In addition to a diverse patchwork of cultures, the UK is steeped in an illustrious history in literature and art. Many of the world’s top universities are in the UK, and students get to study in some of the oldest and most rigorous educational institutions, an experience that will prepare them to take on just about any challenge in their future careers.

With more than 7,000 students from Singapore studying in the UK, it is definitely one of the most popular study destinations. We speak to Jowena Tan and Tay Ming Xun to find out more about studying in the country that is home to a great mix of heritage, culture, innovation, and entertainment.

Why did you choose to study in the UK?

Jowena Tan: The UK is known to provide a world-class education to students, so choosing to study there was practically a no-brainer! Furthermore, there are considerable similarities between the UK’s and Singapore’s education system, so I knew I would have an easier time adapting. Other pull factors were of course the opportunity to experience living overseas and to immerse myself in a diverse culture where I would get to meet all sorts of people.

Indeed, after just two years at the University of Exeter, I’ve made great friends from all around the world and learnt more about so many different cultures. I believe that this is an important experience, as it teaches one how to communicate and work with people in a global workplace.

Tay Ming Xun
Studying Law LLB,
University of Nottingham, UK

Diploma in Law and Management,
Temasek Polytechnic

Tay Ming Xun: As a law student, there are obvious benefits to studying in the UK. The Singapore legal system was derived largely from the UK’s, so there is some parity between the two. In addition, the UK is fertile ground for legal discussion and legislation modernisation, making it an ideal destination for any forward-thinking student of law.

Studies aside, the UK lies along one of the world’s busiest air routes. Its proximity to the larger European continent means that there are ample travel opportunities. Being in university is probably the best time to travel, and the UK is perfectly situated to allow that.

Tell us more about your decision to study at your respective universities.

Jowena: I was clueless and so I attended numerous events on overseas education, including British Council’s Education UK exhibition. That is where I got to learn about University of Exeter. The University representative even made time out of the exhibition to meet a group of us to answer our questions and give us some tips on studying in the UK.

In the end, I chose to study at the University of Exeter because it’s recognised as one of the top ten universities in the UK. Furthermore, it is located at Devon, which has some of the most beautiful countryside scenery. It is also a lot quieter and more conducive to learning because it is free from the distractions of a large city. And even though it’s 165 years old, the university does not let itself stagnate and is constantly improving its facilities and climbing the league table!

Jowena Tan Yan Zhen
Studying Bachelor of Arts
in Business Economics, University of Exeter, UK

Diploma in Banking and Financial Services,
Singapore Polytechnic

Ming Xun: The University of Nottingham’s law school enjoys a strong international reputation and constantly places near the top of UK universities. The law faculty is one of the best in the country, and student satisfaction ratings even beat out heavyweights like Oxford and Cambridge. I was also quite captivated by the school campus. Although it is located relatively close to the city centre, it is still able to maintain spacious school grounds with plenty of greenery. It is really the best of both worlds!

Is it difficult for polytechnic students to adapt to university life in the UK?

Ming Xun: The people I know who are studying in the UK are generally coping well, even if they are pursuing a completely different discipline from what they pursued in polytechnic. I think it’s probably not any more difficult for polytechnic students to adapt to university life than any other person in the same position.

Not particular to polytechnic students, I have noticed Singapore (and other Asian) students are less forthcoming in offering their opinions as compared to the British students. So I am learning to challenge the opinion of the tutor and put my own viewpoints forth, which is a stark change from the usual submissiveness I was used to.

Jowena: You basically go through the same lifestyle changes as everyone else – learning time management, how to cook, and how to plan your finances – so I don’t think adapting to university life in the UK will be particularly difficult for polytechnic graduates.

Share with us some highlights from your time in the UK so far.

Jowena: I really enjoy how interactive lectures and tutorials are. Even in a lecture of around 200 people, the discussion is always lively. And because we have so many nationalities on campus, there’s always different – and sometimes more insightful – perspectives to be heard. The diverse student body also means that there are annual activities like Diversity Week and Intramural games that all of us can participate in and have fun.

Ming Xun: In my first year at Nottingham, I took part in something called “The Great Escape Nottingham”. I thought at first that it was your typical escape-the-room game that we have in Singapore, but I couldn’t be more wrong! It turned out to be a competition which required us to travel as far away from Nottingham as we could without spending a cent of our own money. This meant that we had to raise money from strangers to fund our travels. I teamed up with two friends, an Australian, and a Mauritian, and our plan was to raise enough money to get to London.

We all dressed up in penguin costumes and held up signs that read, “Help the penguins get back to Antarctica!”, banking on our collective cuteness to help raise funds. We then marched up and down between Covent Garden and Leicester Square, shaking tins at club-goers and tourists, hoping that they would donate to our cause. We ultimately managed to raise around £300! It was a very humbling experience, because we had to fully rely on the charity of others.

Finally, what advice do you have for those looking to study in the UK?

Jowena: It’s normal to feel homesick once in awhile, but don’t let that stop you from living life to the fullest! It’s also a great time to step out of your comfort zone and get to know yourself and the world better!

Ming Xun: The best advice to anyone looking to study abroad is to go with an open mind. There are many “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences, so just do it! Eat the weird food, talk to different people, and never stop being kind and courteous. One of the things I have been yearning to do is to go sky-diving. Nottingham is extremely close to a sky-diving site, and that is definitely on the top of my to-do list before I return home to Singapore!