Study Abroad: Adapting to Life in the UK

For any student thinking of studying abroad in the UK, there are some points that should be well understood before any definite plans are made. It's easy to get caught up in the romance, the excitement of going to London to study, to attend a prestigious university, but you're going to need to make some compromises if you really want to do it, and while these compromises are more than worth it for many young people who have the means and the opportunity to study in UK, the fact is that you should go in with both eyes open.

Chances are you've already considered some of the points on this list, but these are some of the most important things to contemplate before taking the plunge, so just make sure you've thought them through.

Culture Shock

For students who live in Canada and the US, or even Australia, the assumption may be that London is just going to be a bit like a city from your own backyard. While there will be some familiar components to UK culture, the only thing your homeland really has in common with the UK, we're sorry to say, is the language.

Don't kid yourself, it's going to take some time to adjust. Even little things like figuring out the difference between chips and crisps can be tricky, but there are a lot of social norms that will just seem alien to you. That's really part of the fun, though. There are actually America towns throughout the world, much like Chinatowns back home, where Americans can feel at home. However, if you really want to enjoy London, you probably won't want to spend much time there.

The Food

If you don't have a broad palette, it will be difficult to get used to studying abroad. The food you eat at home might not be available anywhere in the UK without finding specific ingredients and making it yourself from scratch, and you'll be confronted with all kinds of weird and exotic meals. There are a lot of jokes made about English food, but the culinary culture of the country has changed dramatically for the better in the last decade. Even so, you're going to be met with some weird stuff.

If you're a really picky eater, you'll want to get over that before you move to the UK. Try exposing yourself to some weird, out there stuff and see how you react. Once you build up an acceptance of new foods, you'll find it easy to enjoy new flavors and delicacies.

The Transport

Part of learning your way around the UK is learning your way around the transport. The public transportation system is actually vast and complex enough that you don't need to drive at all as long as you're staying in the UK. However, it can be very labyrinthine and easy to get lost in, so make sure you get a few maps and study them when you first arrive.

International Students - Considerations For Studying Abroad

The United Kingdom is internationally renowned as the one of the best locales to study the English language, literature, theatre and the arts, thanks in large part to a diverse blend of cultures and the rich history of the UK. And there’s no other place that exemplifies the cultural identity of the UK, quite like London. Colleges in London, provide the perfect opportunity to study abroad.

Currently there are 60 institutions of higher learning in London. For international students there are some things to consider before attending college or university in the UK.

Information for attending college in London: 

The University and Colleges Admissions System (UCAS):

Before you attend college, the UCAS assists all potential students with the application process and the selection of a university or college. This is a not for profit service organization, which is the preferred method of application submission at the majority of learning institutions in London. The UCAS provides an extensive list of pre-qualifications and qualifications to attend college in the UK. The University and Colleges Admissions System have a website with information about higher education funding, student finances, course descriptions and other student services.

Student Visa application:

International students must apply for a Visa to determine their eligibility. All colleges in London require that prospective students obtain a Visa prior to entering the country. To meet Visa eligibility requirements students are required to present proof (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) showing that they have been accepted for a course of study at a university or college in the UK. Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time degree program, have funds to support themselves ( cost of living expenses and tuition) without working in London, and upon completion of studies, the student agrees to exit the UK. Prospective students can visit the UK Border Agency’s website for specific information.

Accommodations:

For first year students, the most economical choice of living arrangements are usually London student housing. There are a large variety of on campus dorms and apartments choices, which are included in the cost of tuition.

For students who prefer to live off campus, it is cheaper to find a flat or apartment away from the central part of London, which is generally more expensive. It could be financially difficult for students to afford to pay for tuition, books and students fees and live in central London, unless they are financially independent. However, there are a quite a few private organizations and landlords who cater to university and college students in London.

Universities and colleges in London have International study abroad programs and scholarships that cover the costs of tuition, cost of living and accommodations. London is also an excellent place for mature students to live and work while earning an advance degree. By attending colleges in London, students will receive a stellar education from a prestigious UK institution. This could lead to attractive job opportunities, because studying abroad gives graduates a decisive edge over the competition in an International job market.

