A Guide To Succeeding As A New International Student In The UK

Study time: 8 minutes

Hundreds of thousands of international students are enrolled in educational programs in the United Kingdom. As a matter of fact, this number is on the rise. We've compiled a dozen tips to help international students get the most out of their time in the UK. If anything happens while they're here, we want to be prepared for it. In the United Kingdom, you're a foreign student. We'll go over pointers together about international student's guide!

Here are some considerations for international students looking for housing in the United Kingdom:

Student housing options abound in the UK for international visitors

When searching for a new home, you should have a general idea of where you want to settle down. With this method, you will be able to find a place to stay much faster. In the UK, finding a place to call home doesn't require you to leave the comfort of your own home.

As an additional option, you can compare the rent prices and select the location that works best for you. Many online student forums exist where you can get advice from people who have been in your shoes.

You should also see if there are any available dorms to rent. A reasonable price can still be found for private dormitories that provide adequate comfort despite the fact that university dormitories are often oversubscribed. Hostels should be considered before renting a home because they are less expensive and offer similar living conditions to those found in university residence halls.

It's important to keep in mind, however, that rent prices in urban areas tend to be higher than those in the surrounding suburbs. If you prefer living in the suburbs, public transportation is an option for you. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in London's financial district is $1,646.

It's currently available for around $1,185 per month in the suburbs. Whether or not you want to live in university dormitories, privately owned dorms, apartments, or private homes is now completely up to you.

Safety Precautions:

Considering how many people visit and study in the UK, many people are concerned about the safety of the country. Based on the 2022 ranking by Vision of Humanity, the United Kingdom ranks 34th out of 163 countries in terms of safety.

However in a country like the UK, where the general consensus is that it is safe, there are always reasons to be on guard. Precautions for your safety in the UK are listed below when you arrive:

In the event of an emergency, familiarise yourself with the following phone numbers: When you arrive in the United Kingdom, just dial 999 or 112 to reach the local ambulance, fire department, or police department.
Take out health insurance: Determine if you qualify for treatment in the United Kingdom's NHS by contacting your local health authority (NHS). To enter the United Kingdom, you'll need health insurance.
Keep an eye out for pickpockets if you're in a crowded or urban area. Pickpockets frequently work in groups, so keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
In order to keep yourself safe, avoid dark and empty streets when you're on your own, especially late at night. Take a licenced cab or public transportation to avoid any problems.

A few more safety tips for traveling within UK

Using the British Public Transportation System

The vast majority of people in the UK rely on public transportation. As a whole, it's a risk-free approach that yields positive results. Public transportation options include licenced taxis, buses, and the rail system.
Taking the subway or the overground is one of the best ways to get around in London. The oldest railway system in the world is run and maintained by a number of different companies.

Coach or bus travel can also be an affordable way to get around. Your view is just as spectacular!
If you have a lot of luggage or just need to get somewhere quickly, taking a taxi is a good option. All taxi rides should be taken in licensed vehicles.

Learn more about the transportation system in the United Kingdom by exploring useful resources:

How can I get a job in the United Kingdom as an international student?

In spite of being a popular study abroad destination, the UK has one of the most expensive costs of living rates in the world. Therefore, many international students choose to work full-time while still attending school. In addition, your visa restrictions and the university where you're enrolled will dictate how much work you can do and the rules you must adhere to.

Only students from countries outside of the EU/EEA are subject to these rules since EU/EEA citizens do not need permission to work in the UK while studying. To work in the UK, you'll need a Tier 4 (General 4) visa.

The maximum number of hours you can work each week is specified in your Student Visa's requirements. You cannot work for yourself or be an entertainer while a student in the UK, whether you're freelancing as a full-time or part-time employee or starting your own business. Those most frequently held by students in the United Kingdom, on the other hand, are the following:

Officer of Admission Waitresses at the front Desk Receptionist/Waitress Receptionist Administrative Assistant, Bookstore, Receptionist.

Comprehensive Guide for International Students In the UK

Health Insurance

Healthcare is a major concern for international students in the United Kingdom.
Health care in the United Kingdom is highly regarded thanks in part to the National Health Service (NHS) (NHS).

For their own financial security, international students visiting the UK must be covered by a national health insurance plan before they can access the country's public health care system. How long you study affects your health insurance eligibility.

To qualify for the National Health Service in the UK, you must stay in the country for at least six months and be a resident of the country for at least three months of that time. You must also purchase private health insurance before leaving your home country if your course of study is less than six months long.

As a newcomer to the UK, you should be aware of the free healthcare options available through the National Health Service (NHS). They consist of:

Making an appointment with your physician (General Practitioner)
Acute or emergency care at a hospital
As directed by your primary care physician, you sought medical attention.
In-home birthing options
Pregnancy prevention services

Get registered with a GP practice as soon as possible after arriving in the UK. One that is convenient for you should be chosen (with regards to services, facilities, performance, and location). Visit your GP if you have health concerns and they will give you advice on what to do.

Knowing about British customs and traditions

Anyone moving to a new country should spend some time learning about the people and customs of the country they'll be living in. Even though moving to the UK allows you to take your time learning the language, let's go over some of the fundamentals.

The first thing you need to know about the British is that they are extremely punctual. Arriving late is unusual, and it could even be construed as disrespectful. In the event that you are going to be late, notify the other person as soon as possible.
Britain has a great deal of regard for the elderly and the disabled. People who ride public transportation need to give up their seats to the elderly or those with disabilities. If you see a disabled person struggling, it is expected to ask them whether they need any help.
The British have a well-deserved reputation for highly valuing their own personal space. As a result, you must exercise caution when posing personal questions for fear of appearing intrusive.
The custom of bringing a gift with you when you are invited into someone's home in the UK is widespread. When someone invites you out to dinner, they are usually responsible for the bill. Instead of arguing about who is responsible, consider inviting them to dinner at a later date and making a reciprocal invitation.
Eccles cake, Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding, Laverbread Laverbread Shepherd pie, Black pudding Scotch eggs and a lot more are some of the most popular foods in Britain.

Take a closer look at British customs and social mores.

The Best Places to see in the World during your stay in the United Kingdom

There are a few must-see locations in the UK once you arrive and have some free time, despite the fact that the country is bursting at the seams with places to see. Here are a few examples:

London is a sight-seeing paradise. You can't go to London without seeing the Beatles Crosswalk, taking a double-decker bus tour, and visiting the Leavesden Studios, where most of the Harry Potter movies were shot. Is there anything else I can add?
Visit the Canterbury Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, if you have the time.
Everton and Liverpool, two of England's most illustrious football teams, call Liverpool home. It's also the place where the Beatles got their start in 1960.
Stratford-upon-Avon: What about a tour of Shakespeare's hometown? There, you can find his gravestone, his daughter's house, and the childhood home of his mother.

There are many sights to see in the United Kingdom, but these ten stand out as the most photogenic including Big Ben, London Eye, Stonehenge, Hyde Park, Loch Ness, and Scottish Highlands, Dunluce Castle, Trafford Centre, Windsor Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Old Town, and Edinburgh.