The UK is a favoured study destination for international students who wish to pursue their higher education. The popular universities in UK offer a wide range of study courses for international students. It’s about excelling in producing well-rounded graduates. Are you planning to Study in the UK? Before you decide look at some of the Do’s and Don’ts for International Students in UK.
Dos for International Students for UK
1. Learn the lingo
A good way to blend in the new city is by getting used to the lingo. British slang is a bit different the others. Learning a few words and sentences can help you communicate in a better way and won’t make you feel weird in UK. Here are some of the words.
Knackered – someone is extremely tired
Fag – a cigarette
Ledge – shortening of the word “legend.”
Taking the Mickey – to make fun of a person
Burst – being drunk
2. Research properly for the Courses in UK
Universities in UK offer an abundance of quality courses to international students. As per your academic and career goals, choose the courses wisely. Also, check out the eligibility and requirements of your chosen course, whether you can fulfil them or not. Many factors such as research facilities, future employment opportunities, and most importantly, top-ranked universities in UK can help you choose your course. To know more, check this: Most Employable Courses in UK for International Students
3. Work while studying
If you wish to save some bucks and gain some interesting experience, start working in UK while you study. There are many jobs available that have flexible work hours for you to choose and manage well with your studies. If you are from outside the EU or EEA, you can work up to 20 hours per week while studying, and full-time during the holidays. Part-time jobs are really a major piece of gaining knowledge.
4. Get registered for GP
Getting registered for a GP is a must for staying in UK. GP(General Practitioner ) enlistment is basic on the off chance that you have to see a specialist when you are sick. GP records have information about your medicine, allergies, vaccinations, previous illnesses and test results, hospitalization summaries, appointment letters, and referral letters. It is generally free of cost to see your GP doctor. You can visit www.nhs.uk for more information. It is always the only option to get registered for a GP close to your home.
5. Register for NI
Having a National Insurance (NI) number means that you can work on legal terms within the UK. You must obtain a National Insurance number to know your National Insurance contributions and taxes are recorded for you. It is a combination of letters and numbers. You will need to submit some supporting documents along with a filled application form.
6. Go out, party, and visit places
Do go out, visit as many places as- museums, monuments to the mountains. You need to seize the opportunity and try to see everything while you are a student. Studying abroad does not only limit you to academics, but there is also so much else to do. You can visit popular places in UK such as Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle, Cheddar Gorge, Hadrian’s Wall, etc
Don’ts for International Students for UK
1. Don’t Expect the Same Comforts as Home
The UK has everything you could need to enjoy your time living there. However, things and experiences can be quite different from what you are habitual to in your home country. It may feel like you are missing some of the comforts you used to have in your home country. But don’t panic or get scared, try to adjust yourself with full effort. Make friends and try to get along with the local people. Once you are comfortable within a few months in UK, it will feel like home.
2. Don’t Overwork
Don’t ever work more than what you’re permitted while you’re on a student visa in UK. This will be treated as a breach of visa rules. This may lead you to exit the UK. It’s not worth it, is it? However, you are allowed to work full-time during the vacation. But also remember to get a holiday letter from your institution.
3. Don’t take Expensive accommodation
Don’t live in pricey accommodation when you’re an international student unless you and your family are a super-rich. Accommodation is a huge part of your living cost abroad. Try to find a cheaper option such as private room-paying guest, over dorm room, a student residence at university.
4. Don’t do international traveling during the term-time.
You’re in UK for a full-time course and attending your lessons regular is a visa requirement. Even if you don’t have classes every day, you are supposed to be studying. If you travel during term-time, on your way back, you may get questioned by the UK Border Agency (UKBA). Your entry might be denied entry if they find your answers are not relevant.
5. Don’t miss out the international students’ scholarships opportunity
There are plenty of scholarship programs open for international students in the United Kingdom. The scholarships may help you to pay your tuition fees, living allowance, or a return flight from your country to the UK, and various things. Both Government and Universities have listed scholarships for multiple courses for international students. Some of the scholarships are Chevening Scholarships, The Commonwealth Scholarships, The Royal Society Grants, etc. Read more: Scholarships in UK
Hopefully, these do’s and don’ts will help you transition with your education abroad experience in UK. We wish you the best of luck with your new life in UK. Enjoy studying there and make plenty of beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. If you face any major problem you can always contact your university officer.