There are several students across the world who have plans to study abroad. Out of that, there is a good percentage of students who have decided to study in the UK.
As an international student in a foreign country, you might have mixed feelings in terms of how you are going to manage your lifestyle there.
Following are certain tips and points that might be your aid and relax your hesitance up to some extent to study in the UK.
Funding and Scholarships
As an international student willing to study in the UK, you have to have a thorough check on your funding for the degree. Knowing about international student funding and scholarships will be a great aid to your living in the UK.
There are several scholarships and funding that are available for international students studying in UK. But in case you are an exception who cannot avail a scholarship or isn’t eligible for one you have to self fund your education.
In the case of self-funding, you will have to provide proof that you are capable of covering your fees for the degree and your living expenses in the UK. There might be a possibility that you will have to pay a bit higher compared to the native UK students.
The Student Visa
A very important item on your checklist especially if you are an international student planning to study in UK. There are kinds of visas that you have to apply for according to the duration you are going to stay in the UK.
If you are a student who is planning to study in the UK for less than 6 months you will have to apply for Standard Visa. With this Visa, you do not get to work in the UK. This cost around £95.
There is a Short term Study Visa available. This is for those who will be in the UK for 6 to 11 months. The minimum age requirement must be 16 years old for the individual. This cost around £186.
The Student visa, it os opted if you wish to stay longer than 6 months and also wish to work. This visa takes time to process. Hence as an international student wishing to study in UK, you have to apply a minimum of 6 months before your course starts. The Student Visa costs around £348.
Setting up your student’s bank account
If you are planning to stay in the UK for longer it is preferable that you have a student bank account there. This makes the transactions easy when it comes to paying bills and fees.
Getting a student bank account might be a lengthy process and not all banks provide student bank accounts to international students. Hence do thorough research if you are planning to get one.
Accommodation
Accommodation in UK for international students is one of the major factors that you have to figure out in the initial stage itself. As an international student planning to study in the UK you need to check this out for settling down in the bustling life of UK.
You have the option of living in the accommodation your University provides or you can also opt for private accommodation. In case you are confused about how to find the proper residence for you, start living your 1st year in the university accommodation itself. So later when you grow familiar with your environment you can start hunting for accommodation that is comfortable, is close to your university and provides the required facilities that you want.
The British Lifestyle
Being an international student planning to study in the UK you need not worry about fitting in. The UK is known to be accommodating mixed culture international crowds that make all its student feel at home. Hence, the student life in UK is pretty smooth irrespective of where one is from.
The UK is known for its cold and wet climate and hence you should have a good amount of clothes to warm you up. The summers are that hot. Hence carrying warm clothes is really important.
Conclusion
Slowly you are going to be able to adapt to various aspects of lifestyle in the UK. So don’t fear the change and keep learning. INteract a lot with your classmates around you. They can help you out with a lot of things. It is always easy and fun to learn about your surrounding that way.