Study in UK: tips for international students

Moving to a new country is a search for quality life, and education is sure an overwhelming experience. You might have dreamed to study in UK and feel that everything is brand new in a foreign land.

Right from visa, tuition fees, and health insurance, all the bank accounts are confusing especially for the first couple of months. So, in this article, we bring to you a couple of tips that could help your transition to UK. 

Here are all the things you need to know to study in UK as an international student.

The first piece of advice we offer for overseas students studying in the United Kingdom is to make sure you have enough money to study in UK. The amount of money you can get depends on where you're from and when you start university.

EU and EEA students are grouped alongside all other international students starting in the academic year 2021/22. This indicates that EU/EEA students who began university in the UK on or after August 1, 2021, must pay the same costs as students from outside Europe unless specific universities set their own fees for EU students.

In the United Kingdom, students from outside the EU have never been eligible for Student Finance. You might also have to pay more fees than students in the United Kingdom. It could be anything from 10,000- to 35,000 euros a year. It is also to be noted that while applying for the study visa, you need to provide proof of money that could cover your education and living expenses.

2. Plan for your student visa.

As an international student visiting the UK, you may need to apply for a visa depending on your home country to study in UK.

If you're from a country outside the EU/EEA, you've always needed a visa to study in UK (except Switzerland).

If you plan to study in UK for less than six months, you'll need a Standard Visitor visa. You cannot work in the UK if you have this visa unless it is an elective in your studies. If you plan to work during your stay, you'll need to apply for a student visa. Short-term student visas cost £186 and standard visitor visas cost £95.

Visas for students

You'll need a student visa if your education is longer than six months (or shorter than six months but you wish to work). The following are some of the documents you'll need to apply for a student visa:

•  Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) — Once you accept your offer, your university will provide you with a 14-digit reference number.
•  Financial proof — You'll need to show that you have adequate money to cover the costs.£1,023 (£1,334 for London students) per month to cover your living expenses for up to nine months. This can be accomplished by self-financing, formal sponsorship, or a student loan.
•  English language abilities - You'll need to demonstrate that you have at least a basic understanding of the English language, which you may do by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT).

3. Prepare for life in the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom is culturally diverse and friendly to people from all over the world. All universities have a large number of international students, and most have organizations that can help you meet people with similar interests and backgrounds.

You could also look for Facebook groups that are relevant to your university and start connecting. They frequently have groups exclusively for international students in the UK, where you can ask questions and meet people before you arrive.

The United Kingdom is famed for its cold and rainy weather. For the winter months, bring plenty of thick clothing and a waterproof coat, and don't expect summer to be too hot. Be sure to bring some warm clothes with you to study in UK.

4. Sort out your student housing.

Before you arrive in the UK, be sure you have a place to stay. The last thing you want is to arrive and find yourself without a place to stay.

Your university should be your first help call for this purpose. They usually guarantee that all students who apply before a specific deadline will be accepted. The majority of students live on campus or rent a room from a private landlord.

For your first year of college, living in halls is the greatest option because it eliminates the hassle of attempting to find a suitable place elsewhere. Some universities have halls dedicated to international students, making it easier to meet acquaintances. In the UK usually, you have a room to yourself, unlike US universities. You could always move out to other housing options according to your wish and convenience.

5. Make certain you're covered by health insurance.

International students must show proof of health insurance to cover any medical expenses they may incur while in the UK. 

If you came to the UK before December 31, 2020, and are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you'll require a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). While in the UK, this qualifies you to free or subsidized healthcare from the National Health Service (NHS). It's as simple as applying for one through your home country's national health insurance provider if you don't already have one. You must pay the health surcharge as part of your visa application if you are a student from a country outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. This provides you with access to the NHS while you study in UK.

6. Create a bank account for students.

It will be great if you open a bank account if you plan to stay in the UK for more than a few months. This makes paying bills and keeping your money safe much easier. It also helps you avoid the foreign currency fees you'd incur if you paid for products in the UK using a non-UK bank account.

It might take a long time to open a bank account since banks require a lot of information to verify your identity and credit score. You can check with your current banks for any provisions they might have in UK. Student bank accounts are an excellent choice. So, it will be great to carry upon some cash to cover you for the initial some months.

7. Understand your allowed work hours

If you wish to work while you study in the UK, you'll need to know what your options and rights are. You’ll be permitted to work up to 20 hours per week while studying with your student visa. During the holidays, as well as before and after your course begins, you can work full-time.

However, if you have EU settled status, the situation is different. After graduation, you are free to work as many hours as you want and for as long as you want. However, you should not rely on them solely.

These are the tips for all the international students who want to study in UK. All of these could help you with adjustment to the new country. For all your immigration and visa services, you could contact Swis Immigration. Our competent team will guide you with all the requirements of the study visa UK and the entire process.

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