Next time the sun comes out and you’re making a beeline for your local beer garden, why not go the extra mile and visit one of Birmingham’s hidden rooftop bars?

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed pub vibe or somewhere a little more upmarket, Birmingham has a rooftop bar to suit you.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best rooftop bars in the city, so all you have to do is turn up, get yourself a drink and soak in the city’s most impressive views.

The Wellington, City Center

It is easy enough to walk past this award-winning pub on your adventures through Birmingham’s city center. However, located just minutes from New Street Station, The Wellington, or ‘The Welly’ if you’re a regular, is the perfect spot for a post-lecture pint.

As well as serving up some of Birmingham’s best real ales and European bottled beers, this classically British pub has a rooftop garden hidden out the back, which is an ideal spot for basking in the warm afternoon sunshine.

Although The Wellington doesn’t serve any food, they are more than happy for you to have a takeaway delivered to the pub, and will even provide with some cutlery if you ask nicely.

Hotel Indigo, Brindley Place 

As one of Birmingham’s more classy establishments, Hotel Indigo is probably most well known as being part of the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill.

Recently acknowledged as one of the best rooftop bars in the UK, you’ll need to put on your best shoes to visit this glamorous bar. Sitting on the 25th floor of The Cube, Hotel Indigo offers unrivalled panoramic views over Birmingham that make the hefty drinks prices seem worth it.

Additionally, with a sheltered and fully heated seating area, you can even visit during the winter when the bar is considerably less crowded, and views are just as spectacular.

The Church Inn, Jewelry Quarter 

Although a short walk out of the city center, the Jewelry Quarter is brimming with hidden eateries and secret bars waiting to be discovered.

The Church Inn is located just five minutes down the road from The Lord Clifden, a Jewelry Quarter favorite. Inside, The Church Inn is a classic English boozer, decked out with mahogany bar tops and brass detailing.

Grab a cocktail or craft ale from the bar and walk through the main room to a set of stairs at the back that lead to the rooftop area. Laden with brightly colored deckchairs and a variety of sweet-smelling fruit trees, the looming skyline of the city will serve as the only reminder you’re in the industrial heart of the West Midlands. 

Button Factory, Jewelry Quarter 

Another hidden gem in Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter is the aptly named Button Factory. Housed in a disused factory that once made, you guessed it, buttons – this bar is one of the city’s trendiest watering holes.

Its bare brick walls and original wooden beams nod to the building's heritage while its all-day bar menu boasts the perfect excuse for a boozy brunch. Currently, the rooftop is only open seasonally and serves as the perfect place to enjoy an alfresco tipple during the summer months.

Don’t forget to check out their food menu that focuses on locally grown, beautifully seasonal produce.

Sky by the Water, Birmingham International 

A newcomer to Birmingham’s rooftop bar scene, Sky by the Water is located a little further out of the city center. Fortunately, it’s just minutes from Birmingham International Train Station and part of a large shopping complex so you can stop in here after a busy day hitting the sales.

Situated on the fifth floor, Sky by the Water offers visitors a view of the city’s skyline from afar. Whether you want to enjoy a classic cocktail made with love or enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea, the view from the top makes every experience truly special.

Visit during sunset for some of the most spectacular views, but don’t forget to book a table in advance! 

The Bureau Bar, City Center 

Situated in the heart of Colmore Row, the long-standing Bureau Bar has been a favorite haunt amongst city workers for years. To the untrained eye, this classy establishment may look like your ordinary city cocktail bar.

However, dare to climb the spiral staircase and you will be rewarded with a secret rooftop terrace, still undiscovered by so many. Cocktail lovers can opt for a well-made traditional concoction or let the skilled bartenders create something out of your favorite liquors.

Why not order something off their simple and affordable deli menu to soak up some of the booze? The duck Scotch egg and classic club sandwich are the bar’s much-loved favorites.

The Malt House, Brindley Place

Packed with popular eateries and tourist hotspots, it can often be hard to escape the bustling crowds of Brindley Place. Overlooking the canal, The Malt House offers a break from the crowds as well as a fantastic selection of real ales and well-made pub food classics.

Why not trace the footsteps of Bill Clinton who once sank a pint on the pub's balcony while enjoying a rare summer’s day in Birmingham, or simply grab a refreshing fruit cocktail and relax while the barges pass by in front of you.

Book a table on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a cracking roast dinner with the sounds of a smooth jazz band in the background.

Psychology can be an extremely fascinating subject, even if it’s hard to remember that when you’re surrounded by a pile of textbooks preparing for exams.

Whether you’ve studied psychology for ages or your first year at uni is around the corner, here are eight books which will not only help you with your course but will also help you rediscover what you loved about psychology in the first place.

Enrich your mind by reading about the mind – makes sense, right?

Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole: Extraordinary Journeys into the Human Brain by Dr Allan Ropper and Brian David Burrell.

Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole is a book about the front line of clinical neurology, and the struggle of trying to heal the body when the mind is under attack.

By watching and listening to the patient, he is able to rapidly deduce what the problem is. Much like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, absurdities are a daily occurrence in Dr Ropper’s patients, and he explains some of the more interesting cases he encounters.

Read about cases such as the man found circling around in traffic because he couldn’t find his way home, a child molester who after slipping on ice has a brain that’s dead in a body that’s alive, and a mom diagnosed with ALS who has to decide whether a life locked inside her own head is worth living.

