The Student Accommodation Guide for International Students

1. Why you should study in the UK over other countries

Many international students are attracted to study in the UK as a result of the world class universities on offer, but the country has much more to offer than just that.

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The Unique Culture

Britain offers a unique, multicultural society which boasts a long lasting relationship with international students. Last year around 480,000 international students studied in the UK, so we know how to treat our international students well, resulting in their high return year after year. Alongside its diverse and multicultural society, the United Kingdom is home to various cosmopolitan cities, with many areas such as Yorkshire, Warwickshire, London and Glasgow incorporating contemporary architecture, lifestyle and commerce alongside historical buildings and culture.

Additionally, you’ll never get bored in any city as we offer galleries, concerts, pubs and excellent nightlife in almost every town or city. The UK also is home to many wildlife reserves and world heritage sites. If nature and history isn’t your thing, Great Britain is amongst the world’s front runners in sports and sporting events. Where else can you watch a Premier League match, see a cricket match or even spend a day at Wimbledon. It’s safe to say that you will always be able to find something to do and fit right in with our British culture.

The Financial Aid

On average, most UK undergraduate courses are shorter, lasting only three years (rather than four), equalling in cheaper costs overall for tuition fees and living costs. Many universities offer various scholarships and bursaries to international students, so a little bit of research could gain you some extra money.

The cost of living is reasonable within the UK, with many affordable student houses available online through websites such as https://www.accommodationforstudents.com. There are also a variety of supermarkets and open air markets which provide quality foods at a low price. You don’t have to worry about health costs either as the UK offers the National Health Service, a nationalised service which provides free health care (covered with your Visa surcharge). If you want to have fun and experience your city and the country’s culture, many businesses usually offer generous student discounts, reducing the price by around 10%, allowing you to enjoy yourself at a great price!

EU students may also receive extra support with schemes such as ERASMUS which may help with the cost of tuition fees or offer bursaries to subsidise your living costs abroad. Most students may also work up to 20 hours a week alongside their studies, allowing you to worry less about your finances.

The Transport

All of the UK’s major cities have excellent public transportation links, including rail, buses, taxis and even bicycle schemes. Students benefit from discounts on rail and bus fare, making your travel in the UK more affordable. Furthermore, if you want to cut costs getting around a new city, most city councils provide a free city bus service which will stop at the major destinations within the cities such as universities, shopping malls, museums, etc.

If you are based in London, public transportation lines are excellent above ground and below, with the underground (the ‘tube’) reaching 270 stations across London. London is also connected to Heathrow Airport which travels to 185 destinations, making travelling to and from your home country much easier. For connection to Europe from London, the Eurotunnel provides for excellent and affordable travel to Europe, making the most of your time and travels whilst in the UK. Plus, it is only a quick train/plane/or coach journey to visit England’s neighbouring countries such as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Easy Application Processes

The online course database, alongside the informative step-by-step application system means that it has never been easier to find the perfect course. UCAS provides around 38,000 course options ranging from archaeology to zoology, meaning that you can find the right course in the right location with just the press of a button. Online applications are simple and easy to follow, if you get stuck, you can search for online tutorials to guide you through the process. Several course applications run until June 30th, meaning that you have the time to make the right choice without sacrificing much time or effort.

The English Language

English is the global business language of today and to immerse yourself in this lingua franca will expand your language skills vastly, potentially resulting in not only the ability to speak English like a native but to be able to think in English too. Most universities will require minimum English language criteria so please do your research beforehand; however, most universities offer supplementary courses to enhance your current language skills.

2. Student Visa 101

Now that you’ve been accepted into a UK university, it’s time to apply for your student visa. Here is an overview of the types of student visas available, and how to apply for the visa that you need.

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Who should apply for a visa?

What are the different types of visas?

There are a few different types of visas available. The one you’ll apply for depends on your circumstances. The visas specifically for students are:

This visa allows for short stays of up to 6 months. Under this visa you may study at an accredited institution—that includes, but is not limited to English language courses. It is not aimed primarily at students, but you may undertake short study.

