Behind its chilly international reputation, Russia is a vastly appealing study destination for international students. Heavy investment in education and university facilities – coupled with extensive outreach – has led to students from all around the world heading to the cities of Moscow, St Petersburg and more for their studies.

Felix Portier is no stranger to travelling abroad. Having been born in Chile, he spent time growing up in Australia, France and Switzerland as well, so he was unsurprisingly undaunted by the idea of studying in a foreign country.

He said: “I grew up in a multicultural environment and it led me to develop an interest in international relations and geopolitics. At the moment I finished high school in Switzerland, my attention was drawn by the creation of a new English-taught bachelor’s program at the prestigious MGIMO University, which is the alma mater of Sergey Lavrov, whom I consider to be a brilliant model of a diplomat.”

Felix is now studying international relations at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University) and we got in touch to find out how he’s found the experience of studying in Russia, and why he’d recommend it to other international students.

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What aspects of the degree program at MGIMO were of particular interest to you?

My aim in coming to Russia was to learn more about the country so I very much appreciated the classes we had on Russian and Soviet history. Also, the class given on Post-Soviet conflicts by Professor Okunev, a renowned a specialist in political geography, was of particular interest to me.

Furthermore, a very interesting aspect of studying in MGIMO is that it has partnerships with many of the best universities in the world, so you can apply for an exchange semester or do a double degree in Paris, Rome, the USA etc.

Last but not least, MGIMO also has excellence in language teaching, and in fact it holds the Guinness world record for the number of languages taught in a university: 53!

I was lucky to benefit from such an environment, as we had not to pick two foreign languages, which for me were Russian and German, while my classmates were taking Spanish, French, Chinese or Arabic!

What expectations did you have of life in Russia before moving there? Have those expectations proved to be accurate? In what ways is life in Russia different than you expected?

I did not know much about Russia before coming to study at MGIMO, and actually I had never been to Eastern Europe. Most western Europeans only know about Russia through a narrow set of stereotypes, which are, let’s be honest, not always very nice. However, I must say they’re wrong, as pretty much the only stereotype I found true is that winters are very cold!

In fact, I found Moscow to be a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, inhabited by citizens full of public spirit, who love their country but are curious to learn more about other cultures.

What is the community of international students like at MGIMO?

MGIMO truly has a multicultural and multinational atmosphere. Foreign students from the same country are encouraged to set up national clubs, and there is a cultural day where all these clubs have booths with national dishes, national dances and folklore.

I had classmates from Ethiopia, South Korea, Kazakhstan, the UK, Lithuania, Canada, Turkey, France, Pakistan, Germany, and Nigeria to name a few!

We also have our faculty’s student club, founded by a German-American former student called Future World Diplomats (FWD), which is aimed at bringing students closer to diplomacy. With this club we organized many conferences, trips and video conferences with other diplomacy student clubs in foreign universities such as Sciences Po Paris, King’s College London and the Middlebury Institute in California.

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How would you describe the university and Russia to other international students who are considering applying to study there?

MGIMO offers you the advantage of discovering and opening yourself to Russia but in the same time being in a truly international and multicultural environment.

What are your career ambitions? How do you hope to use your experience of studying in Russia?

I hope to be able to use my experience in MGIMO to contribute to bridging the gap that exists between Russia and the west, whether it is in the field of diplomacy, politics or journalism.

I will always put forward my Russian experience, and the first step in that direction is the choice of my master’s studies: Russian and Eastern European Studies at the University of Geneva.

Whether you love or hate London in the winter, you cannot deny that there’s a lot of festive-themed fun to be had throughout the month of December. From markets to immersive cinema experiences, London comes alive in the build up to Christmas and lots of these events are perfect for students looking for something to do at the weekend. Make sure to look out for concession tickets and remember to bring your student card when you’re not booking online!

Secret Cinema Stranger Things

A must for all Stranger Things fans, Secret Cinema is back this December with a real-life Hawkins immersive experience and new storylines authorised by Netflix themselves. Secret Cinema have been building immersive cinema experiences for over a decade and reviews seem to agree that they are all amazing! Tickets tend to sell out quickly so get booking if you’re intrigued.

Christmas Lights in Carnaby Street

London in December is always memorable thanks to the beautiful Christmas light displays across the city. However, Carnaby Street consistently impresses with creative and original designs. This year the street is decorated in a sustainable ocean theme, highlighting the importance of reducing plastic waste and keeping our oceans clean.

Tutankhamun at the Saatchi Gallery

‘Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh’ is one of the most anticipated exhibitions opening in London this winter. It includes over 150 artefacts, 60 of which have never left Egypt before. The exhibition is hosted by the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea and as students you can get concession tickets, making it a super affordable and cultural option for the weekend!

Festive Fayre at Hampton Court Palace

Described as a food-lover’s Christmas wonderland by the Palace themselves, this is one of the most festive Christmas markets in London. You’ll find endless options for delicious food made by world famous chefs, carol services in the chapel and lots of other artisan companies selling their produce in the Hampton Court Palace courtyards.