Written more as a story than simply stating the facts, and going into detail with each case, this is a good book for teaching psychology students about the different symptoms for brain diseases. The book manages to be both compassionate and informative and offers a better understanding into the complexity of the job of a neurologist.

Elephants on Acid: And Other Bizarre Experiments by Alex Boese

Elephants on Acid is an exploration into the craziest psychological experiments that have happened across time (but mainly the 1970s) in the name of science. The experiment referred to in the title is one in which an elephant called Tusko was selected for an experiment to determine what happens to an elephant given a massive dose of LSD.

Other experiments discussed include: Will babies instinctively pick a well-balanced diet? Will the average dog summon help in an emergency? Why can’t we tickle ourselves? And is it possible to bring back life to the dead?

This is a book filled with strange, often terrifying experiments in a time when there weren’t measures in place to protect the individual being experimented on.

Every psychology student should read this because it really makes you appreciate the importance of the ethical procedures put in place for psychological experiments in the 21^st century. This is a book which is both horrifying and humorous.

Note: this may be a book that is quite upsetting for animal lovers, as many of the experiments written about in this book are extremely disturbing. 

Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson

Have you ever wondered how strong the power of suggestion really is? Have you ever bought the more expensive of two similar items and then spent ages telling yourself that the cheaper one would’ve been completely unreliable? If so, then this is the book for you.

Written by two social psychologists, the book deals with cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias and other cognitive biases, explaining why it is that when people make mistakes, they convince themselves they are right to spare themselves the embarrassment of being wrong.

"If mistakes were made," say the authors, "memory helps us remember that they were made by someone else." For example, when you swear you put an object somewhere and it’s found in a different place, you proceed to convince yourself that someone else must’ve moved it.

Tavris and Aronson explore whether we ever really believe the stories we tell ourselves and other people, and what this has meant throughout history.

The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt

In The Happiness Hypothesis, award-winning psychologist Jonathan Haidt takes ancient wisdom and ideals that people thought it was necessary to follow in order to live meaningful lives, and tests it under the scrutiny of modern science. He then uses the results from these tests to apply these lessons to everyday life in the 21^st century.

In his book Haidt discusses behavioral biases, beliefs, religions, morality and consciousness, using published psychological studies and science to dissect them.

If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of philosophy and psychology, then this is the perfect book for you. Praised for its originality, the book puts to the test well known ideals such as ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ and ‘do unto others as you would have others do unto you’. This is a book to help you reflect on human behavior.

The Private Life of the Brain by Susan Greenfield

This one is on the University of Oxford’s psychology course reading list, so you know it’s worth a read. The Private Life of the Brain explores “the effects of neurological disorders and injuries, the actions of drugs, the character of thought in dreams, in schizophrenia, in reverie, and in childhood”.

Although this book can, at times, be quite heavy reading, it is a good one to read if you want to gain a solid overview of neuroscience research. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the human mind and explains how physiology and experience intertwine to define an individual.

Greenfield challenges common assumptions made about the brain while answering interesting questions such as ‘What is the relationship between pleasure and pain?’ and ‘How might an understanding of the science of emotion help us better understand schizophrenia and depression?’.

This book is a must-read for any psychology student looking to better understand the human brain.

The Little Book of Psychology by Emily Ralls and Caroline Riggs

All of the best bits about psychology with none of the fluff. This is a good book to read if you want a basic overview of psychology and to learn about the key theories.

The book gives an overview on the famous psychologists, theories, psychological studies and themes you need to know for your course.

Only 128 pages long, this book is a great place to start if you’re a psychology student about to start university.

The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil by Philip Zimbardo

Written by renowned social psychologist Philip Zimbardo, and the basis of the award-winning film The Stanford Prison Experiment, The Lucifer Effect explores why good people can be convinced to act evil and where the line is really drawn between good and bad.

Zimbardo gives a first-hand account of his infamous Stanford Prison Experiment, in which a group of college student volunteers were placed in a mock prison environment and randomly split into either ‘prisoners’ or ‘guards’ (with Zimbardo serving as the superintendent.

The experiment had to be stopped after a week as both groups quickly got into their roles, with the guards submitting some prisoners to psychological abuse. In this environment, the prisoners became unstable, with several leaving early due to psychological breakdowns.

Although there have been many criticisms of the experiment, this book makes for an interesting read for psychology and non-psychology students alike. It also gives an excellent insight into the power of roles and group identity, and how humans can become cruel very quickly in the right situation.

In the book, Zimbardo examines the psychological causes behind the surprising results of this experiment and confronts the terrifying reality of human nature.

The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson

Bestselling journalist Jon Ronson learns how to spot a psychopath from an influential psychologist, who is convinced that many important CEOs are psychopaths.

He is told its possible to do this by looking at a variety of verbal and nonverbal clues. He then goes to talk to several suspected psychopaths: a death squad leader, a patient in an asylum for the criminally insane who insists he isn’t a psychopath and a legendary CEO whose psychopathy has been speculated about in the press.

While this book is unlikely to help you in your course significantly, it makes for an entertaining and enjoyable read for psychology students.

Other interesting nonfiction psychology books

If you just can’t get enough psychology, some other books that we recommend for psychology students are:

• The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat (mentioned in books for medicine students)
• Thinking, Fast and Slow (mentioned in books for economics students)

Image credit: Goodreads

Home to three of the top universities in the UK and a booming student population, Manchester can start to feel a little crowded during exam season. Seemingly overnight, the city is filled with students and bagging a seat at your usual university library becomes quite a mission. 

