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.
A university with a great reputation
First of all, the possibility of practicing my English and living in a country with a completely different culture than mine. University life, at least in Edinburgh, is extremely international, which makes the overall experience all the more interesting.
Why this university?
Heriot-Watt University offered a mix of right price, interesting courses and good overall university reputation.
How student life is different from life in your home country?
I like the UK student lifestyle. By living within the campus, I’m in contact with my classmates and friends constantly and the possibilities of socializing are huge. I have a really good time in campus!
What you are studying and why?
MSC in renewable energy engineering. It is a fascinating topic, with lots of upcoming room for career development and a huge contribution to mankind.
Describe a typical day for a student in your course
Wake up, go to classes, gather up with classmates, go to the library to study, go to the gym and, if time allows it, do something at night or rest for the upcoming day.
How is living in the UK different from living in your hometown?
Very different! Local people are way more quiet and introverted, but at the same time highly educated and respectful. Either way, they are extremely friendly. The vast majority of my classmates are abroad students too, so I don’t get to hang out regularly with people native to the UK.
Tell us about the town/city and what you love about it
Edinburgh is a really beautiful city, a bit cheaper than my hometown (Santiago de Chile), small in size (you can walk anywhere, which is a thing I absolutely love) and full of events throughout the year. Im absolutely in love with this city!
Tell us about your accommodation
I’m staying in university accommodation rooms. They are quite comfortable, with a shared kitchen and a private bathroom. The campus is beautiful: A mix between a forest and a golf course, you can observe crows, rabbits and squirrels and is generally quiet and peaceful. There are variety of rooms changing in price and size. I would recommend 100% to stay in campus if you are staying in Heriot-Watt (I stayed for 1 week on another place and I didn’t like it at all, I’m so glad I got to change!).
What you do in your spare time?
If I’m not studying, I’m resting, watching a series or going to the gym in the university. In my university there is a huge sports complex called ORIAM, with a diverse amount of sports clubs.
If English is not your first language, tell us about how you found the transition into studying in English
I have never had problems with English, so I almost don’t notice the difference. There are some specific words I realized I don’t handle very well, but I take it as an additional opportunity to improve my language.
Anything else you´d have liked to know before you applied, started university or went to the UK?
Details, such as the correct functioning of the NHS, the costs associated to the visa extension once my program is over, having contact with former students. I did a good research before coming here anyway so I didn’t came upon many surprises. I recommend for those that only have a bachelor’s degree to get ready for the academic load, which is way more demanding than a bachelor’s degree, but far from impossible. Besides, forming study groups is a great way to meet new friends.
- Jose
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)
