Is studying in the UK a part of your future plans? Undeniably, the UK as a study abroad destination has a broad spectrum of attraction points. From iconic cities like London to institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, the UK is a lovely destination. The UK is and will always remain one of the most sought after study destinations indeed.
However, how much do you really know about the United Kingdom as a study destination? Do you have an idea about the living costs, availability of part-time jobs and the culture? If you plan to move to a country as a student, you must know literally everything about it.
There is much more you need to know than the popular stuff. In this blog, we going to shed light on seven things you must know about the UK as a study abroad destination. So, without further ado, let us get started!
All That You Need to Know About Studying in the UK
Best Cities for Students in The UK
Of course, London is a dream city for millions of international students. London is where most international students would want to be. However, you must know that London, as a city, can be highly expensive for international s\udents.
While the living costs in London can be as high as 1500 Pounds a month, the cost is 900-1100 pounds in other cities. Having said that, no matter how popular, London may not be the best pick.
Now the question is, which other cities, if not London? Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham, Glasgow and Birmingham are amazing cities to be in for international students.
These cities are home to some of the best universities in the UK and are relatively more pocket-friendly. Besides, they also have reasonable employment prospects to offer after graduation. Speaking of universities, Bristol University, University of Edinburgh, Nottingham Trent University and University of Glasgow are some popular names.
Part-Time Wages
How much you can earn as an international student in the UK is an important question to ask. Let me answer this for you. On average, you can make anywhere between 11 to 15 Pounds an hour working part-time in the UK.
The sectors that pay on the higher side of this range include retail, hospitality and tutoring. So, now you know that your search for part-time jobs in the UK should focus on these sectors. Of course, the wages will be higher in tier 1 cities like London and lower elsewhere.
As an international student in the UK, you can work 20 hours a week during a semester. While the college is off, you can work for 40 hours.
The Weather
The weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable at times, but usually mild. Summers can usually be as hot as 25 to 27 degrees Celsius. In fact, the summers in the UK are known to be pleasant and pretty.
As for winters, it can get as cold as 0 to 1 degrees in some places. Winters in the UK are known to be quite grey, quite monotonous and oblivious to the eyes. Moreover, it may snow in some parts of the UK but it is not a regular occurrence in the country’s weather patterns.
So, all in all, adjusting to the UK’s weather would not really be a problem for you as an international student.
Top-Ranked Universities
The UK is home to some of the top-ranked universities in the world. The UK has always been the melting pot of global education and it continues to be so. The University of Oxford and Cambridge University are highly prestigious universities known to the world. However, there is much more to the UK’s legacy as an iconic study abroad destination.
As many as 15 UK universities are among the top 100 institutions of higher education as per QS rankings. Imperial College London, second on the list of QS Global Universities, is the UK’s top-ranked institution.
University of Oxford, Cambridge University and University College London are the other three UK universities in the world’s top 10.
So, as much as the IVY Leagues are hyped, UK universities are no less. You will be amused to know that a lot of UK universities are ranked better than most Ivy League Institutions. Needless to say, this is one of the top factors in choosing the right study abroad destination.
Medical Insurance
The UK mandates medical insurance for all international students. As an international student, you will have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application.
The cost of IHS for international students is 776 Pounds per annum. With this, you get access to the country’s public healthcare system, i.e., the National Health Service. This covers your doctor visits, medical treatment, mental health services and emergency care.
So, you must know about both the advantages of medical insurance and its cost. You must have this awareness while you start your visa process for the UK.
Transportation
As an international student, commuting within the United Kingdom will certainly not be an issue for you. The UK thrives on a good public transport system, mainly centered around trains. Even the key cities like London have a well-laid-out underground tube system which is efficient and fast for intra-city commuting.
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Besides, there is an effective system of buses as well to travel from one city to another within the United Kingdom. You can access the transportation system with a student discount card.
Availability of Student Services
As a student in a distant land, all by yourself, you certainly want to be looked after. One great thing about the UK is that most of the UK universities offer a host of student support services.
These support services range from academics and personal challenges to wellness, career counseling and employment support. This can certainly help you in securing a job after completing your program or finding internships during it.
Moreover, universities are also happy to offer language support, accommodation support and so on. The bottom line is that you will be looked after well as an international student in the UK.
So, I am sure, this article leaves you much more informed about being an international student in the UK. All of the above will also help you in deciding the most suitable university in the UK for yourself. Besides, for any other assistance or guidance you may need, our expert UK counselors are always available for you.
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