Getting up at the crack of dawn to secure the same, boring old library seat understandably mars anyone’s motivation. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best study spaces in Manchester, so you can say goodbye to staking out a place in the library and head for somewhere prettier, quieter and more comfortable.

John Rylands Library

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, head over to John Rylands library and it will feel like your Hogwarts letter never got lost in the post. The stunning architecture and quiet workspaces make for an ideal revision spot. There are even ‘historic toilets’, so the magic never ends.

Ziferblat

Turning the conventional coffee shop set-up on its head, this place charges you for your time, rather than your consumption. At 8p a minute and with a four-hour cap, you’ve got all the motivation and caffeine you’ll need to get cramming.

Designed with students and co-workers in mind, this place feels more like a living room than a library and may just become your favorite study spot. 

Whitworth Gallery Cafe

Manchester is not famous for good weather, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be studying in the great outdoors. Well, almost…

At Whitworth Gallery café you can gaze out at the park and people-watch to your heart’s content, taking in the outside world from the other side of the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, happily remaining warm, dry and well-fed and watered inside the café.

If you’re in need of inspiration, take a stroll around the gallery for free to spark your imagination.

Chapter One Books

This charming independent bookstore in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter also doubles as a coffee shop and an excellent writer’s nook.

Tuck yourself away in a typewriting booth or sprawl out on a sofa and get studying. A rare bonus is that it’s open until midnight, so it’s a great place for any night owls.

Central Library

This is quite possibly the fanciest place to study in Manchester. If you focus best in total silence, head to the grand, circular reading room on the first floor, complete with marble pillars and domed ceiling.

When you’re in need of a well-earned break, pop into the music room just next door and release some of that frustration with a go on the DJ decks or blast out some chopsticks on the piano.

North Tea Power

Endless coffee and tea options, an all-day brunch menu, the comfiest seating and a dog-friendly door policy: that’s North Tea Power in a nutshell. Whether you’re looking to do some solo revision or get started on a group project, you can settle in for a whole day at this Northern Quarter gem and never get bored.

Portico Library

Housed inside an impressive Greek Revival building, Portico Library is one of the smallest, but arguably best, libraries in the city. Once you’ve found the unassuming entrance, continue into the charming domed gallery, where you can work surrounded by walls of old, wooden bookcases packed with 19^th century books.

Complete with a café serving delicious snacks and lovely staff, this revision spot is hard to top.

Nexus Art Café

A not-for-profit community space, Nexus Art Café provides an abundance of seating, relaxed vibes and homemade sweet treats.

You’ll be surrounded by unique, modern art created by up-and-coming artists in this kitsch, homely space. They also support local development and sustainability projects, so you can study in peace knowing any profits from your cappuccino are going to a great cause.

26 Canadian universities are featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2020, including three in the top 60. A further 10 are in the global top 400, all ranked based on a methodology which considers each institution’s rating among employers and academics, as well as its research impact and other factors.

See below for a table of the top 10 universities in Canada in 2020, and read on discover more about the institutions in each province.

about the institutions in each province.

Top universities in Ontario

More than a third of the top universities in Canada can be found in Ontario, and it’s also the most populous province in the country, home to more than 38 percent of Canada’s overall population. Four top Canadian universities are found in Canada’s largest city, Toronto, and two are based in capital city Ottawa, which were both featured in the top 50 of the QS Best Student Cities 2019. Ontario’s highest ranked institutions are:

1. University of Toronto

Ranked joint 29^th in the world and number one in Canada this year, the University of Toronto gets its highest score in the ‘academic reputation’ indicator (17^th in the world) and is known for its research innovations, having been the birthplace of insulin and stem cell research.

2. McMaster University

Based in the city of Hamilton, McMaster University is ranked joint 140^th in the world, and was established in 1887, taking its name from the Honorable William McMaster, a prominent Canadian Senator and banker who bequeathed C$900,000 to its founding.

3. University of Waterloo

Ranked joint 173^rd in the world, the University of Waterloo is known for its cooperative education (co-op) programs, which allow students to integrate their education with relevant work experience.

4. Western University

Previously known as the University of Western Ontario, Western University is ranked 211^th in the world this year and is a member of the U15, a group of 15 research-intensive Canadian universities.

5. Queen’s University

Queen’s University, based in Kingston, is ranked joint 239^th in the world in 2020. Founded in 1841 via a royal charter issued by Queen Victoria, Queen’s boasts more than 1,400 hectares (3,500 acres) of land throughout Ontario.

6. University of Ottawa

The highest-ranked university in Canada’s capital city, the University of Ottawa is placed joint 281^st in the world, up eight places from 2019, and is the largest bilingual university in the world, with around 42,250 students.

7. York University

Another of the top Canadian universities located in Toronto, York University is ranked joint 511-520 in the world and is known for its prestigious film school, which is considered one of the best in Canada.

8. University of Guelph

The University of Guelph, based in the city from which it takes its name, is ranked 571-580 in the world this year and is considered particularly prestigious for veterinary science.

9. Carleton University

Based in Ottawa, Carleton University is ranked 651-700 in the world this year, and joint 22^nd in Canada.

