Student Stories: Studying & Living Abroad

Gain real insights from real students—explore experiences, tips, and advice from international students worldwide.

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Spotlight on leading global institutions

SAIT Polytechnic

SAIT equips its students for success in a global marketplace through industry expertise and hands-on learning, supported by world-class facilities.

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University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a Russell Group institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. The university is ranked 92nd in the world and 15th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2026). As a world-leading university, the University of Sheffield's research expertise informs and influences its teaching. There are a wide range of subjects available at undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research level, including arts and humanities, business, engineering, medicine and health sciences, and social sciences. Teachers at the university publish their research work internationally and understand the connection between research and its applications. The university's research drives positive change, empowering people and making communities stronger.The University of Sheffield has a long history of welcoming international students. Its community is diverse and welcoming, with 28,000 students from over 150 countries. Outside the classroom, there are plenty of opportunities offered by the students' union, voted number 1 in the UK (National Student Survey 2025), which is the heart of student life with over 350 different clubs and societies, day and evening events, as well as volunteering opportunities and extra-curricular activities.Sheffield is a welcoming and friendly city located in the middle of the UK. Sheffield's location means it is convenient to travel to other UK cities by public transport. London is just two hours away by train, whilst trains to Manchester take just 50 minutes. Sheffield offers all the benefits of a large metropolitan city, but is renowned for its friendly attitude, affordability and safety.

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Trent University

One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative.With over 100 undergraduate programs to choose from, Trent is one of Canada's top undergraduate universities for innovation, quality of education, scholarships, and student services. #2 in Canada for: Overall Reputation Most Innovative #1 in Ontario for: Highest Quality Student Services Faculty Awards Medical Science Grants #2 in Ontario: Scholarships & bursaries #2 in Canada for: Overall Reputation Most Innovative #1 in Ontario for: Highest Quality Student Services Faculty Awards Medical Science Grants #2 in Ontario: Scholarships & bursaries Top 8.1 per cent of universities worldwide.The Peterborough campus is just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto. It's within a beautiful setting by the Otonabee River, giving students the best of both nature and city life. The Durham GTA campus is located in Oshawa. It's 40 minutes from downtown Toronto and home to a close-knit community.Trent's ethos is focused on leadership and social change. It was voted second in Ontario for ‘most innovative', and for producing 'leaders of tomorrow'. Students are encouraged through their courses and around campus to collaborate, innovate and engage.Trent's students, as well as faculty and alumni, are committed to finding sustainable solutions to problems in the world. This is a cause that goes back to the university's founding principles. The global perspective sees Trent welcome students from 79 countries from across the world and all over Canada. This results in 92 per cent of students who are happy that they chose to study at Trent.Trent has excellent graduate outcomes, with 95 per cent of graduates employed within two years of graduating. It's also associated with two Nobel Prize winners.

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Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, sits in the heart of New Zealand's capital, a political, creative and innovation hub. The university's central location gives students access to diverse national organisations in the areas of business, government, politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, and science and technology communities.Wellington is a compact city where students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and events. It is multicultural, with 28% of the population born overseas, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities.Quality educationVictoria University of Wellington is consistently placed among the best universities in the world across major global rankings. It's one of just 23 institutions to achieve a full ‘5 Stars Plus' according to the QS Stars rating of excellence – built on a 5-star rating across all eight categories, from employment to global engagement, teaching, facilities, arts and more.Victoria University of Wellington conducts teaching and research in the following subject areas: Architecture and Design Innovation, Business and Government, Education, Engineering, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, and Science. The university is home to more than 40 research centres and institutes, including the Antarctic Research Centre and Centre for Data Science and AI.Welcoming communityThe university and the city of Wellington have a diverse community that welcomes international students from more than 120 countries and offers students complete support through a range of wellbeing and learning services.There are more than 130 clubs, societies, and sports to explore, while extracurricular programmes like the free Kitea Impact Programme (leadership programme) support students in developing their personal global citizenship skills.

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Kingston University

Kingston University is a leading UK university located in the student-friendly borough of Kingston upon Thames, just 30 minutes by train from central London. Ranked in the top 60 UK universities by the Guardian University Guide 2026, it also ranks in the top four nationally for graphic design, fashion and textiles.Home to nearly 4,000 international students representing more than 40 nationalities, Kingston University offers a vibrant, multicultural community where students gain global perspectives and connect with peers from around the world.At Kingston University, courses are designed to prepare students for their chosen careers, with placements and industry experience embedded throughout. Many programmes and live projects are developed in partnership with leading organisations, including Airbus UK, Waterstones and HarperCollins.The University's four campuses provide excellent learning environments with state-of-the-art facilities. Situated in and around the historic town centre on the Thames, it features innovative buildings such as Town House, winner of the 2021 RIBA Stirling Prize. The area is safe, vibrant, and well connected, making travel to central London and beyond straightforward and convenient

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The University of Auckland

As the top-ranked university in New Zealand, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, is a research-driven university with diversity and innovation as its strengths. Formally opened in 1883, the University now has more than 47,000 students across seven campuses including more than 10,000 international students from over 100 countries.Regarded as New Zealand's leading university (65th worldwide, QS World University Rankings 2026), the University of Auckland offers study programmes over a wide range of disciplines, while continuing to diversify its array of programmes at all levels.With more than 180 partner universities worldwide, they collaborate on research that positively impacts the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. In 2025, the University was ranked in the top 2% globally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings for progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.Degrees earned at the University of Auckland are globally respected and graduates are considered highly employable, both locally and internationally. The university is ranked 1st in the New Zealand for graduate employment comes (QS World Rankings 2025), and eligible graduates may stay in New Zealand for up to three years after completing their studies.Students at the university learn from outstanding teachers, many of whom are world leaders in their field.

