Why did you choose to study Oceanography?
It is a great base for marine biology. It will give me higher employability when I graduate and I am very interested in the subjects it covers. I also really enjoy the environmental and climate change aspect of it.
What made you want to study in the UK?
I prefer the education system. In the US, I would still be taking classes which I know I'm not interested in, such as history and English. I knew what I wanted to do and now I am only taking science and a maths course. It is also slightly cheaper to come to the UK as it is three years and less expensive than the good schools I would have intended to go to in the US.
What was your biggest worry about starting university as an international student?
My biggest worry was that my qualifications wouldn't get sent to the right place or that the university wouldn't receive them.
What is the best thing about studying in the UK?
The best thing about studying in the UK is that I get to only take classes I am interested in immediately.
How are you finding living away from home?
I am fine living away from home. I used to live in England as a child and have family here so it's much more like being at uni in the US near my other family. I am quite independent anyway so it isn't much of an issue. I am enjoying cooking as well!
How easy/difficult was it for you to get financial support for your studies?
Coordinating between the US and the uni's finance account was a little frustrating and I was disappointed with the amount the US loaned me. However, it would not have varied had I been in the US. It was a shame that there are no scholarships or grants accessible by people in my situation.
If you could change one thing about your university experience so far, what would it be?
It would have been great to have more communication from the university.
Do you have any advice for other international students who might want to study in the UK?
Make sure you know what you need to do and do it as soon as you can! And always ask, email, phone the uni for more information.