Santa Run

One of the most impressive and hilarious spectacles in London this December, Santa Run does what it says on the tin. Head to Victoria Park on December 8 to watch thousands of people, dressed up as Santa, run to raise money for charity. Better yet, sign up and take part raising money for a charity of your choice! You can also donate to the headline charity partner, Save the Children.

Portobello Winter Weekends

Portobello Road in Notting Hill is wonderful area of London to explore at the weekend and even more so in December. Locals put on four weekends of performances which tie in with Portobello Market to create festive fun aimed at 18-30 year olds.

Christmas at Kew

Now in its seventh year, Christmas at Kew is a remarkable light and laser projection display which illuminates the tree tops and beautiful Victorian glasshouses at Kew. It is a must do for December in London, just remember to wrap up warm!

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

The Natural History Museum is one of the most impressive buildings in London, making ice skating in its shadow particularly spectacular. This ice rink is open throughout the month of December and as a student you can take advantage of the NHM’s student offer which includes a free drink along with you skating session.

Après Ski Christmas Party at Magazine London

Finally, if you’re looking for something a little livelier this December, Magazine London has you covered. Their Après Ski themed parties transform the popular event space in the heart of Battersea Park, into an alpine wonderland. Tickets include a canape reception, three course dinner and after party.

Sponsored by University of Helsinki

Situated on a series of mini islands in the south of Finland, the country’s capital city Helsinki may not be the most obvious study abroad choice. However, this is a city which ranked in the top 60 in the QS Best Student Cities 2019 ranking, and which boasts a world-class university, an outdoor lifestyle most people could only dream of, and fantastic quality of life.

If you need any further proof that Helsinki must be doing something right, consider the fact an impressive 10 percent of its student population are international students.

We’ve been fortunate enough to be able to speak with two of them from the University of Helsinki to find out what attracted them to study in the Finnish capital and what their experience has been like so far. 

Home to a world-renowned university

Finland’s academic reputation is renowned worldwide as it prides itself on innovation, pioneering research and collaboration with industry.

In fact, the University of Helsinki, a leading multidisciplinary academic research institution, took top spot as the best university in the country in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

Canadian student, Eva Miras, is a Master’s in European and Nordic Studies student and shared with us how she came to choose studying in Helsinki. She said: “I knew that I wanted to do my master’s degree   in Europe, so I started looking at different programs in various countries, and it was the Master’s in   European and Nordic Studies that first caught my eye.

“I also learned more about the University of Helsinki and found that it had a really good international reputation, and learned that the education system in Finland is considered one of the best in the world, so it was a no brainer.

When it comes to Eva’s academic experience so far, it’s evident that the level of support and access to services has been nothing short of impressive. 

“I’ve been able to take so many interesting courses with some of the best professors and researchers in the country, and have learned so much in the process.

“The university provides students with almost endless amounts of academic resources and support to help guide your studies, and there is always help available to you if you need it,” says Eva.

A unique and innovative teaching style

Finland’s education system is admired around the world. For many international students, the innovative teaching style may come as a shock to begin with, but it soon becomes a unique and pleasant learning experience.

“The teacher-student ‘gap’ is almost zero, meaning the teachers are very approachable and open to great conversations both about and outside of the studies,” explains Chaitanya Bhargava, an MSc in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology student from New Delhi.

Students who study here are encouraged to embrace new learning methodologies and techniques. Sometimes students will be working and learning alongside peers from other classes in completely different countries via Skype, for instance.

Field trips, learning diaries, lab work, hackathons, and even participation in research groups are also part of the academic experience. Such academic freedom means opportunities for development are in abundance, but it does come with a price – as students are expected to manage their own workloads and work independently. 

Breath-taking nature spots around every corner

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If you’re a fan of long, hot summers then Helsinki may not appear to have much to offer you, but don’t write off the idea of studying here straight away.

“The direct connection of the city to dense thickets and beaches is something I admire as I don’t have that in my home town,” says Chaitanya.

Whether you’re a fan of relaxing on the miles of beach and coastline that surround Helsinki, or hiking to your heart’s content across the country’s breathtaking national parks, there’s always something somewhere for you to enjoy during the university break or at weekends.

“It’s all easily accessible from the city, with endless coastlines, islands, beaches, lakes, forests and natural parks to visit,” says Eva.

It’s more affordable than London, Dublin, Amsterdam and Paris…

… according to Expatistan’s Cost of Living Index. This is especially true if you’re an EU/EEA citizen – as EU/EEA citizens are exempt from paying tuition fees. In 2017, the Finnish government introduced mandatory tuition for students who live outside the EU/EEA.

However, even with the cost of tuition you can still live affordably here. Cost of living in the city is still comparable to other major European cities – you just need to know how to budget and how to budget well.

The cost of rent followed by groceries and entertainment are the biggest things to consider when living in Finland. Setting a budget, as well as saving up before arriving is usually the best way to ensure you have enough funds for the year.

To make it easier for international students to relocate to Helsinki, the University of Helsinki reserves a number of rooms and studios from Unihome and HOAS for bachelor's and master’s degree students who are moving to Finland.

Although cost of living tends to be higher in Helsinki, crime rates are very low and public safety threats generally come from the country’s wildlife rather than crime – so beware of moose on country roads and highways!

