One of the busiest cities in the world is London, where people hurry to board buses and trains while negotiating clogged streets. It can be scary to study abroad in such a big city, but you shouldn’t feel that way!
There are a tonne of benefits to choosing London if you’ve been aching to study abroad. This city is amazing since it offers so many educational opportunities.
Some of the greatest universities in the UK are located in London, which is a melting pot of cultures. You will not only be able to receive a top-notch education but also have the time of your life.
Many students today decide to take on the challenge of studying abroad. One of the most fantastic and memorable experiences ever. You have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and live (even for a short time) in one of the best places in the world if you were accepted to study in London, the location of some of the best universities in the UK.
Culture, architecture, and education are all highly regarded in London. You’ll get the chance to go to some incredible locations as a student, interact with the locals, and learn the language. However, be sure to read over the following suggestions before you show up at the London institution where you have been admitted to study.
1. Pack appropriate items.
Your journey will start well if you look for study-abroad packing advice. Before beginning to pack your bags, think about where you’ll be attending school. You won’t need to bring your entire wardrobe because you can simply buy the things you need in the UK, but you will need a selection of garments for every type of weather! Once you arrive, you’ll also have a greater understanding of what you use and don’t utilise. As a result, you’ll be able to bring both the items you regret leaving behind back to school and the things you haven’t found yourself using back home.
Learn about your luggage allowance because it varies by airline and even by ticket type. The cost of purchasing an extra luggage allowance can be high, so it can be more economical to buy what you need when you get there. Bring enough toiletries for the first two weeks of your trip, but you may buy the remainder as you go.
If you require specific prescriptions, make sure you have enough on hand to last you for the first few weeks. You should also register with a doctor when you arrive to ensure you have access to the right drugs while you are there.
Don’t forget to pack your electronic devices, chargers, and any other necessary accessories, such as UK-specific adaptors.
Last but not least, don’t forget your passport and any other necessary papers!
2. Research Areas & Accommodations.
The city of London is enormous, and each borough is distinct. Although lodging in central London, where the majority of institutions are, might be highly pricey, there are instances when staying close can save you time on commutes.
Different neighbourhoods have different costs, and some are significantly more expensive than others. By doing extensive research before your trip, you will have a higher chance of locating inexpensive lodging. If at all possible, look for a shared student apartment so that you may meet people when you arrive.
3. Get your necessary documents ready.
If you want to study in the UK, you could require a visa, depending on where you are from. You must apply for a visa if you reside outside of the EU. The kind of visa needed depends depend on how long your course will be. Since they can take a few weeks to process, it is better to apply for these well in advance of when you intend to travel.
Making photocopies of any crucial papers you may have, such as your passport and visa applications, is an excellent idea. Since it’s simple to lose these things when moving into a new area, having this information recorded somewhere else will provide you with more peace of mind.
4. Discounts & Budget.
London is a pricey city. Before you arrive, be aware of this. The costs of lodging, transportation, and entertainment quickly mount up. Try creating a budget; this will enable you to determine how much cash you have to spend.
Keep your student ID with you at all times. Not only will it let you get into school, but it will also enable you to take advantage of some incredible savings.
Additionally, keep an eye out for social gatherings because there are nearly always free beverages available. To reduce the usage of plastic and to save money, you might even bring a reusable bag with you when you go shopping (you have to pay for plastic bags in London).
5. Open a student bank account.
You’ll discover how to stretch your money further as a student. If you want to stay in the UK for more than a few months, a great budgeting suggestion is to register a student bank account. You might suffer extra costs and fees while utilising foreign accounts, but you can easily prevent them.
Do your homework before you come to determine which student account would be most appropriate for you because opening a bank account can be a time-consuming process that calls for numerous documents and identification. If at all possible, begin (and maybe finish) the procedure before you depart, as this will cut down on the number of things on your “to-do” list when you get there.
You’ll discover how to stretch your money further as a student. If you want to stay in the UK for more than a few months, a great budgeting suggestion is to register a student bank account. You might suffer extra costs and fees while utilising foreign accounts, but you can easily prevent them.
Do your homework before you come to determine which student account would be most appropriate for you because opening a bank account can be a time-consuming process that calls for numerous documents and identification. If at all possible, begin (and maybe finish) the procedure before you depart, as this will cut down on the number of things on your “to-do” list when you get there.
6. Take language classes.
During your time abroad, improving your language abilities is crucial, and you’ll have access to a variety of programmes that will do just that while also boosting your academic and study abilities. Learning the language will improve your communication skills and help you with your studies. Go for it! By pushing yourself to advance your English language abilities, you’ll also increase your employability once you graduate.
7. Become more independent.
In terms of advice for studying abroad in London — or even studying abroad in general — I think this is a really important one. There are times when your friends or those on your programme will be busy, making it difficult for you to find someone with whom to do activities. Being alone in a large city like London may sound frightening at first, but it’s arguably one of the nicest things you could ever do. You develop your independence and can look for items or places on your own that you might not be able to do in a large group.
You can quickly become a local by using this advice for studying abroad in London. Don’t be scared to take on new challenges, try new things, and embark on thrilling journeys. Enjoy every second of your trip; you only get to travel once.
8. Become familiar with how to make international calls.
Making sure your phone functions well in the UK will probably be one of your top priorities, whether you plan to call home frequently or maybe once a month. The majority of phones will function in the UK (although it’s worth double-checking before you go), but using a SIM card from your home country could be a serious mistake. Even local calls and international calls can be very pricey. Buying a new SIM card when you arrive will reduce your costs if you wish to keep your phone. Examine both monthly contracts and Pay As You Go tariffs to see which sort of agreement is best for you.
9. Discover your campus’s city.
It’s time to explore your surroundings once you’ve found out how to use the public transportation system or have purchased a bike. Take some time to explore the neighbourhood with your new pals; it’s a terrific opportunity to get to know one another. Make sure you schedule a time to pause, grab a coffee or tea, and simply relax and observe life in your new city.
When you get to the institution, there will be a lot of staff and students waiting to assist you in settling in. Use the first few weeks to your advantage by taking advantage of university tours, city walking tours, and other events.
10. Travel.
You are in an excellent location to travel to other European nations as well as other cities and towns while you are in the UK.
Coach and bus travel in the UK is convenient and affordable, especially if you have access to a student railcard that can lower your fee. Remember that the UK extends beyond London; excursions into the wilds of Scotland or Wales will provide you with the chance to visit other villages, towns, cities, and landscapes.
If you want to explore other parts of the world, Europe has a wide variety of cultures and traditions. Low-cost airlines have made it possible to travel to interesting new locations inside Europe, from weekend getaways where you may sample the culinary delights of Italy to cultural evenings spent exploring Prague or Iceland. One key piece of advice: Before planning a trip outside of your home country of study, be sure to verify your visa exclusions.
