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Why I chose to move from the US to London for my postgraduate studies

23 January 2025

Graduate student Macy Hayes talks about postgraduate life as an American student at UCL. She is currently studying for her Environment, Politics, and Society MSc.

London underground sign

Student life for postgraduates

When I was deciding between UCL and universities in the US, I found that many postgraduate programmes in the US were centered around night classes, making it hard to feel engaged with student life. As a student at UCL, I feel fully immersed in the day-to-day university experience with classes during the day and just as many opportunities to join clubs and societies as undergraduate students. I’ve enjoyed getting involved as a UCL Sustainability Ambassador, where I get to assist in implementing UCL’s top-ranked sustainability program. I also attend the Geography Department’s weekly running club which is a great opportunity to meet and socialize with other students.

Attend a global university

UCL is an incredibly diverse institution with students from all corners of the globe. Meeting and taking classes with so many international students enriches the academic experience and allows you to gain new perspectives and expand your worldview. It also means that even though you are in a new country, you are likely to meet someone from the same place and culture as you who you can turn to when you are missing home. Studying at a global university means exploring academia and case studies from all around the world. Having a particular interest in US politics, I find that I’m able to learn a wide range of concepts in my lectures and apply them to case studies in my topic and region of interest with a new lens.

Quality of academics

UCL is a top-tier institution where you learn from the academic experts in your chosen field of study. When reading academic papers in geography, it is not uncommon to find work by UCL’s own faculty. All my professors are so knowledgeable and passionate about their areas of study, making the lectures engaging and informative.  

Living in London

You can never run out of things to do while living in London. Even when you are on a tight student budget, there are so many museums, parks, neighborhoods, and food markets to explore without breaking the bank. The city is your campus, so there are endless amazing cafes and libraries to do your work (although the UCL library is still my favorite)! As I completed my undergraduate degree during the Covid-19 pandemic, I was never able to complete a study abroad experience. Studying in London, I am able to have the experience of living in a new country and can easily get around to other cities and European countries while I’m here.

One-year program

Most of the postgraduate programmes I was considering in the US were spread over a two-year time frame. At UCL, most full-time postgraduate programmes are completed within one year, which can be more financially beneficial and allows me to jump into my career earlier.

Challenging myself

Moving abroad and attending a highly ranked university definitely comes with its challenges. Before even finishing my program, I see how stepping out of my comfort zone has enabled me to learn and grow significantly. By giving myself this experience and overcoming the obstacles that come with it, I’ve become a more confident, well-rounded person.


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Image Credit

Photographer: Alejandro Walter Salinas Lopez
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