Study Guide to UK for Indian Students

Study in the UK: The United Kingdom consists of four countries united under one government. The countries are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each has a distinct culture and feel of its own. At the higher education level, students have a wide range of options when they choose a college or university. Although there are agencies that attempt to rank colleges and universities, the concept of “fit” is also important. The GPA* of admitted students is important, but majors offered, location, number of students enrolled, and campus culture are all factors influencing a prospective student’s decision. Some colleges and universities are publicly funded, while others are privately supported.

*GPA means grade point average. It is the average of all grades received.

Check: When to start thinking about Finances to Study Abroad

Read the article below to understand why to study in the UK and other related information to help you decide.

Latest Updates

• The UK government has proposed a visa fee hike which will affect international students all across the world, including Indians. Once the proposal is accepted, visa applicants will have to pay an increased fee and health surcharges to the National Health Service. UK PM Rishi Sunak confirmed that the fee hike may be around 5-7% across visa categories and the same will assist support the country's public sector wage increase for police, teachers, junior doctors, etc. 

• Even though the proposed visa fee hike didn't go very well with Indian students, reports have surfaced stating that a record-breaking 321,000 visas have been granted to migrant workers for jobs until June in order to resolve the issue of labour dearth in the nation. A 45% increase has been recorded in work visas which have been issued as compared to last year. Not only this notable growth has also been observed in the UK student visa category. Data released by the UK Home Office suggests that 54% increase was registered in the issuance of sponsored study visas to Indian students.

• According to another development, VFS Global has joined hands with Tata-owned Indian Hotels Company and the Radisson Hotel Group after which students can apply for a UK visa at a hotel located nearby. Those in Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, and Bangalore wishing to apply for the same can do so at the nearby Taj Hotel. Vivanta Bengaluru (Whitefield), Vivanta Mangalore (Old Port Road), and The Gateway Hotel (Visakhapatnam) are already assisting students in applying for visas. VFS Global also announced Premium Application centres at Park Plaza Ludhiana, Radisson Noida,  Radisson Blu Hotel Amritsar, and Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali. 

• The UK government announced a major change as per which international students pursuing a non-research Master’s degree course in the country will no longer be permitted to bring along their families or dependents to the country. Only those international students can bring their families who are pursuing post-graduate research courses, including PhD, in the UK. Also, students won’t be able to switch to the work route from the student route before completing their studies. Learn more about the new change, here.

Popular Student Destinations

The top universities in the UK are the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, London School of Economics, Imperial College London, University of Durham etc. (in no particular order). Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in London, followed by Cambridge, Oxford, and Manchester.

Also Read: Indian students to UK rise by record 63 percent

Popular Courses in the UK

Sociology and Social Studies, Law, Business Management, Computer Science, and Communications/Media are the popular courses Indian students pursue in the UK.

Safety in the UK

As a student, you will be as safe in the UK as you are at home. When you get to your college there will be loads of other students who will give you all the information you need about the place. You will find that the country is multicultural and you will soon have friends from all over the world.

Weather

UK has a variable climate changing from day to day. It is difficult to predict the weather. In general, the summers are warm and winters see snowfall. Summers are cooler than those in India.

England - Compared to other places in the UK, England is sunnier throughout the year. On some occasions, there can be strong winds. Also, the rains are unpredictable and it could rain at any time during the year. London, Manchester, and Birmingham are some of the popular cities. The average temperature in summers is around 25°C to 15°C; in winters it is around 7°C to 0°C.

Scotland - The climate of Scotland is temperate and can be very unpredictable. Rainfall is not uniform across Scotland, with the western parts getting a lot more rain than the eastern parts. Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen are the major cities. The average temperature in summers is around 19°C to 10°C; in winters it is around 6°C to -1°C.

Wales - In Wales, most of the rain tends to fall between October and January. Days in winter are shorter and the region experiences snow. Summers are warmer than in other parts of the UK. Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea are some of the popular cities here. The average temperature in summers is around 23°C to 12°C; in winters it is around 8°C to 1°C.

Northern Ireland – This region has relatively mild winters and cool summers. Northern Ireland is cloudier than England and gets less sunshine comparatively. Belfast, Lisburn, and Newry are some of the popular cities here. The average temperature in summers is around 19°C to 10°C; in winters it is around 8°C to 0°C.

