Going to university is a major life decision and a new chapter in your life, but it is an even greater decision for international students coming to the UK to study. There are many reasons why an international student will want to come and study in the UK, but there 5 important considerations that you will need to plan for before arriving.
Funding
First, you need to consider the financial side of studying abroad. You will need to consider how you will pay your course fees, which has become more complex since Brexit. You may need to cover the course fees along with the other costs yourself, so you will want to look into part-time student jobs that could help. You can also use quick loans for students to quickly get your hands on money if you are short at all.
Student Visa
Brexit has also made things more complex in terms of getting approved to study in the UK. Most students will need to apply for a student visa, which will require a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies letter from your university, proof of finances and passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Healthcare
Following this, a student visa can include a healthcare surcharge that will allow you to use the NHS during your studies. You should research local GPs ahead of time and sign up so that you know where to go if you have any health issues during your time here.
Accommodation
It is a good idea to start looking into accommodation as early as possible as it can take some time to arrange. Your university might have halls of residence that can take a lot of the stress out of arranging accommodation and make it easier to settle by being on campus. Many unis also have halls for international students that could help you to make friends faster. Alternatively, you can find private accommodation either by yourself or with other students (sharing will help to keep the costs down).
Research
Finally, you will want to spend plenty of time researching ahead of time so that you can feel prepared once you arrive. You should research the university and local area, find out where you can do your shopping and look into clubs and societies to join. You may also want to look on social media to find groups for new students – this can be a great way to make a few new friends before you arrive.
Starting university can be daunting, especially for international students arriving in the UK. The information in this post should help you to get prepared and hopefully help you to settle quickly, make some friends and get stuck into your studies.
Related: Tips for New College and University Graduates