Study in the United Kingdom
Transport
Most international students coming to study in Exeter will arrive at London Heathrow airport. We can arrange a taxi transfer for you from Heathrow and several other international airports in the UK. For information on our taxi transfer service please click here[.
If you are coming to Exeter from within the UK then you can travel to Exeter by either train or by coach. For more information please click here for train travel in the UK and here for coach travel.
Student services
Based at the Centre, student services are dedicated to supporting you throughout your studies. Our team can provide:
- Language advisors to help you if you find communication in English difficult.
- Visa advice if you need to extend you visa while in the UK.
- A dedicated welfare officer who is happy to listen to any problem that you might have.
Before you start
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. To hear what a previous INTO student had to say about adjusting to life in the UK, click here.
The staff INTO Exeter University are here to make sure your stay is both enjoyable and rewarding. We’re able to advise on a wide range of issues on anything from orientation and accommodation to your studies and financial needs.
Before you arrive please ensure that you:
- Bring sufficient cash or travelers’ cheques (approximately £300 to £400) to cover your expenses for the first few days in London, and some cash to cover incidental expenses on your journey.
- Pack warm clothes for the climate (you can also buy clothes cheaply in the UK).
- Bring relevant equipment such as a laptop, camera, or sports equipment.
- Register with a doctor in the UK if you are planning to stay here for more than six months.
Once you have confirmed your place on an INTO programme, we will send you a pre-departure pack that covers all you need to know about moving to the UK, including what you need to bring, airport transfers, and ways to make your move as straight forward as possible. Staff at the INTO Exeter Centre will also be available to answer any additional questions you may have before you arrive.
To find out more about studying in the UK click here.
Health and safety
If your course of study is for six months or more (or a course of any duration in Scotland), you will qualify for NHS treatment in the UK. We strongly recommend that you register with a GP within the first couple of weeks of arriving, which will make it easier to see the doctor when you need to. Read more on healthcare services for international students.
Cost
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. One of the most popular is the NUS Extra Card.
Visa and immigration
The UK visas website provides useful guidance on visas to students and visitors intending to spend time in the UK, and provides a range of downloadable application forms and information packs. To see a UK Border Agency video about applying for a student visa, click here.
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. Those planning to travel regularly 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.
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. 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 you return home.
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. For some tips from one of our students, click here.
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