This visa allows for stays between 6 and 11 months. It is only for students who are coming to the UK to study English language.

You can stay for the duration of your course plus 30 days, but the overall duration of your stay must not exceed 11 months.

This visa is for students over eighteen who are planning on doing a full-length course in the UK. It will usually allow you to stay for up to 5 years.

How much does a visa cost?

How does the visa application process work?

To apply for the Student Visitor Visa, the Child Student Visa, or the Student Visa, you’ll use the online application that can be found on the UK Government website.

What supporting documents should be sent?

All documents that are not in English or Welsh must be translated by a certified translator to be accepted!

When can you apply for a visa?

When will you know if your visa application was accepted?

On average, you’ll get a decision on your visa within three weeks, if you apply from outside the UK. If you apply from inside the UK you’ll get a decision within eight weeks.

Where can you get more information on visas?

The UK government website has pages of information about each of these pages. To access this information, go to https://www.gov.uk/student-visa. If the answer to your question is not on these pages, you can contact the UK Visa and Immigration office by phone, email, or web chat.

You can also contact your university’s international student office if you have any questions about the immigration process. They have advisors who can help you with the trickiest visa questions.

Visa Applications Tips

Applying for a student visa can be confusing. Here are some tips to help make the process smooth and easy all the way through.

The visa application is a multi-step process. You’ll have to first fill out the application online, then (in some cases) go to a biometrics processing centre, and then you’ll have to mail everything off to your country’s UK consulate. You should give yourself plenty of time to get everything done. While you can only start your application up to 3 or 6 months before your course starts, this does not mean you can’t start collecting all necessary documents before that time. Start your application when you have all your documents ready to save yourself from stress of looking for them while filling the application out. It cannot be stressed enough that you should not leave the application to last minute — it will be incredibly stressful!

While the UK Government tries to simplify the process, the visa application form can be very tricky. Read every question carefully, and if something stumps you, don’t be afraid to call in a family member or friend and see if they understand what’s being asked. Sometimes, a second set of eyes is just what you need to make a confusing question clear. You can always call the UKVI on the phone or ask questions via email. It is also very useful to check out FAQs on the government websites.

At accommodationforstudents.com we provide you with general overview and guidance on this topic, which is based solely on official UK Government information. Specific instructions or ‘tricks’ that are supposed to help you with your application that do not come directly from UKVI are not to be trusted — especially if they come from online forums or people who ask you to pay for their help. The information you provide as a part of the visa application is very sensitive — you do not want it handled by people you do not trust. We understand that visa application may be difficult; it is better to take time to figure things out or seek support from UKVI, rather than entrust your identity to strangers.

There’s always a chance, no matter how many times you check your application, that you may make a mistake. Maybe you forgot to include a time you visited the UK or a Commonwealth country, or maybe you marked ‘yes’ to a question when you meant to hit ‘no.’ If this happens, don’t panic. After you print out your application (if you need to do so), you can write-in anything you forgot or change the answer to a question. This is perfectly acceptable, and it won’t have any influence on if your visa application is accepted or refused.

Every country has different supporting document requirements. Find the list for your country, and provide everything on that list. Sometimes, there will be documents that are optional, such as bank statements, but you should still provide those documents if you have them. Everything that’s not necessary will be mailed back to you, and if you forgot something that is important, there’s a chance that your application will be delayed or even rejected. Sending every supporting document will lessen the chance of this happening.

If your first language isn’t English and some of your documents are in your native language, you will have to provide a certified translation of those documents. The person who certifies these documents can be a solicitor, councillor, doctor or dentist, police officer, teacher, or bank or building society official. You will usually need to provide their contact details (including address), signature and their personal or official stamp. They should not be academic or administrative staff from your school, though! They also shouldn’t be related to you, living in the same address as you, or in a relationship with you.

When you mail your visa application to the UK consulate, you have to include your passport. Because of that, you won’t be able to travel out of your home country while your application is being processed. This may not apply to those who complete the document identification through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.

