The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (abbreviated to the UK or United Kingdom) is a political union comprised of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. England, Scotland, and Wales share the island of Great Britain, which is located just off the northwest coast of continental Europe.
The fourth country, Northern Ireland, is a part of another island that is divided between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an autonomous republic in the south. The United Kingdom also has overseas territories, including Bermuda and Gibraltar.
Although it is all one country, there are many distinct regions with varying accents and cultures. For such a small country, it is full of diversity.
The aim of this section is to give you background information about the UK, and answer questions like:
- What is Scotland like to study in?
- How is the weather in Cornwall during the summer?
- Can I easily travel around the UK?
- Can I get a bank account?
1. Climate
The UK is known for having chilly, damp, and miserable weather. Although this may be true at periods of the year, the UK is actually far better than most people believe, and it may have some beautiful weather throughout the summer.
If you want to make the most of your trip to the UK, visit during the summer months when the days are longer (the sun rises around 4 a.m. and sets at 9 or 10 p.m.) and the temperatures are milder.
In general, the UK has four distinct seasons: summer, winter, spring, and autumn.
Summer: The summer months are by far the ideal time to visit the United Kingdom if you want better weather and longer days. Temperatures are expected to range between 15 and 25°C (59° and 77°F), however the UK has witnessed considerably warmer circumstances (over 30°C/86°F) in recent summers.
Summer might be rainy, but overall, it is a great time in England.
Spring: Spring lasts from March to May and is one of the most beautiful periods to visit England, with blooming flowers, warmer weather, and a more upbeat mood. Although temperatures during these months often range between 5 and 15°C (41° and 59°F), don’t be shocked if winter lasts longer or summer arrives earlier – springtime weather in the UK is unpredictable!
Winter: Winter typically lasts from November to March, however it may last longer in some years, and is marked by chilly weather, rain, snow, and fog. Winter days in the UK are short and nights are long, with the sun rising at 7 or 8 a.m. and setting about 4 p.m.
Temperatures throughout these months often range between 0 and 7°C (32° and 45°F), and while bright days are possible, they will be frigid. If it does snow, which is more likely in northern England and Scotland, the amount will be minimal and short-lived. Snowfall is unusual in England.
Autumn/Fall: If you come from a region where seasonal changes are not as striking, you will be captivated by fall. Autumn arrives in September, with dropping temperatures and shorter days, heralding the impending winter. Temperatures in October range from 5 to 15°C, although the weather can be stunning, especially given the long, gloomy winter ahead.
2. People and Culture
The United Kingdom is a fairly cosmopolitan society that welcomes new religions and civilizations. While maintaining long-held traditions such as a royal party, the United Kingdom has undergone significant transformation, becoming far more cosmopolitan and multicultural. The United Kingdom is regarded as a highly diverse destination, with London serving as a hub for many international students.
Religion: Christianity is the dominant religion in the United Kingdom, accounting for over half of the religious population and being divided mostly between the Church of England and Catholicism.
In addition to Christianity, the UK boasts a considerable number of practicing adherents of the main global religions listed below:
- Christian: 50.7%
- Muslim: 2.5%
- Hindu: 0.7%
- Jewish: 0.6%
- Sikh: 0.3%
- Buddhist: 0.6%
- Other non-Christian: 1.5%
Language: English is the main language in the United Kingdom, and it is spoken throughout the country. In Wales, some people still speak Welsh. However, because all Welsh people speak English, you are just required to speak English in the UK. For such a small country, there are many dialects, some of which are difficult to understand, even for English speakers. Dialects may include:
- Cockney: people from London (and probably the most common)
- Brummy: people from Birmingham
- Mancunian: people from Manchester
- West Country: people from Devon, Cornwall and Bristol area
- Scouser: people from the Liverpool area
- Geordie: people from Newcastler, Middlesborough and Sunderland
- Scottish: people from Scotland
- Welsh: people from Wales
3. Student Accommodation
There are numerous lodging alternatives accessible to you when in the United Kingdom. Your options will be mostly determined by whether your institution or university provides resident halls, the city in which you live, and the amount of money you have available each month.
When you enroll in a college or university, you must specify that you require accommodation. Do not expect that you will immediately be accommodated. As an international student, you are likely to be given housing preference.
Once you’ve been accepted into a program, start looking for and arranging housing right away. Places fill up rapidly, and demand frequently surpasses availability.
