9 Things You Should Do to Start Your UK Studies Stress-Free!

Starting university is stressful. And when you are doing so abroad, it might take a toll on your nerves and make you worry unnecessarily. If you feel like you are sailing in the same boat, we have a float for you! So, head over and jump into unknown waters with these tips to guide the way. Here’s what you need to know before you begin your studies in the UK.

Checkout welcoming events for international students

With the trending hashtag #youarewelcomehere, the UK has opened its doors to international students. They have specifically designed programs that are well-suited to those coming in from abroad. Before you go, checkout the events in your institution especially conducted to make newcomers feel at home. You can find this information on the university’s website or social media page.

Set up your insurance

Any student traveling to the UK for studies needs a travel and health insurance. Any accident that might otherwise be very financially taxing can be covered by these insurance policies. If you’re studying in the UK for more than 6 months, you will be granted full healthcare services on the isle.

However, you might have to pay an immigration healthcare surcharge—which is part of your visa application process. A travel insurance is also essential as it grants you a different kind of cover.

You can speak with your IDP counsellor to find all about the insurance process and the suitable options for you.

Learn about the new city and transport options

Wherever you may be coming from, your ways would always be a little different from the ones of your new study destination. The same goes for wherever you choose to go in the UK. Make sure you do some research about the city you are going to live in and find about the travel options that you can use on your daily trips.

Bus timetables and other route information will probably be available on your college website. You can also download apps to light your way as you travel around a new city. Get as many discounts as you can!

Check out our student guides for these 5 top cities in the UK: London, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Glasgow.

Consult student support services at your university

For many like you, university is a time for new opportunities and experiences. But this isn’t all it’s going to be; you will have to work hard and be self-motivated to go a long way. To enable you to do your best, universities offer support services or students’ unions. If you ever feel overwhelmed at any point of your education in the UK, you can avail yourself of its services!

It can be difficult gaining independence for the first time and getting used to a new country along with it. But it is normal to feel this way and there is nothing wrong with asking for a little help along the way.

Don’t forget important documents back home

Before you attend your first class at the university of your dreams, make sure that you have brought all important documents from back home. These include:

• Passport
• CV
• Visa
• Confirmation Letter
• Boarding Pass
• Accommodation Proof
• Travel and Health Insurance
• Details of and for the bank account

Bring a soft and a hard copy of each document to make life easier for yourself!

Get to know the people

We all know how difficult it is to make friends on the first day. If you feel the same, you can try and connect with students without even getting there! Join Facebook groups that represent your university or department and familiarise yourself with the people that are going to be there.

Although not the best place to get to know someone closely, social media is an introduction to their personality. This can also give you a good idea about the culture of the place. Of course, you shouldn’t give out personal information to anyone you’ve just met on the internet! But there’s no harm in saying hello.

Consider working part-time

Studying abroad can be very heavy on your pocket, but you can make it easier for yourself by working part-time. To make this expensive endeavour a little more affordable, check out job vacancies that might be available in or around the university campus.

The university website or other UK job portals will serve you well in this department. Once you land in the UK, you can go in directly for interviews and make your delay shorter.

Another great thing about having a student job is the easy access to new and friendly people! Broaden your social horizon by applying for either bar staff, a campus shop assistant, book shop helper, university ambassador, a barista, etc.

Set up a savings account

In another article on student financing, we elucidated the importance of having a savings account when managing your budget. A bank account in the country you’re living in makes it much easier to pay bills and make bank transfers without paying heavy taxes.

If you want to be completely relaxed as you start your new degree, set up the bank account from home so you don’t have to fill in forms and documents on your first day. Plus, it takes a while to get functional so the sooner you start the better!

Find your timetable

Before your semester begins, your university will let you download and study your timetable. Make sure to study it properly beforehand before you set out to your new journey. Knowing everything beforehand can make it easier for you to prepare yourself.

Moreover, some courses may have long reading lists that you can get started way earlier than everyone else! If the timetable doesn’t seem to be available, feel free to email your university and ask for it.

Speak with your IDP counsellor today to start your education journey in the UK!