Image
Student Accommodation in the UK
Where do you live when studying abroad? Do universities in the UK offer student housing? How much does student accommodation cost? Did you know that as an international student, you are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the first or all your years studying at most of our UK universities? You will need to apply by the housing application deadline, and of course the best student accommodation in the UK goes first - so that is a good reason to apply early! There are several different student accommodations, price levels and facilities to choose from!
Most students choose to live on campus in their first year. This is social and a fantastic way to get to know students from all over the world! After that, most students choose to move into privately rented accommodation with their new friends. We recommend everyone to live in university accommodation in their first year, as it is a great way to get to know other students (and not just those on your degree).
Learn more about the different options, on-campus accommodation, how to arrange private accommodation and everything you need before applying for student accommodation in the UK via this webinar!
Image
Visa for European Students who want to study in the UK
Do you want to study in the UK and are wondering if you need a visa? Maybe you have applied to British universities already, or are considering applying to university in London or elsewhere in the UK, but would like to know more about the UK student visa for European students? This webinar recording is about the UK Student Visa for students who will be starting their studies at a British university and are from European countries. We cover everything regarding the CAS, the application process, cost and other practicalities worth thinking about when applying for a student visa.
Did you know that all non-UK students need a visa to study in the UK? How much does a student visa cost? Is it difficult to get a student visa if you want to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? For most European students in the UK, a student visa is now a fact.
After the UK left the EU, student visas have now become a reality for the vast majority of international students. It is therefore important to familiarise yourself with this process as early as possible, so that you are well prepared when the time comes to submit an application for a student visa. In this webinar recording, we will go through useful information about student visas, when to apply, what you need for the application, costs, and other tips and tricks that can make the process easier. This webinar is suitable for those who have already applied, those who have accepted an offer, but also those who are considering studies in the UK and want to know more about the visa process.
We have the information and tools most people need to be able to go through the visa process without the need for individual follow-up/advice beyond the general information and guide from us. Remember that Across the Pond cannot provide individual advice on your visa application, only certified immigration staff can. In this webinar recording, you will learn about a number of important points that are good to be aware of when you familiarise yourself with the visa process.
To be sure in your choice. Or not...
Deciding what to study can both feel overwhelming, intimidating and stressful. Even people with an ongoing interest of many years often have trouble landing on one specific course; The sea of opportunities is in many ways bigger than ever, this especially when one starts including opportunities in other cities and countries as well. Despite personally knowing I wanted to get closer to the music business industry, I had no idea as a Norwegian as to where, how or what. London felt safe as I am familiar with the city and also know a few people living there. And, in terms of this specific industry, the opportunities and choices I was to get at home are nothing compared to the international, important, central and big music city that London is. Ultimately I ended up with a joint course; BA (Hons) Music Business & Event Management at BIMM University. Both Music Business and Event Management are also offered as two separate degrees at my uni, but by doing it my way I am able to learn the basics of both. Personally I have found this to be a very smart and insightful way of solving it. I recommend prioritizing doing sufficient research early, such as exploring the options of open days at the universities. Though insecurity still often is an inevitable part of the big adjustment that university is. But, what other method will make you figure something out more accurate than personally trying it?
Life at London’s BIMM University as an international student
Since British people are more outgoing I am experiencing a bigger focus on sitting down and getting to know each other, rather than the central party and drinking culture among Norwegian students. My classmates range from artists of all types of genres to event planners, making their live events an easy space to get friends and make memories. University is free in Norway, so I naturally have to be more aware of my spendings and savings, and have less freedom in that way. International tuition fees at British universities are often even higher than they are for UK students. However, both BIMM and other unis in the country still welcome loads of international students to their campuses every single year. Good things cost more, and I, together with so many other people, think it is all worth it. I believe it is expensive to move out and live on your own wherever, so you will have to save up some money anyway.
Your new home away from home
Whether your university offers student accommodations or not, one really can’t start too early with looking for a place to stay the upcoming semesters. Time goes by faster than you think, and before you know it it’s already the last couple of months at home before your big move. Social media is an excellent place to meet people at your university before school starts. Not only does this help make the experience less intimidating, they can also be potential flat- sharers. A good home is clean, in good shape, and has space for growth and creativity - but is also the most attractive for other people. You will want to have basics like your housing situation sorted out and out of your way as soon as possible so that you avoid unnecessary stress on top of everything else.
When not at campus:
The UK is a big country with a lot to offer and explore. The well established buses, tubes and train routes, especially in London, makes getting around quick and easy. In my spare time I like to enjoy life in the big country, whether that is through bigger trips or just at a bar with some friends. Through university I have met people trom Germany, Netherlands, Bulgaria and even Israel! Living in London also makes it easier to pursue my hobby that is live music events through its wide range and big number of concerts. After having gotten a job at The O2 arena I am even able to combine this and get paid while doing what I love!
Tips, tricks and other bits for future potential UK students
If there is one thing I wish I knew before I started studying in the UK it’s the importance of budgeting, planning and thinking realistic. When moving abroad to a new and exciting city it is super easy to get too caught up in all the opportunities that now lie in front of you. By holding back a little until you have a better overview of everything, you will most definitely thank both yourself and your not-so-empty wallet later. With that being said, the years at university go by super quick, so make sure to enjoy them while you still can! Pack light and try not to stress too much; most stuff can be fixed there. Moving abroad doesn’t have to be that scary either - it definitely helps feeling like one is somewhat prepared and knows what lies ahead of them. Across the Pond helps you navigate through things you might not even initially necessarily realise you would need, and have connections that at least I didn’t. There’s no such thing as too many questions, and there certainly aren’t any dumb ones!
- Julie
Image
Digital meeting with a Student Advisor
Book an online session with an advisor with Across the Pond to learn more about studying in the UK!
- Make sure you book the meeting at least 2 days ahead of time
- If you want to talk over Skype, make sure your Skype is working as it should and that you have connected with your advisor before the meeting starts to avoid losing valuable meeting time
- If you do not use Skype and prefer to talk over for instance Teams, just type that into the "Skype-ID" field and we´ll arrange to send you a meeting link via Teams (you do not need a Microsoft Teams user)