10. University of Windsor

In the city of Windsor, Canada’s southernmost city, the University of Windsor is also placed 651-700 in the world and joint 22^nd in Canada in 2020.

11. Ryerson University

Ryerson University, in downtown Toronto, is ranked 801-1000 in the world rankings this year and is one of Canada’s largest universities, with 43,000 students.

Top universities in Quebec

Quebec is the largest province in Canada and the second most-populous. French is the official language here and the region’s largest city, Montréal, is home to four of the top universities in Canada.

1. McGill University

McGill University, based in Montréal, is the second highest-ranked of the top universities in Canada this year at joint 35^th. Established in 1821, McGill currently has around 34,200 students, with around 36 percent coming from outside Canada.

2. Université de Montréal

Ranked 137^th in the world this year, the Université de Montréal is known for its research, with over CA$500 million in research funding and one of the highest volumes of research for any university in Canada.

3. Laval University

Based in Quebec City, Laval University is placed 416^th in the world this year, and is the oldest higher education institution in Canada, with roots going back to 1663. It was also the first French-speaking university in North America.

4. Concordia University

Concordia University is ranked joint 462^nd in the world in 2020 and is in the global top 200 for both indicators which measure on-campus diversity: percentage of international faculty members and international students.

5. Université du Québec

The Université du Québec is ranked 561-570 in the world in 2020 and made up of 10 constituent public universities which collectively have 87,000 students, the largest of which is in Montréal.

6. Université de Sherbrooke

Based in the city of Sherbrooke, the Université de Sherbrooke is ranked 651-700 in the world in 2020 and also runs a campus in the Longueuil suburb of Montréal.

Top universities in British Columbia 

British Columbia is the westernmost province in Canada and is known for its breath-taking natural beauty. One of Canada’s most mountainous regions, British Columbia boasts the largest ski resort in North America, making it a popular choice with students keen on snow sports. Several top Canadian universities can also be found here.

1. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is consistently ranked third among the top universities in Canada and climbed four places in the World University Rankings to now rank 51^st, achieving its highest rank for the academic reputation indicator (28^th). It has around 64,800 students at its campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna.

2. Simon Fraser University

Ranked 12^th among the top Canadian universities, Simon Fraser University is placed joint 314^th in the world and has its main campus in Burnaby, just east of Vancouver. It was established in 1965 and named after Simon Fraser, a North West Company fur trader and explorer.

3. University of Victoria

The University of Victoria is ranked joint 364^th in the world and 14^th in Canada, and is located in the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. It’s home to roughly 21,800 students, over 3,000 of whom are international.

Top universities in Alberta 

Alberta is the most populous of Canada’s ‘prairie provinces’ and is no less mountainous than British Columbia to its west. Two of the 10 highest-ranked universities in Canada are based here:

1. University of Alberta

Ranked fourth in Canada and 114^th in the world, the University of Alberta is mainly based in the city of Edmonton and is a major economic driver to the province, accounting for five percent of its annual GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

2. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is ranked 233^rd in the world and ninth in Canada in 2020 and is one of the younger top Canadian universities, founded in 1966. It’s been at the forefront of numerous innovations in its history, such as the invention of the neurochip.

Other top universities in Canada

The list of top Canadian universities doesn’t end there, with the provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador each hosting one internationally ranked university.

1. Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia

Ranked 280^th in the world and 11^th in Canada, Dalhousie University has three campuses in Halifax, and has its medical school in the city of Saint John, in the neighboring province of New Brunswick.

2. University of Saskatchewan

Located in the city of Saskatoon in the central prairie province of Saskatchewan, the University of Saskatchewan is ranked joint 439^th in the world in 2020.

3. University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is located in province capital and largest city, Winnipeg, and is ranked 601-650 in the world this year.

4. Memorial University of Newfoundland

Finally, in Newfoundland you’ll find the largest university in the ‘Atlantic Canada’ region with 18,000 students, the Memorial University of Newfoundland, ranked 701-750 in the world.

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Summer may be coming towards an end but next time the good old British sunshine decides to make an appearance, why not ditch that overcrowded beach for a secluded wild swimming spot?

Although hidden, these waters are not necessarily remote. In fact, some might be found right on your doorstep.

If you’re not too sure where to go for a wild swim, we’re here to let you in on a few secret spots for an alfresco dip. Visit one of these sites and you’ll never want to go back to that crowded beach.

Just remember: wherever you choose to go for a dip, wild waters can be dangerous. Don’t enter the water unless you’re a strong swimmer and be careful!

Watkins Pools, Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Arguably one of the most underrated and overlooked wild swimming spots in the UK, the Watkins Pools should not be missed.

Nestled in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, just a little way from one of the hiking trails, you may have walked past these majestic pools on your way to Snowdon’s summit.

This series of pools and waterfalls that cascade down the valley provide the perfect place for a day of wild swimming. With over twenty small pools to choose from, chances are you’ll have one all to yourself!

How to find it:  Follow Watkins Path for around 1.6km before taking a right off the path and around the mountain to the pools.

Kailpot Crag, Ullswater, Lake District

As one of the most popular and picturesque lakes in the Lake District, you may have heard of Ullswater before. Kailpot Crag, however, is a secluded spot just off the popular lake that boasts the same spectacular scenery with considerably fewer crowds.

As well as crystal-clear waters to swim in, the focal point of this spot is its rugged crag that sits high above the deep waters. If you dare, jump off the top of the crag for a truly thrilling experience!   