Also Read:

• Universities in Manchester (UK)
• Professional Courses after Graduation
• Top MBA Programs in London

Lifestyle Tips

All international students to the UK will need a letter from the college in order to open a bank account. The college will give you this letter during the induction and registration events. It is essential that all UK international students register with a local doctor. Again, the college will help you arrange this during the induction and registration events.

You will have full access to a wide range of clubs and societies at the university. The college also arranges social events throughout your study period. Typically, this would include city tours, ice skating, ten-pin bowling, and visits to other cities in the UK.  Moreover, the UK offers you brilliant opportunities for recreation such as music concerts, museums, visits to castles, and much more. Make sure that you enjoy yourself to the fullest while striking a balance between your academics and leisure.

Indians Living in the UK

Indians are UK’s largest ethnic minority group. As per the 2011 Census of England and Wales, the Indian ethnic group population was nearly 1.4 million in England and Wales. The majority of all Indian immigrants resided in three cities: Leicester, London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The rest of the Indian immigrants live in major metropolitan areas like Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Belfast.

Accommodation

Firstly, you need to decide whether you want to live in university-managed accommodation, or with a private landlord. Choosing university-managed accommodation can also give you a catered or self-catered option. The catered accommodation offers the benefits of your meals being cooked for you and a degree of certainty with meal costs.

If you have an idea about what you prefer, the accommodation office at your university will be able to tell you what accommodation they have available - so that’s the place to start. If you are thinking of renting from a private landlord or if your chosen university can’t offer you anything in its own residential facility, the accommodation office should be able to provide you with a list of private properties and landlords in the area.

Wherever you choose to live, you should make sure that you know your contractual rights and responsibilities. In most cases, you will be asked to enter into a tenancy agreement, which you should read thoroughly before you sign.

The kind of accommodation options available would be -

• Short-term accommodation: Hostels and hotels. Temporary housing may be offered through your institution while you get settled. Talk to your institution's international support staff or check their website for details.
• Rental: You can rent or 'lease' a property by yourself or with friends. This can be done through a real estate agent or privately.
• On-Campus: Living can be a great option to minimize travel. Most universities have comfortable and furnished apartment-style living on campus or close by.
• Homestay: This option allows you to live with a family in their home.

Orientation 

Orientation week is mandatory for international students, so ensure that you arrive before it starts. This is the time when you will be introduced to the university and its services, as well as enroll in your classes. It is essential that you read your guidebook, which is provided by the college. The guide explains each part of the admission process.

Activities

Along with sports, colleges offer extra-curricular activities that provide students with a wide range of experiences. Music, drama, science and literary societies in colleges offer opportunities for outdoor education and other leisure activities. Visits to theatres, concerts, and places relevant to the courses of study such as art galleries and museums, religious centres or historical sites, scientific companies and projects are all part of college life.

Also Read:

• What next after applying to UK universities?
• Student account of application and admission process
• Making friends with seniors at college

Academic Requirements

These vary between study programs and levels. For each course, Indian students will need to meet a minimum English language requirement. Along with that a minimum academic record of 65% and above for the humanities stream in class XII, and 70 - 80% and above for the Science/Commerce stream in class XII will also be required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured below 60%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program.

Documents required by UG aspirants for UK Student Visa

• Marksheets and certificate of the tenth and twelfth
• Academic transcript
• English proficiency test scores: IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE Test/ Other
• Personal statement
• Reference letters
• Copy of passport
• CV (if applicable)

It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purposes, the actual numbers may differ from university to university.

The following documents also need to be submitted for post-graduate aspirants:

• Attested copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
  At least, two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently
• If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume
• Photocopied score reports of GMAT / IELTS / TOEFL
• Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses & architecture programs)
• Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds

SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. It is always written in the first person and describes the reason for applying to a particular college. It needs to highlight why you are a perfect fit for the college and why the college should accept you. The style of writing could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it should reflect your personality as well.

Essay: Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are an important part of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays, along with a few optional essays too. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.

LOR: A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the prospective student to recommend him to the college in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function. The third party could be a professor, direct manager etc.

Learn more about higher education in the UK:

• UK: A preferred destination for Indian students
• UK: At the forefront of academic excellence
• 5 Reasons why students and professionals choose a UK education

Timeline

Here is a timeline to follow to get admission steps completed in time:

12-18 months before enrollment

• Start researching and select 8-12 universities that you will apply to. Visit university websites and note application requirements, deadlines etc.
• Learn about options to fund your studies.
• Make custom application strategies for different universities.

