Studying law in the UK as a Canadian | Tips, Do's & Don'ts

Summary

In this vlog, Sharon shares her journey of studying law at the University of Southampton in the UK. She discusses her decision to move from Canada, opting for an accelerated two-year law program and the benefits of studying abroad, such as skipping the LSAT and a shorter duration. Sharon offers insights into living in Southampton, the challenges of adjusting to life in a new country, and practical tips for prospective international students, from the application process to student discounts. She also highlights the city's charm and her personal experiences, inviting viewers to follow her adventure abroad.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sharon introduces herself and shares that she is currently studying law at the University of Southampton in England.
• 😀 She explains that she moved to England for law school to avoid the lengthy LSAT process and waiting for Canadian law school acceptance.
• 😀 Sharon is in the two-year accelerated JD program at the University of Southampton, aiming to graduate in 2023.
• 😀 Southampton was not Sharon's first choice for law school, but she chose it due to her friends' circumstances and found it to be a good fit.
• 😀 The cost of tuition for her law program is approximately £18,520 per year, which is similar to the cost of law school in Canada.
• 😀 She highlights the differences between the UK and Canadian law systems, including the importance of studying Canadian constitutional law while in the UK.
• 😀 Sharon used the *Canada Law from Abroad* service to help with the application process, which was affordable and guided her through all steps.
• 😀 She advises students to apply for a visa before booking their flight, as visa processing can delay travel plans.
• 😀 Sharon provides practical tips for students arriving in the UK, such as ordering a SIM card before departure and using a conversion credit card for currency exchange.
• 😀 She praises Southampton's student life, mentioning the convenience of walking everywhere, student discounts, and the easy access to London for travel.
• 😀 Sharon encourages students thinking about studying abroad to take the leap and assures them that the experience will be exciting and rewarding.

Q & A

Why did Sharon choose to study law in England instead of Ontario?

Sharon chose to study law in England because she didn't want to wait for law school admissions in Ontario and didn't want to retake the LSAT. The UK offers a two-year JD program as opposed to the three-year program in Canada, which appealed to her.

Why was Southampton not Sharon's first choice for law school?

Southampton wasn't Sharon's first choice because she initially wanted to attend Birmingham. However, her friends didn't get into Birmingham, so they decided on Southampton, which she describes as a quiet and small city similar to Guelph, Ontario.

How much is the tuition for the law program at the University of Southampton?

The tuition for the law program at the University of Southampton is £18,520 per year, which translates to approximately CAD 32,000 per year. Over the two years of the JD program, the total cost is about CAD 65,000.

What is the difference in the application process for law schools in England and Canada?

In England, students don’t need to take the LSAT, and they can apply directly through the UCAS system. In contrast, Canadian law schools require the LSAT and typically have a longer waiting period for acceptance.

What does the Canada Law from Abroad service offer to students like Sharon?

Canada Law from Abroad helps guide students who want to study law in the UK. They assist with the application process, provide information about schools that teach Canadian law, and offer support in submitting applications to UK law schools.

What are some key features of the law program at Southampton according to Sharon?

The law program at Southampton is an accelerated two-year JD program that teaches both UK and Canadian legal systems. Sharon highlights the importance of learning Canadian constitutional law, as the UK system differs from Canada’s despite their shared history.

What are the challenges Sharon faces regarding driving in Southampton?

Sharon finds driving in Southampton difficult due to the narrow roads, one-way traffic, and the peculiar way people park. She notes that it is especially challenging because she is not confident with driving in general.

What was Sharon’s experience with moving and finding accommodation in Southampton?

Sharon explains that finding accommodation in Southampton was complicated, and she even got catfished during the process. She plans to share more about this experience in a future video.

What is the significance of applying for a visa before booking a flight to the UK?

Sharon advises against booking a flight before receiving a visa, as visa processing can be delayed. She shares her experience of booking a flight early and nearly encountering a delay in her travel plans.

What are some useful tips Sharon gives for students traveling to the UK?

Sharon recommends ordering a SIM card before leaving for the UK, using an AC Conversion credit card for easier currency exchange, and signing up for student discounts through apps like UniDays. She also advises arriving at Heathrow and using Southampton’s free meet-and-greet service for students.