Being a student can be one of the most exciting periods in a person’s life. It is when they are supposed to broaden their horizons, acquire more specialized knowledge, experience different cultures, etc. One of the top destinations attracting international students is the UK. Even the increased requirements after Britain left the EU did not shake the country’s appeal as a study destination.
After all, the UK has some of the most prestigious universities worldwide that offer high-quality teaching and education. Students can find an alluring mix of centuries upon centuries of history coexisting alongside high-tech innovations regardless of which city they pick to visit. Moving to and studying in the UK has its own quirks that should be accounted for accordingly in order to achieve a smooth transition to the country.
Being a student or a fresh graduate is also intrinsically connected with looking for your first job opportunities and starting your chosen career path. As a student planning to move to a different country, it may be more difficult to craft a compelling CV that will accurately and impactfully represent your current skills and abilities. A possible solution to this issue is to turn to a professional CV writing service such as PurpleCV. The experts will create unique CVs tailored for each desired job opening while ensuring that the resumes meet all modern requirements while still showcasing your personality and individual achievements.
Don’t Forget Your Umbrella
It may sound a bit cliche, but living in the UK requires having almost constant access to an umbrella. After all, it is not a coincidence that the weather in the country is notorious for being especially gloomy. Back in 2020, around 170 days of the year saw cloudy weather, while in 2021, nearly 150 days were registered with at least 1mm of rain. It almost doesn’t matter whether you are studying in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Birmingham, or any other city, as carrying an umbrella in your backpack and being prepared for sudden rain will prove to be a wise choice. In Northern England or Scotland, this is also true for having an additional waterproof coat and clothing as the weather there could be even more extreme.
Prepare Your Visa
After Brexit, even students from the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) need to apply for and be approved for a visa. The earliest students outside of the country can apply for a visa is six months in advance, and a decision is usually received within 3 weeks. Keep in mind that you will need to pay a fee of £363 if you are applying for a student visa from outside the UK.
Sort Your Healthcare
In order to gain access to healthcare via the NHS (National Health Service), students will need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of their visa application. The exact sum that will be charged depends on various factors, including the length of the specific visa. Students can use an online calculator to get an idea of what they will have to pay even before submitting their application. Depending on your country, it may also be necessary to check if you have all of the recommended vaccines. It is also strongly advised to get COVID-19 vaccination shots before moving to the UK.
General CV Tips
Some students may wish to start looking for a job as soon as possible after landing in the UK. Deciding what qualifications to include in the CV may prove to be a problem. In general, you should take into account the specific requirements found in the job listing and mention any relevant subjects, grades, accomplishments, etc. Your goal is to present yourself as an ideal candidate, so include all of your extracurricular activities or part-time jobs that have required a similar skillset as the position you are applying for.
Don’t Underestimate Discounts and Loyalty Cards
At least initially, students may not have the opportunity to freely spend money around. One way to stay within budget is to take advantage of loyalty cards and student discounts. The student cards of the National Union of Students provide a wide range of discounts. Getting a loyalty card for your local store that you plan to shop from frequently will also provide significant benefits as you accumulate points.
Get a National Railcard
The UK has an extensive rail system that provides convenient transportation to almost anywhere in the country. Paying train fees every time could quickly add up to a hefty sum. That is why students who plan to travel a lot will receive immediate benefits from the railcard as it costs just £30 and is active for a whole year.