Read and Download: Study in the UK: Timeline guide

10-12 months prior to enrolment

• This is the time when you shift from the preparation mode to creating the application. Think hard about what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch out your strengths and self-assessment.
• Register yourself and start preparing for required standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, UKCAT, TOEFL or IELTS - depending on the course and university.

10 months before enrolment

• Begin by downloading admissions brochures from the university websites.
• Start working on the UCAS admission form and application.
• Search for and begin applying for external scholarships (if applicable).
• Take standardized tests like GMAT and TOEFL.
• Contact your professors and direct managers for at least two reference letters.
• Begin drafting your SOP and essays.
• Alongside your admission applications, plan for your expenses like applying for an education loan.

Enrolments

• Apply before the deadline!
• You may have to appear for a video interview in front of the admissions committee.
• You will get your rejection letter via e-mail by April-June (the months may vary). The acceptance letter helps you attain a student visa.
• Gather paperwork for your student visa.
• Depending on the deadline, you will need to notify the universities of your decision, pay a non-refundable deposit, and apply for your student visa.

Application fee: All colleges require that you pay an application fee while applying. The fee amount will differ depending on the college and course being applied to, so check with individual colleges about their application fee.

UCAS

Applications to all undergraduate courses are filled through the Universities and Colleges Admission System or UCAS - a central organization in the UK that is responsible for receiving undergraduate applications and forwarding them to the respective institutions.

UCAS allows you to apply to five Universities through a common form. £22 is the fee for one course or £26.50 for multiple choices. The services offered by UCAS are designed for admission to the September/October intake in the UK and you normally apply directly to a university for courses starting in January or February. The UCAS Application timeline has been displayed below:

UCAS UG Admission 2024

Note - Students seeking admission to a postgraduate program will have to apply to individual universities using the application form of that particular university. Most universities offer the facility to apply online for a nominal fee. Once the application form is filled appropriate supporting documents would have to be sent to the university. Although universities do not have a deadline it is recommended that you apply early to enhance your chances of being made an offer. In addition, students can register themselves with UCAS Postgraduate. Once the registration is done, they can search and shortlist the courses. Same services can be used to apply for a few postgraduate courses (not all postgraduate courses).

Intake Seasons

The main intake seasons are September/ October and January/ February in the UK. The services offered by UCAS are designed for admission to the September or October intake in the UK. You have to apply directly to a university for courses starting in January or February.

Also Read: Which Intake Season to Choose: Fall or Spring?

Language Exams

International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) are all standardized language tests, which are required to be taken for the purpose of getting admission into colleges. These follow different formats, structures, and result bands. These tests are different in various ways but many colleges ask for any one of the results. So it's up to the student to decide which exam to appear for.

Repetition of exams: IELTS can be taken an unlimited number of times. TOEFL can be retaken as many times as one wishes to, but cannot be taken more than once in a 12-day period. Same with PTE, it can be taken as many times as desired. You must wait to receive your scores before you can book your next test.

Fee: The standard fee for these exams is Rs 15,500 for IELTS, Rs 15,594 (US $190) for TOEFL, and Rs 14,700 for PTE in India.

Time to apply: Ideally, if you are aiming at the September intake, you should appear for these exams by November, so that you can apply before the first deadline. The universities you will be applying to will mention which exam results they will accept. But if they give a choice to go for either of these, then the choice depends on you. The time required to prepare for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE would depend on the existing English language proficiency. You may require 2 to 4 months of preparation before the exam date.

General Exams

GMAT - The Graduate Management Aptitude Test is used to measure the abilities of the potential MBA aspirant to undertake higher education in the field of business or management. It measures the mathematical, English, and reasoning skills of the student.

GRE - The Graduate Record Examination is another test required to be taken by students applying to graduate schools to pursue MA or MS. Increasingly many business schools are also accepting GRE scores for the purpose of granting admission for an MBA.

The university you will be applying to will mention which exam results will be applicable to the course of your choice. But if they give you a choice to go for either of these, then the choice depends on you.

Repetition and Fee: You can give GMAT an unlimited number of times, subject to five times a year, and a gap of 30 days between two tests. You can take these tests with a gap of 30 days. The cost of GMAT is INR 22,571 ($275) and GRE is INR 18,713 ($228).

