Are you excited to live a new life in the almighty United Kingdom? Well, if that’s the case, you are just on the right page. As a fresher student in UK, the feeling is surreal which cannot be even described by words. First of all congratulations for getting shortlisted for your dream college. We can say by just getting shortlisted in one of the UK universities, you have just opened a door to endless opportunities.
But don’t forget being a fresher student in UK face different challenges at every step. From student visas to student accommodation in UK, the journey is just starting. The first few months of someplace new are always tough. However, when you have got platforms like Uninist, you just don’t have to worry. That’s why we are here with another blog with a comprehensive guide for a complete fresher student in UK, So, keep on reading honey as feeling lost is no longer an option!
What to know as a Fresher Student in UK?
There are plenty of things you have to understand before you move. When you are an international student in the UK, there are certain things everyone should know. Here is the list or a complete guide for you:
- Preparing Before You Travel
- Arrival and Settling In
- Accommodation Choices
- Understanding the Academic System
- Managing Finance
- Part-Time Jobs for Students
- Transport and Travel
- Healthcare and Safety
- Cultural Adjustment
- Making the Most of University Life
- Preparing for Your Second Year
This is not an exhaustive list, but don’t worry. We will be discussing everything in detail so that you won’t hang in with half information. So, let’s discuss these points in a little more detail!
Preparing Before You Travel
- Apply for your UK student visa in advance to avoid any last minute problems.
- Keep all your important documents ready like passport, CAS letter, visa, accommodation details, and financial proof.
- Arrange travel insurance and check the baggage allowance in advance.
- Carry some GBP cash and forex/travel card for initial expenses if you are an international student in the UK.
Arrival and Settling In
- Check the public route to campus in advance or book an airport pickup.
- Collect the biometric residence permit within 10 days of your arrival.
- Buy a UK sim card. Some of the sim card providers are giffgaff, EE, etc. Buying a UK sim card will help in easy communication
Accommodation Choices
There are on-campus and off-campus options for student accommodation in UK for a fresher student. Some of the top choices include:
- University Halls
- Student Apartments
- Shared Student Housing
- Private Rental
- Homestays
- Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and many more.
Know your tenant rights in the UK, check for contracts, bills included, and how far it is from your campus.
The UK offers many types of student housing options like student rooms, ensuite rooms, and student apartments. You can explore student housing providers like Uninist and more to find student accommodation in UK.
Understanding the Academic System
- Universities in the UK focus on independent learning and critical thinking.
- If you are a fresher student in UK, do not avoid the fresher’s week induction session. These session are important as they provide all the details. This session is conducted to make the students understand resources and systems.
- Use the resources you are offered to the fullest like library, online portals, and referencing styles.
Managing Finance
- For a fresher student in UK, managing expenses can be a little tricky in advance. Your average monthly expenses will be in between £900- £1200(varies by city).
- Almost all the cities in the UK offer student discounts actively on food delivery apps, cafes, restaurants, etc. Use cards like TOTUM, UNiDAYS, NUS extra.
- The best way to manage expenses is to track your weekly spending and set a clear cut budget for the month.
Part-Time Jobs for Students
- International students in UK can work up to 20/week during every term.
- For a fresher student in the UK, finding part-time jobs can be tough. So, check on websites like Indeed, Linkedln, University career services. These sites can help you find part-time jobs in UK.
- Common part-time jobs for students are retail, hospitality, tutoring, and campus assistant.
Transport and Travel
- Get a 16-25 railcard for 1/3 train fares. Plus, explore student discounts on the travel too.
- Invest in a bus pass for unlimited city travel.
- Explore nearby cities and attractions during weekends.
Healthcare and Safety
- Register with a local GP under the NHS.
- Save the NHS 111 number for non-emergency medical help.
- Follow campus safety guidelines and avoid poorly lit areas late at night
Cultural Adjustment
- Learn basics British etiquette for example use words like “please” and “thank you”
- It is important to make good connections in your college as a fresher student in UK. So, join student societies to make new friends.