Students also have access to cheap healthcare (including dental care), as well as cheap student lunches and heavily discounted public transport.

It’s one of the best student cities in the world

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, Helsinki is making waves in the academic rankings, and when it comes to student cities there are no exceptions to that either.

“I really enjoy living in Helsinki because it’s a small enough city to easily get around (the public transport is amazing), but it’s still big enough that there is still so much to see and do.

“Helsinki is a great city for students because of its active student life with no shortage of things to do no matter what you’re interested in,” says Eva.

Finland dominates rankings and indexes around the world

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Finland is officially the world’s happiest country … again. After taking the title for the second year in a row, many other countries are looking to Finland to try and understand what it is that makes Finns report the highest levels of happiness in the world.

Having never visited the country before or studied outside of Canada, Eva was more than open to whatever studying in Helsinki brought her way:

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I came to study in Finland.

“I came here with no expectations and an open mind, and I have been pleasantly surprised ever since. Even with no expectations, my expectations have somehow been exceeded!” says Eva.

If you’re struggling to decide which degree you should study at university, perhaps it might help to learn more about which degree subjects will be the most beneficial to you after you graduate.

This is based on the PayScale College Salary report in 2019, which takes into account several factors. These include: early career pay (median salary for alumni with degrees in the subject up to five years after graduating), mid-career pay (median salary for graduates with 10+ years’ work experience) and the percentage of high meaning (the percentage of alumni who say their work makes the world a better place.

Read on as we explore 10 of the best degree subjects to graduate with in 2019…

10. Aeronautics and Astronautics

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Aeronautics and Astronautics courses explore the science involved with the study, design and manufacturing of aircraft, race cars, satellites and rockets.  In the degree, you’ll look at how they operate within both our atmosphere and in space.

Typical career options for Aeronautics and Astronautics graduates include aeronautical/astronautical engineer, researcher, designer or technician. However, these are only several of the many careers available to Aeronautics and Astronautics graduates, with many graduates going on to further study.

Starting salaries for Aeronautics and Astronautics graduates are around US$73,100, progressing to an average of US$131,600 later in your career. Of those working in the field, 59% of graduates believe their job has a high meaning.

9. Pharmacy

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Pharmacy is the science of preparing, dispensing and reviewing drugs and providing additional clinical services. Pharmacy students will study pharmaceutical chemistry and medical science in great depth, giving them excellent career prospects after graduation.

Typical jobs for pharmacy degree holders include community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, pharmacologist, or research scientist.

Salaries start at around $79,600 for recent pharmacy graduates, with this rising to a significantly higher $132,500 after ten years. Interestingly, an impressive 77 percent of pharmacy graduates report feeling like their job has a high level of meaning.

8. Business Analysis

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Business degrees are well known for being in high demand across a whole range of industries. Business analysis graduates often have exceptional numerical and data analysis skills, making them perfect for careers in accounting, finance or consulting and a range of other business-related careers.

It is perhaps unsurprising that business analysis graduates often go into well paid careers; starting off at around US$57,200; later increasing to $133,200.

7. Electrical Power Engineering

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Engineering graduates of all types have strong career prospects, and electrical power engineering graduates are no exception. With a recent focus on climate change, there is an even more urgent desire to move towards renewable energy sources, and therefore a higher demand for electrical power engineering graduates. Electrical power engineering graduates with leave university with a strong technical expertise, strong numeracy and IT skills and problem-solving skills.

Graduates also go into careers such as: electric power network analysts, electric vehicle designers, and development and market analysts. Graduates’ starting salaries are high – according to the most recent PayScale salary report, graduates earn a $72,400 starting salary, progressing to $134,700 after 10 years. An impressive 63 percent of electrical power engineering graduates report feeling like their job has high meaning. 

6. Actuarial Mathematics

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Actuarial mathematics degrees use mathematical, statistical, financial and economic theory to solve business problems, including risk, uncertainty and financial impact of unforeseen events, giving them strong career prospects. Typical careers for graduates include risk analysts, chartered accountant, audit analysts and statistician.

Graduates enjoy high salaries of $57,600 for graduates with under five years of work experience and $136,200 for graduates who have worked for over five years. However, PayScale also reveals that under 50 percent of graduates say their work has high meaning to the world.

5. Political Economy

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Political economy is the study of trade and production and their relations with customs, law and government, and problems that arise from or are affected by the interaction with international politics. Political economy graduates have a range of career opportunities available to them such as economists, financial analysts, communications officer and political consultants.

Political economist majors, on average earn US$57,600 in the first five years after graduating, rising to US$136,200 after ten years.

4. Operations Research

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Operations researchers provide analytics and guidance to management teams. Degrees in this subject provide graduates with strong mathematical, computational and communication skills to help them in a wide range of industries. Operations researchers generally work in consulting companies, financial companies, airlines, and governmental agencies, to name a few.

Typical starting salaries are relatively high; averaging at $77,900. They rise to £137,100 after ten or more years, and there is a lot of career progression available.

3. Applied Economics and Management

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Applied economics and management graduates reportedly earn $58,900 at the start of their careers, rising to $140,000 after ten years, meaning that they are amongst the top graduate earners. 