Ideally, if you are aiming at the September intake you should appear for these exams by November so that you can apply before the first deadline. The preparatory duration generally ranges from 4 to 6 months.

Average Scores: The average GMAT accepted score across universities is 540. The average GRE score is 155 for Verbal, 167 for Quantitative and 5.0 for Writing.

It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purposes, the actual scores may differ from university to university. The higher the score, the stronger your application.

School Expenses

The cost of living depends heavily on what part of the UK will you be living in along with how much you will socialize. Some of the basic elements for living as an international student in the UK are:

• Accommodation rent ( on campus or off campus )
• Groceries and food
• Utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet
• Phone bills
• Text and reference books
• Airfare for travelling back to India

Other elements which may differ from person to person would be:

• Dining out
• Travel and Vacation
• Car rental and Car insurance
• Cable TV connection

Also Read: Cost of Living for International Students in the UK

International students in the UK have to pay more tuition fees in comparison to students from the UK or EU. The tuition fee varies according to different universities, courses, and the city. For international students, the fee starts at £10,000 (~US$14,130) and goes up to £38,000 (~US$53,700) or more for medical degrees. The average cost of studying in the UK is around £22,200 (~US$31,380) per year and those who want to stay in London need to spend much higher.

Living Expenses

As part of the new visa requirements, if you are an international student, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) requires you to have a budget of at least £1,265  per month to study in London, in addition to the tuition fees. If the campus is outside of London, you will require a minimum budget of £1,015 per month as requested by the UKBA. On average, you may need around £200 to £300 per week to live in or around London. It is just an estimate, and the final costs will vary depending on your lifestyle, place of residence and how much you socialize.

Other Essential Costs

Costs of other essential items depend on one’s lifestyle and the place you live. The average food bill for a week costs £50. A meal at a restaurant can cost around £15-£25, whereas a meal at a pub can cost around £8-£12.

Here is a table that will help you understand the costs of some of the items in the UK. This amount is subject to change.

Health Insurance

Insurance Policy is mandatory for international students, as students have to stay abroad for a long period of time. However, now students need not buy a separate health insurance policy, as now it is part of the student visa issued to them. The insurance helps students during the time of hospitalization as it covers all costs and they do not need to pay any money themselves. Students must note that at the time of application, they will have to pay a healthcare surcharge. The healthcare surcharge will depend on various factors; students can calculate it here.

UK Scholarships for Indian Students

Merit and need-based fee waivers are awarded to international students. Candidates with strong academics, good performance in standardized exams and extracurricular achievements would be eligible for scholarship awards and financial assistance. You can check UK scholarships for Indian students. To benefit from these opportunities, one has to make sure to send all the required documents by particular deadlines. In addition to this, the presentation of the application is also important because one is judged by the image one projects.

Documents required: The documents usually needed for a scholarship application are as follows, although the requirements may differ:

• Academic records and photocopies
• A recent CV
• A letter of intent, which acts as a cover page
• Certificate of language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Letters of Reference (LOR)

Loans

Student eligibility criteria: The first thing is to be aware of is whether you are eligible to apply for the loan or not. The general eligibility criteria that are followed by all the banks are –

• You should be an Indian national
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be seeking admission to a professional, technical or another course of studies

Most banks maintain that the selected course should be job oriented.

• You must have secured admission to foreign university institutions
• You must be above the age of 18 years or else your parents can avail the loan

Eligibility of course: You may not get a loan on every course. Here are the kinds of courses that qualify for the education loan.

For Graduation: Job-oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed universities

For Post Graduation: MCA, MBA, MS or even diplomas

These courses could be from foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and central government.

Loan amount: If your total fee is Rs 10 lakh, the bank may offer to give a loan of 80% of the amount and you will have to put in the balance of 20%. This is called the margin amount. The maximum loan amount offered by banks for studies abroad is generally around Rs 20. If your tuition fee amount is Rs 30 lakh, you’ll have to manage the rest of the funds by yourself. Some banks charge a processing fee, while others don’t. it may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total loan amount. So if the bank charges you 1% as a processing fee, that will be an additional cost you’ll have to cover.

Documentation required: You will have to provide the acceptance letter sent by the University reflecting that you have been selected for the course and the schedule of fees. You will also need to show the mark sheet of the last qualifying examination to show your academic record.

