Author Archives: Brooke Mcneil

An honest guide to finding private accommodation as an international student

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Brooke Mcneil

Advice, London accommodation, lifeinlondon, london.

Being an international student in London is an amazing opportunity to brush up on your English language and to experience British culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to live in London when you are studying, as it is probably the best time in your life to experience the city.

Finding private accommodation can be a little complicated for international students who choose to live outside of halls. Here is the catch-22: you need to prove you have the funding to pay for your accommodation but you can only work up to 20 hours per week with your student visa (read more on finding work while studying with a student visa).

Here are some tips to get around this:

#1 House hunt out of term-time

To pass referencing checks, find a place during vacation months when you can work full-time and show the agency or landlord you are working full-time.

#2 Find a guarantor in full-time employment

If you need a guarantor because you do not make enough and you do not have any family based in the UK for support, there are companies that you can pay to be your guarantor for the length of your housing contract. But it may be a cheaper option to find a friend who is willing to be your guarantor who is in full-time employment.

#3 Have the funds to pay upfront

Some landlords or agencies may ask for advance rent payment for the minimum stay of the contract – this generally means paying six months to one-year rent. Technically every year international students are required to already have the funds in their account to pay for their year in the UK and must be able to show this when asked at the airport customs. This means that you should already have the money available for advanced rent.

#4 Share a house with friends

Find an empty home that is being rented out as a whole property then find working professionals to buddy up with. When it comes to referencing, the agency or landlord will average the income across the people in full-time employment – depending on how much they are earning in comparison to the rent of the house – which would mean that you would not need a guarantor or need to be in full-time employment.

6 reasons you should participate in an exchange programme

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Brooke Mcneil

Advice, Undergraduate exchange, international, Law.

I have recently applied for City, University of London’s student exchange opportunity to another country with my first-choice school being France and my second/third choice schools both being in Australia. Many people ask why would you go on exchange when you are already international. Here are my reasons and why you should consider it too:

#1 Exposure to different opportunities

Learning from one institution is not enough to have well rounded knowledge as each institution teaches differently and offers different teaching and learning styles as well as providing different opportunities. For instance at City we have the Start-Ed clinic where law students can offer their services to start-up companies, however an institution in Australia might offer different opportunities.

#2 Grow your network

Having a background from one institution is not enough in this competitive society – the more diversified you can show you are the better your chances for future job prospects. Even though ‘ties’ are said to have no weight it is easier to make connections with people who are the same as you which is why many law firms are dominated by certain schools or backgrounds. Having a connection with the person interviewing you is important and it is easier to focus on how the two of you are the same rather than your differences.

#3 More job prospects

Going to another country may also increase job prospects. If the companies you are interested in are based in countries offered on the exchange programme then it might be an easier way to get be recruited by them. This is because London is highly competitive, so if you took a job in another country with the firm you are interested in then you might be able to transfer back to London if you wish.

#4 Experience more cultures

If students enjoy travelling, then exchange programmes are another way to see the world and experience a different perspective and cultural feel while in education.

#5 Strengthen your profile

Employers want to see that you are flexible and culturally aware. Moving countries can demonstrate to employers that you have those strengths.

#6 Save on costs

It could also save you money if you are attending a university in London where costs are high in comparison to other destinations which may be cheaper. Certain incentives are also offered such as 50% off tuition if you go on exchange for a full year (two terms) which is a benefit if you are self-funded. Currently the Erasmus grant is also in effect for EU countries (might change pending Brexit) which provides you with a monthly grant of 300 Euros while on exchange.

If you have a student exchange opportunity, I suggest you consider it – even if you are an international student – for all the benefits it might bring to you.

6 student perks you should know about

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Brooke Mcneil

Advice, London discounts, international student, services.

There are many opportunities available to students to help them succeed during school, and long after university has ended. These opportunities can come in the form of discounts as well as extra support. Here are some services and discounts students should be aware about during their short time at university.

#1 Career services

Available to students to help them in a variety of ways, they are available to help with CVs, interviews, job searches, and provide various events throughout the year. These events generally include potential employers delivering information sessions.

