makes you feel like you are in the Highlands themselves in the middle of the city.
The passion for teaching and the preparation of the teachers, the quality of the programs and without forgetting the work spaces with cutting-edge technology, the physical and digital libraries, computers and laptops available to all students at any time, as well as the natural environment, make this a very pleasant experience. Being a non-native English speaking student, I was very nervous and worried at the beginning, but both the patience of the teachers as well as the help of my classmates were key to helping me develop my language skills in a better way.
In addition to studying, I was also part of some university societies, such as the rifle and swimming clubs. From the first time I visited the gym facilities, I was impressed by the high-quality equipment and the well-suited spaces for engaging in a wide range of activities.
Student life in the city of Edinburgh is very fun and cheerful, the amount of activities on and off campus is immense, as well as the benefits that we as students have, such as discounts in most shops for food, clothing, events, transportation and even pharmacy and leisure. Student housing is out of this world, it has much more than just basic facilities but also spaces that allow you to have a healthy coexistence that encourages cultural exchange even more, such as play and meeting areas, gyms, cafeterias, laundry services and spaces with musical instruments.
Lastly, I had the great opportunity to meet and connect with amazing people from various parts of the world, such as India, Taiwan, China, Germany, Canada, Turkey, the USA, and South America. Getting to know their cultures, traditions, and perspectives on life has broadened my worldview. The personal and professional growth I have experienced over the past year has been unparalleled, thanks to this wonderful interaction.
I conclude this text by inviting students to take this big step, which they will undoubtedly never regret, and if they feel afraid or do not know what to do, do not hesitate to approach experts like Across the Pond, who will undoubtedly make this experience extremely light and pleasant.
- Isela
The city is a magical experience
Hi! My name is Claudio, from Chile, and I want to tell you about the wonders of living and studying in Scotland, in the UK, and how you can ease much of the stress and uncertainty of applying with the help of Across the Pond.
Decisions and applications
The idea of studying abroad had been on my mind for a few years, and I couldn’t quite decide to go for it, until I heard of two possibilities that got me moving: first, that the UK had a unique type of postgraduate studies in psychology for people who did not have an undergraduate degree on the field (which was my case, with a Bachelors in Sociology); and second, I heard about Edinburgh, a city that combined the buzz of international students (with several universities in town), the ease of a smaller scale city (at least compared to Santiago, where I’m from) and the unique possibility of living on the skirts of the world-famous Scottish Highlands.
Once the decision was made, I still struggled to narrow the specific degree I would like to pursue and was overwhelmed with the different stages involved in the application process. Through a friend I heard of the support that was available through Across the Pond, not quite believing it would be free of charge. I emailed, received a quick response and from then things went smoothly throughout the process: my advisor (to whom I’m incredibly grateful) supported me in everything from narrowing my options and deciding on a degree, understanding and completing all the documentation that was required, even to the process of applying to my visa and getting through immigration into the UK (which can be the scariest part!). I honestly don’t know how I would’ve handled the process if it wasn’t for the support of Across the Pond and my advisor.
Edinburgh city and university
The experience of living in Edinburgh and Scotland is one of a kind. Just walking through the city is a magical experience that never ceased to amaze me. The historical buildings of Old Town, the bustling Royal Mile, the winding, cobbled streets of Stockbridge, and always the stunning and towering Castle looking over town. The city is small enough you can make your way around walking or biking, but also has plenty of lovely neighbourhoods to explore, like Leith shore with its pubs and restaurants, Bruntsfield’s cafes and charity shops, or the high street of Princes Street in New Town.
The student life is remarkable as well. Edinburgh has four universities, with the University of Edinburgh being the biggest and best known of them. There are always activities going on and plenty of international students, which guarantees you will have the full cosmopolitan experience during your stay. The University of Edinburgh, where I studied, has an impressive student life as well, with more student societies (anything from whiskey to Harry Potter) and sport clubs (from parkour to martial arts) that you could go through during your studies.