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The College, Swansea University - Navitas UK

The College, Swansea University offers a range of academic courses including Foundation, First Year and Pre-Master's programmes, which lead to degree level study at Swansea University.The College is a Joint Venture made up of Swansea University and Navitas and is an ideal option for international students. Progression to a Swansea University degree is guaranteed after successful completion of their course at The College.Swansea University is an internationally respected university, ranked within the top 30 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025). Students at The College study on the same campus, and use the same facilities and support services as Swansea University students from day one, while being taught by an expert team of academics and tutors. They receive high quality teaching that is driven by world-class research, in one of the most beautiful campus locations in the UK.The College is located on the stunning coastal Bay Campus of Swansea University close to Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula. This means students get to live and work seconds from the sea, and with an excellent selection of world-class beaches near campus.The College offers a multicultural campus experience, superb tuition, and opportunities to gain skills that prepare students for degree level study, and a lifetime of learning.

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University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool, founded in 1881, is home to around 32,500 students, including more than 7,900 international students from over 187 countries. More than 600 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are offered by the university, spanning the areas of business and management, health, science, engineering, humanities and social sciences.As a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, research is central to everything at the University of Liverpool. Its research is ranked 25th in the UK, with 91 percent classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).The university has invested GBP one billion in its campus and teaching and research facilities. It has a ‘Gold' rating for educational excellence in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, with seven subjects listed in the top 10 in the UK. The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide, holding the gold standard triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.The university's award-winning careers and employability service provides international students with effective job search techniques, and 94 percent of its graduates are either employed or in further studies within 15 months of graduating. What's more, through the Liverpool Launchpad initiative, students are guaranteed access to career-boosting experiences with top UK employers.Liverpool is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK and has been voted the second ‘friendliest city' in the UK according to Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards 2023. Home of the iconic band The Beatles and to two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool has more museums, galleries, theatres and listed buildings than any UK city outside of London. If students still want to travel down to the capital, London is just 2 hours 20 minutes away by train.

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ARU College - Navitas UK

ARU College is partnered with the prestigious Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the Times Higher Education University of the Year, 2023. ARU College offers several pathway options at both undergraduate and postgraduate level for both domestic and international students to obtain an ARU degree.Pathway options at ARU College are designed for students who do not meet ARU's academic or English language entry requirements. Undergraduate students can enrol on foundation pathways and first year degree pathways, allowing them to transition seamlessly onto an ARU bachelor's degree. Postgraduate students can obtain an ARU master's degree through the college's pre-masters' pathway.Pathways are available in a range of subject areas, including: Architecture Art and Design Business, Finance and Management Engineering, Computing, and Technology Nursing Creative Industries (English, Media, Music, Writing and Drama) Public Health and Social Care Humanities and Education Law and Policing Medical and Life Science Psychology Sport Science MBAStudents at ARU College benefit from tailored academic and pastoral support, guiding them to achieve and exceed their ambitions. The college also supports students in sourcing residences, whether this be on-campus or through the provision of advice and resources relating to reputable private accommodation options.ARU's Cambridge campus is only a short walk from the world-famous city centre, and boasts a full range of cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance and add value to students' degree experience. Surrounded by the city's inspiring architecture, culture and history, students here have plenty of entertainment options for their free time.At the Chelmsford campus, students benefit from all the conveniences of a vibrant, modern city. With a huge range of shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Chelmsford is famed for its exciting, varied and safe range of nightlife, as acknowledged by its Purple Flag accreditation for 11 years in a row (2024).The Peterborough Campus has a diverse and welcoming community ​with a strong emphasis on employability​ which is seen in partnerships with local organizations for placements​. Peterborough boasts of a buzzing town centre with shops, restaurants, cafes and nightlife a short walk from campus.

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University of Derby

Located in the heart of England, the University of Derby offers high-quality applied learning at all levels, from undergraduate to master's level study and research degrees.The University of Derby is a top-rated institution, with outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Derby is Top 20 in the UK for overall student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024) and has a strong reputation for providing excellent teaching and a wealth of support for students, with more than GBP 200 million invested in facilities in the last ten years.Employability and practical skills are at the heart of Derby's teaching, with a range of courses available. The University of Derby offers a wide range of subjects, with 11 subject areas ranked Top 10 for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024), distributed across 4 colleges: Business, Law and Social Science Science and Engineering Health, Psychology and Social Care Art, Humanities and EducationThe city of Derby is renowned as a centre for innovation, with global companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Bombardier based there. The university is investing in its global future, partnering with sector-leading businesses to offer graduate talent the opportunity to flourish.Derby is welcoming and friendly and has Purple Flag status – this recognises its safe, diverse and enjoyable nightlife. Its central location means that it is easily accessible by rail and road.Daniel Nang-Tege Ekumah, MSc Intelligence, Security and Disaster Management graduate from Ghana says: ''Derby is the ideal city for me – it offers almost everything the bigger cities can offer, with the calmness of countryside life. That was one reason I picked this university over the other offers I received to study in the UK.''

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What is the library like in Liverpool?

My laptop in one hand and coffee in another - all set for a productive day of tackling assignments at Liverpool’s Central Library ✨

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What kind of events do clubs and societies organise at Liverpool?

Jazz + Paint night with the @liverpooljazzsociety 🎺 The break i needed!

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