- Stay connected with family to avoid homesickness.
Making the Most of University Life
- Participate in clubs, sports, and volunteering for skill development.
- Attend networking events and career fairs early on
- Balance academics, part-time work, and social activities for a healthy fresher year.
Preparing for Your Second Year
- Building a CV from your fresher year
- Planning internships and career opportunities.
This guide will definitely help you as a fresher student in UK. So, the new and exciting lifestyle awaits you. Just know what you wish to do!
How to find part-time jobs as a fresher student in the UK?
As a fresher student in UK, it can be a task to find the right part-time job. Decoding every challenge, here is the list of ways you can find part-time jobs:
- Use University Career Services: You should visit your university’s career centre for job listings, attend on-campus recruitment fairs, and ask for student ambassador roles within your university. This will help in building a great CV and also help you to gain work experience.
- Search on Online Job Platforms: Search on popular sites like Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, Linkedln, etc.
- Explore On-Campus Opportunities: There are some roles like library assistant, admin support, IT helpdesk, and event staff which are very popular among students. So, apply early if you don’t want to miss the chance.
- Walk-in Application: As a fresher student in UK, the best part-time jobs if you want to earn a little income can be jobs in cafes, restaurants, retail stores, etc. These places actively hire students for part-time roles and provide fair wages as well.
- Prepare a UK-style CV: The best way to get your CV shortlisted is to make your CV in UK-style. The UK-style is keeping your CV 1-2 pages, highlighting soft skills, and customer service experience(if applying for hospitality roles).
Conclusion
Don’t you think that student life in the UK is quite challenging yet interesting? Well, we get what it takes to be a fresher student in UK. The rule to make the most in the UK as a student is simple. We at Uninist ensure to take care of you right from the start of your college-life in the UK. Through this blog, explore all the possible things and be on top as a fresher student in UK. From finding flexible student accommodation to guides to student life, Uninist takes care of everything for you. So, keep the points in your mind as said and live your college life to the fullest!
FAQ
-
Is living in UK hard as a Fresher Student in UK?
There is no definite answer to this, for some people it can be hard and for some it is not. However, as long as you take care of things and your mental health, everything will be alright.
-
Is finding part-time jobs in UK tough as a fresher student in UK?
No, finding part time jobs in UK is not that difficult. Many cafes, restaurants, etc hire students for part time roles. Even museums and heritage sites also hire students. If you have a good CV then you can also find part-time jobs through on-campus and off-campus recruiting.
-
How to find student accommodation in UK as a fresher student in UK?
To find a student accommodation, you can do these things:
1. Apply for university halls.
2. Use trusted student housing platforms like Uninist.
3. Check local student groups. -
What are the types of student housing you can find in UK?
UK offer many types of student housing options like:
1. Student rooms
2. Student apartments
3. Ensuite rooms
4. Shared rooms -
When should I start applying for student accommodation in the UK?
You should begin searching for student housing as soon as you receive your university offer, ideally 3–6 months before your course starts, to secure better deals and locations.
-
What should I do during Fresher’s Week in the UK?
Attend campus tours, orientation talks, social events, and society fairs. It’s the best time to meet new people, learn how your university works, and settle into student life.
-
Can I open a UK bank account as a fresher international student?
Yes, most banks allow international students to open accounts. You’ll typically need proof of identity, proof of address in the UK, and a university enrolment letter.
-
What are some affordable supermarkets for students in the UK?
Stores like Aldi, Lidl, ASDA, and Tesco offer budget-friendly options and frequent discounts ideal for student budgets.
-
How do I get a National Insurance (NI) number for part-time work?
Apply online through the UK government website. You’ll need an NI number to work legally and pay taxes as a part-time employee.
-
Are there any apps every fresher in the UK should download?
Yes, apps like Citymapper (travel), Too Good To Go (food savings), UNiDAYS (student discounts), and NHS App (healthcare) are helpful for day-to-day living.