How to find it: Take the ferry across to Howtown Pier and follow the footpath in a southwestern direction for around a mile.

Lower Ddwli Falls, Waterfall Woods, Brecon Beacons

This series of plunge pools, nestled into the southwest hills of the Brecon Beacons, are sure to take your breath away. There are over twenty pools scattered along a five-mile stretch, meaning you can more than likely find a pool for yourself.

It is easy enough to walk between the pools, so pack a picnic and plenty of water to spend a day pool-hopping! For a bit of fun, stop at Horseshoe Falls and have a go on the rope swing.

How to find it: Head to Ystradfellte and park at the Pont Melinfach car park. Walk downstream along the forest path and you will find your first pool.

Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Admittedly, the idea of swimming in an old quarry does not conjure up images of the beautiful Welsh seaside. However, the grey slate in this mine gives the quarry pool a brilliant blue color and the sea breeze couldn’t be more inviting.

Less old quarry and more inland lake, the Blue Lagoon is a picturesque and historic location for a spot of wild swimming.

How to find it: Park in the town of Abereiddy and follow signs to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The lagoon is hard to miss from the path.

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland

If you can handle the icy waters, the Fairy Pools tucked into Scotland’s Inner Hebrides are just about the most picturesque spot to go wild swimming in the UK.

The pools are so majestic that Scottish folklore claims fairies crafted the pools, hence their name.

After a relatively easy-going 2.5km walk, visitors will be rewarded with a string of rosy-hued waterfalls and rocky turquoise pools that lead up to the source of the River Brittle.

How to find it: The footpath begins from the road to Glenbrittle and the pools are well signposted after this. Follow signs for Glumagan Na Sithichean or Fairy Pools.

Wain Wath Waterfall, Keld, Yorkshire Dales National Park

If you fancy a spot of wild swimming but aren’t too keen on cold water, the Wain Wath Waterfall is for you.

Before cascading down the three-meter high waterfall, the waters pass over a shallow river. During the warmer months, this allows the water to warm up extremely fast, providing a refreshing yet pleasant swimming experience.

Surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs and an open grassy bank, bring a picnic and enjoy a whole day here.

How to find it: Driving in the direction of Keld and Kirkby Stephen, the falls will be on your right, around 200m after Stonesdale.

Salmon Leaps, River Teign, Devon

Located not far from the historic Castle Drogo, this wild swimming spot is best known for its relaxing spa properties.

The River Teign slows down to form a tranquil pool that’s perfect for a dip, before cascading dramatically into three plunge pools, each one-meter deep. Take a swim in these lively waters and let nature’s jacuzzi massage your muscles!

The grassy banks that flank the waters on both sides are ideal for a picnic and a spot of sunbathing afterwards.

How to find it: Park at the National Trust car park at Castle Drogo and follow the footpath through the woodlands to Salmon Leaps.

Wast Water, Cumbria

As England’s deepest lake, only strong swimmers should consider swimming out into the depths of these waters.

Tucked away in the Lake District’s western lakes, Wast Water boasts tranquil waters and a dramatic backdrop of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.

Those who don’t fancy a swim can rent a canoe and explore the water from the safety of the boat.

How to find it: There’s just one road that leads to Wast Water, starting from the town of Gosforth. Join the A595 and follow signs to Overbeck.

While university fees continue to rise in many parts of the world, some of you might be thinking that getting a recognized degree qualification, either in your home country or abroad, is simply impossible without having a four- or five-figure budget at your disposal, or without obtaining a scholarship.

You’ll be pleased to hear that this isn’t necessarily the case. There are many countries worldwide where students are able to study abroad for free or for a very affordable amount. You just need to know where to look.

Below you’ll find a selection of countries that offer low-cost or free tuition, with details on eligibility and what current (low) university fees you can expect. To find internationally renowned universities in these countries, visit the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

Study in Germany for free

Interest in studying abroad in Germany just seems to keep on growing. This is largely due to the fact there are no undergraduate tuition fees at most public universities in Germany, and this applies to both German students and internationals, regardless of nationality. Just a small nominal university fee is charged, of around €150-250 (~US$170-280), to cover administration costs.

The exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg in south-west Germany, which reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students in autumn 2017. These students must pay €1,500 (~US$1,660) a semester (€3,000 or ~US$3,320 per year). PhD students and refugees aren’t affected, and the fees are reduced for those pursuing a second degree (to €650 (~US$720) a semester, which is €1,300 (~US$1,440) a year. It’s possible that other German states will follow and reintroduce fees in the future, as they seek to invest in and improve university education, so watch out for this.

Germany’s low study costs, combined with its strong economy and excellent higher education system, makes the prospect of undertaking study in Germany extremely appealing for both students and their parents worldwide. More than 40 German universities are featured among the world’s leaders in the QS World University Rankings – again, beaten only by the US and UK – with the highest place taken by the Technical University of Munich.

If you’re successful in finding a university where you can study in Germany for free, you will of course still need to budget for living costs. If you need a German student visa, you’ll need to prove you have around €10,236 (~US$11,330) per year for living expenses (with the average student spending €850 (~US$940) a month).

Two of the top destinations for study in Germany, Munich and Berlin, were also ranked within the top 30 most affordable cities to study in the QS Best Student Cities 2019.