#2 Unitemps

Offered to students as a short-term fix for jobs. Jobs outside of university are sometimes not understanding of a student’s schedule. Unitemps is created for students which allows them to work around their schedule. The Widening Participation scheme for mentoring younger students is also another opportunity for students to make some cash while working around their busy schedule.

#3 City Sport

City’s sport facility available to all students to help them stay active and take fun classes or participate in sports at discounted rates in comparison to regular gyms.

#4 Amazon

The shopping allows for students to enjoy a Prime account for free for six months and then at a discounted rate thereafter.

#5 Student Oyster

The travel card provides 30% off of travel rates to make travelling to university more affordable as well as exploring London more plausible.

#6 ISIC card

International students should also take advantage of the ISIC card which provides discounts on rail, hotels, food, clothing, subscriptions, and memberships. The card does cost an upfront fee so check out where the card can be used first to see if it will be put to good use if you decide to buy it.

The services and discounts listed above are just a short list of the perks of being a student. Take a look at the Student Centre for more services and discounts for City, University of London students.

Studying a law degree in the UK vs North America

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Brooke Mcneil

The City Law School, Undergraduate CV, international student, Law.

Going international to obtain a degree or even just a year abroad is popular among young people as a means to not only see the world but to have a competitive CV. However, being an international student has its challenges like anything else and some are talked about more than others such as missing your family. My personal challenge was adjusting to the cultural norms of the British education system from the American system.

In North America it’s common for 24-27 years old students to remain in school pursuing a second degree. They are told one degree is not enough to be competitive in today’s society or that the educational requirements are different for certain degrees.

To obtain a law degree in North America, a candidate would have to choose a four-year undergrad degree in any discipline followed by a three-year law school – totalling it to seven years in higher education.

In Britain, students can apply to law school right out of high school and graduate by 21/22 years of age with the LLB in hand and either the LPC, LLM, or BPTC. When I tell people in London that I am a 24 years old student it is a surprise to them.

Why? London is a fast-paced business district where working life is encouraged relatively earlier compared to in North America. People pursue other avenues besides university, such as internships, because the sooner they can get into work the better – especially in the competitive London job market.

The cultural outlook towards long consecutive years in education is recognised as a necessary achievement in North America. I am very proud of my seven years of education, achievements and all the wonderful opportunities I’ve been given so far.

Why I chose to study law in London

If I were to repeat the process for applying to law school I would still choose London as my ideal location. Being a solicitor in a commercial law firm in London is the end goal and I particularly enjoy the London working lifestyle. It is worth noting that your educational requirements should only matter to yourself and your future employer.

Being a City, University of London law student specifically has offered me the opportunities for more educational achievements to help my CV stand out and build skills needed to be an outstanding solicitor. Mooting at City has helped with preparing bundles – experience needed for when I become a certified solicitor.

The option to be trained for the National Centre for Domestic Violence and act as a McKenzie Friend has provided me with the opportunity to not only help people but learn how to draft witness statements, fill in non-molestation orders and occupation orders, as well as appear in court.

The law society at City has given me the chance to be the blog coordinator for the society and do three posts a week which helps with my commercial awareness. There are many fantastic events provided by the Careers Service post as well such as getting your CV checked over by a barrister at Keating Chambers.

As an international student you have an advantage over domestic students in the sense of life experience and you are not limited in the opportunities you can participate in, you just have to be willing to seek them out. The staff at City are always helpful in providing students with the tools necessary to succeed and if you would like to stay in the UK to work after school, City will provide you with every opportunity to make yourself employable. You just need to be open minded.

Christmas wish list for the broke law student

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Brooke Mcneil

The City Law School Christmas, Law.

The school year is half way through, and you are feeling so broke you’re eating the gum from under the tables (not recommended). Here are the top ten gifts you should be asking for at Christmas to get you through the rest of the year.

