From application to arrival: My journey to studying abroad in New York

Navigating the application process

Applying for study abroad involved several stages.  

First, I applied through Kingston University. Once I had been approved, I then needed to complete a separate application for Pratt Institute.

Throughout the process, the Study Abroad team were incredibly supportive. They organised information sessions, provided guidance on applications and brought in students who had previously completed exchanges to talk about their experiences.

What I appreciated most was how honest those conversations were.

Students didn't tell us that studying abroad was perfect. They talked about the challenges as well as the highlights, which made the whole experience feel much more realistic and achievable.

The challenge nobody talks about: Paperwork

If there's one thing everyone should know about studying abroad, it's that there is a lot of paperwork.

Between applications, visas and preparing to move to another country, there were moments when it felt like a full-time job.

The visa process for studying in the United States was particularly intense. Everything needed to be completed correctly and there was very little room for error.

For a while, it felt almost unreal. I kept telling myself, "It's probably not going to happen."

Then suddenly I found myself sitting on a plane to New York and thinking:

"Oh wow, this is actually happening."

Finding a place to live

One of the biggest hurdles was finding accommodation. I decided not to stay in student accommodation because I wanted more independence and a living situation that felt a little closer to what I was used to in London.

Instead, I searched for a room in a flat share. Finding somewhere from another country wasn't easy. A couple of options fell through at the last minute and there were definitely moments of panic.

In the end, I found a room through Airbnb and arranged a long-term stay with the host. What started as a temporary solution ended up being one of the best parts of my experience.

The flat was less than five minutes from Pratt Institute, which made life incredibly easy. Even better, I lived with three women working in professional careers who welcomed me into life in New York.

They introduced me to neighbourhood spots, gave me local recommendations and helped me get to know the city from a resident's perspective rather than a tourist's.

Arriving in New York

My first week was a mixture of excitement and nerves.

Pratt's orientation week gave exchange students a chance to meet each other and get familiar with the campus.

After orientation, classes began and I gradually settled into a routine.

It didn't take long before New York started to feel less intimidating and more like home.

That's one of the things that surprised me most about studying abroad. At first, everything feels huge and unfamiliar. Then one day, without really noticing it happen, you're navigating the city on your own, finding your favourite coffee shop and giving directions to other people.

Making the most of the experience

One thing I promised myself before leaving was that I would make the most of every opportunity.

I explored different neighbourhoods, visited museums and galleries, discovered some incredible food spots and spent as much time as possible experiencing the city beyond the classroom.

Some of my favourite memories include walking the High Line, taking the Roosevelt Island Tramway, riding the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty and exploring New York's amazing food scene.

I also discovered that students can enjoy the city affordably if they do their research. Some of my favourite meals were actually some of the cheapest, especially the incredible food I found in Chinatown.

Making it affordable

People often assume that studying in New York must be impossible financially.

There's no denying that New York is expensive, but support from the Turing Scheme helped make the opportunity achievable.

I also worked several summer jobs before travelling and made sure I saved as much as possible beforehand.

That planning made a huge difference. I was able to enjoy my time in New York, take part in activities and even travel after my studies ended.

Was it worth It?

Yes, it absolutely was. Studying abroad challenged me in ways I hadn't expected. It tested my independence, patience and resilience. It also gave me unforgettable experiences, lifelong memories and a huge amount of confidence.

If you're considering applying for study abroad, my advice is simple: go for it.

It might feel daunting, but you'll never have more support than you do as a student. Between Kingston University, your host institution and funding opportunities, there's an incredible support network available.

For me, it was one of the best decisions I've made during my degree, and one that I'll be talking about for years to come.

Could study abroad be part of your Kingston University journey? Find out more about international opportunities, funding support and our partner universities.