Most universities offer the chance for students to specialize later on in their degree to fit their interests and career aspirations. Applied economics and management employees are generally satisfied with their jobs with 69 percent reporting that they believed their work makes the world a better place.

2. Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)

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The second highest earners are electrical engineering students, earning an impressive US$88,000 within the first five years of graduating and $142,200 ten years after graduation. Both electrical engineering graduates and computer science graduates report very low levels of unemployment, so these two subjects studied together leads to some very strong employment prospects!

Graduates may want to be electrical engineers, IT consultants or software designers – the possibilities are endless! Despite this, graduates derive high meaning from their job, so make sure this is the path for you before selecting it. 

1. Petroleum Engineering

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In first place, and the top degree subject to graduate with this year is petroleum engineering. Petroleum engineers explore and extract oil and gas in a safe and environmentally sustainable way – as energy will always be needed, petroleum engineering graduates are continually in high demand!

Petroleum engineering graduates earn an impressive $94,500 on average in the first five years of their careers (significantly higher than any other degree). After ten years this annual salary rises to US$176,900. On top of this hefty salary, as many as 77 percent petroleum engineering graduates also report feeling like their job has a high level of meaning. Typical jobs in petroleum engineering include petroleum geologists, drilling engineers, reservoir engineers and production engineers.

On the 12^th December 2019, there will be a general election in the UK, and the deadline to register to vote is fast approaching. Registering to vote only takes a few minutes and your vote will help determine the future of the UK.

When is the deadline to register to vote?

For every general election you have to register at least 12 days before the vote. This means the very last possible moment to register to vote is 11:59pm on Tuesday 26^th November (but it’s probably not a good idea to leave it right until the last minute!)

If you’re registering for a postal vote, this has to be done by 5pm on 26^th November if you live in England, Scotland or Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland, you must register for a postal vote by 5pm on 21^st November.

Who can register to vote?

You can register if you are aged 17 or over, or 15 or over in Scotland, although you will not be able to vote in this general election if you’re under 18.

To register to vote you need to be a UK citizen, or an Irish, EU, or Commonwealth citizen with a UK address. You will also need to be a resident at a UK address, or a UK citizen living abroad who has registered in the last 15 years.

How do I register to vote in person?

You will only need to register once to get on the electoral register, so if you’ve already registered for another election or referendum, sit back and relax, you’re all sorted! If you haven’t previously registered (or you’ve moved from your last registered address) registering couldn’t be simpler.

You will need your national insurance number to hand. You will be able to find this on any paychecks, or on any letters about your tax, pension or benefits. If you’re unsure about what your national insurance number is, click here to find out what to do next. 

Click this link to register to vote.

Can I register at my university address and my home address?

Yes, as a student you can register at two separate addresses so that you can choose where you vote, depending on what is most convenient for you. However, as you might expect, it’s illegal to vote more than once.

What about if I’m studying on a year abroad?

If you’re a UK citizen who is 18 or older, but are currently living abroad, then you are entitled to a vote. As you are not in the country, you can register to vote by post or get someone else to vote on your behalf (vote by proxy).

How do I register by proxy or postal vote?

To register for a proxy vote (to get someone else to vote on your behalf) you will have to fill in a paper form and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office. To vote by proxy in the General Election in England, Scotland and Wales, you will need to apply by 5pm on 4^th December, by filling in this form. To vote in Northern Ireland, you will need to fill in a different form by 21^st November.

To apply for a postal vote, you will need to fill in this form by 5pm on 26^th November and the postal vote must arrive at your Electoral Office in the UK by 10pm on 12^th December if you live in England, Scotland or Wales.  To apply to vote by post in Northern Ireland, fill in this form by 5pm on 21^st November.

Can someone else register me?

No, you will have to register for your own vote.

What is the open register, and should I be on it?

The open register is a version of the electoral register that is available to anyone who wishes to purchase a copy. It is up to you whether or not you decide to be on the open register – you can choose to opt out of this if you do not want your information used.  

Whether you’re an international student studying in the US, or a US native student trying to navigate the (often confusing) world of banking to open a student bank account, it can often be difficult to understand a) what you’re being offered and b) what you actually want from a bank account.

For anyone left feeling a bit confused about student banking, you definitely aren’t alone! Read on as we explain what some of the biggest banks in the US are offering students and how you can take advantage of this. Free money, anyone?

Which student bank account do I need?

In the US there are two main types of bank accounts you should know about: the checking account and the savings account.

A checking account is the bank account you’ll be using on a day to day basis. These accounts allow you to access your money whenever you want and provides you with a safe place to store your money. These accounts are ideal for managing your daily expenses and for paying any bills. Some banks have specific checking accounts for students, which we will be exploring in the table below.

A savings account is the bank account you’ll use for longer term deposits. These accounts allow you to gain interest on your savings, so it is worth researching each bank’s savings account interest rate to find the one with the highest rate of interest.

Benefits and extras explained

Banks often try to entice students with a variety of extras and benefits – but what do they mean? Before we start comparing the different student checking accounts on offer in the US, we’ll give you a quick run though of the different perks banks may use to compete.

