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
