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 Getting a Student Visa to Study in UK

Before you can study in UK, you will need to have several important documents, including a visa. The visa allows you to legally reside and study in the UK. If you are not what is referred to as a EEA citizen, which means that you are not from Europe, a visa is an essential to allow you to legally be in the UK. Do not make the mistake of obtaining a visitor’s visa and then attempting to stay and study.

Having a student visa will also allow you to work in the UK while you are studying under certain circumstances. In addition, if you have a family, you can also bring them with you to the UK provided that you can demonstrate you are able to support them while you are in the UK.

You can receive a visa application at any British Embassy near your location, which is in most major cities. You will also be able to pick up the required IM2A forms and pay the requisite application fee at the Embassy as well.

In addition, you will need to provide several important documents when making your application for a student visa to study in UK. These documents include an acceptance letter from the university or school where you will be attending, financial evidence such as a sponsor letter, personal bank statements or scholarship information and documentation regarding your accommodations.

Keep in mind that in order to be approved for a student visa to study in UK, you will need to meet several important rules. For example, you must demonstrate your intention to study at a public-funded college or university, legitimate private institution or an independent school that is fee-paying. The reason for this is that immigration officials want to be certain that you are actually studying while in the UK. You must also be able to demonstrate that you have the ability and the intention to follow a full-time course of study for a minimum of 15 hours per week.

You will also need to demonstrate your ability to pay for your study course as well as your own living expenses and the living expenses of your spouse and/or children if they come with you without the need to work or claim public funds while you are in the UK.

Studying abroad can be fairly expensive and immigration officials typically want to be certain that you have a sufficient amount of funds to sustain yourself as well as your family during your time away from home. Under certain conditions you may work while you study in UK, but only if you are accepted for a course of study that lasts longer than six months. In this case, you may work only part-time or during your study breaks or vacations. This is because the type of visa for which you are applying is primarily for you to study not for you to become employed. In addition, you must also demonstrate your intention to leave the country once you have completed your study in UK program.

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.