Each year countless international students are making their way to the UK. The numbers keep increasing per annum. Almost all students have a few questions that they need to be answered before they start studying in the UK, or even while they are studying. Having all the information will help them experience British life and living standards and educational quality to the fullest.
Most international students feel they are alone and will have no one. However, this doesn’t seem right. Lots of people have gone through these feelings earlier, and many more will probably have the same issues after you’ve graduated. So the feeling of loneliness and anxiety are normal.
We are here to help you battle your questions with some tips to help you adjust.
Accommodation:
Student accommodation becomes the most significant concern for most all international students. Housing in the UK is usually listed online and can be viewed virtually. If you are interested in accommodation close to your university, you could also speak to your university housing unit and see if they can assist you in securing accommodation. If you wish to buy a house, you would have to check with immigration. Manchesters advice service for Immigration can also help with any queries regarding immigration and investments for foreigners and students.
Universities also have their housing, and you could avail of dormitories, studio apartments, or share-apartments with other students. Most university housing is meant to be affordable and clean.
International Student Safety:
Since the UK is a top-rated tourist destination, it is a very safe place. However, it is always better to be cautious in case of emergencies. You should learn the emergency numbers in the UK like 112 or 999 for a medical emergency to call the NHS. It would help if you also got health insurance apart from your student health cover. All international students have to get health cover, but it is not comprehensive.
It would be best if you also were careful of pickpockets in large crowds and should stay away from dark alleys, empty transport, and dark streets.
UK Public Transport:
The majority of the UK population uses public transport in the cities. London has excellent trains, tubes, and buses that are affordable and fast. If you’re travelling outside of London, you could rely on the train and buses. However, if you plan on travelling across the country, it would be best if you booked your train tickets in advance since these can get a bit expensive.
If you’re looking for airport transfers from London, you should opt for the trains to and from the airport, since they are fast, inexpensive, and will get you to your destination in less than half the time a taxi would take. However, if you have a lot of luggage, you should opt for the taxi service since your bags would also need to be safe during travel.
Working in the UK:
International students are allowed to work part-time in the UK. They have to adjust class schedules and timings and find work that does not interfere with their study time. International students enrolled in degree college also work to help cover the cost of the tuition and some living expenses. Students not from the EEA/EU and Switzerland need a student visa to work part-time, but citizens of EEA/EU and Switzerland do not need permission to work in the UK while they are studying.
Some jobs that international students take up while working part-time are customer assistant, bookkeeper, bartender, waitress, receptionist, student support officer, pizza delivery driver, sports facilities worker, etc.
Healthcare:
Healthcare in the UK is controlled by the NHS (National Health Service). International students must have health insurance cover for the entire duration that they are in the UK. Health insurance will need to be renewed depending on the initial period. As an international student, if you will be in the UK for more than six months, you will also be considered eligible to get all the benefits from the NHS.
- Free of charge medical assistance services in the UK are:
- Contraceptive services
- Maternity services
- Hospitalization recommended by the General Practitioner (GP)
- Consultation fees for the GP
- Hospitalization and treatment in case of emergency or accidents
To avail of these benefits, you need to register with a GP upon your arrival in the UK. You should select an experienced GP who is close to your place of residence. It would help if you visited your GP (whenever needed) for any medical assistance that you may require.
