Pre-departure

There's so much to see and do in the UK, and so much to prepare for. Our information on studying and living in the UK will equip you with everything you need to know before you leave, so when you arrive you're free to make your stay an inspiring experience.

Guide to immigration and entry clearance
Our First Steps guide will help you prepare for obtaining entry clearance. It summarises immigration policy and procedures, helps you answer questions on the visa application form and tells you what to do if you experience difficulties. Download or view this guide here (180KB). This link is to a PDF file which you will need Adobe Reader to view.

Travelling to the UK

The Needles lighthouse and flotilla of sailing boats, Isle of Wight, England © britainonview

Coming to study in the UK will be one of the most exciting adventures of your life, so be prepared! There are steps you can take before you leave that will help you feel right at home before you know it. Once you've arrived in the UK, we've provided some tips on getting to your destination.

Accommodation

A traditional Georgian front facade in the ancient heart of Lincoln © britainonview (East Midlands Tourism / Tony Pleavin)

Where you live can have a big impact on how much you enjoy your studies in the UK, so choose your home away from home with care. You have many options, depending on your circumstances, such as boarding, staying in halls of residence, renting a privately owned property, or homestay with a UK family.

Contacting home

Learn it, Live it, English in the UK: a collection of images captured by young photographers in 2002-03 (No credit required)

The UK's excellent communications services make it easy for you to keep in contact with friends and family back at home and you will find that your school, college or university, and your local library and high street internet cafés all provide easy access to e-mail and the internet.

Health and safety

Affordable access to high-quality health care is one of the extra benefits of studying in the UK. As an international student, you, your spouse and any children who accompany you to the UK as your dependents, may be entitled to free or subsidised treatment.

Travelling around the UK

While you are in the UK, take advantage of the excellent travel network to explore more of the British Isles and beyond to continental Europe. And, as a student, you're entitled to a wide variety of discounts and cheap deals, making the opportunity to explore even more accessible. In order to save time and money, you can also choose to buy transport tickets, attraction and sightseeing passes before you leave for the UK.

Money matters

Rhubarb £3 a Kilo © britainonview (Ingrid Rasmussen)

It is important that you have a realistic idea of what your living expenses will be before you arrive in the UK. We've put together some information about what to expect in terms of living costs and course fees. Our budget planner is very useful for helping work out your finances and you can also read our advice on managing your money.

Life and culture

Immersing yourself in a different culture is a great way to develop a broader view of the world. Once you've arrived in the UK a vibrant multi-ethnic culture will be all around you, with lots of exciting experiences to discover, traditions, music, celebrations, accents, people to meet and places to visit. The UK has its own fascinating customs but you may find many that are familiar to you. It is such a cosmopolitan society you may find you settle in faster than you think. Read more about life and culture in the UK.

Pre-departure

Search for a course

Course searches

Where in the UK?