ATM charges

In the US, banks will often charge you if you take money from another bank’s ATM. As you will see in the table below, some banks will offer an extra benefit by reducing the fees you will be charged for using another bank’s ATM.

Others will compete by offering a large number of ATMs around the country. This is particularly common in larger banks, such as Bank of America and Chase bank, who have a lot of branches.

Cash bonuses

You may see this and think – free money! However, beware that this may come with certain restrictions, such as having to deposit a certain amount in the bank account each month. But in the end, yes, it is free money.

Overdraft protection

When you spend more money than you have in your student bank account, you will go into an overdraft. When this happens, your bank may decline your payment and possibly charge you a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee. Overdraft protection will stop this happening by allowing your transactions to go through, even if you don’t have the money in at the moment.

Your bank may offer several options: linking an eligible savings account which automatically transfers money over from a savings account to cover the amount, linking a credit card, overdraft line of credit (a line of credit for overdrafts based on your creditworthiness) or even overdraft coverage for one time transactions. However, it’s worth noting that all of these come with potential fees, so bear this in mind before you go on a massive online shopping spree!

Monthly service fees

Monthly service fees are fees that banks charge on a monthly basis to maintain your bank account, and are usually between US$6 and $50 per month, depending on the bank and the type of account you open. These fees can easily be avoided, however. For example, they are often waived as a benefit of student bank accounts and can also often be avoided by having a regular monthly deposit or keeping a certain amount of money in your bank account. Make sure you check your chosen bank to verify their policy on monthly service fees.  

Which student bank account is right for me?

In the table below, we compare the top US student checking accounts, made specifically for university students, so you can decide which one is right for you.

How to open a bank account

So now you know which bank account is right for you, what you’re probably wondering is how you go about opening your new bank account. Luckily, it’s now easier than ever to open a new bank account, provided you have the correct documents.

You will need several things in order to open your new bank account. These are:

• Your passport
• Student visa (if you’re an international student) as well as your I-94 card and I-20 form
• Debit/Credit card from your own country (if you’re an international student)
• Credit history report
• Proof of enrollment document (acceptance letter)
• A utility bill (not phone) dated less than 3 months from today or any government issued document including your address as well as your last three bank statements
• The amount of money you wish to deposit into your new account

Nearly all banks allow you to apply for a new bank account online in just a few minutes, by simply entering in the information you’re asked for. However, if you this option is not available for you (perhaps if you are an international student trying to open a bank account) you can make an appointment with a bank branch to sort it out in person.

Whether you’re wanting to escape the cold climates or dive head-first into them, there are so many options when it comes to winter getaways in America. In the case of warmer climates, winter months can bring smaller crowds, a cheaper price tag and pleasant temperatures.

On the other hand, for those flocking to the cold there are so many amazing destinations to enjoy winter sports, hiking and exploring some of the most beautiful landscapes coated in a layer of snow. No matter what side you fall on, you will no doubt find a vacation spot that is right up your alley.

Breckinridge, Colorado 

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Looking for a frosty getaway with days on the slopes and nights snuggled inside with some hot cocoa and a movie? Look no further than the charming ski town of Breckinridge, Colorado. The ski resort is one of the most popular spots in the US, with thousands of avid skiers flocking here every year to experience the world-renowned trails and quaint village.

Yellowstone, Wyoming

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Yellowstone National Park is picturesque in all seasons but holds a special magic in the winter months with fewer tourists and an untouched landscape. Many of the roads close for the winter months but are accessible via cross-country skis or snowmobile tours. You will truly feel like you’re the only person around for miles, so it’s the best time of year to experience the national park as it was before civilization, with the option to hit the slopes afterwards at nearby resorts.

Alaska

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Alaska is often a place people forget about with its far north location, but definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re looking for a true winter-wonderland experience, look no further than Alaska in the colder months. From glacier hikes to dogsledding tours, you’ll feel like you were dropped right in the North Pole with the snowy terrain and snowcapped trees. And of course, the Northern Lights is just the icing on the cake of the perfect winter getaway.

New York City

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New York City during the winter months, and especially around Christmas time, is nothing short of magical. With mile-high Christmas trees at every corner, ice skating in the middle of the city, and festive decorations in every store front, it’s truly a city that comes alive in the wintertime. Through the months of January-March you will also find a ton of deals on hotels and Broadway musical tickets, making it a more affordable option in a not-so-affordable city.

California

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There really isn’t a bad time to visit the stunning state of California, with year-round sunshine and a multitude of sights. The locals will tell you it’s definitely more than just a summer beach destination (but they try to keep that a secret). You can head to Half Moon Bay to watch surf competitions, head to Napa Valley for wine tasting, visit one of the many national parks, or drive along the Pacific Coast Highway—the options are limitless. Best of all, travelling in the winter means smaller crowds and more bearable levels of heat compared to the summertime.