The visa application process can be confusing, but there are plenty of people who will be able to help you. You can contact UK Visas and Immigrations by live webchat, telephone, or email. Or, you can contact your university. The visa application is tough, but it’s also not meant to be impossible. Anyone at your university or at the UKVI office will be happy to help you get your application on the right track.

3. Staying Safe on AFS

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To have the best possible experience on accommodationforstudents.com our number 1 tip is simple: View the property before you book and pay for it.

For more information view our guide here or chat live with one of our support team.

4. Student Accommodation Choices: Pros and Cons

Picking a university isn’t the only big decision you have to make when you study abroad. Whether you choose to stay in halls or share a house will be as big a part of your university experience as which course you choose. At Accommodation for Students we’ve decided to use our expertise to make navigating the student accommodation market a simpler experience. If you can’t decide between staying in University-run Halls, Private Halls, or simply sharing a house - fear not because we’ve laid out the pros and cons of each option.

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University Halls of Residence

Staying in University-run Halls of Residence is typically the most common choice for freshers, with most universities guaranteeing students accommodation in their first years.

Private Halls

Private halls offer a similar experience to university halls but are run by private companies instead of the university. As these halls are not run by any particular university, you may end up sharing with students from a variety of different universities.

Sharing a House

Sharing a privately-rented flat is the most popular option for second and third years. In most cases you’ll be living with the friends you’ve made on your course.

5. 10 Things You Must Do While Studying in the UK

The UK has so many interesting historical sites to visit and great activities to do; it can be hard to know where to even start. If you’re having that dilemma, begin by taking part in these ten can’t-miss activities.

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If you’re not already studying in the UK’s capital city, visiting London should be at the top of your list of things to do. The vibrant city has something for everyone: world-class theater, fascinating museums, beautiful parks, cool markets. London is also renowned for its nightlife, and there are plenty of clubs throughout the city that offer student deals.

Castles can be found everywhere in the UK, from the remotest parts of the countryside to the centre of major cities. While you’re studying in the UK, be sure to go to least one. You could go to one near your university, or you could go on a road trip and check out some of the most popular castles in the UK. No time studying in the UK is complete without a visit to one of its many royal palaces.

Football is one of the most popular sports in the UK, and fans are known for their enthusiasm and loyalty to their chosen team. Even if you’re not a sports fan, you’ll enjoy taking part in all the madness at a football stadium, especially if two teams with a heated rivalry are playing each other.

Pubs are a quintessentially British thing, and over the centuries UK residents have perfected the art of the pub crawl. Grab your friends and head out for a night of drinking pints in classic wood paneled, dimly lit pubs. You can plan where you’re going beforehand, or you can just be spontaneous and see where the night takes you. Either way, you’re sure to finish the night with plenty of great stories to tell people back home.

The Scottish Highlands are one of the most scenic places found in the UK. If you’re really ambitious, you could hike the West Highland Way, a 96 mile trail that goes from Milngavie to Fort William and takes hikers through some of the most beautiful vistas in Scotland. If you’re into mountain climbing, you could hike up to the top of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain the UK. Or, you could just go for a casual trek on one of the Highlands’ many short hiking trails.

While the British shore may not be too warm, it’s as picturesque as anything found in the Mediterranean. There are tons of places to check out, from the white cliffs in Cornwall and Dover to the craggy beaches of Scotland to the historic pier in Brighton. Any of these beaches are great for a day trip, or you could spend your summer hopping from beach to beach, checking out the best the UK has to offer.

It may surprise you to hear that most museums in the UK are free, including famous museums like the British museum in London, the Scottish Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, and the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of museums, it’s worth checking out a free museum near your university to help you get a better sense of the history and culture of the UK.

Every August, thousands of visitors head to Edinburgh for the annual festival. There are tons of events happening during the Edinburgh Festival, including the Book Festival, which draws in big-name authors, and the Fringe Festival, which puts on hundreds of plays by independent theater companies. The Edinburgh Festival is a must-see for any fan of the arts.

