Sitting in front of my screen and feeling so overwhelmed by what my next steps were going to be, and not knowing where I would end up was a daunting feeling. I knew I wanted to continue with my studies and pursue a master’s degree, but I had no clue where to start. With several cities and universities to consider, I found myself weighing academic reputation, career opportunities, student life, and most importantly where I could genuinely see myself thriving.

From Norway to Australia… and then where?
During my undergrad I did a semester abroad in Australia, and after having experienced student life on the other side of the world, I just knew I wanted to experience that again.

However, adapting to a new academic and social environment while learning a new language sounded like more than enough to have given me grey hair earlier than I had imagined! As I was already comfortable speaking English, studying in the UK made the prospect of moving abroad feel more manageable. It was far enough from Norway to experience a different culture, yet close enough to travel home when I missed it.

Finding the right fit
The environment inside and outside the classroom can shape your university experience. Academically, I wanted to build on my background in organisational psychology, by further exploring people, leadership and organisations while gaining a broad international perspective. SEED’s MSc HRM (international development) programme stood out because it offered the opportunity to explore people management beyond traditional organisational boundaries and consider how organisational practices are shaped by wider global contexts.
Outside of the classroom, I was drawn to the cultural diversity and the strong student community that Manchester had to offer.

The University of Manchester stood out as a member of the prestigious Russell Group, but beyond academics, I was also choosing a city where I would spend an important chapter of my life. Although the university’s reputation and city initially attracted me, neither was what ultimately made me choose SEED.

It was the people.

During my application process, I was considering several universities, and in the UK it was between Manchester and London. As an international applicant, there were various things I needed clarification on. When contacting The University of Manchester, the staff was so helpful, and rather than feeling like another application I was so appreciative that someone took time to willingly guide me through the process.
It was a phone call that made all the difference.
It might seem like a small detail, but when I was preparing to move to another country, knowing that there are people willing to help can make an enormous difference. That is something university rankings and course descriptions could not do, give me reassurance.

More than just a degree
For me, university has always been more about just attending lectures and completing assignments. It is about building connections, challenging yourself and becoming part of a community. Of course, academic quality, career prospects and location matter, it mattered to me.

Moving to a new country is daunting, but putting yourself out there and embracing new opportunities can help a new place feel like home. My advice? Get involved beyond the classroom, because sometimes it is the smaller, more personal experiences that tell you most about a place.

Manchester stood out on paper, but it was those very experiences that ultimately made me choose SEED.

Written by current student Divya Tehlan.

Related