Study Overseas

So far in these articles we've got you as far as making your application. Let's jump ahead now and assume that you have received an offer from a British university or college and you have accepted. Congratulations you're on your way to a great education experience.

But, hang on, it can't be that easy, can it? No, there are still many things to think about. Many things to do before you go. So below is a round up of things you will have to do before you leave for Britain

Passport and visa

This may sound like stating the obvious but in some countries students cannot obtain a passport until they have a university offer letter. Make sure you still have enough time to obtain your passport. Or if you already have a passport, make sure that it has enough time left on it for the period of your study. If it doesn't you may find yourself having to go to your embassy or consulate in Britain to get a new one.

Students from some countries will need a visa. The British Government has recently tried to make it easier for international students to obtain visas, but the process can still be lengthy, as there is information that you will need to gather to satisfy the embassy officials.

Arrival information

Make sure that your chosen university or college has sent you all the information that you will need to get you through the first week or so. If nothing has arrived, say a month before you are due to leave, then get in touch with the institution and ask when you can expect to receive it.

Perhaps the most important information you will need is the date on which you are expected to arrive. Don't go by the date of the start of your course. Any good institution will want you to arrive before this, as it will have arranged an induction programme especially for its international students. Some institutions even provide short English language training sessions free of charge prior to this. If one is available do your best to arrive in time to join it; you will find it invaluable.

Travel arrangements

Make your travel arrangements as soon as possible. Explore all the options for flying into Britain. Don't assume that you have to fly into one of the London airports. Often, if you are going to a university or college outside London it is easier to enter Britain through one of the provincial airports such as Manchester, Newcastle or Edinburgh. Heathrow in particular can be a nightmare if you have to transfer to another flight, as it involves travelling, often with your luggage, between terminals which are several miles apart. You may find it is easier and cheaper to transfer at one of the European airports. For example you could fly into Amsterdam, with its one big terminal, and then fly with KLM UK to one of many British airports near to your chosen place of study. Not only will you find it quicker and easier but the immigration queues will be much shorter and the officials friendlier.

Finance

I always advise students never to gambol on their finances. In other words, all the time that you are making your preparations make sure you know how much money you are going to need and where it is coming from. Never live in the hope that the money is going to turn up eventually; this will only lead to great disappointment if you find you haven't got enough money.

For your preparations you need to know how you are going to get your money to Britain. Arrange bank transfers in good time. Some universities will have an account that you can send money to, and then you can collect it when you arrive in Britain. Sometimes it is worth opening a bank account in Britain in advance so that you have one already established in advance. Again, some universities can help with this.

Health

If you are staying in Britain for more than six months then you will be covered for most medical treatment free of charge. But if you are taking any medication regularly then it is worth packing a supply with you to last for the first few weeks you are in Britain. All universities will have a health centre that you can go to.

Packing

British weather is notoriously unpredictable, but the temperature ranges are not so great compared with many countries. Don't overpack or it will cost you a fortune is excess baggage, but do bring a range of clothes to suit the various weather conditions.

Accommodation

Make sure you have been in touch with the university or college accommodation office to get advice on booking accommodation. One word of warning here; many universities will only offer you accommodation if you sign a one year contract and pay a small deposit in advance. This means that you are committing yourself to accommodation for one year, and if after a short time you decide you want to move into private accommodation you could find it very difficult to do so. Make sure when you are booking accommodation through the university or college you are very clear of the implications.

….and finally

Try and take it easy for the last few days you are at home. You are embarking on a great adventure, but at the same time it can be very stressful once you arrive in Britain. There will be so much to do and so many things to think about. So make sure you are well-rested and ready for things when you arrive.

Welcome to Britain, and have a great time.

Author:

Neil Maynard

University of Sunderland