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When your career dreams come true
Since I finished my master's degree, I dreamed of doing a PhD. It was not an immediate process because I took my time to embark on that path. However, my whole life changed when I finally decided to do it and choose the UK as my study destination.
My name is Emanuel, and I am a PhD student from Mexico at the University of Nottingham. I am currently in my third year. My area of study is Mechanical Engineering. Due to the extensiveness of this knowledge area, at first, it was difficult for me to focus on a specific research topic. Still, thanks to the guidance and experience of my supervisors, this problem was solved after a deep analysis done by me and the two of them.
Nowadays, my supervisors and I are pioneers in analysing, designing and implementing magnetorheological dampers to suppress vibrations in on and offshore wind turbines. The results have been so satisfactory that not only have doors opened for me in the professional field, but the impact of this research work is so significant that I also have the option of continuing to develop research on this topic in a postdoctoral offer.
Life in the UK as an international student is fascinating. On the one hand, you have to adapt to many things; on the other, their cities' infrastructure makes this adaptation process happen naturally and easily. For instance, climate conditions are pretty humid, and it rains unexpectedly. Knowing this, Nottingham City Council has effectively designed the bus and tram stops to shelter many people from the weather.
Another example is the efficient way in which the bus and tram lines are interconnected with each other. This allows you to cross the city from north to south in less than an hour. Besides, if you want to stay in any city area, there’s no stopping you because each neighbourhood has everything you need to live well and peacefully. There are shopping centres, gyms, parks, churches, cinemas, theatres, hotels and recreational places in each city sector. It is impressive!
It doesn't matter if you are a student, professional or tourist; the city of Nottingham has all the entertainment options you can imagine. You have access to outdoor activities and many clubs to practice the sport of your choice. Everything is at your fingertips!
As far as English culture is concerned, it is one of the most interesting in the world. The English are an organised, punctual and hard-working people. They always hold on to their promises and follow their rules with extreme care. They are also sensitive to the presence of foreigners. They know we are there to contribute to developing their economy and life quality. Also, unlike other European countries, you can find multicultural environments everywhere, as they are an open-minded and diverse society.
Diversity is a reality. Everyone can be what they want without being criticised, disturbed or excluded. This creates environments of peace and tranquillity that favour British citizens' and foreigners' studies and professional development.
No country in the world is similar to the United Kingdom if what you want is to study and develop your professional skills. That is why I recommend whoever reads this post to look for a postgraduate degree at a British university. Broaden your perspectives and change your reality by studying in Great Britain; You won't regret it!
- Emanuel
Helped me achieve my goals
Hello! My name is Carlos, I am from Mexico, and I am a candidate for the master’s degree in Finance and Investment at the University of Nottingham. My experience as a student in the United Kingdom has been above expectations so far. I have been fortunate to live in such a wonderful country that welcomes students and professionals from all over the world.
The University of Nottingham has been a great ally that has helped me achieve my goals as a student and professional in Finance and Investment. Firstly, I was offered a great scholarship from the University of Nottingham Business School that enabled me to consider the United Kingdom as the country to obtain my master’s degree. Secondly, they assisted me through all the process to gain access to good quality accommodation and guidance to move around the campus. The University of Nottingham forms part of the Russell Group, a selected group of the top universities in the United Kingdom.
I studied my master’s at the Jubilee Campus of the University of Nottingham, which offers great facilities, with classrooms of all different types of sizes, computer rooms, study halls, cafeterias, libraries, sport facilities and much more. I was able to keep alive my student life at this amazing university. The University of Nottingham also offers free transportation across the different campus. I was able to discover amazing hidden places with huge gardens, fountains, and old classical English buildings. The university offers students the possibility to move around the facilities easily and smoothly, with indications and staff happy to help you if you have any trouble finding a place.
