Tips for students

UK vs US

What is the difference between UK and US universities?

What is the difference between UK and US universities? How do you compare universities in the UK and the US? How do you choose where to study? We've compared universities in the UK and the US to help you choose the right destination for you 

feamle student studying in a lab

How to get a PhD without a (full-priced) master’s

If you would like to do a PhD but aren’t sure if you are able to without a taught master’s, these tips might be helpful for you

colour coded study notes

A guide to surviving your PhD

These four tips for getting through your PhD from international PhD graduate Kulsoom Hisam will help any student stay on track with their research

choosing an MBA

Is an MBA worth it?

MBA programmes have always been thought to be a good move if you are looking to progress in your career or widen your career choices. But are they worth it?

switzerland

What you need to know about studying in Switzerland

Switzerland is well known for having high numbers of international students. Student Aurélia Gervasoni shares what students should know before arriving in the country

question marks

Is a PhD right for you?

A Phd is quite the commitment. While some students may thrive on the rigorous academic aspects of the programme, others may not be so inclined. Here's what you should think about before applying for a PhD

January 13 2025

scientist looking through microscope

What are interdisciplinary sciences?

What are interdisciplinary sciences? Find out what interdisciplinary sciences are and which universities offer the opportunity to study them

November 20 2025

Princeton University

What are the Ivy League schools?

Learn more about the Ivy League schools, which universities are in the Ivy League, where they are located and how to apply for Ivy League colleges. The member institutions are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University.

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December 12 2025

taking a gap year

Bridging the gap: a comprehensive guide to taking a gap year

If planned correctly, a gap year can be an invaluable experience to gain new skills, to travel, to explore career options or volunteer. Here’s how to get the most out of a gap year.

US versus Canada

Finding your university: US versus Canada

Finding the right university can be difficult – and when it comes to international students, the US and Canada are both popular destinations. Below we have highlighted the differences between studying in the US and Canada including the application process, aspects of university life and tuition fees to help you make your final decision

UK and Australia

Choosing a university: UK versus Australia

Are you trying to decide between the UK and Australia to study abroad? This article compares the differences between universities in Australia and the UK and what you need to know if you are trying to decide between the two 

The Boat Race, UK/iStock

What is Oxbridge?

Oxbridge is the collective term for the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in the UK. These institutions are among the oldest in the world, with Oxford established around 1096 and Cambridge in 1209. 

Wind turbines in the ocean

A student’s take on the Impact Rankings: how and why to use them

Students can use the Impact Rankings to assess which universities are most aligned to their values and explore lesser-known institutions making a commitment to real change

University student friends sitting on the grass, talking in the college campus/iStock

University of Cambridge takes top spot in 2025 Complete University Guide

The University of Cambridge retains the number one position in the Complete University Guide 2025

US universities are expensive and competitive. So, why would you want to study there?

There are many reasons why students might not choose the US - it's expensive, it's hard to get into the top universities and so on. But despite all those things, it might be worth still considering the US for these reasons

Melbourne

Why students should consider studying in Australia

International students in Australia share why they chose to study there and how the diverse international student community helped them to settle in

January 12 2024

Where did the royal family go to university?

Where did UK royals go to university?

Ever wondered which member of the British royal family was the first to achieve a university degree and where the younger royals studied? Find out where all the UK royals went to university

December 18 2023

sad and happy faces

Survey finds rise in student satisfaction and challenges to top study destinations

The US is the only country of the top four study abroad destinations rated above global average for student satisfaction in survey of 126,000 international students

November 7 2023

student taking a photo of friends in front of the Eiffel tower, all dressed in bright colours

New online platform for international students in France

Université Paris-Saclay has launched the Online Welcome Desk to assist international students and researchers with all the steps they need to take to study in France

First in the family to go to university

What to consider if you are the first in your family to go to university

If this applies to you, it is important to involve your family in your decisions and ask as many questions as you possibly can

myths about university

Seven common myths about studying abroad

There are many myths when it comes to studying abroad, but are they all true? Let’s look at some of the most common ones

February 23 2026

Canada

Canada rated most popular study-abroad country

In a survey of 21,000 students, Canada came out on top as the most popular location to travel for study

Teacher talking with young students seating in a circle at school

International universities that teach in English

Do you want to study abroad but are looking for courses taught in English? Here are some of the top international universities that may be well suited to your language requirements

popular degree choices

What are the most popular degrees in the world?

