August 2007

               New notebooks? Check. Highlighters? Check. Coffee? Check.

               And just like that, another school year is upon us.
               
               Not quite ready to set the alarm? Before you head back to the daily grind of reading lists
               and writing papers, step back and have a big picture look at some UK study options,
               from who to ask about UK study abroad (our Student Ambassadors will be happy to
               help!), what to eat across the pond (check out our top five ways to not go hungry) and
               how to stay up to date on everything about UK study, whatever your degree level.

               But first things first: you don't need to pinch pennies to eat well - we've got 5 tips
               that'll keep the Ramen away for another day. Tonight, we feast!

                    1. Go card shopping. Getting a supermarket membership card is a sure-fire way to
                       make sales signs shine especially for you - and cards are usually free! From
                       Sainsburys to Tesco, it's worth stopping by the courtesy desk to get the green
                       light on the best buy-one-get-one-free offers.
                    2. Go shopping later. Be patient - consider getting your groceries later in the day,
                       when perishables like baked goods sometimes go for reduced rates. Instant
                       gratification is so overrated.
                    3. Go out to eat. Sounds a bit counterintuitive, but it's really not. Keep your ear to
                       the ground on specials at local restaurants and eat out on the cheap.
                    4. Put the kettle on. A nice cup of tea is a great way to end a good meal -and it
                       won't just warm the belly, it'll warm the soul.
                    5. Have a potluck and try something new. You don't have to be skint (broke, for
                       those of you not fluent in Brit) just because you socialize. Start a dining collective
                       and make up your own menu for food with friends that doesn't break the bank.

               If you're still stateside, don't forget that starting on September 1, changes to UK
               student visa regulations will take effect - US citizens who will be studying in the UK for
               less than six months will be stamped as "Student Visitors" on arrival at their port of
               entry, and Entry Clearance will be required of students whose courses last six months or
               more or who wish to work (including unpaid internships and voluntary work.) Got
               questions? Read through our Visa FAQs for more information.

               All the best for the new school year!
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No one ever said learning only took place within the four                walls of a classroom - so consider taking advantage of your                UK experience by wandering to cities and countries beyond                your university town - England, Scotland, Wales, and                Northern Ireland are all just a stone's throw from one                another. Students are particularly well-placed to take                advantage of discounts - pick up a tip or two from the British                Council, and don't forget that your International Student                Identity card and National Union of Students (NUS) card are                your golden tickets to reduced rate transport, lodging, and                more. Give that globe a spin!

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Want to get the real scoop about studying in Britain, straight                from the horse's mouth? From studying psychology at Queen                Mary to double-majoring in economics and political science at                the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London,                our 2007-2008 Student Ambassadors have done it all. Search                by major, US or UK University - with 67 Ambassadors from                schools all over the United States, you're certain to find one                near you.

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Still want to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern                Ireland? If you haven't visited us lately, check out                www.britishcouncil.org/usa to make sure you're getting the                information you need about studying in the UK, as well as the                inside track on new British arts and scientific developments.                Questions? Drop us a line and help us help you.

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