If you are an international student moving to the UK for higher education, this article is for you. We did quite an extensive survey asking international students studying in the UK if there was anything they wish they had known before reaching the country – and here are the results.
Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular first tips was funding, finances and scholarship. So, let’s start our discussion with this point.
Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular first tips was funding, finances and scholarship. So, let’s start our discussion with this point.
- Plan your Finances
The UK is an expensive place to live and study, but the quality of education and living trumps the costs, in most cases.
If you are an international student from outside the EU, you’ll have to pay a much higher fee than your UK classmates. Additionally, for your visa application to be successful, you are required to provide documentation proving that you’ll be able to cover both tuition and living expenses for your entire stay.
Yet, several funding schemes, loans, and scholarships are available for international students to take advantage of.
If you are an international student from outside the EU, you’ll have to pay a much higher fee than your UK classmates. Additionally, for your visa application to be successful, you are required to provide documentation proving that you’ll be able to cover both tuition and living expenses for your entire stay.
Yet, several funding schemes, loans, and scholarships are available for international students to take advantage of.
- Get your VISA in order.
You’ll have to apply for a study visa if you are interested in studying in the country. If your study duration is less than six months, then a Standard Visitor Visa will suffice. If your course duration is more than six months and you want to work, you should apply under Student Visa.
For a successful Student Visa application, you need to furnish:
- The 14-digit Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies reference number.
- Documentation proof of finances that can cover fees, living and misc expenses during the entire stay
- Evidence of minimum English language skills
- Student Accommodation
For a newbie, this portion could take away a handsome chunk from their finances – if not planned well. If you are still new to the country, choosing to stay at the university or college halls is the best option. Yet, if you want to go on the accommodation hunt, you could get help from student letting agents or shared living portals.
- Health Insurance
For international students, you must have health insurance to cover all your health expenses in the UK. When applying for the student visa, you’ll be required to pay a health surcharge – with which you can access NHS as well. But the health surcharges will not cover additional healthcare expenses resulting out of injury or illness.
- Save Money on Transport
Travelling in a foreign country using their local transport can get a bit overwhelming, at first. But it is the most convenient and cost-friendly alternative available to you. Bigger cities like London have metro and well-connected bus services. If you live far away from the campus, you can use a student bus pass to travel and save cash.
- Get a job to gain experience and save money.
When on a student visa, you can work for 20 hours/week during the duration of your course, full-time during holidays. While it is not a great idea to rely on your part-time job for your daily expenses, you can certainly use it to increase your work experience.
- Embrace the Culture
Finally, the UK is a great place to be, to learn and to explore. The culture is fascinating, and the British way of life is welcoming and all-embracing. Try to make friends with the local students, keep an open mind and try to emulate the best traits of the people.
- Wrapping Up
Keep these tips in mind before travelling to the UK for higher studies. These tips will come in handy when exploring and educating yourself in this multi-ethnic potboiler of cultures.