For more information, download our free guide on How to Study Abroad in Germany, or see the following articles:

• How Much Does it Cost to Study in Germany?
• How to Apply for a PhD In Germany
• Scholarships to Study in Germany
• Study in Germany: Frequently Asked Questions
• Study in Germany in English
• Top Universities in Germany 2020

Study in France for free (or at low cost)

France may not be quite as widely known as Germany for affordable higher education, but international students may be surprised to hear they can also study in France for free (or, at a very low cost), regardless of their nationality.

Although technically university fees do exist at public universities in France, they’re just a fraction of those charged in most countries, amounting to just €170 (~US$190) per year at undergraduate level for EU/EEA/Swiss students.

However, from the 2019/20 academic year non-EU/EEA students will begin paying higher rates, with fees going up to €2,770 (~US$3,065) per year for a bachelor’s degree. However, the French government will be tripling the amount of scholarships available to international students, from 7,000 to 21,000.

Additional charges can bring the price of your studies up, particularly for more specialized programs such as medicine and engineering, but not dramatically. If you’re looking to study at a leading grande école, however, expect fees to vary widely.

As is the case in Germany, the majority of programs offering the chance to study in France for free are taught in the native language. However, there are a growing number of opportunities to study in English, particularly at graduate level. Alternatively, you can also attend a preparatory school to perfect your French skills before beginning your degree, but you’ll have to pay for this.

Living costs in France are also relatively affordable, amounting to around €9,600 (~US$10,620) per year, though you should expect to pay more if you choose to live in capital city Paris.

Find out more:

• Scholarships to Study Abroad in the World’s Best Student Cities
• Scholarships to Study in Europe
• 9 of the Best Places to Study Abroad in Europe
• Top 10 Universities in Paris
• Top Universities in France

Study in the Nordic countries for free

Known for their high quality of life, stunning nature and liberal politics, northern European nations (known as the Nordic countries) also boast some of the strongest higher education systems in the world. Nordic nations Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden all offer opportunities to study free or at low cost:

In Norway, university study is available free of charge to all students, regardless of study level or nationality. Like Germany, you will only need to pay a semester fee, in this case around NOK 300-600 (~US$33-66). The majority of undergraduate programs are taught only in Norwegian, and international students need to demonstrate proof of proficiency in Norwegian in order to study at this level. At master’s and PhD level, English language programs are far more common and free tuition still applies.

In Iceland, there are no tuition fees charged at the country’s four public universities, with only a registration fee of around ISK 75,000 (~US$600) a year.

Denmark, Sweden and most recently Finland only extend their free higher education perks to students from within the EU/EEA and Switzerland, meaning that students from outside these regions must pay tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s programs. However, PhD programs in these countries are fully funded, offering exceptional PhD candidates the chance to gain their degree without paying fees, and earn a salary. Non-EU/EEA students can also still study in Finland for free if they study in either Swedish or Finnish.

International fees at bachelor and master levels in Denmark, Sweden and Finland vary. In Denmark, university fees range from between DKK 45,000 and DKK 120,000 (~US$6,670-17,800) annually, while in Sweden they fall between SEK 80,000 and SEK 145,000 (~US$8,200-14,870) for most courses. In Finland, the recently introduced tuition fees currently amount to at least €1,500 (~US$1,700) per year, although most students will pay between €6,000 - 18,000 (~US$6,640-19,900) per year.

But what about living costs? Well, this is the catch, as the costs of living in northern Europe are among some of the highest on the continent. This is largely due to the healthy economy of the region and the strength of the Nordic currencies, so paying more for living when the streets are clean and the people are happy perhaps isn’t so bad. Four Nordic capitals have been ranked among the world’s top student cities: Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo and Stockholm.

Find out more:

• Universities in Scandinavia With the Lowest Tuition Fees
• International Scholarships for Europe’s Nordic Countries
• Denmark Rated the Third Best Place to Study in Europe
• Student Satisfaction: Finland Best Place to Study in Europe
• Studying in Sweden: Student Satisfaction Survey Results

Other places to study in Europe for free (or at low cost)

What about other places to study in Europe for free or at a low cost? There are a number of European countries which offer affordable or free universities, without any need to sacrifice on quality. See below for more examples.

Austria

Another country where students can study in Europe for free (or at a very low cost) is Austria. EU/EEA students enjoy the same rights as Austrians when it comes to the cost of higher education, and can study for free at any degree level. After this time, students pay a fee of just €363 per semester. International students from outside of the EU/EEA should expect slightly higher fees of around €726 (~US$803) per semester. Living costs will set all students back approximately €11,400 (~US$12,600) a year. Vienna, Austria’s capital city, was ranked 13^th in the QS Best Student Cities 2019.

Belgium

There are two main language communities in Belgium, each with their own stance on university fees. However, EU students will pay a maximum of only €906 a year. And while it’s just EU students who get the major benefits of being able to study in Europe for free, fees are still fairly affordable for non-EU international students, at around €4,175 (~US$4,620) per year. You can live in Belgium with a budget of around €11,400 (~US$12,600) a year. Brussels, the capital city, was ranked joint 43^rd in this year’s QS Best Student Cities.

Czech Republic

Students who speak Czech are able to study abroad for free in the Czech Republic at any public university. Students who wish to study in English can also study fairly cheaply, at around €4,000-12,000 (~US$4,425-13,275) per year. Living costs are more affordable than in many countries in western Europe, at around US$9,000 per year. The Czech capital city, Prague, is ranked joint 35^th in the QS Best Student Cities.

