This feeling of community has yet to waiver
Finding MDX as the school for me
My experience as a student within the UK University began when I was a student in the states. Back in 2020 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
A Smooth and Enlightening Experience
I found Across the Pond while doing research for UK programs. At first, I did not believe the website due to being skeptical that a program existed in which there would be advisors who help students to apply to universities all across Britain. My experience in working with Across the Pond has been a smooth and enlightening experience of what another country has to offer.
It has also been wonderful getting to work with my advisor and knowing that I can count on her to answer every question and doubt I may have. She has made it an easy change by letting me know that I am not alone in this transition. I really liked the personal feeling I got instantly when my advisor reached out to me and made sure to give me all the help I needed.
I would summarize this experience on a whole as amazing, helpful and the greatest decision I have ever made. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone and everyone who is looking to study abroad in Britain. This program is everything I hoped it to be and more. Anyone who joins this program will be grateful. I cannot wait to finally be in the UK and fulfill my goal of completing my master's through the help of my advisor at Across the Pond!
I Plan to Stay after My Degree
I first discovered Across the Pond while attempting to apply to post-graduate programs in London on my own, by simply searching “studying in London” in an Internet search. When the site popped up I thought I would give it a try, and am thankful every single day that I sent that email asking for more information.
Before getting in contact with Across the Pond, and more specifically, my advisor, the application process seemed impossible. After making contact and speaking with someone who was more experienced with these processes, my applications were finished and sent off in no time. There was no question my advisor couldn’t answer for me, and I felt incredibly supported in the entire process, from getting letters of recommendation to making my final choice of University.
I am currently finishing up my MA at Middlesex University in London, and cannot believe how fast the time has flown. Deciding to get my master's abroad was definitely the best choice I could have made in terms of time and quality of the course, and Middlesex has provided an excellent atmosphere for learning as well as gaining practical experience for my subject of study. The MA program was much what I expected for a one-year course, very intensive at times, but very rewarding when you consider it would have taken two years for the same degree back home. The classes and coursework were very similar to my undergraduate courses, papers, exams, presentations, and quite a bit of group projects, but all of the lecturers and program leaders were incredibly supportive and available for extra help with all assignments, and feedback was always constructive and helpful for the next assignments.
I chose to live in halls for the year, it seemed to make the most sense when going through the application process because I knew it would be safe, close to the university, and a good way to socialize when first arriving in London. My flatmates ended up being a good mix of postgraduate and undergraduate students, and the experience has been very pleasant overall. Living in London has been one of the best experiences of my life so far, and I am planning on staying after completing my degree. Having the support of Across the Pond really helped me in achieving my goals of traveling abroad and getting my master's degree all at the same time, and I would recommend this service to anyone who is interested in studying across the pond.
Could Not Be Happier
I first discovered Across the Pond at a graduate fair at Brown University. As I was not a graduate but only completing my senior year of high school, I was unaware of how much help they would be to me. As I talked to my advisor, I found out that it was completely possible for me to study in the UK as an undergraduate, and have been living my dream for almost a year now.
I currently study English Literature at Middlesex University in London and could not be happier. Although settling in did prove to be difficult, it was hard to adjust to a place that lacks many of the familiarities of home. However, I had chosen to stay in Halls for my first year and soon found comfort in my flatmates, who are some of my closest friends now. I find that most of my spare time is spent with them taking day trips to Bath or Brighton, or just wandering around the city (there is always something happening in London and for a decent price too!). There are still times when I find myself incredibly homesick, but I just remind myself that I am only here for a short amount of time and will be home sooner than I think.
The cost of living in London can be expensive, but if you know how to manage your money it becomes doable. If you fix yourself on a budget you can still find yourself going out on a weekly basis with your friends and still be able to afford to do your washing! Also, the cost of tuition and living over here proves to be cheaper than if I had decided to go to college back home. As for classes, in the beginning, I was surprised by the lack of work I received from my teachers but, quickly found out that most of the work I do is independent. The teachers are there to guide you in your development of independence and study. You soon find that you are assigning yourself more work than your teachers which proves effective when it comes to exam time. Other than that, classes are very similar to those back home, we do essays, we get homework, and we have exams. Overall, I have personally been really enjoying my uni life and finding more than enough time for work and travel.