Kauai, Hawaii

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While winter months bring rainier weather in Hawaii, it’s still a great choice when planning a winter escape, with rain spurts not lasting long throughout the day. The tropical climate makes the rainforest lush and green, especially on the island of Kauai which boasts amazing rainforest trekking. Other islands including Maui and Oahu offer white-sandy beaches and hot days that hardly ever drop below 75 degrees fahrenheit. It’s also possible to find some great deals on hotels and flights in the winter months. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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If you’re looking for a quick getaway for an unbeatable price, Myrtle Beach is the spot for you. The weather can still be quite warm in the winter and it’s much less busy than in the summer months. Although it may be too chilly to dip in the ocean, it’s a pleasant time of year for beach strolls, sunbathing, and an overall peaceful time. If you aren’t too picky and simply want to get away, Myrtle Beach is the spot for you.

Key West, Florida

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There are so many beach towns in Florida that make for a great warm getaway, so you really can’t go wrong. Key West in particular is known for its untouched landscapes and secluded beaches, which make it ideal for those wanting to relax on the beach for a week. It also has a ton of water sports and great nightlife. It really depends what you want out of your vacation, with places like Siesta Key ideal for escaping crowds, Palm Beach for those on a budget, and Daytona Beach for a more fast-paced holiday.

There are lots of rumors and horror stories floating around about Oxbridge interviews. While many of these are exaggerated, the interview process is very thorough in order to narrow down the candidates.

Read on as we debunk the myths and legends associated with the infamous Oxbridge interview and provide answers to all the questions you probably have…

What is Oxbridge?

If you have received an interview to either the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge, you’ll hopefully know the answer to this one. For those who don’t know, Oxbridge itself is simply a blend of the words ‘Oxford’ and ‘Cambridge’. The two are often referred to as ‘Oxbridge’ due to the level of academic excellence associated with them, setting them apart from other universities in the UK. The two universities rank well in the QS World University Rankings® 2020, with the University of Oxford placing fourth in the world (first in the UK) and the University of Cambridge in seventh place in the world (second in the UK).

When will I find out if I’ve been invited to an interview?

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‘You will receive a letter or an email indicating whether or not you have been invited for interview in mid to end of November’ says the University of Oxford website.

‘Courses holding interviews in early December will issue invitations in mid-November and those holding interviews later in December will issue invitations towards the end of November.’

The University of Cambridge website says, ‘The majority of interviews in Cambridge take place in the first three weeks of December (some may be a little earlier).’

How many people get to the interview?

According to the University of Oxford’s website, the university receives an average of 20,000 applications for the 3,250 places on offer each year and carries out around 10,000 interviews. You don’t have to be a math whizz to realize that this means there is a high rejection rate for Oxford candidates. Don’t let this stop you applying, however, as you might be an ideal Oxford candidate who has the potential to be offered one of these highly sought-after places.

In Cambridge, according to their website, ‘Everyone with a realistic chance of being offered a place is invited to attend an interview’, which, they say, amounts to around 75 percent of applicants. 

What kind of person are Oxford and Cambridge looking for?

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The universities claim that all they are looking for in potential students is a strong mind and a passion to learn. Oxford University writes: ‘The only things that Oxford students have in common are academic ability and intellectual curiosity. Our students come from all over the world and bring with them an amazing range of backgrounds and interests.’

Cambridge university writes that they’re looking for people with good ‘problem solving abilities, an assimilation of new ideas and information and intellectual flexibility and analytical reasoning’

Who will be interviewing me?

In the University of Oxford, academic tutors will most likely be interviewing you. ‘They teach and research at the university and have an in-depth knowledge about the subject.’

Similarly, the University of Cambridge says interviewers will be ‘specialists in the subject you’ve applied for, one of whom is usually the College Director of Studies who would oversee your academic studies and progress at Cambridge’

“I had a preliminary interview on Skype where I interviewed with my supervisor on the project/funding/lab” says one PhD student, Laura Brown. “On my actual interview day I was interviewed by my supervisor whilst also having an opportunity to see the labs and meet current students.”

Will I have to sit a written assessment?

In Cambridge you will be required to complete a written assessment for all courses except for mathematics and music.

In Oxford, depending on what is relevant for the course you are applying for, you may be given a text, a poem, or an object and asked to answer questions about it.

How should I prepare? Brush up on your knowledge of world affairs and any recent news related to your subject. You should also have a solid knowledge of your subject and do some extra reading around it.

If you haven’t studied the subject before, Oxford advises thinking about the reasons that you want to study it and doing some general reading around the subject. However, you won’t be expected to have in depth knowledge of the field, and interviewers will be assessing your skills and aptitude rather than specific knowledge. 

One Oxbridge interviewee, John Barton, tells TopUniversities, “Before my interview I made sure I did lots of preparation such as interview practice, reading books about the subject and preparing certain translations (for the written assessment).”

Will I get asked any wacky questions?

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Oxbridge interviewees have reported being asked a variety of crazy questions, including ‘Is it moral to hook up a psychopath (whose only pleasure is killing) to a reality-simulating machine so that he can believe he is in the real world and kill as much as he likes?’ for philosophy, ‘Why might it be useful for an English student to read the Twilight series?’ for English literature and ‘Are you cool?’ for economics.

In your interview you may be asked questions about your personal statement, your essay (if you submitted one) and the subject you’re wishing to study. Occasionally interviewers might ask a purposefully difficult question to see how you react to solving problems. When these questions are asked, interviewers expect interviewees to calmly go through their thought process.  

