If you’re an international student coming to the UK to study, we get it. It can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time at university. These days, there are a lot more international students than ever before. Most of them are undergraduates, so that’s probably you.
From visas and tuition fees to health insurance and bank accounts, international students must consider a lot when trying to get settled in the UK. This step-by-step guide will answer some of the most commonly-asked questions that international students have.
- Fundings & Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities for international students in the UK are numerous. The majority of scholarships offer tuition and living expenses, in addition to a return flight from your home country to the UK and various items. Both government universities and private institutions have offered scholarships for a variety of courses. Check out the university's website for all the requirements, as well as what they offer.
- Doing the Research
One piece of advice I always have for international students is to make sure they gather all the information they need beforehand. For example, they should always do their research about the season and weather that hits their new city. It is a good idea to be prepared for what the climate will be like because people’s behavior and habits change based on the seasons. In addition, it is always good to know the local neighborhood and culture. Connecting with the new students who are already studying in the area can help them feel more welcome.
- Student Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation can be difficult. You’ve got your self-catered apartments, shared housing, and hall living. But university gives a guidebook of all the options for students, which can help you narrow down the choices for you. Student halls are the traditional type of accommodation you find at university, similar to dorms in American colleges. These halls come with catered residences where all amenities are included, including dining facilities. Alternatively, you can opt for self-catered accommodation such as Chapter Spitalfields London, and cook your own food at home, but still enjoy the social aspect of living with others. It’s important to choose the accommodation that suits your personality and lifestyle.
- UK Bank Account
With everything going on, be sure to open a bank account in the UK. There are many banks that operate internationally, but it’s generally easier to have just one account. You might want to consider student banking options as well.
Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for an account:
- The amount available for overdraft.
- Go for the longest 0% interest overdraft possible.
- Look at any perks that come with opening an account with a particular bank.
- Check your credit rating before applying.
- Try to clear off your overdraft as soon as you can.
- Public Transport
The Oyster card makes traveling in London easy. Oyster is used as a pay-as-you-go travel pass, and it can be used for local buses, coaches, the metro, and even the underground train. There's also a student Oyster card. It's convenient to use and it also saves you money. If you're a student and planning to study in London, make sure you get one of these.
- Get a Health Insurance
One of the most interesting things about living in a country that has a national healthcare system is that it means you would be able to access health care. Depending on your visa type, you should be able to access the NHS. You can also find various private institutions in the UK.
- Access to University of London Library
If you’re a student at one of the 17 University of London member institutions, you can access most library resources at other member institutions and at yours. This is particularly helpful for postgraduate and doctoral research. As a University of London student, you can also join the Senate House Library for free. Not only is it an amazing building with an art deco-style interior, but as a member of the Senate House Library, you get access to every other library in the University of London system (including Bodleian or Oxford libraries), not to mention your own university libraries.
- Asking for student discounts
Many stores will proudly display their student discount information and many others won’t. Be sure to ask any company you might be interested in to see if they offer one. But check whether your student ID from your school also gives you the same benefits. You might also find a specific student or college deals. For example, most cinemas will offer student memberships, art galleries will often have discounted tickets for students and college students and many tourist attractions offer student ticket prices in London.
- Learning the rules for London Underground
Using the underground (also known as the tube) is a sure sign that you’re a Londoner. Entering and exiting the tube, stand on the right and walk on the left. Have your contactless card or Oyster card ready to swipe at the gate, because people get impatient if you block the way. I also recommend saving your GPS route before entering the underground if you’re using a navigation app.
- International Calling
If you’re arriving in the city, there are many important steps to take, and one of the first steps is getting a new SIM card. Go for pay-as-you-go offers, and later you can upgrade your plan based on your needs if you have it with your mobile network provider. If you're traveling internationally, consider reducing your cost for international calls by using a service like Rebtel, Lebara, or Lycamobile.
Moving somewhere new can be scary, and you want to make the most of it. You might only live there for a few months, but you want to be happy if you can’t spend your whole life abroad. University Living is here to help you when it comes to finding student accommodation in the UK. Our Professionals are always available to help you succeed on this journey.