As for my master’s degree, I was learning content in Finance since the first day of classes. The program excels in its field and has given me the necessary tools to immerse myself in the financial sector. The quantitative and qualitative core modules offered by the course are state of the art knowledge that will be a valuable qualification in my CV for employment anywhere in the world. The United Kingdom has one of the biggest financial hubs, where hundreds of thousands of professionals work every day in different institutions and companies. From Investment Banking to Asset Management, the UK has a lot to offer for professionals interested in Finance. This is the main reason why I chose the United Kingdom as the country to develop my career further.
My accommodation is very close to the university, it’s a 3-minute walk to be exact. Nottingham Two by Student Roost is a great accommodation if you’re looking for a friendly place with a great location that includes security, comfort, and amenities. The accommodation includes many perks for a reasonable price. It has several common rooms for study, laundry rooms, gaming rooms, and you also have access to free postal delivery service. There are many different types of flats for different price levels. My flat included a shared kitchen for 4 large rooms with all the appliances needed to cook and store food.
Nottingham is one of the most exciting and student-friendly cities in England. Nottingham has a diverse and vibrant student population. The city’s rich history, combined with the legendary stories of Robin Hood, add to the city’s charm. From the hustle of Old Market Square to the serene serenity of Highfields Park. Students can enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences in Nottingham. From eclectic cafes to dynamic music venues and contemporary art galleries, there’s something for everyone. The city’s easy-to-navigate public transport system makes it easy for students to get around from one place to another. It has a welcoming atmosphere, cultural diversity, and abundance of student-friendly amenities. I’m glad to call it my second home now.
One thing I would recommend to people is to always carry an umbrella due to the unexpected changes of the weather. Most of the days throughout the year have been rainy, even when the sun is out it can get cloudy and rain. Another aspect I would recommend is to always stay ahead of deadlines for things like medical appointments. The NHS service is fabulous but it can take a while to get an appointment, so if you suddenly feel ill, it’s better to make an appointment as soon as possible.
Overall, my experience in the United Kingdom has been incredible. It has been one of the most amazing years of my life. I have traveled across the country and seen the wonders that the UK has to offer in natural scenery, history, culture, food, and many welcoming British people. I would totally recommend the United Kingdom as a country to study for people coming from abroad. My vision about the world has been enriched and my perspective about different topics has changed as well. It’s worth studying in this country, I have gotten so much more in return to what I have invested so far!
- Carlos Alfredo
Potentially the most beautiful University campus in the world
Hello everyone I am happy to share my experience doing my PhD in the UK.
Studying in the UK
I decided to do my PhD in the UK because I found a department in the University of Nottingham that really fitted the research topic that I wanted to investigate. The department was highly ranked in the UK ant the University ranked top 100 in the world, it was a no brainer.
The University of Nottingham
I was based in the University Park Campus, this is potentially the most beautiful University campus in the world, is like living in a forest. My office was on top of a hill with a view of the campus and it was definitely a motivation to go to work.
I was fortunate enough to be accommodated on campus as well, everything was at a short walking distance: the office, University buildings, gym, shops, restaurants. To be honest I do not think I will ever feel like living inside a forest again, so this was a positive experience.
My colleagues at the department were all friendly and my supervisors were generally available to answer my questions and doubts. They also supported my research by getting me involved with a company interested in the research topic so I felt that my work was actually reflected in the real world and not many early-stage researchers get that chance.
Both my professional and personal goals were being accomplished only by selecting the right University, department and supervisors.
Student life and the city of Nottingham
Even as a PhD I truly felt like a student: the Uni and the city are made for student life (despite the age) so do not feel shy if you are a mature student, there are plenty of options. Compared to Mexico (my home country) student life is more vibrant, there is no need to have a car or to use one, public transportation is very efficient and I had a bike so I moved around the city cycling, the city is relatively flat so I think that is the easiest and cheapest way of moving.
I really liked the way the city was organized and how it was prepared for students. You can find everything you need in Nottingham’s city centre or in Beeston (the town next to the University). But my favourite part of Nottingham, as I mentioned, was the campus and the student life.
