What I Expected vs What I Found: Moving from Canada to Glasgow for My Master's
Published: 14 August 2026
Jernie reflects on her one-year Master's journey from Canada to Glasgow, sharing how the reality of studying abroad compared to her expectations and the experiences that shaped her year.
Author: Jernie Friesen, MSc Criminology & Criminal Justice student
Before becoming a student at UofG, I tried to imagine what student life would be like once I arrived in Glasgow. Some of my expectations were correct, but some of the things I was worried about actually turned out so much better than I had expected. Here are some of the things I was worried about before coming to Glasgow, and how my experience proved my assumptions wrong.
Expectation #1: Moving to Glasgow will be very difficult/scary, and I will have a hard time settling in.
Reality: Moving to Glasgow was scary, but it was not nearly as difficult as I had anticipated. The city and the UofG are very welcoming, and everyone is happy to help if you get lost or need help finding something. Settling in felt easy, and once my courses started and I had established a routine I felt right at home. Attending lots of welcome events and joining societies also helped me to settle in and meet new people I connected well with.
Expectation #2: A master’s programme workload will be overwhelming, and the work will be too difficult for me to keep up with.
Reality: A master’s degree requires hard work and diligence, but it is very manageable. Staying on top of coursework early on helps me to not feel overwhelmed later, and understanding what to prioritise helps me to stay focused on the most important things. If my coursework ever does feel too difficult or too overwhelming, there are many types of support available for students to help me get back on track. I also know that my tutors and lecturers truly do want their students to do well, so I can always attend their office hours or ask them for help if I need it.
Expectation #3: I am only going to Glasgow study, and I won’t have time to do anything else.
Reality: While it is important to focus on your studies, it is also important to make the most of your time in Scotland! Living in the UK is the perfect opportunity to do some traveling and exploring, especially if you only plan to be in Scotland for one year. Exploring locally within Glasgow as well as across Scotland and the UK adds really valuable life experience to your studies and can be a great way to take a break from coursework.
Expectation #4: Doing a master’s degree is not going to be fun.
Reality: Doing my master’s degree has been tiring and stressful at times, but it has also been a lot of fun! Choosing courses on topics I am passionate about and having the opportunity to use assignments to explore my interests in a deeper way have made my master’s experience enjoyable, and I have really appreciated how I have been able to tailor my learning to my interests and experiences. Making friends, getting involved in research or other projects, and learning new skills have also helped me to have a great experience in my master’s programme at the UofG.
Before coming to the UofG, it was hard to imagine what my experience of being a master’s student would be like. I was excited, but I was also nervous. After arriving, and now having spent almost a year in Glasgow, I have been able to see where my expectations were right, and where my experiences didn't turn out like I thought they would. If you will be coming to the UofG soon, know that it’s normal and okay to feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Some things might turn out exactly like you’re expecting, but you will also be pleasantly surprised in many ways. I hope this has helped you to have a better idea of what it will be like to be a student at the UofG, and I wish you the best as you prepare for your master’s journey!
First published: 14 August 2026