A Complete International Education Journey in Surrey
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Apr 20, 2026
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From Taiwan to the River Thames: How Royal Arsenal Riverside Redefines the International Student Experience
For international students, the transition to London is often defined by the search for a place to belong. For May, a master’s student from Taiwan, that search led her to bypass the volatile rental market in favor of a long-term investment in her lifestyle and future. While choosing a home in a foreign country represents a significant milestone, Royal Arsenal Riverside by Berkeley Group provided the perfect intersection of city vitality and riverside serenity. The Perfect Balance: Connectivity Meets Calm One of the primary draws for May was the development’s exceptional integration into London’s transport network. Situated along the River Thames, the neighborhood provides seamless access to the capital via the Elizabeth line and DLR, allowing for an easy commute while maintaining a peaceful residential atmosphere. “One-bedroom homes by the Thames are incredibly rare,” May says. “I felt very fortunate to find one here.” Nearly two months into her residency at Royal Arsenal Riverside, May describes the community as a peaceful, secure, and thoughtfully maintained enclave where everyday conveniences, such as on-site supermarkets, are just steps away. Yet, for her, the true essence of the lifestyle is defined by the environment itself, a place where expansive green spaces meet the gentle edge of the River Thames. “On days when the weather is good, I like to bring some food and sit on the grass,” she shares. “With the breeze from the river and the views around me, it’s a moment to slow down and simply enjoy where I am.” Navigating the Transition with Expert Support Relocating to a new country naturally involves a steep learning curve, from mastering local utility systems to understanding the nuances of UK service charges. For May, the complexity of settling into life in the UK was mitigated by the specialized support of the Berkeley Group customer service team. Berkeley Group’s commitment to a "hand-holding" approach defined the entire transition, providing a seamless experience that began at the initial viewings and continued through to comprehensive after-sales care. The presence of dedicated on-site property management ensured that every question “no matter how small” was addressed by experts who truly understood the unique needs of international residents. Ultimately, this level of professional guidance transformed a potentially overwhelming relocation into a smooth and manageable journey. More Than a Residence: A Foundation for Growth Establishing a home overseas has been a transformative experience for May, significantly shaping her personal growth. For an international student spending an extended period abroad for the first time, Royal Arsenal Riverside has evolved into much more than a place to stay; it provides a genuine sense of belonging and a permanent foundation for her life in London. “I feel more confident living here,” she reflects. “Being in my own space has helped me feel grounded and comfortable, even far from home.” May’s journey from Taiwan to the banks of the Thames highlights the profound impact that the right environment can have on an international transition. By prioritizing long-term investment over the uncertainty of the rental market, she has secured more than just a premium residence; she has gained a sense of agency and a permanent place within London’s landscape. Royal Arsenal Riverside stands as a testament to how thoughtful design and expert support can turn a foreign city into a true home. Find Out More Discover more about our development at Royal Arsenal Riverside. Book a viewing today or explore our stunning show homes and find your perfect place.