Halls of Residence: Halls are an excellent method to meet new people. They are enormous buildings that are occasionally divided into flats where you can live alone or with another student. Your room is likely to be simple, and if it lacks an en-suite bathroom, public ones will be offered. Halls include standard furnishings such a bed, desk, and chair. The student is responsible for any additional supplies.
Most halls of residence contain a canteen that serves meals to students (typically at a fixed cost). As an international student, the cuisine may be unusual, but eating at the canteen is a great way to immerse oneself in UK culture. Halls are either single or co-ed, so if you have a choice, you must notify your university from the start when deciding where to reside.
Aside from the rooms, there are social areas that may include a bar (it is permitted to drink alcohol in the UK at the age of 18), a television, a pool table, and so on.
Self-Catered Halls: Many overseas students choose self-catering since it allows them to cook their own food and set their own timetable. Self-catered halls are comparable to regular halls of residence, but they contain a shared kitchen for hall residents. These kitchens, which are regularly used by students, have a reputation for being unattractive when not kept up, so try to do your part by cleaning up after yourself and encouraging others to do the same.
Flats/ Houses: Typically, students live in halls during their first year since it makes transitioning to college life easier and helps them make friends. In their second and third years, some students choose to live in a house or flat that is not affiliated with the school.
If you do decide to move into a flat or house, you must sign a tenancy agreement, which is a legal document that details the terms of your stay. Make sure you thoroughly grasp the contract’s terms and concerns, and if you have any questions, contact your international student advisor for assistance.
A flat or home is likely to be the most expensive alternative, and you may have difficulty finding accommodation close to university. Many students, however, value the freedom to live where they want, with whomever they want, and in whatever type of environment they like. Halls do not provide for this flexibility.
Travel Accommodations: Many students around the world consider going or studying abroad. However, money is a major deciding factor, especially when considering housing, visa fees, and flight tickets. Many students who plan to study or go abroad want to see the world and learn more about the country or continent where their host institution is.
Flying from one European country to another can be quite cheap, thanks to the proliferation of low-cost carriers. High-speed trains are another option that could be less expensive with shorter journey times. Keep in mind that finding reasonable accommodation, especially during busy seasons, can be challenging. Hostels are frequently the cheapest alternative.
4. Getting Around
Whether you are going to class or a local store, taking a weekend trip to another area of the county, or traveling to Europe, you will require transportation. The United Kingdom has an excellent public transportation system, with a large network of buses, planes, and trains to make travel easier; also, you may rent vehicles for a reasonable price.
Planes: With the massive expansion of low-cost airlines over the last five years, it is now easier than ever to fly to the UK and the rest of Europe. Some fares on the top low-cost airlines are as little as £0.01 for a one-way trip (including taxes and charges), so you can’t go wrong! One piece of advice: keep an eye on those taxes and charges, because they can quickly pile up.
Underground/Trams: If you live in a major metropolitan area, such as London or Manchester, the cheapest and most cost-effective mode of transportation is the subway or tram system. In London, the underground (also known as the “Tube”) provides a large network of lines that connect all parts of the city. They run all day and usually end at midnight most days. Tram networks connect important areas of smaller cities like Manchester and Nottingham. Trams and underground offer discounted longer-term passes, like the Oyster Card for the Tube, which will save you a lot of money in your daily commuting.
Trains: Train service in the UK is fast improving, as the National Rail Network works hard to overcome its historical reputation for frequent delays and high prices. The train is an economical and comfortable means to travel around England, particularly to and from London. To learn more information about the National Rail Network, please visit http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
The United Kingdom is also an excellent gateway to Europe, and with the Channel Tunnel, you can now travel directly to Paris, Brussels, and other important European locations with ease. More on the Eurostar can be found at http://www.eurostar.com/
Bus: As a student, busses will be the most popular mode of transportation for local and cross-country travel. Most cities and villages provide some type of bus service; the greater the city, the more extensive the service. The National Express bus service provides convenient access to all parts of the UK. To learn more about their service, please visit http://www.nationalexpress.com/
Car: Car travel can be prohibitively expensive, making it unsuitable for many overseas students. There’s also the added complexity of licenses and registrations. If you decide to buy a new car, the dealer should take care of all the registration paperwork.
If you are traveling from one of the following countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway), you will be permitted to drive with your current license. However, if you are not from one of these countries, you must check to determine if you can drive with your present license – more information can be obtained from the DVLA in the UK.
5. Money Matters
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound (£). It may take some time to become adjusted to your country’s currency rate. This website allows you to compute short-term exchange rates.
