Study In UK

Things to Know Before Studying In the UK

study in the uk

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 the UK. But in case you are an exception who cannot avail of 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

This a very important item on your checklist especially if you are an international student planning to study in the UK. There are kinds of visas that you have to apply for according to the duration you are going to stay in the UK.

  • Research the specific type of visa you need based on your course and duration of study 
  • Make sure you satisfy all qualifying conditions, including financial needs, English language proficiency, and educational prerequisites.
  • 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. This costs around £95
  • If you are a student who is planning to study in the UK for 6 to 11 months, you will have to apply for a short-term study visa. The minimum age requirement is 16 years old for the individual. This cost around £186
  • The student visa is opted for 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 the 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. 

 

  • Open a bank account in the UK as soon as possible after your arrival to manage your finances.
  • Research student bank account options that offer benefits such as no monthly fees, overdraft facilities, and discounts.
  • Keep track of your expenses and create a monthly budget to ensure you manage your finances responsibly
  • In case you are an exception who cannot avail a scholarship or isn’t eligible for one you have to self-fund your education

Transportation 

  • Look at the public transportation choices, including buses, trains, trams, and underground services, that are offered in the city where you are doing your research.
  • To take advantage of student discounts and save money on transit, think about buying transportation passes or cards, like the London Oyster card.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the UK for international students is one of the major factors that you have to figure out in the initial stage. As an international student planning to study in the UK, you need to check this out for settling down in the bustling life of the UK.

  • Explore various housing options, including university dormitories, private student housing, and shared apartments
  • When considering a place to live, consider aspects like proximity to university, safety, and rental prices.
  • 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, close to your university, and provides the required facilities that you want.

Healthcare

Register with the National Health Service (NHS) if you’re eligible. Students on certain visa types, including Tier 4, are usually entitled to NHS healthcare

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 students feel at home. Hence, student life in the UK is pretty smooth irrespective of where one is from.

  • Appreciate the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds at your university and in your community.
  • Participate in cultural exchange events and activities to learn from others and build international friendships

Work opportunities 

Examine the visa guidelines for overseas students’ employment privileges. Holders of Tier 4 student visas often have limited work hours during the academic year but are permitted to work full-time during the summer.

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 surroundings that way.

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