When asked about the interview questions, Brown tells us “It was all in the realm of what could be asked about the prep material, but there were questions I wasn’t necessarily prepared for. She adds, “I was honest and made intellectual guesses where appropriate. They just wanted to assess my knowledge and understanding of the field to see if I would be a feasible candidate.”

What should I wear to the interview?

For the interview you should wear something smart, but that you feel comfortable in. 

“I wore a suit, but essentially just wear smart clothes”, advises Barton.

Brown tells us, “I wore a shirt, a jumper, a blazer, a long trench coat, some navy trousers and some Oxford shoes (the irony!)”

What happens after the interview?

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In early January the ‘Winter pool takes place and decisions are posted to applicants. A small number of applicants may be asked to attend a further interview’ says the Cambridge website.

‘Most applicants who were interviewed in December should have heard whether they have been accepted conditionally or unconditionally or have been unsuccessful before the end of January.’

“I heard back really quickly” says Brown, “it was only about two days after the interview, but I think I was one of the last people to be interviewed.”

**

Have you interviewed for Oxford or Cambridge? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below.

Sponsored by EU Business School

The city of Geneva has more to offer international students than just traditional Swiss delicacies like chocolate and cheese. Situated on the banks of the iconic Lake Geneva, Geneva’s thriving economy, impressive caliber of multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations, and attractive outdoor lifestyle make it a real hotspot for aspiring business professionals from all over the globe.

To learn more about how the city brings together modern and traditional living, and what makes it such an exciting study destination, we spoke to EU Business School, who have a campus in Geneva.

Geneva is home to more world-renowned businesses than anywhere else in the world

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Geneva is the leading financial center of Switzerland and is home to an unsurpassed number of global agencies, federations, financial institutions and multinational companies, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, UBS, the International Olympic Committee and Thomson Reuters.

Higher education institutions, such as EU Business School, have also set up campuses in Geneva, ensuring abundant opportunities for learning, working and networking.

After graduation, students with the right skills and qualifications enjoy excellent job prospects. Switzerland boasts impressive working conditions, generous salaries and excellent quality of life and, although the job market is very competitive, highly skilled foreigners fill almost 50 percent of executive jobs.

Geneva is one of the most internationally diverse locations in Europe

Geneva’s location in the heart of Europe and its internationally diverse business landscape means an incredible 40 percent of the population are international expats and a further 25 percent are international students.

The city’s openness to diversity is demonstrated by the fact that three languages are spoken here, with French being the most common. English is also widely spoken in Geneva, so you don’t have to be able to learn a foreign language – but you will have the fantastic opportunity to add a second, third or even fourth language to your repertoire. 

Geneva is the ninth-best city in the world for quality of living

It shouldn’t really come as much of a surprise that Swiss cities are topping the charts when it comes to quality of life.

This year, Geneva took ninth spot in Mercer’s Quality of Living City Ranking which takes into consideration a wide range of key livability factors, including housing, public services and transport, medical and health considerations, and education.

You can take up skiing, paragliding and even glacier trekking in between studying

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Geneva is nestled between the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and lush greenery of the Jura Mountains. As well as providing a stunning backdrop, this outstanding scenery also means you have the chance to try out some adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities while you’re here, including skiing, snowboarding and glacier trekking.

In the summer, you’re encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to try mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking and even paragliding.

Innovation is highly valued in Geneva

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Rewind to March 1989. Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist working at CERN, near Geneva, has submitted a research proposal to his boss outlining – what seemed at the time – an almost impossible idea: the sending and receiving of information via the internet on a computer.

Two years later, in 1991, the world wide web was made available for public use and has formed part of everyday life for billions of people around the world ever since. Today, it has completely changed how we live and communicate.

Geneva continues to be a hotspot for innovators and innovation. The thriving startup scene and the presence of numerous high-profile tech companies attract entrepreneurs from around the world, creating the ideal environment for business students with an entrepreneurial mindset.

If you are entrepreneurial or have a passion for business, then the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Geneva is a fantastic place to study. EU Business School offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and MBA programs with an emphasis on experiential learning in order to give students an insight into how real businesses and organizations function. This is achieved through regular visits to some of Geneva’s most renowned companies as well as exclusive lectures and conferences with world-class industrialists and business leaders.

Australia is a popular study destination for both domestic and international students alike, with the latter lured by the generally warm weather, excellent quality of life and world-renowned universities.

In the QS World University Rankings® 2020, published earlier this year, 35 Australian institutions made it into the top 1,000 in the world. Read on to discover which universities dominated in Australia this year, according to the city their home campus is based in.

Adelaide: The University of Adelaide

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Located in the capital of South Australia is the University of Adelaide, ranked eighth in Australia and 106^th in the world. It is also ranked joint 26^th in the world for mineral and mining engineering, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

The third-oldest university in Australia attracts a diverse portfolio of staff and students alike, scoring very highly for the international faculty and international students ranking indicators.

Runner-up: University of South Australia, ranked 17^th in Australia and joint 274^th in the world.

Armidale: University of New England Australia

In the Northern Tablelands of Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales, is the University of New England Australia, in the city of Armidale.

