8 Tips for Getting your Master’s at UCL

Hello again! In 2017 I moved to London to get my Master’s in Hispanic Studies at University College London. Studying in the U.K. is a totally different experience than studying in the U.S. – especially for a Master’s degree. I found the adjustment to life at UCL to be a little difficult, and there’s a lot I wish I would have known. Below you will find my top 8 tips for getting your Master’s at UCL.

Housing

1: Live in student housing – if you’re young

There are tons of student housing options across London that are not associated with any particular university, but instead are available for students from all London based universities. I found my student accommodation through The Student Housing Company, and lived at their King’s Cross location called Depot Point. The building was super modern, and the location was great – about 15 minutes walking to campus. I felt totally safe, and definitely recommend checking out all of The Student Housing Company’s locations.

Through The Student Housing Company, and at Depot Point specifically, you can choose to live in a studio, or in a shared flat. In a shared flat you have your own bedroom and bathroom, but you share a kitchen and living room with 4, 5 or 6 other people. You can move in with friends or hope to make friends with your randomly assigned flatmates. Rooms in a shared flat are around $1,600 a month at Depot Point (expensive, I know), and studios are around $1,870. Keep in mind: this does include all utilities and wifi! Finally, there’s also laundry in the building, but that’s an extra charge per load.

Shared flats are a great option if you’re moving to the U.K. on your own and are looking to make friends. They can be more expensive than renting a room in a random apartment, but the process is super easy, even if you’re a foreigner. I believe that student accommodations are a great option for young students, (maybe 26 and under?) because they have more of a dorm feel.

UCL also offers graduate housing, which, in general is a little cheaper, but not quite as nice.

2: You don’t need to live near campus

At UCL, as a graduate student, you likely won’t have classes everyday. When you do have class, they’ll likely meet once a week for two hours. This means, you won’t need to be on campus all that often. Because of this, you can live anywhere in the city and easily commute to campus.

I chose to live in the King’s Cross neighborhood, which is about 15-20 minute walk from campus. There is also a bus that goes to UCL, but the walk is really nice – even in the winter.

I liked the King’s Cross area, and would recommend living there. There are definitely nicer parts of London, but I have no complaints about King’s Cross.

Degree

3: Pursue a MA/MS that offers a research pathway

This isn’t an option in the U.S., but in the U.K. some Masters offer two pathways of study. With a research MA, you take fewer classes and your dissertation is worth more credits.

For the Hispanic Studies MA (my program) these are the requirements for a “Taught” MA: one core cross-language module (30 credits), three optional modules (90 credits), dissertation (60 credits)

For a “Research” MA, these are the requirements: one core cross-language module (30 credits), two taught modules (60 credits), dissertation (90 credits)

As you can see, the Research MA requires one less class. This means, you can realistically take all of your classes in one semester, and spend your second semester of the MA program traveling around Europe and writing your dissertation. You’ll need to be in contact with your dissertation advisor, but this can be done over email.

4: Take all your classes in one semester

As I mentioned above: if you pursue the Research pathway for your MA, then you can easily take all three of your required courses in one semester. This will be a tad bit harder with the Taught MA, since you’ll need to take four classes at once – but it’s still doable.

I recommend taking all three classes in the same semester so that you can use the second semester to travel and explore Europe. Being in London you’re so close to mainland Europe, and you definitely should take advantage of that!

Of course, still spend some time on campus and make use of the library, wiring lab, etc – but you don’t have to have the added restraint of another on campus class.

5: Get unopened copies of your transcripts before leaving the UK

UCL does not provide online transcripts. I have no idea why, they just don’t. This is extremely inconvenient when applying to other programs, as you’ll need to order copies of your transcript from the U.K. and then mail them to the other universities you’re applying to. In order to save time, and money, get three or more copies of your transcripts and bring them back with you (unopened) to the U.S., or your home country. It’s super important that you don’t open them – or U.S. universities will not accept them. Click here to learn more about ordering transcripts.

Campus Life

6: Find off-campus study spots

UCL does not have the best study spots. I often found it difficult to find a space to sit in the library and there weren’t many other study specific areas. I recommend finding coffee shops close to campus or close to your apartment to study in. The library can be a good resource, but expect it to be crowded.

7: Use on campus resources – like the writing lab!

As someone coming from the U.S., the essay guidelines at UCL varied greatly from what I was used to. I found the writing lab to be a great resource to get feedback on my essays before handing them in. When one assignment is worth 100% of your grade (like in all my classes), you’ll definitely want focused feedback and advice!

There are a couple different options at the writing lab. Tutorials are 30 minute one-on-one sessions with a writing advisor. You are allowed to book three per term and I highly recommend taking advantage of this service! In addition to the tutorials, you can attend unlimited drop-in sessions that are held everyday. Click here to learn more and to book a tutorial slot.

Also….

8: Explore the U.K. and Europe!!

Studying in London is also amazing because of the travel opportunities. There’s so much to do and see in the U.K., and you’re also so close to mainland Europe.

Travel throughout Europe can be very affordable – for example, nonstop flights from London to Spain can be as low as $35!! Additionally, train travel is super convenient – and you can take the train from London to Paris in under three hours.

Even though you’ll have classes, since they only meet once a week you’ll have ample time to take long-weekend trips. Additionally, if you follow my advice and take all your classes in one semester, then you’ll have an entire semester available for travel!

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For more information about studying in London, check out: Pros and Cons of Getting your Master’s in the U.K.!

Thanks for reading my 8 Tips for Getting your Master’s at UCL! Please be sure to save + share this post if you found it helpful!

♡Kate