The United Kingdom is an education hub for students, especially for international students. With hundreds of great universities, you can expect nothing but world-class education. The UK universities attract thousands of international students in UK every year. From undergrad to postgrad degrees, you will find diverse fields for international education. Since they have always been welcoming and inclusive for international students, UK universities ensure life is easy with a student-friendly environment and these tips. 

Whether it is about student accommodation in UK or degrees, we are here again for you. In this particular blog, we are going to cover an interesting topic. If you are an international student in the UK, making the most is essential. We understand life can still be hard sometimes when you are alone in a new country. This is where Uninist comes into the play, from finding flexible student accommodation in UK to how to make the most of your college-life, we got all the answers for you! So, keep on reading to find what all the UK awaits for you!

What is the UK Education System like? 

The UK Universities are world-famous for providing top-notch education to its students. From education to student housing, universities have a comprehensive and student beneficial education system. To understand the UK education system for international students in the UK, here are what you need to know:

• Globally Recognised Degrees: The universities in the UK follow high academic standards. This simply means the degrees are respected worldwide for their quality and research focus. If you attain a degree from a UK college, it automatically sends a good message for you. 
• Shorter Course Duration: Duration of the course usually takes less time. For instance, the undergraduate degree takes 3 years instead of 4 like in many countries and the masters degree is often 1 year long. This helps students save time and money.  
• Wide Range of Subjects: The UK offers a wide range of subjects to study from. Not only diversity, you can also find flexibility to specialise early in your degree or combine multiple subjects through joint honours programmes. 
• Research and Practice Learning: The degrees in the UK emphasis on independent research, critical thinking, and hands-on learning alongside lectures and seminars. As a result, international students in the UK can truly grow apart from just book-learning. 
• Assessment Style: Assessment type in the UK is a mix of essays, presentations, projects, and exams. Continuous assessment is common in many courses.
• Integration with UK Culture: The universities in the UK present students with the opportunity to engage in student societies, volunteer work, and cultural exchange. This engaging environment makes the education system more beneficial for students. 

How to Get Student Visa: Guide for International Students

Want to study in the UK? But  studying in the UK requires a student visa, especially when you want to be an international student in the UK. Here is the guide on how you can get student visa: 

• Check Eligibility: The first and the foremost step is to check the eligibility for student visa. To be eligible you will need an offer from a licensed UK university or college and enough funds to cover tuition fees and living costs. 
• Gather Required Documents: Prepare your confirmation of acceptance for studies(CAS) number, passport, proof of finances, proof of english proficiency, and any required health documents. 
• Apply Online: Fill out the student visa application form on the official UK government website and pay the visa fee.
• Pay IHS: If you are coming to the UK, you have to pay the immigration health surcharge(IHS) which gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service during your studies.
• Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment: You have to give your fingerprints and have your photograph taken at a visa application centre. 
• Wait for a Decision: The processing time may vary depending on your location and location time but it usually takes 3-8 weeks.
• Prepare for Arrival: Once your visa is approved, you can book your travel, arrange accommodation before flying to the UK.

So, if you are a potential international student who wants to explore universities in the UK, follow the above guide.

Tips to Make the Most out of Your College Life As an International Student in UK

From excelling in academics to figuring out student housing in the UK, there is so much for students to do. And, as an international student in the UK, here are some of the top tips to follow:

• Join Student Societies and Clubs: Whether it’s sports, culture, or hobbies, joining societies help alot. You can make friends, build a great network, and more that makes you feel inclusive in the university community. If you are an international student in the UK or even a national student, joining societies and clubs will always benefit you.
• Explore the UK Beyond your Campus: As an international student in the UK, you are presented with an opportunity to live in a different country for some time. We recommend instead of sitting in your student accommodation, you should go and explore your surroundings. Visit landmarks, nearby cities, cultural spots, museums, and nature spots to experience British heritage. 
• Manage Your Finances Wisely: If you do not come from a rich background, it is necessary to understand financial planning. We highly recommend you to manage your finances wisely as an international student in the UK. Since we understand that the UK is pretty expensive. So, you should know what to do and how. First, open a UK bank account, take advantage of student discounts, and search for a part-time job that you can do in your free time. Set a clear budget for rent, food, and travel, so you don’t get crushed by the financial stress.
• Gain Work Experience: Use your visa’s work allowance to find part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer roles that help you in building your CV and skills.
• Improve Your Academic Skills: For any student whether it’s an international student in the UK or a national student, academic skills are a non-negotiable thing. To excel in academics, attend study skill workshops, effectively use the library, and seek feedback from your teachers. 
• Network with People: Networking can be a life changing factor for students, especially when you are an international student in the UK. Being new to a country, you need friendships and networking to grow. So, build friendship with people coming from different backgrounds in the UK to enhance your cultural perspective and personal growth. 
• Look After Your Well-Being: You might have listened to a saying that health is wealth. So take care of your physical health as well as your mental health. For international students in the UK, it can be a little difficult because you are on your own, away from your family, etc. You can use university counselling services, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

These are all the tips that can help you to enhance your academic as well as personal life as an international student in the UK.

What are the Tips to Find Part-time Jobs for International Students in UK

International students in the UK could really use some extra money from part-time jobs. Here are the tips which can help you find a part-time job in the UK:

• Use University Career Services: Most universities have career centres and online job boards specifically listing student-friendly part-time roles.
• Search Online Job Platforms: Use websites like Indeed, Reed, and StudentJob UK to find job-opportunities suitable for students. 
• Check Local Businesses: Cafes, restaurants, retail stores, and supermarkets hire students for part-time roles. You can visit them in-person and ask for a part-time job.
• Network with Other Students: Sometimes your peers can help you in finding a part-time job, many job opportunities spread through word-of-mouth. So, you can ask your friends, classmates, and society members. 

Conclusion

International student lives may seem difficult but it is not when you know what you are doing. Whether it is about education, student accommodation in the UK or friendship, we try to bring what you look for. This is why our guide is perfect for international students in the UK. From tips for living to jobs, we have got it all in one place. Moreover, at Uninist, it is our mission to make student life easy by providing the best student accommodation in Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester and other cities in the UK. 

So, don’t wait any longer and be ready to be an international student in the UK as we are here at every step!

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