All banks have different requirements for documentation, so you need to confirm with the bank first.

Repayment: Repayment starts only after the course period. If the student got employed within one year after completion of the course, the repayment should start immediately after the expiry of one month from the date of employment.

If you do not secure a job within a year of completing the course, then repayment starts irrespective of whether or not you are employed. The loan is generally to be repaid in 5-7 years after the commencement of repayment. If the student is not able to complete the course within the scheduled time, an extension of time for completion, of course, may be permitted for a maximum period of two years. Generally, you will get up to a maximum number of 10 years to repay the loan.

Read and Download: Guide to Student Loans

UK Student Visa Application

You should have the following documents before applying:

• A completed student visa application form
• A letter of acceptance on the course: Your approved education provider will give you an acceptance letter and a visa letter which are official and unconditional offers of a place on a course of study. The visa letter must be issued no more than six months before you apply. The applications where the visa letters are older than six months will be refused.
  Having a visa letter does not guarantee the application will be successful. The applicant must meet all the requirements of the category and any other requirements of the immigration rules.
• Proof of funds: The money you need to show covers your course fees for your first year of study and living costs for up to a maximum of nine months. The amount you will need depends on whether you are applying as a child or adult and also whether you will be studying in or out of London. You must show that you have held the money for at least 28 days. The end of that 28-day period must not be more than one month before the date of your application.
  • You will need £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
  • You will need £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
• You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English
• You must have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17
• The fee for the UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 (General) Student Visa) is £363 if a student is applying from outside the UK

Also Read: UK Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate route) Rules Relaxed for International Students

UK Student Visa Application Process

There are several steps to applying for a visa. UK student visa applications are processed within three weeks of the completed application being lodged.

Step 1 - Check if you qualify

You must be able to show that you have:

• A confirmed place at the school, university, or college where you intend to study. It is called a ‘confirmation of acceptance for studies' (CAS).
• Enough money (also known as ‘maintenance or funds') to cover your course fees and living costs in the UK.

Step 2 - Get your documents ready

For every document you provide, you must include the original document and a photocopy.

• A signed copy of your completed visa application form
• A valid passport
• 1 passport-sized colour photograph which meets the photo guidelines
• Evidence of your confirmed place at the University
• Any previous passports to show your previous travel history
• If you send a document that is not in English, it must be accompanied by a full translation that can be verified

Step 3 - Apply online

You will need to register and create an account on the official UK Visa website.
When you have completed your online application form, you will need to print and sign your completed form. You must use the online appointment calendar to book an appointment at the visa application centre. When you have completed your online application, you will receive an email message containing your application number.

Step 4 - Pay your application fee
There are 4 ways to pay your visa application fee.

• Payment at Standard Chartered Bank - You can pay your fee at some branches of Standard Chartered Bank. The bank will issue a demand draft in favour of the 'British High Commission'.
• Demand draft from a nationalized or foreign bank - You can pay your fee by getting a demand draft issued by a nationalized or a foreign bank. Bank charges for this service will vary. The demand draft must be in favour of the 'British High Commission’.
• Payment at the visa application centre - You can pay the visa application fee at the visa application centre when you submit your visa application.
• Pay online - You can pay your visa application fee online using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card.

Step 5 – Visit the visa application centre on the appointed date

You must book and attend an appointment at our visa application centre to submit your application and facial photograph and fingerprints.

Work Permit (PSW UK)

The UK post-study work visa allows international students to stay back in the UK to search for work for a period of two years after completing their graduate studies. Doctoral PhD students will be eligible for 3 years stay back. PSW UK (UK Graduate Visa) will attract a £715 application fee and £624 healthcare surcharge per year.

A new scheme titled 'Young Professional Scheme’ has been launched by India and the UK government which will permit those with Indian nationality, aged 18-30, to live and work for a maximum of two years in the United Kingdom. Thousands of Indians aged between 18-30 years will benefit from this scheme as they would get exposed to multiple work opportunities. More details about the scheme have been included in the article later.

Learn all about Post Study Work Permit in UK here

Visa for Spouse

A Visa holder in the UK gets a Dependent Visa for the same duration as the primary applicant. This is applicable for Master's degree applications only. Undergraduates cannot take dependants with them to the UK.

If you have a student visa, your dependents apply as 'dependant of a Points Based System migrant'. Each dependant completes a separate application form and pays a separate fee.