Discover which degree subjects are the more searched for on Google, according to research by the University of the Potomac in the US

February 20 2023

Five reasons why you should study abroad

Five reasons why you should study abroad

Are you thinking about studying abroad but aren’t sure if it’s the right thing for you? Here are five reasons why studying abroad is a great idea.

December 20 2022

mature student at graduation with her children

Mature students: it’s not too late to attend university

Are you considering studying at university but are concerned you might have missed your moment? Being a mature student is actually a popular choice and Robbie Willis, the head of international recruitment at the University of Edinburgh, shares some advice to help you make your decision.

November 10 2022

erasmus student in barcelona

What is the Erasmus+ scheme?

Have you ever wanted to study abroad? Do you live in the EU? You might want to have a look at the Erasmus programme for its study abroad exchanges

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September 6 2022

University of London

What is the University of London?

Have you ever wondered what individual universities and colleges make up the University of London?

university of Melbourne skyline

The Go8 university group explained

What is the Go8 group of universities? And which universities are included in the Go8?

Community Group

What is community college?

If university doesn’t sound like the next step for you, you may want to go to community college first before committing to going to university. But what is community college?

Group of students completing a project at university

What is the Russell Group?

You may have heard the phrase Russell Group, but perhaps you aren’t sure what it means. Here we explain what the Russell Group is and what its application process looks like.

Germany

10 things to know about studying in Germany

Moving abroad to study in Germany can be daunting, but these tips will help you find the best ways to get around the country, the foods to try and why it might be a good idea to buy a watch

cups in college

Ten things all international students need to know about the United States

The US is a popular location for international students. Here are 10 things that all international students will benefit from knowing before beginning their studies there.

Map of Australia

10 things every international student should know about Australia

Has Australia caught your eye for international study? Well, you have chosen one of the most popular countries for international students. But there are some key facts you should know before you head there

10 things international students should know about studying in the UK

10 things international students should know about studying in the UK

Top tips to help international students in the UK understand the country’s unique university culture

Travelling to France

Eight things all students should know about studying in France

As one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, France has a lot to offer international students. Here are eight things you should know before you choose to study there

PhD, doctorate

What is a PhD? Advice for PhD students

How long does it take to get a doctorate degree? How do you get into grad school? Are you qualified to do a PhD? Answers to these questions and more

Young woman on computer

THE Student 2021: the articles you’ve been reading the most

Visas, scholarships and travel changes were some of the topics you’ve been most interested in this year. These are some of our most-read articles on THE Student in 2021.

Downtown Toronto

Eight things you should know as an international student in Toronto

Are you moving to Toronto to study? Here are eight top tips to help you settle into the city

December 6 2021

New York

Eight things all students should know about studying in New York

New York is a popular destination for international students, but it can feel quite overwhelming when you first arrive. Here are some tips on how to settle in to the Big Apple

December 1 2021

Sydney

Seven things all international students should know about studying in Sydney

These useful tips on moving to Sydney as an international student will hopefully help the move to go as smoothly as possible

November 30 2021

Students raising hand in classroom

Three things that were a culture shock for an Asian student in the UK

Having grown up in Thailand and studied previously in Japan, here are three cultural differences I found studying in the UK and how to navigate them

September 30 2021

Man holding phone with heart on the screen

How to find your perfect university match

International students and alumni share their stories on they found their perfect university match and the factors that helped them to decide