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is:
1. An iron set. An iron is the last thing on any student’s mind as it can be time consuming. However, you want to make sure your outfits are pristine before walking into a law firm. Plus it can be very therapeutic!
2. Noise cancelling headphones. They are not only trendy but they will do you wonders when trying to study in a noisy environment for your final exams!
3. Wireless charger. Makes it easier to charge your electronic devices in public without the added stress of watching your device charge at a plug outlet across the lecture room.
4. Gift cards! Food gift cards and clothing gift cards are good ideas as they can be used throughout the semester.
5. A day of pampering. After all the stress from study you deserve time for yourself. So treat yourself!
6. Tickets to an event. Sometimes you have to say no to something you really want to attend because you know you can’t afford it, so let someone else get it for you.
7. Part of your transport fare. Are you staying home a lot because the cost of transportation is adding up? Suggest to your loved ones that they top up your Oyster card.
8. Smart wear. You will need suits and proper business attire in the law firm, not your best clothes that you wear clubbing.
9. Subscriptions. Get someone to pay for your amazon prime membership or your Netflix account. Just don’t Netflix too much; keep up on that reading!
10. New shoes. The damp London weather might do some damage to some of your nice shoes. You will need them for interviews and you want them to be comfortable with proper arch support to keep your back aligned. Especially since most students hunch over a desk all semester.

Thank-you for your consideration Santa.

How not to gain the “freshman 15” as a law student!

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Brooke Mcneil

The City Law School, Undergraduate Freshman 15, Law.

Have you ever heard anyone say, after their first year of university, that it looks like the “freshman 15” got them?

Are you going into your first year of law school and worried about gaining 15 pounds from sitting in class all day, and additionally, reading for hours in the library?

Well, look no further than my top ten tips to get you through your freshman year of law school without the extra 15 pounds!

1. Take breaks during your studying to visit CitySport, City’s on-campus sports and fitness centre. A bit of time out for exercise will also help you focus more and relieve any stress. You could also go for a walk or a run along the river and take in the sites of London.

2. Skip the unhealthy snacks when studying – as tempting as it may be to head straight for the chocolate (you may love it, but it does not feel the same way about you ….time to move on and pick up a new love named “carrot”!)

3. As a student, it can be hard to find the time to cook a proper meal. However, ordering a take-away every night is a bad idea! Yes, it might be the quick alternative (especially if you’re busy preparing for a big exam or assignment) but, try to plan ahead. Make all of your meals at the beginning of the week and then put them in the freezer.

4. Try to alternate when you eat carbohydrates, so that you are not eating them everyday. Yes, pasta every night is a great “broke student” diet, but not a great idea unless you are participating in regular exercise!

5. Do not eat too quickly, even if you have limited time in between classes. Yes you might be hungry, but eat slowly and enjoy your food.

6. Make time throughout the day to regularly eat. Eating multiple small meals throughout the day keeps your metabolism working faster in comparison to eating just three large meals a day.

7. Avoid late-night snacking. You should be sleeping anyways, as a lack of sleep can also play a role in contributing to your future 15-pound friend. Time management with schoolwork is key to ensuring a healthy sleep schedule.

8. Skip the sugary drinks, or at least drink them less often!

9. Join clubs to get you out of the house. It is a great way to meet new people. Even if it is a non-sport related club, it is still getting you off the couch and forcing you to take more steps and move around more than you would have if you did not join.

10. Above all else, don’t stress too much about the ‘freshman 15’. You’re only at university for a short amount of time, and it is supposed to be fun and exciting. If you are happy, healthy and enjoying yourself, does it really matter what number the scale says?

Living the life of a Londoner

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Brooke Mcneil

The City Law School, Undergraduate international student, Law, lifeinlondon, london, things to do.

Life in London is very fast-paced, with a high density of people commuting into the city during the working week. I have noticed many places around my accommodation, near Farringdon Underground Station, which are closed on Saturday and Sunday due to a reduced population on the weekend. However, the nightlife in London is very busy, with many people lining the streets around pubs after work to have a drink. Clubs like Fabric, Tiger Tiger and XOYO are busy at night, especially when they have student nights with discounts. The Alchemist is worth a mention, as it is a very popular cocktail bar that becomes busy at night with their fascinating ways of making drinks like chemists.

Here is my list of the top 10 things to do in London:

1. Visit “The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour” – but keep in mind that tickets must be purchased in advance! It takes about three hours to walk through and is located just outside of London, in Watford. It’s a must-see if you are a big Harry Potter fan!

2. For a law student, you can visit legal institutions such as the Houses of Parliament or the Supreme Court. You can even observe cases in the Supreme Court when the court is sitting.

3. Go see a musical in the famous West End, such as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” or “Book of Mormon”. You can often find tickets reduced at a discount for students.

4. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park at Christmastime!

5. Go to an Arsenal football game to feel the excitement of one of the major sporting events in the UK.

6. Go on a ghost tour! There are several around London and they are a great (and spooky) way to learn about the history of this city.

7. Visit major iconic areas of London such as Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. Free to walk around, with great photo opportunities.

8. Take advantage of all the free museums!

9. Visit Westfield London, one of the UK’s major shopping centres. Free (unless you plan to max out your credit card!)

10. Walk around Camden Market and try the various food vendors, or try punting on the river!

Hopefully something on this list will catch your eye! If not, there are still plenty of other things to do in London that will surely provide you with an amazing experience.

My weekly life as a City Law School student

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Brooke Mcneil

The City Law School, Undergraduate course work, international student, Law, schedule, UG student life, work.

A typical week at City for me is two one-hour tutorials a week, along with four two-hour lectures a week. As an international student, my attendance is taken so the university can ensure I am attending classes and adhering to the requirements of my Tier 4 visa. My personal tutor also checks in with me once a semester, and I also attended a mandatory Tier 4 visa session in October.

In regards to work and volunteering, because I am limited to working 20 hours a week as an international student, it was difficult to secure part-time work outside the university. Unitemps, City’s in-house temporary recruitment agency, is an attractive option for students as it has the needs of students in mind. I have been lucky enough to secure work with Unitemps for a short period. In terms of volunteering I am an online peer mentor, where I respond to enquiries from young people about higher education. I also volunteer with the Blackfriars Settlement, a legal advice clinic, with a time commitment of only two days per school year. I also regularly sign up for events through the Careers Portal, which can consist of information sessions from law firms. Recently there was a full-day mediation training session I attended, which resulted in a certificate and allowed for socialisation with other students.

In my course, there are only final exams in terms of summative work. There is one optional formative assessment for each class, therefore course work does not take up too much time. On the other hand, readings can take up to 10 hours a week, between the five classes to do the required reading. If you plan on doing the optional readings I would estimate adding another five hours to your reading time for these. Doing the questions for tutorials and participating when you are in the tutorial is helpful in facilitating memory, and helps you focus in on the more important sections of the readings if you are having issues deciding what is important.

Journey across the pond: my journey to City

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Brooke Mcneil

The City Law School, Undergraduate Accomodation, application, Canada, Law, visa.

I am from Toronto, Canada and I decided to move overseas to study because I enjoy travelling and believe one should take the opportunity to obtain a well-rounded education while diversifying oneself. In North America, a four-year bachelor’s degree needs to be obtained before attending law school. I achieved my four-year degree in Vancouver, Canada where I had discussed with lawyers who obtained their qualifications internationally the difficulty they had in qualifying in Canada upon return. Many said attending a two-year fast-track programme required them to do more schooling in Canada upon return. Therefore, I decided to study on a three-year law degree (LLB).

An advisor from Canada Law from Abroad helped me through the application process and was very on top of dates and reminders and definitely wanted to help and see me be accepted into one of the schools of my choosing. I attended an information session day where 12 universities had representatives available to talk to, including Professor Chris Ryan from The City Law School. He had been listening to the types of questions I was asking other schools and had all the information written out for me, on top of more information he thought I may be interested in. He had a genuine interest and engagement, which many of the other school representatives did not.

I applied for accommodation upon acceptance and got my first choice at Liberty Court, which I received early July. When I arrived to my residence there were people to help me with my bags, I was shown around and introduced to my flatmates. There were activities to participate in during the first week, with prizes such as gift cards. I actually won a Nando’s gift card and cleaning supplies for my flat!

For my Tier 4 visa application I went to Toronto in early August and everything was mailed to my house upon completion in late August. When I flew over to the UK for the first time I picked up my biometric residence permit (BRP) card from my designated post office near Farringdon Station, which I now show with my passport every time I travel. I applied for a national insurance number and bank card right away as I knew there might be a wait and I would need them at some point. Luckily I applied for them early because I did not actually receive either of them until the beginning of November.

I got involved in societies and various volunteer opportunities to feel more engaged which I would suggest to everyone, so you can make the most out of your time at City. As my first year at City is coming to a close, I can say that I made the right choice in choosing this university.