Along with your own maintenance funds, you need to show an additional £600 for each dependant for each month that you are applying for up to a maximum of 9 months' maintenance funds. You can use a scholarship to cover the maintenance funds for your dependents if you already have got a scholarship. The scholarship letter must state that funds are also intended for your dependents.

Also Read:

• What next after applying to UK universities?
• UK Student Visa rules set to get tighter from November

Young Professional Scheme

An initiative of India and the UK government, the Young Professional Scheme has finally flagged off serving good news to all those who are looking forward to moving to the UK. A total of 2,400 visa applications will be accepted by the UK government between the age of 18 to 30. The selected lot will be able to travel, live and work in the country for a maximum of two years. An open ballot system the scheme began in March 2023 and will end after three years. 3,000 candidates will be exchanged between India and Britain through this scheme. During the stay, one can move to the UK anytime, leave and return, till your visa validity is intact. 

Eligibility

• The applicant should be a citizen of India aged between 18-30 years
• He/she should be holding the eligible qualification
• He/she should have a saving of £2,530

Application Process

The applicant will have to submit their identity proof and related documents. One may get an appointment fixed if one needs any assistance in the process. One has to pay an application fee of £259 and a healthcare surcharge of £940 as well. In case your application is rejected, no amount of the application fee will be refunded.

Selection Process

Random selection will be made for the entries. If you're selected you'll receive an email regarding the same within two weeks of the closing of the ballot. You don't have to pay a fee to enter the ballot. Those successfull need to apply for their visas before the deadline ends. Within 6 months of applying one needs to move to the UK. In case one is not selected, he/she can try again in the future. The tentative month set is July.

Pre-departure List

• Book airline tickets
• Buy travel insurance
• Arrange accommodation in the UK
• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in the UK
• Consider buying traveler’s cheques
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:

• Passport
• Airline tickets
• Travel insurance certificate
• Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution
• Key addresses and phone numbers
• A bank statement showing proof of funds
• Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
• Traveler’s cheques—if applicable
• Medical and immunization records
• Academic history and university transcripts

You need to have some understanding of the British culture before moving there. Here are a few pointers which will help make your stay comfortable.

Punctuality: British are usually sticklers for punctuality, and it will be considered improper if you are late for an appointment, a tutorial or a social gathering. If you are going to be late it is advisable to let the person know beforehand and explain the situation.

Queues: Queuing is important in the UK, you will have to queue at shops, supermarkets, banks, and government offices. Jumping a queue is considered ill-mannered and can annoy those already standing in a queue.

Personal space: The space you leave between you and a person you are speaking to is very culture specific. In Britain, it is usual to leave one arm's length between you and the person you are speaking to, as crossing that invisible boundary will be seen as an infringement of privacy.

Social Niceties: As an international student, you will be perplexed by the number of times the British say please, thank you and sorry. Taking that as a cue, you should add ‘please’ at the end of every request, ‘thank you’ each time someone does something for you.

Driving in the UK: Driving in the UK is on the left side of the road. It is necessary to obtain a UK license by arranging to take a driving test. If this is not done, you run the risk of being prosecuted for driving without a valid license. You must be insured before you can drive a car in the UK. To hire a car in the UK you must hold a full Driver’s Licence or an International Driving Licence and have been driving for twelve months or more.

Bank accounts: Having a UK bank account is important for international students. It can take up to 2 weeks to open a bank account. You can open a bank account only after you are in the UK and have registered on a full-time study. UK law requires banks to make detailed checks on customers to establish proof of identity, proof of address in the home country and proof of new address in the UK.

Travel: London Underground - You can pay a cash fare, use a pre-paid ‘Oyster card’ or buy a paper travelcard. Using an Oyster card, a single fare will cost you £5.

Buses - Most routes in Central London require that you buy tickets before you board. Ticket machines selling single fares and daily bus passes are located next to the main bus stops on these routes.

Post-Brexit

Many students are afraid that their tuition fees might increase after Brexit, however, till date there is no indication from the government regarding increasing the fee. Many UK universities have decided not to change the tuition fee for EU students currently pursuing their education. Moreover, the authorities have also confirmed that EU students enrolled for autumn 2018 and autumn 2019 are also eligible for same tuition fee and financial aid as domestic students for the duration of their course even if the UK leaves the EU in 2018.

To explore more study options in the UK, check out:

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