I was also incredibly lucky with my programme of study. The course is called MSc Psychology of Mental Health and, as I mentioned, is a graduate course for students with no background on psychology. Because of this, the cohort included not only students from every part of the world (which allows me now to have close friends from India, Germany, and Greece, among other countries), but also from different professional backgrounds. This made for an enriching student experience. The faculty was incredible capable and managed to squeeze an intense and rigorous foundation on psychology in just a year.
Nature at your doorstep
The biggest surprise and delight of my experience was how close I lived to nature, and how beautiful and accessible the landscapes were. In Edinburgh itself you are always walking distance from nature. The trails by the river Water of Leith run throughout town and provide refuge from the noise, and Arthur’s Seat hill stands the tallest point in Edinburgh, with views that stretch from the North Sea to the three massive bridges that cross the Firth of Forth. The Royal Botanical Gardens, free of charge, are located just by Inverleith Park, providing both a panoramic view of Old Town’s skyline and plenty of forest trails you can admire throughout the seasons. If you are willing to take a bus or train, the possibilities are endless, the best known being the Pentland Hills Regional Park. The park is located just outside town and provides endless trails and many peaks for weekend adventures (particularly exciting in snowy days!).
And I can’t leave out perhaps the greatest perk of life in Edinburgh: how close you are the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Being from Chile, I’m quite used to long drives into nature, but Scotland has incredibly manageable distances you can cover either by train or with a car. I spent countless days and nights hiking, camping, and simply enjoying the beautiful sights. I can’t overstate what a privilege it is to have these stunning landscapes at your doorstep.
Possibilities after studying
Finally, I wanted to share some of the recent new possibilities to continue your stay after studying. I was lucky of arriving on the UK the year that a new visa was introduced: the Graduate Visa. The visa allows you to stay for two years in the UK (three if you finished a PhD) and work without requiring a work visa. It’s a straightforward process to apply for the visa and it allowed me to continue living in the country I was enjoying thoroughly. After studying I had the possibility to work first as a barista in Edinburgh, which was an enjoyable change of pace after so many months spent in research and my computer. And then I was able to move to Glasgow and work in a charity supporting homeless people transition to their permanent housing. The experience of working in a Scottish Charity was a great complement to having studied in the country, helping me deepen practice of English and gaining new professional skills I now bring back to my country of origin. It was also a wonderful experience to get to live in a new city in the country. Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland (and one of the largest of the UK) and a massive hub of music, arts, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is a city I highly recommend for a day trip, music gigs, forest walks, and of course to live there as well.
The experience of studying and working in Scotland, all while being able to explore its natural landscapes and getting to meet its people, has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I’m incredibly grateful for the possibility I had to live through these experiences. And of the many people I owe gratitude, Across the Pond has a significant role: those first stages after making the decision to study abroad can be the most daunting, with what feels like endless options and a ton of paperwork. The patient guidance from Across the Pond advisors was essential to ease my fears and push through to make this dream a reality.
- Claudio
An incredibly enriching experience
Studying in the United Kingdom, and particularly in Edinburgh, has been an incredibly enriching experience. This opportunity has allowed me to broaden my personal and professional horizons by immersing myself in an academic environment that challenges me and offers new perspectives. I chose to study abroad precisely to enhance my scientific training and explore new ways of tackling challenges in my field.
I chose the University of Edinburgh primarily because I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship that made this experience possible. Additionally, Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the top universities for studying mathematics in the UK and worldwide was a decisive factor. University life here is complete and stimulating; the campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, creating an ideal environment for research and study.
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Applied and Computational Mathematics, with a particular focus on electromagnetic theory. My decision to delve into this field is rooted in my passion for using mathematical tools to develop and understand physical phenomena. The integration of these disciplines allows me to approach complex problems from a unique perspective, which is something that truly excites me.
Moreover, Edinburgh is an extraordinary city both for studying and living. Its vibrant atmosphere, combined with a rich cultural life, offers a wide range of opportunities for leisure and personal growth, making the academic experience even more fulfilling.
Finally, I must mention the invaluable support I received from Across the Pond during my application process. Their guidance was constant, and I always had the attention and recommendations I needed from my advisor. Without their help, the process would have been considerably more complicated. Thanks to them, I was able to focus on what really matters: preparing for this exciting new academic chapter.
- Héctor Miguel
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!
