Studying overseas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You’ll expand your horizons, meet new people, build your network, and be presented with countless opportunities. Being a student abroad is an exciting journey that is full of possibilities and promise. One of the most well-liked destinations for international students enrolled in higher education programs is the UK. For international students looking to expand their horizons, the UK is a popular choice because of its dynamic culture, rich history, and top-notch colleges. Numerous universities in the UK provide a means of embarking on a life that is positively reshaped. It can be intimidating to move to the UK for academic purposes, particularly for foreign students who have never been there before. You may, however, ensure a seamless transition to studying in the UK by arming yourself with the appropriate knowledge and perspective. For international students who are planning to study in the UK, this article offers a few helpful tips.
Visa And Paperwork
Your journey officially begins with the visa and documentation. Make sure you have all the information you need on hand because this is a very critical and crucial phase. Based on your country of origin, you’ll need to apply for a visa to study in the UK as an international student.
You will need the following in addition to other documents to obtain a visa:
- Application form for a visa
- Photos
- Valid passport and bank records
- Evidence of accommodations
- Comprehensive itinerary for travel
- Biometric data
- letter of invitation for a visa (if applicable)
- Remitted UK visa application fees
Study abroad consultants in Dubai will help you obtain your UK student visa and keep you informed of any updates or changes to laws.
Open A Student Bank Account
Establishing a student bank account is among the first and most crucial things you should do when you relocate to the UK to study. Creating a bank account for yourself as a student has many advantages. Having a UK student bank account will prove to be helpful for bill payments, unsuccessful transactions, and saving money. Moreover, having a UK bank account can help you avoid paying extra exchange rate fees if you need to receive any money from abroad. Within the initial few weeks of arriving in the UK, all students are required to open a bank account. If not, they will need to always carry cash, which may not be very secure. You can apply for prepaid cards in addition to cash to avoid the inconvenience. This is the list of requirements to open a student bank account in the UK:
- A valid passport and a valid visa (only for students from outside the EU)
- Evidence of UK residency, such as utility bills or a rental agreement
- Evidence of your home country’s address
- Verification of enrolment (request your university)
- Evidence of income (needed in-person interview or credit check)
- Meeting in person
Accomodation
It’s an effective plan to arrange and reserve your lodging well in advance of your arrival in the UK. International students can choose from a range of housing alternatives, such as shared houses, individual apartments, and university housing. It is essential to get in touch with your university if you want to reside on campus. If you’d rather, several colleges even have halls just for foreign students. There are two types of meal plans available in university residence halls: catered (meals are served at a canteen) and self-catered (you have access to a communal kitchen to prepare your own meals). Living in a shared house is an additional option that many students choose to pursue following their initial year of university. You may explore the choices in your city.
Orientation
International students must attend orientation week, so make sure you get there early. At this point, you will enrol in classes and learn more about the university and its services. You have to read the manual, which the college provides.
Knowing The Public Transport System
Local bus services are the most practical kind of transportation because they are available in every city. Consider purchasing a student bus pass on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis if you live far from campus in order to keep costs down. Coaches and trains are your two major options for travelling inside a country. Getting around the UK by train is typically the quickest and easiest option. But if you want to get the best deal, you should reserve your tickets as soon as possible. A 16–25 railcard will save you nearly a third of all rail fares, so you should definitely get one as well. Although coaches are less expensive than trains, be aware that they may take twice as long to reach your destination.
Connect To Groups And Communities
Connect with communities and student groups in the UK on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. When you study in the UK, this method will assist you in locating lodging and transportation options in your desired location. By joining these online communities, you can also create lifelong friendships.
Start Working Part-Time
International students studying in the UK are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week in addition to their academic studies, and full-time during breaks for holidays or semesters. Students in the UK have access to a variety of career possibilities that they can balance with their education. You are free to select the part-time work that best fits your schedule and offers a respectable wage.
Healthcare Benefits
International students can take advantage of several other facilities offered by the UK. International students should carefully assess their alternatives for health insurance, do extensive research on insurance plans, and select one that best suits their needs, budgetary constraints, and visa requirements in order to obtain health insurance in the UK. International students can maximise their academic experience in the UK by placing a high priority on their health and well-being.
Conclusion
International students may find their time spent studying in the UK to be challenging and rewarding. Still, it’s critical to be prepared, and equipped with the appropriate knowledge and frame of mind. You can maximise your study abroad experience by being aware of the UK educational system, planning ahead for your arrival, adjusting to university life, getting to know UK culture, handling your money, and maintaining your safety and well-being. Study in UK consultants can provide you with additional information about studying in the UK, including eligibility requirements, top universities, scholarships, and visa application processes. They can also help you with immigration needs and other aspects of studying in the UK.