Tips For Staying Healthy In College

It is a problem not uncommon when it comes to students in college. Once they leave the home of their parents, they come to shed away many of the rules that they were subject to. This may mean staying up at all hours of the night, it could imply taking up poor eating habits; however, staying healthy while attending one of the colleges in London is important.

1. Getting Plenty of Sleep

Some college students, in an effort to study for an upcoming exam or simply finish a television show they have been watching, will not get enough sleep. As a result, they will find that concentrating is difficult. They may be unable to focus on their studies, or may simply feel too worn out to do much of anything. It is important for the student to get a full night of sleep. They will see in the long run that it is better for their health.

2. Don't Go Overboard

Many students believe that college is a time to truly let loose and have fun. While this is not completely untrue, it is never a good idea to go overboard. A student should never push away their responsibilities to go drinking with their friends. They should not fill their body with drugs and other questionable substances. No matter how much peer pressure they experience, they should never give in. The student could become seriously ill and risk failure if they do not take on healthy habits.

3. Find Inspiration

When a student is attending one of many colleges in London, they may be unable to take on healthy habits because they do not feel motivated. This can easily be solved by finding a fellow student that has taken on a good lifestyle. Together, these two or more individuals can make sure that the other is eating food that is acceptable for them. They can make sure that everybody is getting in their daily exercises, no matter what those may be. The more people there are to help in the situation, the stronger a student can feel.

4. Find Stress Outlets

Stress plays an active part in student life. The combination of a lot of assignments and the feeling that nothing will get done in time can send some people over the edge to anxiety and unhappiness. When this happens, it is important for a student to sit down, take a few breathes, and come up with a plan. They should decide what they are going to do first, and when they are going to do it. When everything is written down on paper or on a computer they will feel better. Attending one of many colleges in London will not feel as overwhelming.

Study in London - Prepare Yourself for Life in London

Students who have a desire to study in London will quickly find that there are a vast number of opportunities and options for studying in one of the most diverse and interesting cities in the world. Planning is key to obtaining the education desired and enjoying the time spent in London. There are many points to consider including: how to choose a school that best meets my needs, visa requirements, budgeting and more. Start planning one step at a time and soon it'll be time to embark on a new chapter of life. The first step is selecting a school.

Start by making a list of priorities. This list can and should include academic goals as well as social expectations, such as location, student life, etc. Then start searching through the many education institutions and universities in London and create a short list of the schools that best suit the priorities. Be specific when it comes to the academics. Some schools specialize in certain disciplines such as art, law or business. Others may have superior programs in fashion, language or politics. Make a short list of the best schools for your qacademic needs first and then go through the list to look for those options that also match any social preferences. While academic is usually a higher priority than social, studying in London is not something that a person does very often so it is important to get as much out of the experience as possible.

Some of the social preferences might include location, student housing, on campus social clubs, nearby churches and more. London is a very large and diverse place and so the location of a university can affect one's overall enjoyment of the course. Many students choose to study in London because of the night-life or perhaps the beautiful architecture and scenery. Different parts of London vary in sights, sounds and tastes so it is perfectly legitimate to look at location when selecting a school. Student housing is also a consideration. Students can live on or off campus for different experiences. Living in a residence hall on campus is usually considered to be best for those wishing to fully dive into the London college life. For those who prefer a more quiet and private approach, living off-campus but nearby is another option. Just remember that London housing can get pricey so make sure to plan a realistic amount into the budget for housing.

Once the short list has been created and cut down to a few good options, it is time to do some careful thinking and planning. If it is possible to take a short excursion to London to visit the campus, this is the best way to determine which university is a favourite. Visiting campus will often make it clear if it is the right environment or not. If a visit is not possible, look at pictures, read testimonials of students and get a variety of perspectives about the different options. Also take this short list of courses and make sure that you will have the pre-requisites needed and that the courses will be transferable if required. At the end of the day a decision must be made and, with careful thought, it will be the right one and your study in London experience will be well worth the diligence.