Some tips for international students studying in the UK

Considering attending a university in the United Kingdom? Do you have a place to stay and are you getting ready to move out of your residence? Or have you already arrived in the UK and are struggling to adjust to a whole new culture and academic environment?

Despite the potential long-term benefits of studying in the UK, you should be aware that the country’s rigorous academic standards and distinct study habits may be intimidating at first.

Several UK young graduates, like you, find university a culture shock due to the different methods of learning than those they were used to at school. As a result, you’ll have to deal with a wide range of issues—from cultural differences to language barriers to the reality that your “important people” are a long distance from you.

There are tens of thousands of international students in the United Kingdom. These figures are particularly rising year after year. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of a few advice for overseas students in the UK, to help them prepare for the awe-inspiring sights and experiences they’ll encounter throughout their time here. Are you an international student studying in the United Kingdom?  Would you like to study in the UK?

 

• Budget for life and Plan for funding

Make sure that you can afford to pay for your education in the United Kingdom before embarking on your studies here.  The amount of money you may get depends on where you live and when you start university.

European Union (EU), EEC, and Swiss students have previously had the same access to Student Finance as UK students. Now EU countries are almost like Non-EU students.

“Before you go, make a spending plan. Make a list of all of your expenses, including transportation, lodging, meals, and any other costs”

Students from outside the EU have never been eligible for Student Finance in the UK, with the exception of some specified conditions. This is true regardless of when you began your degree.  You’ll be responsible for covering the costs of your education, which might range anywhere from £ 11,000 £30,000 per year, which is far more than what UK students spend.  Keep in mind that for your visa application to be successful, proof of your ability to pay for this and your living costs must be provided.  There are solutions if you don’t have the money to pay for yourself. Our guide to foreign student finance and scholarships covers a wide range of options, including school loans and study abroad, that you may be qualified for.

 

• Develop your English skills

IELTS (the International English Language Testing System), for example, is a common requirement for admission to a UK university degree.

“Improve your communication and academic performance by becoming fluent in the language”

However, you may still discover that your abilities aren’t quite sufficient for acquiring the language.

• It’s easy to communicate in your own tongue. While learning a language other than your native tongue, you’re constantly forced to pause and consider your words.
• It’s possible that you’re unfamiliar with the terminology used in your field of study, which might hinder your comprehension of essential concepts in lectures, readings, assignments,
• It takes longer to read and write, and summarising and paraphrasing what you read might be challenging.
• The ability to speak up in class or pose a question to your professor is also impacted by
• You may be embarrassed to speak up in front of others, take too long to express your contribution so that you lose your chance and the conversation moves on, or worry about phrasing a question to your lecturer in a polite way.

• Research your accommodation

The first step is to figure out where you want to reside. This can help you narrow down your selections and choose a place to stay much more quickly. You don’t even have to leave your house to locate a place to live in the United Kingdom. As an additional option, you may check out the rental pricing and then compare and choose the location that is most suitable for your lifestyle. For guidance from other students who have been through the same situation, you may join online student forums.

“Before you submit an application, do some research on housing options. If you want to obtain the best advice and guidance, you should talk with existing students about their experiences”

In addition, you should see whether there are any open dorms. Private dorms, which may be found for a lower cost but still provide a high level of comfort, are an alternative to university dorms where space is often limited. Dorms are a better option than renting a flat at first since they are less expensive and provide comparable amenities to university dorms.

Therefore, it is recommended that students reside in university housing for the first year of their studies in order to avoid the burden of looking for an appropriate place elsewhere. When looking for housing, if you don’t want to live at the institution, you may check out online letting advertising at Facebook Marketplace, Rightmove, Ontherent and Gumtre if you’d want to conduct the search on your own.

 

• Culture Shock and British life

Adapting to a new location, meeting new people, learning about cultural differences, and adapting to new weather, cuisine, and social norms may cause culture shock. Because of this, you will have to deal with a wide range of challenges, including being away from the people who matter most in your life, adjusting to new values, and dealing with Westerners who may not understand your culture or how to operate in an international context.

“Complete immersion in British culture is required. “This is probably your only opportunity to meet individuals from countries you’ve never heard of,”

The United Kingdom is a cultural melting pot that welcomes individuals from all over the globe. At every university, you’ll be able to connect with other international students, as well as those from similar backgrounds, via student organisations. There are several Facebook groups that are explicitly designed for overseas students in the UK, so if you have any questions or concerns, this is a great place to get answers!

The UK is well-known for its chilly and rainy weather, in case you didn’t know. For the winter months, bring a lot of warm clothing and a waterproof coat, and don’t anticipate the summer to be too hot. As a student, you can’t afford to keep the heater on all day long, so you’ll need to wear thick clothing to keep yourself warm.

 

• Working as an International Student in the UK

 

Although the United Kingdom is one of the most popular study locations, the cost of living is rather high. Because of this, many overseas students choose to work while pursuing a degree at the same time. However, your visa limits and the institution you’re attending will determine how much work you may do and the guidelines you must follow.

Keep in mind that your Student Visa has all the terms and limitations of your stay, including the maximum number of hours you may work each week. While a student in the UK, it is illegal to work as a self-employed person or freelancer, to have a full-time permanent employment, to start a company, or to be an entertainment in any capacity.

As a student in the United Kingdom, you may be wondering whether you have the right to work and what your alternatives are. While you’re in school, you should be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, and you should be able to work full-time throughout the holidays and in the weeks leading up to and after the commencement of your course. Even if you only work part-time, you should not depend on that income to cover your expenses in the UK.

Earning extra money via part-time jobs might be a terrific method to supplement your financial situation, but you won’t be able to support yourself if you work lengthy hours. Having said that, getting a job is a good idea if you need to earn some extra cash to cover the costs of your overseas study abroad adventure. Almost every student in the United Kingdom has done some kind of part-time job to supplement their income while attending school. You may set your own hours and work around your studies with these employment, which normally pay well per hour.