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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!
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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.
The journey of studying overseas has been truly transformative!
Students come from across the world to study at AECC University College. We recently caught up with Danny Nguyen, one of our final year chiropractic students who studies the Master of Chiropractic MChiro course, to hear more from him and how he became interested in this course and why he enjoys studying in Bournemouth.
What drew you to study this subject?
"My initial interest started with physiotherapy, as I was and still am a fitness enthusiast. I wanted to combine my knowledge and passion with providing something of myself to society. My best friend’s dad is a chiropractor, who has been helping people improve their health and quality of life, which I thought sounded interesting”.
Why did you choose AECC University College?
"As there are not any chiropractic courses in Norway, every keen student has to travel abroad. One of the conditions to work back in Norway is for the university to provide an accredited course accepted by the Norwegian Chiropractic Association, which AECC University College offers. In addition, the UK is not too far away from Norway, and I knew the language would not be a problem for me versus other European countries."
How did you find moving from Norway to the UK to study?
"At first it seemed challenging, moving completely alone to a different country. During the first journey I was fortunate to have my family with me, which certainly made the move feel less overwhelming and smoother. I was also excited, as I would be in a completely different and new environment, where people from all over the world could meet. I was determined, I do not regret a single thing about the decision to study overseas."
Are you involved in any student societies, or do you compete in any of the AECC UC Sports clubs for example?
"Yes I am a member of the social societies including the Asian Pacific Society, Asian-Afro Caribbean Society, and the FICS Club, as well as sports clubs like the Movement Club and our university Volleyball team. Myself with two other year four students are the current leaders of the Movement Club. In addition to my competing in the BUCS league for volleyball."
What do you like to do outside of your studies?
"I like social activities with my friendship groups. We often have dinners, game nights and movie nights together. Our household functions as a hub for most social activities. Similarly, I have a passion for fitness with interests in calisthenics and volleyball. Outside of my studies I like to improve my learning at various levels, such as additional seminars for adjustment practice, functional rehabilitation, personal reading of similar contents or self-development books. Lastly, but most importantly, spending time with my girlfriend is what brings me the greatest joy outside of my studies."
What do you love most about living in Bournemouth / UK?
"Unquestionably, I have to appreciate the nearby long sandy beach Bournemouth coast has. This partly due to not having as a sandy beach back home, but also because it is a well-developed and a comfortable beach to spend long days at during the summer. The friends and the people that I have met here are most definitely my greatest reason to enjoy the life in Bournemouth."
What are your ambitions for the future?
"My long-term ambitions would be to combine my greatest desires in life, which includes experiencing the world and being a director of my own day. In more specific terms, I would love to work internationally in many countries, for different lengths of times. Ideally, where sports chiropractic fits into the picture. Europe, Asia, America and Oceania, you name the continent, I would love to be there. After I have achieved this, I would love the opportunity to build a connection with a local community, to develop my own clinic and build a practice."
What would you say to school/college-leavers who are thinking of studying abroad?
"Don’t overthink the pros and cons of going abroad. If you want to move to study overseas, then you should prepare and commit fully to it. The journey of studying overseas has been truly transformative. Not only does it provide an incredible opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, but it opens a world of endless exploration and personal growth. With careful planning and a thoughtful approach to mapping out this journey, it’s a testament to the privilege it is to study abroad. The decision to embark on this adventure may come with its risks, but the rewards far outweigh any uncertainties. I highly recommend it for an experience that will enrich your life in ways you never thought possible.”
- Danny
If you're thinking about it, go for it
I find the creation and complexity of the human body very interesting. How it is so well made and how it adapts to its surroundings. I primarily knew that I wanted to work with people and help them optimise their health and life, and in that process of finding out what I wanted to study, chiropractic just felt right. With its thorough examination and its non-invasive approach helping the body heal itself. Optimising the function and the mobility to better cope with life and the challenges we might experience. I simply find it very fascinating.
Why did you choose to study at the AECC University College?
Before coming here, I studied one year of Spanish, and one year of multicultural communication and international work. Through that I got to live in different parts of Spain, and I also worked six months in Colombia. That was an amazing time and quite an adventure, but it was also quite far from home. When I was looking at chiropractic, I did consider going to New Zealand or Australia, but ended up at AECC because it's the oldest chiropractic College in Europe, I had heard a lot of positive things about the school and Bournemouth, and it meant that I could go home to visit family over the holidays. Another thing that drew me to the AECC University College was that about 50% of the students are international, meaning I could continue developing my interpersonal skills, and increase my communication skills to make me better equipped meeting with different people in future practice. I think that because of the diversity, studying at the AECC University College gives you an opportunity to learn, grow and develop strong social skills in addition to your studies.
How did you find leaving from Norway?
