It can be both exciting and overwhelming to travel to the UK to study abroad. Apart from the extremely cold weather which most international students have to brace themselves for, there are several opportunities for education. If you are planning to study in the UK, then this blog is for you. We’ll take you through the most pertinent and noteworthy tips useful to your stay in the UK.
Living the student life in the UK
There are several renowned and reputed universities in the UK, welcoming international students to pursue their career goals. The quality of education and living standards are enough to make you want to study abroad.
Famous for its fish and chips and English breakfast, Britain can certainly pull you into some memorable moments with friends and other social parties. At the same time, Indian and Chinese cuisines are popular with dishes mostly curated to suit local taste buds. However, while you try to fit in as an international student, you’re going to find many avenues to do so. Let’s look at some of the valuable tips you need to consider while adjusting to the way of life in the UK.
1. Planning your finances
While undergraduate bachelor programs can range between £7000 and £20,000 per year, post graduate master’s programs can come anywhere between £10,000 and £25,000 per year. The medical or doctoral programs vary accordingly.
2. Looking towards Scholarship as an option
It’s important to determine whether or not you can afford education to study in the UK. To assist you in reducing the financial burden, you could apply for a scholarship program and see if you can get selected for the same. Our team experts can guide you in applying for the scholarship most suited to you.
3. Getting a UK student visa
Your foremost priority should revolve around applying for a UK student visa once you’ve been accepted into a university in the UK. The visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin. Also, some changes have come into effect from 1st January 2021. A few regulations and exceptions apply to some, while different conditions apply to others.
For students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland coming to the UK, they didn’t need a visa to live and study in the UK until 31st December 2020. This means that if you were living in the UK before this date, you are permitted to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. This scheme allows you to work, study and access benefits and services on the terms applicable before Brexit.
However, if you moved to the UK after 31st December 2020, the conditions are different.
For instance, if you are a student from outside Europe (excluding Switzerland) and you are coming to the UK, you will need a visa to study in the UK. That said, if you’re involved in a study program of less than six months, you’ll need a Standard Visitor Visa which costs £95. This visa does not permit you to work in the UK, unless it’s an elective (an optional placement as part of a medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine course).
However, if you wish to work during your stay in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a Student visa.
Furthermore, you could apply for a Short-term Study Visa, if:
- You are 16 and above
- Your course is up to six month but not more than 11 months
- You plan on studying an English language course.
Applying for the Short-term study visa will cost you £186.
Now, if your course duration is beyond six months, you’ll need a Student visa that permits you to work. You can reach out to know more about the UK student visa requirement from our team of experts.
4. Connect with the UK life
Once you step into the UK and get into the university where your application was accepted, prepare to meet many people who live in the UK, and also other international students. The UK is considered a place with diverse and welcoming people from around the world.
All the universities in the UK have plenty of international students that you can meet and get to know. To be able to settle and adjust with the UK life, you could try joining a few university clubs of your interest. There are also groups on Facebook pertaining specifically to your university. This is also a good start to discussing your queries before arriving in the UK, also standing a chance to make new friends.
As mentioned before, the UK has extremely cold weather, in addition to a wet climate. So, make sure to pack your warmest clothes, and also buy suitable waterproof overcoats after you arrive. This way, you know you’re buying the right ones suited to the UK weather. While the winters can really run a chill down your spine, it’s not budget or eco-friendly to keep the heaters turned on all the time. So, make sure that you have warm clothes on you most of the time.
The UK has the summer weather in the months June, July, and August. There are long sunny days with occasional thunderstorms and heat waves. However, compared to what summer may feel like in your country, the summer season here may still feel cold, just not as much during the British winters.
5. Meet new people in groups and communities
The UK can sometimes present a bit of isolation when it comes to socialising, only because of the living standards. This is why, it is advisable to make friends and ensure to enjoy within limits during the weekends, at least. You can do this by connecting with people in groups and communities on Facebook. Further to this, you can also plan some travel trips with friends during the semester breaks.
Study groups are also a great way to keep in touch with people, while also benefiting from studying together. The more people you are in touch with, the better your chances of not missing out on important information regarding deadlines on assignments or information that you might have overlooked regarding your study projects. Also, if you are staying on-campus, you are likely to have roommates to get to know better.
6. Get an accommodation that’s affordable
Accommodation can get tricky in the UK, especially if you want it closer to the university. While many students can stay in the university accommodation provided, you may not also be lucky enough to get a room that’s not occupied. You can get in touch with our expert team to assist with you going through the right sites to find accommodation in the city where you intend to stay.
7. Open and activate your bank account
Once you arrive in the UK, make sure to set up your bank account with a reputed bank. Opening a bank account is a must for all international students that provide benefits for those on a student visa. For instance, you can pay for your rent and utility bills from your savings bank account.
Here are a few documents required to open a bank account in the UK (factors and requirements may vary):
- Valid Passport and Student Visa
- Proof of address in the UK
- Proof of address in the country of Residence
- Passport photos, if requested by the bank
8. Get a part-time job
Here’s another way to meet new people, earn extra bucks to offload your weekly expenses, and also gain the confidence to further settle into the UK lifestyle as an international student.
Getting a part-time job is one of the best ways to gain a proper understanding of how to communicate with more people in the UK. As a student, you would be permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during your term. You can work full-time during the holidays and earn more than you do this term.
9. Get used to the transport system
The transport system works within a specified time each day. You need to select the best channel and route of transport to ensure a smooth journey back and forth to your university and where you stay. Managing daily commute is better planned beforehand. The UK has some of the best transport facilities, but making plan B travel arrangements, just in case, can do you a great deal of benefit during emergencies.
At the same time, you can get a student pass from the nearest station and get discounted fares.
10. Get to know the country
Once you are in the UK, you could take the opportunity of exploring and travelling to new locations. Discovering the beautiful and scenic places of the country is worth every trip you take. Plan a good trip with your friends along with a well-calculated budget to make sure that you enjoy your trip to some of the gorgeous locations and cultural aspects.
The UK has some of the best universities to offer world-class education. With the right planning, you can make your dream come true by studying in the UK. Wish to study abroad? Consult with our experts today!