A full English breakfast consists of fried eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, hash browns, tomatoes, black and white pudding, toast, bacon, and sausage. This tasty meal is served in restaurants throughout England, and it offers enough food to fill you up all day.

Finally, round out your time in the UK by participating in one of the many quirky events that can only be found in Great Britain. You could try cheese rolling in the Cotswolds, bog snorkeling in Wales, pea shooting in Cambridgeshire, or partying with Vikings at Up Helly Aa in the Shetland Islands. Any of these events are sure to be an unforgettable addition to your time studying in the UK.

6. 15 British Slang Words and Phrases Every International Student Should Know

UK slang can be difficult for international students to master. Even students who are from English-speaking countries can have trouble getting a grasp on the words and phrases that are exclusive to Britain. If you’re feeling lost, here are some common slang words and phrases that you may hear popping up in conversations.

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Almost every international student is confused by the British people’s repeated use of the phrase, ‘Alright?’ You’ll hear it everywhere you go—in class, at the store, with your friends. This is because ‘Alright?’ is a common greeting, similar to, ‘How are you?’ Before long, you’ll get used to the phrase and you may even start using it in your everyday life.

Gutted is another word for devastated. Someone may say it if they failed a test, broke up with a significant other, or any other highly distressing event. For example, ‘I’m gutted that I didn’t get a higher mark on that chemistry exam.’

You may hear this word a lot in your early classes, or the morning after a night out at the pub. This is because knackered is another word for exhausted or worn out.

Another common phrase, ‘nice one’ can be used either sincerely or sarcastically. If used sarcastically, it means something similar to when someone says ‘good job’ to someone who has completely messed something up. When used sincerely, it’s usually a form of praise.

When someone’s being cheeky, it means they’re being impertinent. They may be talking back to a friend or a relative. Usually it’s used in a sentence, such as, ‘Oh, you’re being cheeky today, aren’t you?’

When someone’s ‘taking the piss’ out of something, they’re making fun of it, usually in a sarcastic way. You can take the piss out of pretty much anything—friends, bad TV programs, professors. Although with professors, you may want to do it out of their hearing range.

This is a way of saying you’re going to skip a day of work or classes. You may hear someone say something like, ‘I’m going to try to skive off work today and sleep instead.’

If you’ve cocked up, you’ve made a really big mess of something or made a big mistake. For example, ‘She cocked up her job interview when she mentioned that she made up most of her CV.’

‘Sod’ is a word that’s used in a lot in British phrases. You can say ‘sod off’ to someone as a way of telling them to get lost. You can say ‘sod it’ as a way to declare that you’re giving up on trying to do something that’s not working. Or, instead of ‘sod it,’ you could also say ‘sod all is working’ if nothing is going right. Sod’s versatility means that you may be hearing it a whole lot.

This phrase has different meanings throughout the world, but in Britain, ‘knock up’ just means to wake someone up. So if you hear a guy say, ‘I’m going to go knock up my girlfriend,’ all he’s doing is rousing her from sleep.

Gormless is a word that’s new to most international students. It’s basically just a way to refer to someone who’s clueless. For example, ‘That guy in our literature tutorial is completely gormless.’ You can also shorten it to just ‘gorm.’

This phrase became known worldwide when the movie The Full Monty came out, but even if the phrase itself is common, most people still don’t know what it means. If you’re going 'the full Monty,' you’re going to go all the way with something or finish the whole thing.

This is a way of saying someone is going crazy or has become mentally unstable. It can also be a way to say that someone is going senile. For example, ‘My grandfather is starting to lose the plot. He keeps calling me by my mum’s name.’

If someone ‘can’t be arsed,’ they can’t get the motivation to do something. For example, ‘I can’t be arsed to go to that lecture today.’

Most international students are aware of the word ‘cheers,’ but you may not realize how often it’s used in conversation in Britain. Instead of saying ‘thank you,’ people often say ‘cheers.’ It’s also common to clink glasses and say a quick ‘cheers’ before having a drink at the pub. Get ready to be cheering on everybody you meet when you’re living in the UK.