An overview of Student life in the UK

It’s 2022 and you would have endured through the ‘pandemic fatigue’, holding on to your education plans in the UK. Well, if you’ve missed the January intake to study in the UK, perk up! You have bright possibilities for the next two intakes such as May and September.
However, you may be skeptical about ‘what it’s like to live in the UK as an international student’. Your curious minds must be nurtured and here’s how.

This blog covers collected information about student life in UK and what you can anticipate for your study there. You will also read the experiences of two students currently studying in the UK, who have received educational consultation and obtained a UK student visa through CanApprove. Delve in!

Academia

Students in the UK are taught by expert lecturers who have excelled in their field and research. They are known to be friendly to the students and ensure that they leave no stone unturned in sharing their knowledge.

The education system in the UK emphasizes student well-being and is continuously evolving to meet the growing challenges, that students must face post-graduation.

Would you attend classes in the Uni every day?

Well, it depends on your course and university. But most of the Unis (short for ‘Universities’ in the UK) have classes 3 or 4 days a week. In the case of daily classes, you get more free periods, which you can use to explore the campus, visit the library, and indulge in sports and club activities.

New culture, new friends!

When you study in the UK, you jump into a cultural melting pot. You get to know and make friends with students from all parts of the world. This opens new perspectives and gives you chance to experience the diverse ethos. Holding a rich cultural mix, the UK itself has a history so diverse, influenced by other European countries

Would you experience a ‘culture shock’?

Certainly yes! Reaching the UK from countries like India, you certainly will have a ‘culture shock. But students soon adapt to the new culture and enjoy their living. In fact, the brits are known for their politeness and being supportive to people from outside.

University infrastructure

Most of the universities in the UK have a blend of traditional and modern infrastructure. Interestingly, many universities resemble Hogwarts (good news if you are a Potterhead), like the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, Cambridge University, and many more which stand as testimonies of Gothic Architecture.

Universities in the UK accentuate sports facilities such as playgrounds, gyms, and indoor play centers. The green environment and landscape embellish the campuses to be student-friendly and peaceful. You wouldn’t believe it until you see!

Research and technology facilities

Besides the 84 research UK universities, many institutions hold a well-designed research infrastructure. If you’re someone who loves to geek around your study program and work on projects, you would love it!

Universities in the UK continually foster research facilities like

• Innovation centers
• Research labs
• Industrial equipment labs
• Language centers
• Computing and IT

Notably, UK universities have state-of-the-art technology and the latest equipment to hone your skills and bring out the best in you.

Working part-time

You can work for 20 hours per week while you study and 40 hours per week during vacation. Employers in the UK welcome international students for work and even allot shifts according to your university timings. Hence, getting a part-time job is easier than you think. You can use this opportunity to earn your living and other expenses while studying.

Commuting

Train and bus are one of the most common and efficient modes of transport in the UK. However, you can choose buses for local traveling since they are more frequent and affordable. You can also avail of ‘Bus cards’, which have discounts for students.

Financial benefits

As an international student in the UK, there are scholarships, bursaries, and grants to help you pay your tuition fees. Here are a few scholarship types:

• Academic, merit and excellence-based scholarships
• Course-specific scholarships
• Performance-based scholarships
• Disability scholarships

You also get non-university scholarships and bursaries from private organizations that encourage international students to study in the UK

Student discounts

One of the best things about being a student in the UK is discounts! As a student, you can get discounts on various services such as:

• Restaurant
• Clothing stores
• Entertainment and media
• Health services
• School supplies
• Technology
• Travel
• Bank account incentives

In fact, there are several websites and mobile apps through which students can shop and buy things with student discounts. Sounds good, right?

Tip: Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) to prove your status as a full-time student worldwide. You can get discounts and benefits using this card. 

Fret not for Food!

You are far from home, and you might miss the food. Many international students, often have Neophobia (fear of eating new or unfamiliar foods) as they move abroad. But forget it! Food markets and restaurants in the UK often have foods such as Asian, European, and from other parts of the world. Whether you eat in restaurants or want to cook your favorite Indian dish, you can do it all. Sure thing!

Fun fact: Chicken Tikka Masala is a national dish of the United Kingdom

Words from students in the UK

On speaking with two of our clients who are currently studying in the UK; here’s what they told on asking about their student life.

Final words

Want to study in the UK? Well, CanApprove can be the genesis of your education plans. Our team of expert overseas education consultants will advance your ‘education dreams’ to reality. You will be offered service, resulting from 23 years of experience and high success rates.

Here’s to new beginnings! High five!