Across the Pond
Across the pond helped me during all the process: finding a supervisor, application, funding, visa, accommodation. Therefore, most of my decisions were based on my advisor’s comments and experience. I don’t think I would have enjoyed my time as much as I did without Across the Pond. Thank you for everything.
- Alan
I wish I had done this earlier!
I have always loved the UK since I can remember. Perhaps it's the history or its influence all over the world, culturally, its epic landscapes, or Jane Austen that made me eager to learn more about it. I always dreamt of living in a place full of history and things to see. I love the accent, even though I had a rough time getting used to it. Nottingham became the best option for me. The legendary thousand-year-old pub to its epic Castle, the people, the diversity of students, and the vibrant nightlife were fantastic for me.
When and why at that moment?
I received the best attention, service, and information from the University and from Across the Pond. My Across the Pond advisor, who helped me throughout the process, couldn't have been more helpful in critical steps during my application. Across the Pond opened a door that would have been harder to unlock. Even though I went during the most challenging time of the pandemic crisis, I would not change it at all. Being there during critical times makes you a different kind of learner. And, without knowing it, my MBA prepared me for my current full work-from-home lifestyle.
How different is too different?
I think that the Mexican and British education systems are very different, but I am not sure if I can fairly compare them. I enjoyed the research-oriented tasks, the data processing classes (although we received a few, I wish I had received more), and all the teamwork in general. I met people from places I didn't even know existed and learned different ways of doing things that I couldn't have experienced in other circumstances.
No se habla español...
You never know how accustomed you are to a certain accent until you live abroad. The UK accent is very different from the US, and I am used to the latter. For me, it took a while to understand fast-paced teachers. I remember having four-hour straight classes while getting used to this new accent. Let's say it was complicated. The advantage is that I am now proficient in the accents of Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and Peaky Blinders, and no longer need subtitles!
Thanks so much for helping me achieve this life-changing experience Across the Pond!
If you are hesitating, DON'T! STOP IT! Apply and just start! It took me years to make up my mind, but once I started the process, it only took a few months to see the light at the end of the tunnel! I wish I had done this earlier!
- July Samary
Life-changing academic experience
After working in the Marketing area of a multinational company in Mexico, I decided that studying a masters degree in the United Kingdom was the next step to take in my academic/professional life, my life plan has always been to own a business, therefore, I chose the MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management, I chose The University of Nottingham since it has a great position in the global rankings, which is beneficial when requiring student loans, additionally, I found the geographical location of the city convenient since is close to cities like London, Manchester or Liverpool but is much more affordable and calm.
Complete guidance
Thanks to Across the Pond it was possible for me to accomplish my goals of studying in the United Kingdom, since the first contact with the agency, the quality of their attention and responses was impeccable, even when I started this process with more questions than answers and not even knowing which course to take, they provided me with tools and information to be able to take the best decision in the most convenient way given my expectations and my means.
Financial aid
When starting to balance my financial possibilities and the requirements of a project like this, my Across the Pond agent could provide clarity about the loans options like FIDERH and FUNED to understand how they functioned and how to make a successful application, it was thanks to this that I managed to obtain the FIDERH loan, Across the Pond once again helped me through all the process and this guide was fundamental for this outcome.
Close contact and follow-up
When this goal started to get more and more real, my adviser kept always in touch until the last step of the process, helping me with practical advice regarding travel planning, looking for accommodation in the city and making the payments and completing the steps needed for the visa and health insurance, without a doubt everything would have been much more complicated and chaotic without their advice, I am very grateful.
Life in the UK
Living in the UK has surpassed my expectations, studying here has allowed me to connect with people from all around the world, there is an extraordinary variety of cultures here and everyday there is something to learn and to share, living in the university’s student halls, I have had the opportunity to engage closely with people from the other side of the planet and this is very enriching, besides there is always an event happening, I am definitely glad that I made the decision to live this experience for my professional and also my personal life.
- Sara