This week Felicity West from UK Work Study takes us through some of her top tips for international students coming to study in the UK…
1. Plan your arrival in the UK
So your flight is booked and you know what time you’re due to land. But have you planned your travel between the airport and your university? Many universities offer help and subsidised or discounted transfer arrangements for their international students. Contact the International Office at your chosen university for details.
2. Bring local money with you
Make sure you have some British money (pound sterling – £) or a prepaid cash card topped up before you travel. Bear in mind that most shops in the UK will not accept £50 notes, and buses usually will not accept anything larger than a £5 note. A good option is to get a MasterCard® prepaid card, which you can top up in any currency from anywhere in the world.
UK Work Study’s Study Pack includes applications and help for getting a MasterCard prepaid card.
3. Pack for all weathers
The weather in the UK changes all the time and it is talked about daily. A greeting between people often includes a comment about the weather: “It’s a bit nippy today isn’t it!” (It’s cold!), “It’s pouring out there!” (It’s raining really hard!), “Turned out nice again!” (What a surprise, it’s sunny!).
Check this website for common weather expressions to join in the conversation.
4. Go to your university’s freshers’ week
At universities in the UK, a freshers’ week is usually held before teaching officially starts. The week consists of many events specifically for new starters to get to know the university, city and each other.
The main part of freshers’ week is the freshers’ fair, which is held on campus and showcases the university clubs you can join. Joining a club is a great way to make friends.
The NUS (National Union of Students) will also be there. For just £11 you can get an NUS Extra card which entitles you to 40,000 discounts in 120 countries as well as cheap entry into locally run university events.
5. Get a UK phone number
Make sure you have a UK sim card (and phone number) with you from day one. It will cost you less to keep in touch with your new friends at university, as well as when calling your friends and family back home to tell them what a great time you’re having!
There are many available to buy in the UK, but The UK Work Study’s Study Pack includes a UK sim card with credit on that is sent to you in your home country BEFORE you come to the UK.
6. Bring an alarm clock
The whole of the UK is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Don’t rely on your natural body clock or the noise of your flat mates to wake you – bring a small battery powered alarm clock to make sure you are up and ready to go!
7. Register with a UK doctor
Most universities provide an on-campus GP (general practitioner) who can act as your doctor for minor ailments and complaints whilst you are away from home. Ask your international student officer for advice and information about the services available at your university.
Remember, in a serious medical emergency you can call 999 for an ambulance. This is also the same number if you need to speak to the police or fire brigade.
NHS Direct also have a website with a symptoms checker and other medical information and advice.
8. Get the resources needed for your studies in advance
You will need a supply of pens, paper and folders for your studies. Most universities have bookshops on campus where you can purchase these.
You may also have been sent a reading list for your first term, or will receive it on your registration. Order these from the bookshop as soon as possible as many people will be wanting the same books as you and stocks may run out fast!
One piece of equipment you may want to consider is an audio note-taker. It can be hard to make notes and remember everything that was said during a lecture, even if English is your first language!
The UK Work Study’s Study Pack includes a discount voucher for the purchase of a Sonocent Audio Note Taker.
9. Make the most of the language services at your university
If you are reading this and coming to study in the UK for university, you can probably understand English quite well. But how confident are you at having a conversation in English? Every former international student we spoke to for this article said they wished they had used their English more from day one.
The university experience is new for everyone, no matter where they come from. Remember, it’s not just the education you are coming to the UK for, it’s for new experiences and culture. Don’t be afraid to use English, it will only get better the more you speak it and will make you very employable in your future career.
10. Learn how to make a cup of tea
This is the most important tip. Almost everyone in the UK drinks tea. A lot! There are many coffee shops on every high street in Britain – there’s probably one on your university campus – but when the British get home they ‘put the kettle on’ (make a cup of tea).
Learn how to make the perfect cuppa here.
Finally, don’t forget to have fun. Now go and put the kettle on!
Find out more about the work of UK Work Study via their website, email or twitter.