Bank Accounts: International students can open bank accounts in the UK, and some universities require students to have one. Whether required or not, having an account helps you manage your funds, and you should consider opening one.
Before you depart for your school overseas, contact your current bank to explore the best ways to move funds to a new account in the UK. Bring a bank card or alternative method of accessing money from your home country bank account, as opening a UK account and transferring money into it may take many weeks. As an alternative, you may bring several hundred pounds in traveler’s checks to cover the first few weeks.
Although you should double-check with your chosen bank, to open a bank account in the UK, you will need the following:
- Your passport (or you can also use your national identity card if you are from an EU country)
- Your unconditional acceptance letter from your university
- Evidence of your current address in the UK (for instance, your tenancy agreement or student accommodation contract)
The most common type of account opened by international students is a “basic bank account”. Because basic accounts generally do not include bank cards or checkbooks, you should check to see whether your bank offers a student account or another form of account that includes these features. The procedure of opening a UK bank account can take up to two weeks.
For a guide to opening a UK bank account for international students, visit Save the Student.
Debit or Bank Cards: Debit cards and bank cards are fantastic choices for overseas students. Many banks now offer a bank card when you open an account. The bank card is linked to a credit network, such as Visa or Mastercard, so you may use it to withdraw money from a cash point and make purchases online or in stores. Unlike credit cards, when you use a bank card, the money is immediately deducted from your account, therefore if you don’t have enough cash, the card will be declined. A bank card is highly recommended for students arriving to the UK because it allows them to perform things and make purchases that would normally require a credit card. Airline tickets, theater tickets, rental vehicles, cell phones, and internet transactions will be much easier to make using a credit card than with cash or travelers’ checks.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are also accessible for international students. Credit cards, like debit cards, allow you to shop online and use services that cash or checks do not. A credit card is also a smart choice if you wish to keep decent financial records, since your monthly statement will act as a reminder of your spending habits.
Keep in mind that using a credit card might be highly pricey. If you are unable to settle the balance within the given grace period (usually 20 to 30 days), you will be charged interest rates. Before accepting a credit card offer, make sure you read all of the information. Understand the structure of the credit card company’s fees and interest rates. Before opening any credit cards, do your research so that you can make an informed decision.
Some companies are hesitant to give credit cards to international students since they are unlikely to have a long credit history. Bring any major credit cards you already have from your home country. After the U.K. bank analyzes your credit limit on the foreign card, they may be more inclined to grant you a credit card. Banks with whom you have accounts are more likely to approve your credit card application.
6. Visa and Immigration
Entry into the UK, like entry into the United States, is becoming increasingly difficult as the government tightens border restrictions and terrorism concerns loom. Tighter procedures affect everyone, but they should not stop you from coming to the UK.
Students From Non-EU Countries: Here’s a quick explanation of the rules for the Student Visitor Visa (less than 6 months) and the Student Visa/Prior Entry Clearance (more than 6 months). These guidelines are solely applicable to students from non-EU countries.
- Student Visitor Visa: The Student Visitor Visa is for people planning a stay of less than six months. Under the Student Visitor Visa, a student cannot work or do an internship for more than two credit hours, and they cannot extend their stay after they arrive.
- Student Visa/Prior Entry Clearance: If you intend to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, may extend your stay beyond 6 months, or if you want to work or do an internship for more than 2 credit hours, you must apply for a Student Visa or Prior Entry Clearance.
Applying for a Student Visa: Before leaving your native nation, apply for a Student Visitor Visa, a Student Visa, and Prior Entry Clearance. If you don’t, you risk getting turned away upon arrival if you don’t have all of the required documentation and information.
To apply for a student visa, you will require the following:
- Be accepted and enrolled in a recognized full-time degree course, or
- A course run during the week involving at least 15 hours of organized daytime study each week, or
- A full-time course at an independent fee-paying school
You also have to:
- Be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependents, and live in the UK without working or needing any help from public funds
- Be able and intend to follow your chosen course
- Intend to leave the UK when you complete your studies
Working After Degree Completion: Students who complete a degree program in England, like those in the United States, can apply for a one-year visa extension to gain work experience in the UK without obtaining a work permit. Students studying in Scotland can extend their visas and work for two years after graduating from a Scottish institution, making Scotland an especially appealing option for overseas students.
The material provided here is merely for guidance and is intended to serve as a starting point. Consult your school or a skilled immigration lawyer in the United Kingdom for expert advice and help. Visit the UK Government Visa website for more information.