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A Complete Guide To

International Students in UK

Chapter 1

Overview

Thousands of international students study in the United Kingdom each year, maintaining the country’s high popularity. The UK is an apparent destination for international students, with a diverse population and a history for excellent education.

The UK offers a rich experience for overseas students with an exceptional higher-education framework and thousands of world-class universities. Our Study UK resource is designed to help international students learn more about studying in the United Kingdom. It includes sections on selecting the UK as a destination, selecting a location within the UK, studying more about the nation, its culture and history, and acclimating to life in your new homeland.

In this article, you will get all the details regarding the international students studying in the UK.

International Students in UK Statistics

  • The statistics show a total number of 485,645 students that are currently studying in the United Kingdom, as of 2018/2019
  • 342,620 students from countries outside the EU Union came to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education.
  • A total of 143,025 students from other countries outside Europe are studying in the United Kingdom higher education institutes

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UK universities with the Most International Students

University/College

EU

Non-EU

Total

University College London

4,930

13,060

17,990

The University of Manchester

2,785

10,965

13,750

The University of Edinburgh

3,725

8,300

12,025

King’s College London

4,080

7,095

11,175

The University of Glasgow

3,175

5,640

8,815

The University of Oxford

2,640

5,570

8,210

The University of Cambridge

2,635

4,415

7,050

The University of Westminster

2,285

4,090

6,375

The University of Aberdeen

2,865

1,915

4,780

The University of York

890

3,185

4,075

Chapter 2

Pre-departure Checklist for International Students to UK

What to bring to study in the UK is the biggest dilemma for international students. The thrill of receiving an unconditional offer letter is precisely equal to the difficulty of moving your belongings. The first step in your trip to the United Kingdom is to pack.

You will not be able to visit your home on a regular basis while studying abroad. As a result, it is critical that you pack your belongings with extreme caution.

Travel Documents

  •  Passport
  •  Passport size photos
  • CV & References
  • University Documents
  • Exam Certificate
  • Bank Account Details
  • Address Book and email contacts
  • A map of the city
  • Room Insurance
  • Accommodation Contract

Clothing:

It’s a misconception that you can pack the proper kind and amount of clothes. Bringing enough clothing, on the other hand, will suffice. The weather is dominated by cold winds and unforeseen rainy days. There are, however, days when the sun shines brightly. Ladies, please bring your gowns. You may be required to wear them to a variety of parties and campus functions. Always keep in mind that you have fantastic places in which to browse for new items. Here’s a list of some of the most important items you’ll need.

  • Bathroom and Hand Towel Set
  • Bathrobe
  • Dresses
  • A Rug/Shawl
  • Coats
  • Scarf
  • Slippers
  • T-shirts
  • Jumpers
  • Trousers
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Shoes/trainers
  • Flip flops
  • Swimwear
  • Shirt and tie 

The Kitchen

The silverware, cooking equipment, and pans you’ll need are mostly determined by the type of lodging you choose. If you’re staying in a catered hotel, you won’t have to worry about anything. You should just need a pan with a lid, two plates, spoons, and a mug. Cleaning will take less time if you use fewer utensils.

You should verify with your landlord or housing provider about the items you are entitled to as soon as you move in.

Here’s a list of a few items you can bring from home:

  • 1 Cup
  •  1 Saucepan
  •  1 Plate
  •  Spoons
  •  A pair of scissor
  •  Knife
  • Sandwich Bags
  •  Plastic Bowls

Outdoors Protection

Because of the chilly and rainy weather, you should always have a raincoat or an umbrella. Purchase a bag that is both robust and large enough to hold all of your belongings. If you’re not certain what kind of bag you’ll need, get a temporary bag until you get here.

Toiletries

  • Prescription glasses
  • Contact lenses plus cleaning fluid etc
  • Copy of prescription
  • Spare pair of glasses
  • Brace/retainer and accessories
  • Everyday moisturizer
  • Skincare wash
  • Lip balm
  • Shower gel, shampoo, soap
  • Shaving cream, razors
  • Toothbrush / toothpaste
  • Hairbrush, comb
  • Tampons/sanitary towels
  • Contraceptives
  • Make-up and make-up remove

Housekeeping

  •  Coat Hangers 
  • Alarm Clock
  • Posters
  • Hot-water bottle
  • Desk Lamp 
  • Small Bin
  • Family Photos
  • Safety Pins
  • Small sewing kit
  • Ear Plugs 

Electronics:

This is the most crucial part of the packaging process. Almost everything in this technological age is dependent on technology. If you’re thinking about buying a Mac, take a look at these student discounts on Apple devices.

