Study in the UK: A Comprehensive Checklist
Here's a quick comprehensive checklist of what you should be doing and thinking about before you start studying in the UK
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Lesson
Summary: |
The Thinking Stage
[ ] 1. Make the Decision.
The first thing you should if you want to study in the UK is make that decision final. Studying abroad is not for everyone, since leaving your home country and family is a difficult thing to do for many people. However, studying abroad (especially in the UK) can help broaden your horizons and improve your career prospects. You can find out whether studying abroad may be for you by Taking this test. You should research all of your options, including not just the UK but other countries as well: the US, Canada, Germany, Singapore and more. Once you've decided UK is the place for you, move on.
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[ ] 2. Find the Right School
The UK has lots and lots of great academic
institutions! You have to Research schools and
programs and find the right one for you. There are many
issues to consider- are you looking for a big school or a small
one? A school in a big city like London, or in a less expensive
rural area? And of course, what do you want to study anyway? Once
you've done that, apply and get accepted to that
program. Unless you have an official letter of acceptance, you
will not be able to study in the UK. Luckily, you can find out a
lot of useful information about great schools and apply to them
directly right here on our Schools
Directory.
Making the Formal
Arrangements
[ ] 3. Arrange Some Money
Money is an important issue for those wishing to study abroad. Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover you tuition and living expenses- you will need to prove this in order to qualify for a visa. You should plan a tentative budget and find sources of money to cover your expenses- this lesson will help get you started. Scholarship opportunities can help you fund your studies too! Learn more by reading this lesson.
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[ ] 4. Get a Visa
If you want to come to the UK and study, you
must ensure you have a valid student visa beforehand.
Apply for a student visa well ahead of the start
of your program, as things can get bureaucratic and it's
important you don't get caught without a visa at the last moment.
If you find it confusing, make sure to follow our UK visa
series.
Lesson 1 explains all the various details,
while
lesson 2 goes over the rules and what you'll
need to get your visa.
Getting Ready to Live in the
UK
[ ] 5. Find Accommodations
It's pretty obvious that if you want to study in the UK, you'll need local accommodations. Arrange for a place to live, preferably before you leave your home country. Having no place to stay when you arrive at the UK is a very bad idea, so make sure that even if you haven't secured a permanent address yet you can find a cheap hotel or a place to stay for a while. You can find accommodations in university-owned student halls or private flats and lodgings. If you have family or friends in the UK, they can help you look for a place. There are lots of online resources as well.
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[ ] 6. Ensure You Have Insurance
Insurance is important- because you never know! You should research insurance information before you leave for the UK. Even though you receive free health insurance for programs over 6 months when you become an international student in the UK, you may want to purchase travel insurance or personal possession insurance to secure yourself and your possessions- you can never be too safe, and it's better to think ahead than be stuck in a bad situation with no safety net. An insurance can be quite useful, but make sure you do your homework and don't fall into an insurance scam online or anything like that.
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[ ] 7. Verify Your Banking
It's highly important to clear up your money
issues before you arrive at the UK. You should open up a
UK bank account either from home or as soon as you
arrive at the UK. Deal with money transfers as early as possible.
You should pay your tuition through bank transfers, as it is
safer than carrying a lot of cash on you. However, you should
make sure that you have traveler's cheques on you with enough
funds to find a local residence for a few days, just in
case.
Completing the Final
Details
[ ] 8. Pack Your Bags
As you prepare to go study in the UK, you'll need to make sure you have everything you need. From personal supplies to clothes and an umbrella, you'll need to pack your bags carefully. Make sure not to take too much with you, but don't leave anything important behind. This lesson can help you prepare.
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[ ] 9. Get Your Documents on Hand
You've got to ensure that all your documents are ready when you go to the UK. Get your passport and your visa, as well as a copy of your acceptance letters and any other documents you might have received from the school. If possible, have a proof of lodging (a receipt for rent), or a UK bank account documentation on you as well. Keep them safe and secure, but also accessible in case you'll need to prove to any immigration or customs officer that you're coming to the UK as a legitimate international student.
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[ ] 10. List Your Contacts
Another important thing to do just before your
flight is get your contacts listed and
organized. Make sure to have vital phone numbers of your
school (the admissions officer or whoever you've dealt with when
applying), your bank if you've set one up, and your
accommodations contact person. If you have any friends or
relatives in the UK, list their numbers as well, in case you have
to call them. In case of any trouble you may want the contact
information of the embassy in the UK, and any professional or
agent who helped you throughout the procedure at your country.
It's important to stay connected if anything happens.
The Final Stage
Book a flight, get to the UK, and start your studies!
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You can find a lot more useful information in the Study in the UK Community!
Photo Credits: carf, interpunct, youthkee, katiew, twinkleboi, griffs0000.
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