Hi, I'm Ivy. I'm from Canada, I'm studying law, and I'm on the athletics team. I enjoy spending time with friends and love binge watching shows, movies, and listening to music.

My first time in Europe was when I stepped off a plane in Manchester and headed straight to the University of Birmingham Law School. I completed my undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of Toronto, which was only about 45 minutes from where I grew up. I knew coming here would mean building a new community and pushing myself outside my comfort zone, but I also knew that if there was ever a time to take a leap, it was now.

Why I chose Birmingham

I applied to five UK law schools and was lucky enough to receive offers from all of them. Choosing Birmingham came down to three things: academic reputation, employability, and, unexpectedly, its strong community of Canadian students. I wanted somewhere that would challenge me academically, support my professional goals back home, and feel like a place where I could belong. Birmingham kept ticking every box.

How did you know the University of Birmingham was the right choice for you?

As an international student deciding to pursue law in the UK, choosing the right university required a lot of research and discussion. I knew the University of Birmingham was the right fit for me because it places a strong emphasis on supporting international students.

One of my key considerations was finding a university that could provide excellent postgraduate opportunities, and Birmingham stood out for its strong careers network, both in the UK and in Canada. I also attended several online sessions led by the law faculty, and it became clear that this is a place where students are both supported and academically challenged. All of these factors made Birmingham feel like the perfect choice for me.

Settling into a new study rhythm

Even though both Canada and the UK follow common law, I wondered whether the teaching style would feel different. So far, the transition has been smooth. This semester, I’m in lectures and seminars from Monday to Wednesday, which gives me time later in the week to tackle the mountain of readings that come with studying law.

And yes, the stereotype is true: there are a lot of readings. But the structure makes it manageable, or at least as manageable as casebooks and journal articles can ever be (lol).

Support, community, and career prep

Where Birmingham has really impressed me is with its support system. Every law student has a personal academic tutor and a student mentor, and lecturers are genuinely accessible. The atmosphere in the cohort is collaborative rather than cut-throat, which makes a world of difference.

Even though law school isn’t easy, I’ve never felt like I’m facing it alone. Another standout has been the professional development opportunities. During my undergrad, I felt like I constantly had to hunt for ways to build my CV. Here, opportunities come to us! Internships, pro bono roles, part-time student jobs, advocacy programs, it’s all on offer. CEPLER (the Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research) has been huge in this. It connects students with law firms, NGOs, regulators, and other organizations, giving us real professional insight and experience while we study. It’s exactly the kind of preparation I hoped for before returning to Canada to start my career.

Canadian connections that feel like home

And of course, one of my favourite parts of Birmingham is the Canadian community. The law school offers modules tailored specifically for Canadian students, and the university has strong links with Canadian firms and universities. I’m especially excited for the Canadian Careers Conference in February, it feels like a direct pathway back home. Being part of the Canadian Society has also made a massive difference socially. It’s comforting to be surrounded by people who get what it’s like to move across the world, and this year I’m proud to be the First-Year Representative!

Student life

My student experience at Birmingham has been really fun and welcoming. Everyone is friendly and always open to a chat, which makes running into friends and course mates around campus one of my favourite parts of the day. My friends and I often head to Cuore after lectures for lunch, which has become a little tradition of ours.

The university also makes it easy to get involved in different opportunities, like my role as a student content creator, which has added another exciting layer to my time here. Overall, campus life feels vibrant, supportive, and full of opportunities to connect and grow.

My favourite memory

My favourite memory so far has to be during Welcome Week. After a law event, my friend and I were walking out and chatting when another student overheard our accents and asked if we were from Canada. We said yes, and to our surprise, she was too! A few other girls nearby overheard and joined in, saying they were also Canadian. It turned into such a funny and wholesome moment. A little group of us from back home all meeting by chance in Birmingham. We ended up going out together that same night, and it’s a memory that still makes me smile.

Looking ahead

I’m only a short way through the program, but I already know I made the right decision. The challenge, the support, the opportunities, and the friendships have made Birmingham feel like a second home. I’m enjoying it so much that I almost wish the program was longer than two years—almost!