  • Adapters
  • Extension Board
  •  Camera
  •  Laptop
  •  Printer 
  •  Network cable

 Rechargeable Batteries

Chapter 3

Post Arrival Checklist for International Students to UK:

Registering with the university:

Some weeks before their enrollment, students will get an email encouraging them to complete the university’s online registration process. The institution advises them to finish their registration before arriving in the UK so that their student ID card can be issued on schedule.

After arriving at the university, non-UK and EU students must submit their passport and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) card in the registration procedure. This means that the student must obtain their BRP card prior to registering at the university.

Registering with the police:

Most students and family members over the age of 16 who are nationals of the countries or territories mentioned below who have been granted permission to visit or remain in the UK for longer than 6 months must register with the police within seven days of their arrival:

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Belarus
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Cuba
  • Egypt
  • Georgia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Moldova
  • Morocco
  • North Korea
  • Oman
  • Palestine
  • Peru
  • Qatar
  • Russia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Tajikistan
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Turkmenistan
  • United Arab
  • Emirates
  • Ukraine
  • Uzbekistan
  • Yemen
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Open a bank account

If you want to open a bank account in the UK, you will have to provide proof to the bank. These include:

  • a valid passport 
  • a student letter
  • a copy of tenancy contract

Registering with a GP:

You will have to enrol with a General Practitioner (GP) doctor in order to receive treatment. It is recommended that students register within their first week in the UK. If this is not possible, nevertheless, registration can be completed at any time.

The health centre will need the student’s residence in Leicester, the day he or she arrived in the nation, and his or her card or proof of institution registration when registering.

Best Tips for International Students in UK:

Here are 10 best tips for international students in London, ranging from saving money to locating student housing that fits your lifestyle.

Choosing Your Accommodation 

Self-catered  or Halls or Shared housing? All of these criteria can make it difficult to select the perfect place to stay. Most institutions include a guidebook that outlines the various student housing alternatives, which might assist you in narrowing down your choices.

Student halls, which are similar to American dorms, are the most conventional type of accommodation. There are catered halls where all facilities, including eating, are included in the price. You could also choose self-catered halls, where you prepare your own meals while still benefiting from the social side of living with others. It is critical to select lodging that is appropriate for your personality and way of life.

Weather Preparation

The weather is one of the most talked-about topics in the United Kingdom. In London, it may get very chilly in the autumn and winter seasons, which is generally when new students arrive. Warm clothing, a rainproof jacket, and an umbrella are all must-haves in London, and it’s always a good idea to check the weather report before leaving the house in case of any unexpected changes. Layers are particularly useful while travelling by tube, which can be hot at any time of year.

Get a Student Travelcard

Transport For London (TFL) manages London’s subway and bus systems and offers a variety of student ticket discounts.

Having an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, that you can then use to purchase a discounted yearly travelcard, where you spend an upfront cost for unlimited travel on the subway, DLR, and transport services for the year, has been one of the cheapest methods for foreign university students to commute.

If you plan on travelling around the United Kingdom, a 16-25 Railcard will save you money on national train tickets. Megabus and National Express coach services also offer some amazing travel offers. Even a month in advance, purchasing tickets might mean the difference between a £15 and a £80 ticket.

Ask for Student Discount

Many establishments will publicly display their student discount, but many more will not. Make it a practise to ask everybody, from the little cafe to the larger high-street retailers, if they have a student discount. Getting a Totum student card (formerly NUS) or a UNiDAYS membership will give you access to more special deals, but first try out your university student card.

You might even be able to uncover bargains tailored to students or young people depending on your interests. Student memberships are available at most cinemas, art galleries frequently provide discounted tickets to students and young people, and many tourist destinations in London have student ticket discounts.

Cheaper Student gym

If you go to the gym, you’re unlikely to find a cheaper fitness centre subscription in London than the one provided by your institution. For students, many London universities have their own fitness centre or at least a relationship with a local gym.

Student gyms and offers are usually far cheaper than other gym options in the city, so take advantage of this opportunity to save money.

Learn the London Underground Rules

It’s a solid sign that you’re a Londoner if you know your way around the Underground (also called the tube). When entering and exiting the subway system via escalators, stand on the right and move on the left. It’s also a good idea to have your contactless card or Oyster handy to swipe at the entrance, as causing a line can irritate people.

It’s also worth remembering that, unless you’re on the Jubilee line, you won’t be able to obtain a phone connection or 4G on the subway, so if you’re using a navigation software, save the route before heading underneath.

University of London Library Access

If your institution is among the University of London’s 17 constituent members, you can get most of the library materials at other member organizations in addition to your own, which is very valuable for postgraduate and doctoral study.

You can also attend the Senate House Library, a lovely art deco structure in Bloomsbury, as a University of London student, offering you even another free study space.

Getting home safely at night

It’s crucial to prepare how you’ll get home after a late night, as not all public transportation is available 24 hours a day. Keep in mind that subway trains run from 5 a.m. to midnight, so keep that in mind if you’re planning an evening out.

