What’s Student Life in the UK like?

Ivy-covered buildings, enormous libraries, a steaming cup of Earl Grey combined with a world-class faculty and extensive resources make the United Kingdom your perfect study abroad destination! 

There are numerous well-reputed universities in the UK which welcome international students. A degree from a British school holds a great degree of value internationally, and the UK boasts of a 90% student satisfaction rate. Furthermore, the culture, diversity and varied distribution of the student population is enough to tempt you to pursue an education there. Britain is well-connected to the rest of the countries in the EU, making vacation plans easy and fun. Also, there isn’t much of a language barrier, which makes it a perfect location to study at!

 

Food

Britain is famous for its English breakfasts and fish-n-chips, but you might be in a bit of a cultural shock once you start living there as a student. Indian and Chinese cuisines are very popular, but the dishes are substantially blander than their Indian counterparts. Elevenses and afternoon teas will make sure that you don’t feel peckish in between meals, and local supermarkets are your best friend for finding fresh produce at cheap rates. 

Although there is a heavy emphasis on meat as a staple food, vegetarians needn’t worry because almost every restaurant has an alternative menu for them. There are also Indian restaurants in the city. Kiosks and roadside cafes also cater to food allergies and specialized diets, and you shouldn’t face any problems in obtaining the materials for your usual diet. Potatoes are your one-size-fits-all companion; be it mashed, roasted, sliced, fried, boiled or grilled, they just make every meal complete.

Living Expenses

Here’s where your math skills come into play. Living in the UK can cost anywhere from £600-1000 per month, and that’s when you’re not paying rent. Apart from this, health insurance and emergency expenses also eat into your budget. Regional cities and smaller towns may be cheaper than metropolises like London. Rent rates may also vary if you decide to live off-campus. Another important cost to consider if you’re studying in a city is your mode of transport.

You need to plan very carefully for a future in the UK. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, and try to find a part-time job on-campus (your visa will usually let you work between 10-20 hours per week). Map out a budget, with estimated daily, weekly and monthly expenses, and keep some money aside for contingency expenses. It’s natural to go overboard within your first few months, but try to stick to your budget in general. Small changes to your lifestyle, like eating home-cooked food instead of dining out every day and walking instead of taking taxis, might make a big difference to the money you spend.

 

College Life

You may find yourself signing up for every society or club during Freshers’ Week, and realize later that you will probably not be able to attend every single crocheting or mountain climbing lesson. The UK is also home to an immensely diverse student population from every corner of the world, and you will be exposed to an ocean of new perspectives and information. This is exactly what you came to the UK for so take maximum advantage! Explore the city on weekends, go to galleries and museums, eat delicious food and enjoy your student experience to the fullest. 

Feeling homesick is natural, and the only way to combat the blues is to meet new friends, call home every week, and stay enthusiastic about all the opportunities you’re getting (which might be easier said than done). Pretty soon, you’ll settle in and start feeling right at home.

 

Following the laws

Moving to a new country comes with its own highs and lows, but one thing is absolutely certain: follow all the rules of your new country. There are many regulations that come with being issued a visa, and under no circumstance must you break them. If you do, you may be deported which would lead to your future prospects of studying and living in that country being futile. Some basic rules that a student visa-holder is expected to obey are:

1. You can only work for 10-20 hours at a part-time job on-campus,

2. You must obtain a Student Route Visa. You won’t be allowed to study under a Short-term Visitor Visa.

3. You must have adequate proof of financial support for all four years of undergraduate study

4. You should not participate in any activity that infringes any component of UK’ law.

 

Courses and classes

Your academic record at a university is very important for your future. However, unlike school, professors won’t repeatedly remind you to submit assignments or give tests. You must be self-motivated and well-organized to create your own study schedule and stick to it. Additionally, living so far away from home will give you a heady sense of freedom, but you must recognize your own limits and settle down in due time. British universities offer numerous courses and classes to suit your interests. 

If you fail a class, you might be allowed to sit for the examination again, but it may be capped at 40% marks as a maximum. You may also have to drop out and repeat a year or choose another course if you fail in several subjects. Again, you need to be very cautious and plan your time wisely.

This is just an overview in a nutshell of what you can expect while studying in the UK, but there are loads more – which can’t possibly be covered in one article! You can only find out the true experience for yourself if you apply to a UK university, and trust us when we say that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The UK is a hub of multiple vibrant communities, and there couldn’t be a better place for you to broaden your horizons. 

 

A vital part of your application is your SoP, which cinches the whole package together and tells the admissions committee the kind of a person you are, and about your personal and academic goals and ambitions. You must be very careful while writing it, this could make or break your entire application.

Psst! We can help you with your SoP. Contact us today!