Postgrad Life in London: My Experience at UCL

Moving to London for my MSc at UCL was definitely one of my best decisions. After finishing my BSc in Physical Geography at Cardiff University, I felt ready for something different — a faster pace, more opportunities, and, to be honest, a bit of a challenge. London offered all of that and more.

A Big Shift from Cardiff

Cardiff was brilliant — a student-friendly city that was easy to navigate, and I have nothing but great memories from my time there. But London? It’s on a completely different scale. It’s bigger, busier, and there’s always something going on. One thing that struck me immediately was the sheer number of people you meet here. At UCL alone, there are students from all over the world, each with their own story and background. It’s been a real eye-opener and has made the whole experience so much richer.

Balancing Studies and City Life

Naturally, doing a master’s comes with challenges, but I’ve found the workload at UCL quite manageable. There’s a solid balance between lectures, research, and independent study, and while it’s engaging and keeps me focused, it hasn’t felt overwhelming. Plus, being in London means there’s always something exciting to do when I need a break from studying. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with friends in Shoreditch, wandering around one of the many (often free) museums, or just taking a walk along the Thames, there’s something for every mood.

Meeting People and Making Connections

One of the best parts about moving here has been the people. London has a huge student community, and there are many chances to meet new faces — not just through uni but also through events, societies, or even spontaneous chats at the pub. It’s the kind of city where you’re constantly bumping into someone new, and I’ve made some great friends in a short space of time.

No Regrets

Looking back, I’m really glad I made the move. It wasn’t the easiest decision, especially leaving behind the familiar comforts of Cardiff, but London has so much to offer. It’s a city that challenges you, helps you grow, and gives you endless opportunities to make the most of postgrad life. If you’re thinking about doing your postgrad in London, I’d say go for it. It’s not always smooth sailing and can sometimes feel overwhelming, but the experience is 100% worth it.

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Copyright: © Sophie Mitchell