Why did I choose this particular field of study in the United Kingdom? Who influenced this choice and how?
My choice was made many years ago back in Ukraine. My first and primary qualification is in law, which I obtained at Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University (formerly Yaroslav Mudryi National Law Academy) in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Starting in 2003, my professional career began as a lawyer specializing in corporate finance transactions, followed later by representing employers’ interests in court proceedings.
One of the main reasons that motivated me to pursue a second degree based on the common law system of England or the United States emerged during my cooperation with European banks while working on major corporate transactions. When choosing a country of study, the relatively close geographical proximity between England and Ukraine also played a role. At the same time, a long-held childhood dream of studying in London influenced my decision — after all, ever since school days, the phrase “London is the capital of Great Britain” had stayed with me.
Why Did You Choose This University? Who Influenced the Decision and How?
I chose BPP University, Law School, and the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) program — honestly, following the recommendation of an educational agency in Kyiv. They took into account my main requirement: a fast-track transformation of my Ukrainian law degree, combined with my existing professional experience in Ukraine (classified as a professional/experienced student), into an equivalent qualification in England and Wales.
Prior to that, I had researched a large amount of information about universities in the UK and the US, particularly their admission requirements. The preparation period is quite lengthy, so my advice to anyone considering higher education abroad is to start as early as possible — immediately after finishing school in Ukraine, right after graduating from a Ukrainian university, or even during the 3rd or 4th year of studies.
I also strongly recommend taking preparatory courses offered by colleges or universities, as the education system and approach — especially in England — differ significantly from those in Ukraine. This preparation also helps ease the adaptation period, because no matter how well you know English, it is still not your native language. In addition, there is the so-called cultural shock — a new country with its own traditions, habits, and unspoken rules, which you will encounter during the first three months of permanent residence.
How Long Were You in England? Your Story
I moved to London in September 2016, before the start of my main university studies. Since my university did not provide on-campus accommodation (unlike some other universities), and because I preferred to live in a private apartment, that is exactly what I did.
As for finding accommodation — for me it was relatively quick, as I already knew London well before moving and had a clear idea of where I wanted to live and how much it would cost. Renting property in England is possible only through a real estate agency. For example, I viewed my apartment online via Skype.
The general rental conditions are as follows: you pay a two-month deposit, agency fees (from 10% of the monthly rent), plus utility costs, which may either be included in the rent or paid separately based on meter readings.
There is also a nuance related to the local council tax — a mandatory property tax when renting. As a student, you should not be required to pay it, so it is very important to ensure that your rental agreement explicitly states this and that the responsibility lies with the landlord or agency. Otherwise, you may face an unpleasant surprise a year later in the form of a tax bill.
Plans After Graduation: Where Would You Like to Work?
To obtain full legal qualification and a license to practice law in England and Wales, one must complete a two-year Training Contract at a law firm. Obtaining this license was my primary goal, with the intention of continuing my career within the English legal system.
Differences Between British and Ukrainian Education: Reality vs Expectations
British education begins at school, where fundamental foundations are laid. As a result, British students enter university with a clear understanding of what awaits them.
For Ukrainian students, this often comes as a shock, since even with ongoing education reforms, Ukraine’s system differs significantly from European or British universities. For example, higher education in Ukraine typically lasts much longer — four or even five years — compared to the three years commonly accepted worldwide.
Be prepared for the following: complete independence in learning, a large volume of mandatory reading, strong self-presentation skills, the ability to present your projects and work, a specific approach to academic writing (research), with zero tolerance for plagiarism (which can lead to expulsion), and mandatory preparation for practical classes.
How Did Studying in the UK Influence You Personally?
As a fairly well-established individual, and not a first-time visitor to this country and city, I cannot say that studying itself had a dramatic impact on me. However, I firmly believe that learning is a lifelong process.
Living in England taught me how to better present myself — something that is not taught in Ukraine — how to combine very different aspects of life, and it helped me develop new hobbies and habits, such as playing sports weekly with friends, from tennis to running. I even tried to understand football (despite not being a fan), but that, too, is part of British mentality.
If you truly want to learn something — and not necessarily only academic subjects or professional skills — you will definitely find such opportunities in the United Kingdom. You will also gain friends and connections from all over the world. So go for it — you won’t regret it.
P.S. This article was written after my return from London at the request of an educational agency that asked me to share my practical experience. As of today, I have made some adjustments to the text, taking into account the time that has passed since it was written and the additional experience gained.
I returned to Ukraine (the reasons for this are a topic for another discussion) and received an offer from a large financial organization, where I worked for more than five years, gaining extensive experience in courts of foreign jurisdictions.
Author: Yevheniia SmirnovaEngland, London
