Top tips for international students
September’s drawing closer – which means your upcoming move to the United Kingdom is just around the corner. With visas secured, paperwork signed, and student accommodation is chosen, we can’t wait to welcome our international ypp tenants to the UK!
While this transition is undoubtedly thrilling, it’s also a massive change. You might experience moments of culture shock and a mix of emotions as you adapt to your new environment – but that’s okay, it’s normal to have both highs and lows throughout your stay!
Make sure to check out these tips if you’re making the move to study in the UK:
1. Life Admin
When it comes to settling into your new life in the UK, there are some essentials that need to be covered:
Set Up Your Banking: We recommend opting for a UK bank account. This makes sure you can transfer money internationally without any hefty charges and receive your wages if you’re working during your time here.
Be sure to explore international student bank card options and compare offerings from various banks as they come with different perks. Some British banks even allow you to apply outside of the UK, such as HSBC.
Get a UK SIM Card: Providers such as Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three are popular choices for SIM cards in the UK, offering pay-as-you-go or contract options. If you opt for a contract, remember to check its duration – some last for 12 months, while others offer flexible 1-month options. Some networks can even send you a free SIM card to your home country address, ensuring you’re connected once you arrive.
Student Travel: Consider purchasing a 16-25 Railcard or a 26-30 Railcard for discounted travel by train – you’ll receive 1/3 off your journey! Make sure to familiarise yourself with local bus and train routes and explore academic year bus passes in your region.
Healthcare: If you’ve paid the Healthcare Surcharge during your visa application, make sure to register with a local doctor (GP) to start receiving your healthcare. From there, you’ll be able to have free appointments and consultations.
Employment: Looking to work while you’re here? For most international students studying for more than six months, student visas allow part-time work – up to 20 hours per week during university term time and full-time during breaks.
2. You’re not alone
Even if you don’t know anyone before you move to the UK, remember that you’re not alone! Thousands of international students are making their way to the UK this September – in fact, more than 600,000 international students are enrolled in UK higher education, making up 22% of all university students.
With that in mind, to find your support network means you need to take action. Meeting new people might be nerve-wracking, but engaging with different groups – from your student accommodation, university societies and seminars – increases your chances of connecting with like-minded people. From our resident events to joining a club that you’re passionate about are just some of the steps to help you settle in.
And remember to always keep in touch with friends and family from home, whether that’s on FaceTime, voice notes or messages – they’re in your support network too!
3. Explore beyond your ypp city
Your journey as an international student in the UK doesn’t just stop with your studies and university – it’s also about exploring this incredible country!
The UK’s compact size makes exploring easy – meaning you can take day trips and weekend getaways and experience the diversity of this country. Whether it’s our urban cities filled with cultural hotspots and iconic landmarks or our tranquil countryside, the UK offers an array of experiences to choose from – and may become some of your best memories of living in the United Kingdom!
4. Take notes of these apps
Navigating the UK as an international student can sometimes be tricky. Make sure to download these apps to make your student life easy:
Student Beans & UNiDAYS: Who doesn’t love a discount? With these apps, you’ll be able to get exclusive student discounts – they’re partnered with hundreds of brands from fashion to electronics, entertainment and even restaurants.
Deliveroo: We’re renowned for our diverse cuisines, from innovative street food vendors to fine dining restaurants – with most eateries being available for take-out delivery on Deliveroo. You can even get groceries straight to your door too!
Stint: If you’re hunting for a job, download the Stint app. This platform focuses on part-time work that will fit around your studies and schedule, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors.
As you embark on your next exciting chapter, remember that studying in the UK is about more than just academics. It’s a chance to explore, grow, and create unforgettable memories – we can’t wait to welcome you!