How to choose where to study abroad

Video: how to choose which university or country to study in

One prospective and two current international students share the criteria and methods they used to find the best university (and country) to study in 

New Zealand, university, study abroad, international student

10 things every international student should know about studying in New Zealand

For international students looking to study in New Zealand, here are some things you should know before heading to the island nation

September 16 2020

10 things every international student in Canada should know

10 things every international student in Canada should know

Top tips to help international students in Canada understand the country’s unique university culture

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February 7 2020

The differences between school and university

The differences between school and university

As you start your university journey, here are some important ways that university is different from school and how you’ll have to adapt 

The pros and cons of a three year PhD.

Is it possible to do a three-year PhD as an international student?

Some universities are now introducing three-year PhD programmes, but for international students this can present a unique set of challenges

nine tips for students studying abroad for the first time

Nine tips for students studying abroad for the first time

As you embark on your study abroad adventure for the first time, these helpful hints can make sure that you make the most of your time

September 16 2019

Nine things to know before doing a PhD

Nine things to know before doing a PhD

Having ‘Dr’ in front of your name is not a reason for doing a PhD. Instead consider these nine tips before embarking on a PhD 

September 3 2019

10 things to know about studying in India

Ten things to know about studying in India

India is an attractive destination for international students, but there a few things you should know before you head there

cups in college

Ten things all international students need to know about the United States

The US is a popular location for international students. Here are 10 things that all international students will benefit from knowing before beginning their studies there.

Nurses looking at chart

Nine truths about student nursing

Student nurses are totally different from students of other subjects. Student nurse and blogger Laura Zito provides some tips on how to get through lectures and placements

November 10 2017

Barrister's wig

How to become a lawyer

There are several paths that you can follow to pursue a legal career, but here we break down the simplest ways to go about it

October 24 2017

foreign students in London

10 top tips for international students in London

Here’s what every international student in London should know to get the most out of city living

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November 10 2021

Student with suitcase

Survival guide for international students: your first 168 hours in the United States

A successful businessman who came to America as a young student shares his advice for incoming international students

September 13 2016

Which countries are international students most likely to recommend?

Which countries are international students most likely to recommend?

Canada and New Zealand are the most popular study abroad countries among international students, a survey of thousands of graduates finds 

November 1 2019

The differences between studying in the UK and the US

The differences between studying in the UK and the US

After a semester abroad in London, US student Baylie Bodiford returned to the UK to complete her master’s

Does university reputation matter to students?

Does university reputation matter to students?

When choosing a university, it can be easy to get caught up in how prestigious a university appears to be. Four students share why it’s important to consider many other factors in your final choice

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Aarhaus University

Considering doing a master’s? Why not do it abroad

The future of UK-EU higher education relations remains uncertain, but for the next couple of years, it’s worth exploring the options of studying abroad

December 4 2018

University foundation year

Pathway to university: why you shouldn’t feel bad about doing a foundation year

There’s no shame in going through a foundation year before going to university, writes blogger Gwen Sim. There are many positives to bear in mind

King's College London

Campus v city universities

Having studied at both a campus and a city university, PhD candidate Geoff Mills compares the pros and cons of both

November 25 2017

Five benefits of a part time postgraduate degree

Five benefits of a part-time postgraduate degree

It is possible to balance a job and your education with a part-time postgraduate course. Blogger Molly Whyte explains why this could be a good decision 

October 23 2017

University of Oxford

Dispelling the myths around elite universities

No student should feel like they don’t deserve to attend a prestigious university, writes University of Oxford graduate Adam Wicks

International travel

The benefits of an international placement during your degree

Placements abroad used to be a ‘nice to have’; I’d say nowadays they are a ‘must-have’ says one British student studying in Australia

Books sold at a street market

17 books you should read before (or at) university – chosen by students

From inspiring novels to frank discussions of sexuality, these are the books students wish they had read to ease the transition to university and prepare for a new stage in their academic and personal lives.

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