Mar 06, 2026
Berkeley Group Named Britain’s Most Admired Company 2025
Jan 29, 2026
Giving Our Son Room to Grow: A Hong Kong Family’s Journey from City Living to Countryside Calm
Moving country is never an easy decision, especially when it means leaving behind familiarity, family and a fast-paced city life. For Debbie (38) and her husband Eric (40), relocating from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom (UK) was driven by one overwhelming priority: giving their son Ayden the healthiest, happiest start in life possible. As parents, they found themselves thinking beyond the present, considering not just where they lived, but how their surroundings would shape their son’s wellbeing, education and everyday childhood experiences. After travelling more than 6,000 miles, the family are now happily settled at Berkeley's Hartland Village, embracing a calmer pace of life, a close-knit community and the space for their son to grow, learn and thrive. Why Choose the UK for Family Living? Debbie and Eric had lived in Hong Kong their entire lives, but becoming parents in 2020 naturally changed how they viewed city living. Busy streets, high-rise apartments and limited access to outdoor space prompted deeper conversations about the kind of childhood they wanted for Ayden, one with room to play, fresh air to breathe and a balanced education. Debbie explains: “My sister moved to the UK in 2022, and we frequently came to visit her here after she moved. My husband and I both loved the different lifestyle that the UK could offer; being here, our son could grow up surrounded by the countryside and have a more relaxed, all-rounded education. So, we made the decision to relocate in time for him to start school in September 2025.” The decision brought reassurance that they were planning not just for today, but for Ayden’s long-term happiness and development. Hartland Village in Fleet, Hampshire, surrounded by landscaped green spaces and waterways. Why Hampshire and Hartland Village? Hampshire quickly stood out as the perfect balance between countryside calm and everyday convenience. For the family, it wasn’t just about location, it was about choosing a place where their son could enjoy the outdoors daily, attend excellent local schools and grow up in a safe, welcoming environment. Hartland Village, located in Fleet, offered everything they were searching for: green open spaces, thoughtful design and a community built with families in mind. Since moving in April 2025, the family have embraced their new surroundings, with Hartland Country Park right on their doorstep and Fleet Pond just a short walk away, places that have become part of their everyday routine. Life at Hartland Village: Community and Countryside Adjusting to life at Hartland Village has felt natural and rewarding for the family, offering a sense of ease they hadn’t experienced before. Debbie and Eric share how life at Hartland Village has supported their family’s new chapter: “We’re all loving the change in lifestyle. Aayden has settled into his new school really well, and we’re enjoying exploring Fleet and the local countryside at weekends. We’re so lucky to have Hartland Country Park on our doorstep where we regularly go for bike rides, and our chihuahua, Roll, loves chasing birds at Fleet Pond, which is also really nearby.” For Debbie and Eric, watching their son settle happily into school and enjoy the outdoors has been one of the most reassuring signs that they made the right decision. Finding the Perfect Berkeley Home Making such a big move from overseas came with its challenges, particularly when it came to finding the right home. However, with support from family already based in the UK and guidance from Berkeley’s sales team, the process felt both personal and reassuring. Debbie explains: “Hartland Village really stuck out to us as it’s in the English countryside, and the school options in Fleet are brilliant. So, my sister kindly visited the site and video-called us when she was there, so that we could see the available properties. She and the Berkeley sales team also sent me lots of videos and pictures, so we could truly get a feel for the home we were going to buy.” Knowing they were choosing a home designed with families in mind gave them confidence, even from thousands of miles away. Landscaped green spaces and contemporary homes at Hartland Village, Fleet, Hampshire. A Home Designed for Everyday Living The family had a clear vision for their new home, one that supported everyday family life, moments together and simple joys. “A good-sized kitchen was crucial for us, and I love sunshine, so a south-facing garden was a must. This home has both, the kitchen is perfect for baking and cooking, and the garden is filled with light all year round.” Even during winter, the home feels bright and welcoming, a place where family time naturally takes centre stage. Hartland Village: A Growing Community Beyond the home itself, it was the sense of belonging that truly made Hartland Village feel special. “There’s such a strong community at Hartland Village. We’ve got to know our immediate neighbours really well, and we regularly share home baked goods with them. Berkeley also puts on events for the residents once a month, so that’s been a great way to build new friendships.” For a family starting a new chapter in a new country, these connections have been invaluable. Looking Ahead As they settle into their first year at Hartland Village, Debbie and Eric are looking forward to creating family traditions and watching their son grow in a safe, welcoming environment, supported by green open spaces and a strong sense of community. Debbie concludes: “We’d certainly recommend buying a home with Berkeley. They are an excellent developer; the design and quality of their homes are just exceptional, and the customer service is brilliant. Their sales team was there every step of the way and gave advice whenever we needed it.” Find Out More Discover more about our development at Hartland Village. Book a viewing today or explore our stunning show homes and find your perfect place.
Jan 08, 2026