Leaving Norway to study in the UK didn’t feel like travelling far at all. After living in Colombia this felt like moving just across the country considering physical distance. Culturally however, I was surprised over the fact that it is quite different living here compared to back home. I had quite a reversed cultural shock still adapting to Norway after living in Colombia when I decided to cross the pond and move over here. So, I started my stay not feeling quite like I belonged anywhere to be honest. I wasn’t rooted in my own culture let alone in the English culture. I remember finding it difficult to get honest replies as to how people were doing, because the stereotypical English answer to “How are you” is either “I am fine thank you, what about you?” or “Not too bad, yourself?”. The equivalent to this in Norway would be a simple hello or a nod. I soon learned the lesson that the English communication is more about pleasantries and politeness compared to if you ask the same questions in Norway. I have many times made people feel rather uncomfortable by replying honestly to the polite questions, and my impression is that Norwegians come across quite rude when we don’t take the time for pleasantries. However, if we do ask “how are you doing” you can share almost anything, some examples are, how bad you have slept or how you are experiencing some mental health problems. Another challenge I experienced and continue to experience after moving is that my brain is fried by the end of the day from speaking English. After 9/10pm I am not as approachable, and my sentences starts falling apart.
What you do kind of like outside of your studies?
In Bournemouth there are lots of things that you can do! The University has a variety of sports and clubs that you can join. Personally, I love dancing, so I normally go dancing in town at least once a week. I’m currently dancing salsa, bachata, kizomba and zouk. The Latino dance community in Bournemouth is huge and we have so much fun being taught by amazing dancers from all over the world.
What do you most love about living in Bournemouth?
I think that Bournemouth is a beautiful place to live considering the beach, nature, variety of people and opportunities. There are so many communities that you can join, and the place is generally very social. The size of the city is perfect in my opinion, because there are enough people to feel anonymous, but you can still run into friends whilst grocery shopping. If you want to be alone you can, and if you want to be sociable you have a lot of different opportunities. So regardless I think you can find the places where you thrive the most. I love that you can do most things locally such as go clubbing, go to the cinema, go bowling, play minigolf, go to the aquarium, go hiking down the Jurassic Coast etc. The weekends fly by because there are so many things to see and new places to explore.
Finally, what are your ambitions for the future?
To use my education and skills to help other people achieve their goals and reach their best potential. I look forward to start working and explore a new chapter in life. I will probably go home and start working there, because I quite look forward to seeing my friends and family more often. The most difficult thing with that is to leave England and all my friends here. I have had a really good experience studying at the AECC University College, and I have met some amazing people that will always have a special place in my heart. I will look back at this time with joy and happiness.
What would you say to a school leaver who was thinking about studying abroad?
Go for it, you're not going to regret it. I will not lie to you, it will be difficult, it will be frustrating and challenging. But the reward, joy, enrichment, and character development you will experience will be an amazing journey.
If you're thinking about it, go for it as you might end up regretting not going. It will also go by very fast, and it will leave you with many wonderful memories to look back at. If you are worried about leaving friends and family, my experience is that by living far away from home I value my time with them even more. It is also easier to keep up with the good vibes only, because they understand why you cannot make it to every event, birthday etc. We are lucky to have social media, so you can keep in touch, it is not like you are disappearing out of their lives.
Finally, how did Across the Pond help you with your application?
Across the Pond really helped me with the whole process. They told me everything I needed to know before, during, and after sending my university application. They helped me keep up with deadlines, and they gave me a checklist before writing my personal statement as well as reading it and giving me feedback. In Norway we don’t do personal statements, and we don’t know how to navigate UCAS, so I honestly don’t think I could have done it without them. The support and follow-up from their team were crucial for my very good experience with applying to go to University the UK.
- Elena
A great education
I really enjoyed my time at the AECC University College. I write this at the end of my 4 years and time has flown by! I feel like have really had a great education here and made some friends for life. It’s going to be really sad to leave as it feels a lot like home now but at the same time I have learnt so much I feel prepared to go into the real world and become an actual chiropractor!
BRODIE’S TOP 3 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MASTERS IN CHIROPRACTIC
- Getting involved in the breast feeding clinic – It has been a great opportunity to work with the student midwives from Bournemouth University and have learnt a lot from them. I would recommend getting involved in this in clinic for anyone who is interested in paediatrics
- Living in Bournemouth – I have loved every moment of being by the coast (also the sunniest place in the UK). I will really miss spending sunny evenings having BBQ’s on the beach
- Being transformed from a student into a working professional – I really feel like the University College has made the bridge from being a student to a health professional a smooth transition. The tutors are there to support you as students but treat you as their colleagues which is nice
BRODIE’S TOP 3 TIPS FOR STUDENTS THINKING ABOUT STUDYING CHIROPRACTIC
- You have to be passionate about being a chiropractor. It is a tough course and the only way you’ll be successful is if you really enjoy what you’re studying
- Observe as many chiropractors as possible you will soon find out how diverse chiropractic can be and all the routes that you can go down
- Come to one of the open days to get a feel of the college and talk to some of the students. Studying at the AECC University College is a unique experience and is different from most other University’s as your living and studying with people who only do chiropractic. This is great as you get help and support from other students and you all go through the same experience together
- Brodie
Which course are you studying and what year are you in?
