Living in a new country with new people and building your career sounds interesting, isn’t it? But it is just not about living, studying and partying all night. Being an international student, there is more to life in the UK.
There are major decisions one has to make. For instance, which college to go to or which student accommodation would be right for you. This exciting and challenging opportunity involves being aware of diverse cultures, academics, lifestyles and much more. Answering all your questions about life in the UK as an international student, this blog will revolve around every aspect. Let’s delve into the UK’s social life, academics, culture and more.
What to Expect?
The life of an international student is not like how it is shown in movies. The United Kingdom welcomes you with a big heart but there are things you should know before arrival. Being a part of one of the most esteemed colleges such as the University of Oxford or UCL is a dream for many students.
Along with gaining a degree, you will be a part of a diverse culture which goes back centuries. Every university and student housing aims to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The student experience not only offers great education but endless opportunities to be who you are.
Despite the challenges a student can expect, the whole experience can be beautiful. The access to modern student apartments, high-end facilities and connections can help in various aspects.
Academics in the UK
The United Kingdom is home to numerous famous universities. Every university offers something unique. From classrooms to student rooms, everything is designed to meet students’ expectations. Moreover, each university has the finest faculty. Some of the top universities in the UK include:
- University of Oxford
- Cambridge University
- University of Manchester
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics and the list goes on and on.
In the UK, universities offer a safe space where you can grow by pushing your boundaries and learning more than you think. Plus, colleges aim to give you education on and off campus. There are colleges with two semesters or three semesters, depending on college to college.
Social Life in the UK
Making friends is one of the important factors in the life of an international student. Living alone in student housing can be challenging. But once you make friends, it gets easier to live here.
There are a number of things you can do when you have friends in a new country. From exploring one city to another, there are various sources of entertainment. As for tourist spots, each city in the UK has something special. If you are new to the UK, you can visit Edinburgh Castle, Tower of London, Notting Hill and more.
For nature lovers, there are many national parks and beautiful landscapes. The United Kingdom has UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Lake District and more. The city has various theatres, pub culture and musical events all year around. Moreover, colleges host cultural festivals and events for every student to mingle with each other.
Living Costs in the UK
Once you move out of your house to a new country, there are a few necessary expenses besides tuition fees. One of which is student accommodation. Alongside this, there are other expenses such as food, transportation, utilities, clothes and groceries.
The cost differs from college to college. If you move to on-campus student rooms, the cost is different for every college. As for off-campus student housing, there are both long-term and short-term student accommodation around the colleges. You can explore websites like Uninist and StudentTenant to find a variety of student apartments.
For groceries, you can visit local supermarkets, cook your own meals and avoid eating out. This way you can have a balance in your expenses. In addition, there are other advantages for students like discounts and others.
Work Opportunities For International Students in the UK
International students often work part-time if allowed as per their visas in the UK. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours during holidays. Also, there is a biometric residence permit for maintaining a log for part time work.
With a part time job, an international student can earn an average of £200-£300 per month. This helps in covering up a few living costs such as utilities, groceries and more. You can easily find part time jobs through online listings, websites and more.
Life After Studies in the UK?
Now that you have earned a degree, international students will find an interesting life ahead with lots of hustle. You can either pursue a further degree or apply for full-time jobs. On completion of a degree, you should also apply for a graduate visa or work visa to stay in the country.
The basic eligibility grounds for a visa after studies are:
- Student or Tier 4 Visa
- Completed bachelor, master or PhD degree
The life of an international student comes with diverse opportunities for growth and success. If you wish to study and make great memories, the UK is the place for you. So, find your dream college, choose a good student accommodation and live a life like nobody else.