Greece

All students from within the EU/EEA are able to study abroad for free in Greece at public universities and colleges, with the exception of some master’s programs. International students from outside of the EU are also eligible for low-cost higher education, at approximately €1,500 (~US$1,660) per year. Greece offers one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union.

Italy

Although private universities in Italy can be known to charge fairly high tuition fees, public universities in Italy are markedly cheaper, charging between €900 and €4,000 (~US$995-4,420) per year for undergraduate programs. EU students are eligible for the same funding opportunities as Italian students, including loans, grants, scholarships and fee waivers. Milan is ranked 40^th in the most recent QS Best Student Cities, while capital city Rome is 70^th.

Spain

EU students aren’t required to pay high education fees in Spain, while international students are able to study for between €750 and €2,500 (~US$830-2,760) per year at public institutions. Fees are charged on a per-credit basis and can be higher at graduate level. To live in Spain, you should expect to spend between €10,800 and €13,200 (~US$11,940 – 14,600) a year in living costs. Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia are all featured in the QS Best Student Cities, with Barcelona the highest ranked at 21^st.

Other places to study abroad for free (or at low cost)

Argentina

While Argentinian students all enjoy access to free universities, international students should expect to pay a small, nominal fee to enroll at public universities in the country. Private institutions in Argentina, on the other hand, can charge upwards US$5,000 a year. In the QS Best Student Cities 2019, Argentinian capital Buenos Aires is 31^st.

India

In India, international students will typically pay tuition fees of no higher than US$7,300 a year, though private university and graduate fees tend to be more expensive. Living costs in India are, for most students, likely to be very appealing – according to Numbeo, consumer prices are 163 percent cheaper than in the UK, while rental prices are as much as 391 percent cheaper. Overall, you should be able to live comfortably on as little as US$4,300 a year. However, it’s worth noting that international students aren’t allowed to work in India during their studies.

Taiwan

Tuition fees in Taiwan offer great value, with its top universities offering affordable programs. For example, National Taiwan University (NTU), the location’s leading university at 69^th in the QS World University Rankings, charged undergraduate students just TW$100,920-124,200 (~US$3,200-3,965) per year in 2017/18. In the QS Best Student Cities 2019, Taipei was ranked 17^th in the world and 14^th for affordability.

This article was originally published in March 2015. It was last updated in August 2019.

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Sponsored by The Education University of Hong Kong

Are you planning on becoming a teacher or interested in pursuing a degree in education studies? If so, it’s important to know that the education landscape is evolving at a rapid rate, thanks to globalization, the growing number of international schools, and the increasing mobility of students and teachers all over the globe.

With the demand for international teachers on the rise, what does this mean for you? And how are universities preparing the next generation of teachers? We spoke with The Education University of Hong Kong to find out more.

What is ‘international education’?

The debate surrounding what ‘international education’ actually means is ongoing, with many believing it signifies a new strategic direction in comprehensive education where it broadens perspectives, builds diverse connections and encourages innovation and ideas across borders.

International schools traditionally cater to internationally mobile expatriate families who work in international businesses, foreign embassies and so on. However, local students may also attend the schools, not least in order to learn the language used as the medium of instruction at the school (usually English).

For those who are currently studying, or hoping to study an education degree, understanding the concept of international education is twofold. During your studies, you’ll automatically become part of a genuine and dynamic international community, where you’ll have invaluable access to a wide range of cultures, faiths, languages and perspectives.

Beyond your studies and into your career, you’ll want to consider the academic environment you’re teaching in – encouraging diversity and inclusivity among students where culture and language may have once been obstacles.

International education is a catalyst for leading change around the world

The world of international education is a melting pot of individuals and learning with a global perspective ensures students are exposed to different cultures, ethnic groups, religions and languages, enriching society in the process and broadening the academic experience for everyone.

It also, of course, establishes a multicultural learning environment which makes it the ideal setting for increasing students’ cultural awareness and fostering their understanding and appreciation of those who come from a different background to their own.

A growing global trend

Education is at the forefront of global development and, with globalization making it easier than ever for families to move abroad for work and study opportunities, it’s easy to see the appeal of pursuing an international education.

In January 2019, ISCResearch reported that there were 10,282 international schools, 5.36 million students and 503,000 staff members around the world, with those numbers only set to rise as the demand for access to international education heightens.

Asia is a rising star in international education, thanks to the rapid growth of English-medium internationals schools in the region with Hong Kong in particular, having long been regarded as a thriving international city ideally situated at the crossroads between east and west, north and south.

Demand for a ‘Western-style’ education, and the growing prominence of the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Assessment system, mean the education landscape in Asia and elsewhere is undergoing a progressive transformation. 

What this means for aspiring teachers

Echoing the demand for international schools, there is also a surge in demand for aspiring teachers who have the necessary training, cross-cultural skillset and global outlook to work in an international setting.

Such training is critical, and universities are creating new degree programs in response to this. For example, The Education University of Hong Kong, which ranked third in Asia in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 for Education, has purposely developed the Bachelor of Education Minor in Teaching and Learning in International Schools in order to meet the increasing needs of an evolving teaching landscape.

As a result, students have the opportunity to take advantage of Hong Kong’s unique international location to prepare themselves for careers as teachers in international schools anywhere.