Ranked at 801-1000 in the world, it nevertheless gains a respectable ranking of 101-150 for agriculture and forestry, taking advantage of the heavily forested areas surrounding the city.

Runner-up: None

Brisbane: The University of Queensland

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The top university in Brisbane is the University of Queensland, ranked fifth in Australia and 47^th in the world. The university achieved particularly good scores in the academic reputation and international students ranking indicators, plus a perfect score for international faculty.

Additionally, it is the second-best university in the world for sports-related subjects.

Runner-up: Queensland University of Technology (QUT), ranked 12^th in Australia and 224^th in the world. It’s also joint 16^th in the subject rankings for communication and media studies.

Cairns: James Cook University

Cairns is often described as the ‘gateway to the Great Barrier Reef’, and this tropical city is home to James Cook University, ranked 20^th in Australia and joint 377^th in the world.

The university achieved high scores in the international faculty and international students ranking indicators.

Runner-up: None

Canberra: The Australian National University

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Australia’s capital Canberra hosts the highest-ranked university in Australia, The Australian National University, which takes joint 29^th place in the world rankings. The university achieved a perfect score for international faculty, plus exceptional scores for international students and academic reputation.

It is also the fifth best university in the world for philosophy degrees.

Runner-up: University of Canberra, ranked 26^th in Australia and joint 484^th in the world.

Darwin: Charles Darwin University

The best university in the city of Darwin is the appropriately named Charles Darwin University, which is ranked 651-700 in the world.

While the original campus is in Darwin, the university has a presence across Australia, with campuses in nine locations including Alice Springs, Melbourne, Sydney and Palmerston.

Runner-up: None

Gold Coast: Bond University

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Gold Coast is a coastal city in the state of Queensland, and is renowned for its booming tourist industry, surfing beaches, theme parks and nightlife.

The only Gold Coast university in the rankings is Bond University, ranked at joint 442^nd in the world, scoring particularly high for international faculty and international students.  

Runner-up: None

Hobart: University of Tasmania

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The sole entrant in the rankings for the island state of Tasmania is the University of Tasmania in Hobart. It’s ranked 18^th in Australia and joint 291^st in the world, with high scores in the international faculty and international students ranking indicators.

The university also ranks 42^nd in the world for earth and marine sciences.

Runner-up: None

Lismore: Southern Cross University

The small city of Lismore in north-eastern New South Wales is home to Southern Cross University, ranked 751-800 in the world. The university is only 23 years old and has additional campuses in Gold Coast and Coffs Harbor, as well as operating The Hotel School Melbourne and The Hotel School Sydney in partnership with Mulpha Australia.

Runner-up: None

Melbourne: The University of Melbourne

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Melbourne has seven universities in the world rankings, but top of the pile is the University of Melbourne, ranked second in Australia and 38^th in the world.

It is also the highest-ranked university in Australia for both academic and employer reputation. In the subject rankings, it is sixth in the world for law and legal studies and comes seventh in the world in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

Runner-up: Monash University, ranked sixth in Australia and joint 58^th in the world. It also ranks third in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology.

Newcastle: The University of Newcastle Australia (UON)

Ranked 10^th in Australia and joint 207^th in the world is the University of Newcastle Australia (UON), which achieved a perfect score for the international faculty ranking indicator.

As well as main campuses in Newcastle, the university also has bases in Central Coast, Sydney, Port Macquarie and Singapore.

Runner-up: None

Perth: The University of Western Australia

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Located in the capital of Western Australia, Perth, the University of Western Australia is ranked 86^th in the world and seventh in Australia.

It gained a perfect score for international faculty and a near-perfect score for the international students ranking indicator. The university is also ranked fourth in the world for mineral and mining engineering.

Runner-up: Curtin University, ranked 13^th in Australia and 230^th in the world. It also ranks second globally for mineral and mining engineering – so clearly Perth is the place to be for this subject!

Rockhampton: Central Queensland University (CQ University Australia)

One of the industrial and agricultural centers of the north of Australia, Rockhampton is home to Central Queensland University (CQ University Australia).

The university ranks 601-650^th in the world, achieving high scores for the international students and faculty ranking indicators.

Runner-up: None

Sydney: The University of Sydney

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Possibly the most iconic city in Australia, Sydney is home to six ranked institutions, with the University of Sydney taking the gold medal position. The university is ranked third in Australia and 42^nd in the world, achieving the joint highest score for international students, and the second highest scores for employer reputation and academic reputation.

It’s also ranked fourth in the world for both sports-related subjects and graduate employability.

Runner-up: The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), just misses out on the number one spot, having been ranked fourth in Australia and 43^rd in the world.

Toowoomba: University of Southern Queensland

Toowoomba, nicknamed the ‘Garden City’, is home to the University of Southern Queensland, ranked 751-800 in the world.

While the main campus is in Toowoomba, the university also has campuses in Springfield and Ipswich. Around 75 percent of students at the university complete their studies online.

Runner-up: None

Wollongong: University of Wollongong

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Ranked 11^th in Australia and joint 212^th in the world is the University of Wollongong on the east coast, which scores particularly highly for the international student and international faculty ranking indicators.

The university is also ranked 17^th in the world for mineral and mining engineering.

Runner-up: None