Night tube services were halted during Covid-19, but are expected to gradually restart, so keep an eye on whatever tube line you typically take and whether it operates all night.

Another alternative is to take a night bus, which many bus lines offer, but it’s always good saving some money for an Uber or cab just in case.

Many groups of friends may also message each other to say they’ve arrived safely home, connect each other to locate my friend as a precautionary, or use apps like Whatsapp to reveal their live location with buddies or roommates.

Look Out for Nightlife Deals

London is a terrific city to go out in since there are so many amazing cafes, bars, and nightclubs right on your doorstep, but it is also a famously pricey city. If you want to go out, try having drinks with your friends first or starting at your campus bar, as paying for beverages might be fairly pricey.

If you’re planning on a booked night out, try to prepare ahead of time because first-release tickets are frequently far cheaper than reserving a major nightclub on the night of the event.

Cost of Living in the UK for International Students

Cost of Living in Canada

Particulars

Monthly Costs

Rent

£547

Food

£200

Gas and electricity

£60

Internet

£40

Mobile phone

£30

Laundry

£25

Stationery and textbooks

£40

Clothing

£75

Travel (buses, trams, and trains)

£90/month 

Movie ticket

£9

Dinner at restaurant

£15

Part Time Jobs in the UK:

If you are studying in the UK, you can go for part time jobs which will help you earn some extra bucks.

Part Time Job

Average Pay

Call Centre

£11.13 per hour

Administrator

£9.97 per hour

Housekeeper

£9.42 per hour

Private Tutor

£21.28 per hour

Warehouse Operative

$10.08 per hour

Barista

£9.47 per hour

Library Assistant

£9.94 per hour

Here’s more info on the part time jobs in the UK.

Why Study in the UK?

World’s Best Universities

Studying in the United Kingdom entails attending a world-renowned institution. The UK now has 6 institutes in the Global University Rankings, with the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge both receiving perfect scores for academic reputation. There’s a reason why the United Kingdom produces so many of the most cited academic papers in the world!

Globally Recognized Degrees and Qualifications

Your qualification will be highly appreciated by organisations all around the world due to the excellent reputation of UK universities, giving you a lead over other candidates. As a graduate of a UK institution, you’re among a group of very gifted individuals; according to the British Council, 38 percent of Nobel Laureates who studied overseas did so in the UK.

A Cheap Study Destination

When it comes time to pay for higher education, the UK is far less expensive than other English-speaking overseas study locations such as the United States and Australia. The UK has tuition prices that are at least £2,000 to £3,000 less expensive than the US and Australia.

In comparison to the US (£18,000+) and Australia (£25,000+), you don’t need that much money in your bank account to apply for a student visa in the UK.

A Huge Student Population

Almost every city in the UK has a university, implying that there is a robust student population and it’s expanding! Every year, the number of students enrolled in higher education in the United Kingdom increases, ensuring that you will constantly be encircled by like-minded people from various backgrounds.

One of the most unique elements of studying abroad is the opportunity to make lifetime friends from all around the world by blending into such student populations.

Free Healthcare to Keep You Healthy

The National Health Service exists in the UK, which means that if you are studying in the country for six months or more, you will have access to free healthcare. You must still pay for medication, but it is regulated under the NHS, and you’ll only ever pay a certain fee per item, irrespective of how costly the prescription you have been provided is.

This is a huge help to students who are anxious about paying for their study abroad programme. Fortunately, you will not become ill, but the peace of mind is good enough to justify it just in case!

Work Opportunities 

You can work up to 20 hours a week in a part time job with your student visa. In addition, the United Kingdom has a guaranteed minimum salary, which means you might make a minimum of £118.00 a week before taxes to help pay your studies.

Alternatively, you may apply for an internship at one of the many world acclaimed companies established in the UK, like the BBC, Rolls Royce, or Burberry, through your institution. After finishing your study abroad journey, your resume will appear amazing in any case.

Highest Student Satisfaction Rating

With nearly 90 percent of the country’s 2.32M students content, the United Kingdom has one of the highest student satisfaction scores among English-speaking countries.

This is a huge amount, especially when you consider the unique and diverse locations, universities, and programmes available around the UK! As a result, if you’re still uncertain about where to study abroad, you’ll almost certainly like your time in the United Kingdom, regardless of whatever location you choose.

Conclusion:

Taiwan is one of the better study destinations in Asia, with over 120 English-taught courses spread over 40 universities in Taiwan. Taiwan’s average tuition fees is very low, and one of the programs that has gained popularity over the years has been the Global MBA program. The cost of living is around 30k a month, making it very affordable. The Top Universities in Taiwan include the National Central University, the National Cheung Kung University, the Chang Gung University, and the National Tsing Hua University. Top programs include: management, humanities, media, and engineering.

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