Students are taught by professors and lecturers from all four corners of the globe, including Australia, England, mainland China, Russia, South Africa and Hong Kong, ensuring a truly international experience. With them they bring their own wealth of knowledge, skills, subject-specific expertise and understanding of different education systems from around the world.

The program aims to develop students into teachers who have the confidence to teach in an international setting. Students are prepared in areas that include teaching, learning, curriculum and assessment in international schools, take courses such as International Schools in Global Context, and undertake their teaching practicum in one of the many international schools in Hong Kong.

BEd students who complete the Minor in Teaching and Learning in International Schools alongside their major program of study will be able to teach in international schools in Hong Kong and those around the world.

In addition, study tours such as those offered through the Global Learning Enhancement Fund by the Department of International Education at The Education University of Hong Kong allow students to develop their international comparative perspectives and see the relevance to their studies as they travel to countries such as South Africa, Russia, Nepal, Cambodia, Germany and Taiwan.

International study opportunities such as this have always been a popular method for increasing awareness and appreciation cross-culturally and cross-borders.

If you’re a medical student, chances are you study long hours and have very limited spare time for reading.

However, while studying medicine can at times feel all consuming, you may be interested in hearing from people who have been through it all already and come out the other side.

Here are seven excellent books (almost entirely written by practicing medics) which will hopefully remind you why you decided to study medicine in the first place.

This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay

This funny yet shocking book has been a bestseller for over a year, won four National Book Awards and been the Sunday Times Number One Bestseller for over eight months.

Why has this book captivated so many readers? That has to be down to the sheer honesty of the author Adam Kay, a Junior Doctor who writes about his experiences working for the UK’s NHS in obstetrics and gynecology.

Created from pages of his own diaries after long, tiring shifts, Kay leaves out no detail of his life as a junior doctor, and the results are often shocking, hilarious and heartbreaking.

Medicine students will enjoy this book’s ability to make you laugh out loud, but also appreciate its honest portrayal of the not always glamourous life of a junior doctor.

Anyone who really enjoys this book will be pleased to know the BBC are releasing a TV adaptation. Fans may also be interested in reading Kay’s latest novel T’was the Nightshift before Christmas, which was published earlier this year.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Paul Kalanithi was a Neurosurgeon who got diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer at the age of thirty-six, on the brink of completing his medical training. After many years being a doctor treating the dying, he became the patient.

What comes out of this is a touching exploration of life, death and the relationship between a doctor and a patient.

This is a book which you will find hard to forget and is undeniably inspiring despite its gloomy topic. Any medical student or anyone considering studying medicine should read this book.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

A million-copy bestseller, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is described as ‘a provocative exploration of the mysteries of the human mind’ and is written by Oliver Sacks, who has spent fifty years working as a neurologist.

Sacks gives case studies of individuals who have lost their memories and are no longer able to recognize common objects or people, as well as stories of people with extraordinary artistic or mathematical talents.

These case studies are part of the reason this book became so popular and medical students will enjoy this as it shows the strong, fascinating link between medicine and psychology.

The Intern Blues by Robert Marion

The Intern Blues follows three interns talking about their experiences throughout their year-long internships, where they had to deal with 100-hour weeks, being given life or death responsibility and surviving on very little sleep.

Before this puts you off medicine completely, you’ll be pleased to know that this book was written in 1985 and there have since been strict restrictions placed on the hours worked by residents.

However, many medicine students remark that the feelings, emotions and work described are still very relevant today and hence the book has been deemed a contemporary classic.

Unnatural Causes by Dr Richard Shepherd

Dr Richard Shepherd is a forensic pathologist, meaning he solves the mysteries of sudden, unexplained deaths. He’s been involved in many high-profile cases such as the Hungerford Massacre, 9/11 and the Princess Diana inquiry and has performed over 23,000 autopsies in his working life.

Unnatural Causes gives a fascinating insight into his career, which is sometimes gruesome and chilling but always interesting. It also gives readers a glimpse into Dr Shepherd’s personal life, and the strains the job takes on his relationships and his own emotions.

Those currently studying or looking to study medicine will enjoy reading this, as it sheds light on another side of medicine which isn’t talked about as frequently and offers readers a truthful window into the joys and hardships of the career.

In Stitches by Anthony Youn

Growing up in a small town where diversity was uncommon, Dr Youn, an Asian-American kid with thick glasses and a massive protruding jaw, stuck out from his classmates like a sore thumb.

However, his visit to an oral surgeon to get his jaw reconstructed let to a major breakthrough in his life’s calling. Youn went on to become an extremely successful celebrity plastic surgeon, and he explains in this book how he achieved this.

Medicine students will be able to relate to his student filled with study, and his attempts to master dating while trying to complete a medicine degree.

In Stitches lives up to its name, both leaving you in stitches with Youn’s sense of humor as well as leaving you contemplating what he had to say.

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

Stiff is an exploration of postmortem bodies and what happens when you donate your body to science.

Roach approaches this seemingly dreary topic in an extremely humorous (albeit occasionally stomach-churning) way, covering a wide range of topics from human decomposition, using corpses in car crashes, crucifixion experiments and head transplants.

Not a book for the squeamish, but Stiff certainly gives a good insight into human bodies and what happens to them after you die. It’s everything you never knew you wanted to know about dead bodies.

Image source: Goodreads.com