Study in the United Kingdom
Moving to a new city or country can be quite a shock to the system. In many ways you might find it easy to adapt to life in the UK, but there are some things that are likely to be very different.
Health
In an emergency, you can call the emergency number 999 from any phone and request the help of emergency paramedics. The UK health system is based on a system of local doctor centres that deal with routine and minor health issues, and, unless it’s an emergency, these will usually be your first point of contact for healthcare issues.
We strongly recommend that you register with a doctor’s practice within the first couple of weeks of arriving, which will make it easier to see the doctor when you need to. The Student Services team will be able to provide you with a list of local doctors. You should also ensure that you bring with you prescriptions (in English) for any medicines you regularly take in case you need to show a doctor. Read more on healthcare services for international students.
Cost
Newcastle is a relatively cheaper place to live as a student than in other parts of the UK. As a guide Newcastle University recommends that it costs £7,500 for undergraduate and £9000 for postgraduate students per year, not including tuition fees. You can find out more here.
In addition, the International Student Calculator has been developed by UNIAID to help you work out the precise cost of living as a student in the UK. It allows you to plan your own budget, taking both your duration of study and available funds into consideration. While you are in the UK, you will also be eligible for a range of student discount cards which reduce the cost of travel, food, clothes and entertainment.
Visas and immigration
For students and visitors intending to spend time in the UK, the UK Border Agency website offers useful guidance on visas, as well as a range of downloadable application forms and information packs. See below a video about applying for a student visa
Transport
UK towns and cities are linked by a wide ranging system of motorways and A-roads, and there are efficient coach (National Express and Megabus) and rail services to all parts of the country. Frequent flights also connect major UK cities with many European and international destinations. If you’re planning to travel regularly you may wish to invest in either an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), both of which offer discounts on fares in the UK and overseas.
Money
Many UK banks offer bank accounts for international students, but they can sometimes take several weeks to set up. To make the process easier you may want to find a bank in your home country that has branches in the UK, like HSBC.
You can sometimes transfer money from your home country to a UK bank account, but you must first check with your government that you are legally entitled to do so. If you are planning on using your debit or credit cards while you are in the UK, it is also a good idea to let your bank know.
Working in the UK
There are many opportunities for you to earn extra money while in the UK, both during your studies and after graduation. Depending upon your visa, special rules for international students make it possible to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time, and full-time during vacations. Find our what job opportunities are available to you in Newcastle here.
You can also apply for a post-study worker visa which allows you to work in the UK after graduation and gain invaluable experience before returning home.
Find out more on the UK employment laws, minumum wages and rights of employees here
Life and culture
When you come to the UK you will notice a difference in the way people dress, greet each other, practise religion and express themselves. It is a good idea to prepare yourself for cultural differences by reading as much as you can about the UK before you leave. This useful article from the British Council is a good example.
Check out this handy guide to overcoming culture shock click here
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