Best Tactics To Plan Your Stay When You Study In London
There are a few very easy steps to follow to make sure your arrival and stay is a good one when you study in London. There are quite a few international groups that support students when they arrive in London after leaving the safety of their homes. Consider the few steps below and you will make your stay in London unforgettable.
Visa Issues
Visa regulations are pretty complex, so make sure you understand them before you start the process. There are no better places to start than the UK Border and Immigration Agency (UKBA), UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and British Council.
Before Departure
Make sure you have a map of London and know exactly where your college is (Google the location). You should not ignore the internet as a source of information as many people share their experiences on blogs and the information can benefit you. Most schools nowadays have Facebook pages that help you getting in touch with existing students and asking questions.
Transport System in London
There are 6 zones on the London underground (or “Tube”) and travellers are chugged in accordance with how far they travel. Starting in zone 1 “the City” it goes all the way to zone 6 where most commuters live. Students get an amazing 30% discount on most public transport in London! Once you get your student card you can apply for this discount and it will apply to almost any duration ticket you buy. The TFL (Transport for London) administers this system and your college should point you to them.
Railcard for Young People
Anyone aged 16-25 can apply for the railcard and benefit greatly when travelling in the UK. You can get this card at a small cost from most railway stations. Check it out at 16-25railcard.co.uk .
Your New Home
The variation of accommodation in London on offer will satisfy every need you may ever have with plenty to spare. There are so may accommodation options in London you will be able to find pretty much anything you fancy and your college should be able to help with this.
Your Safety and Health
The NHS (National Health Services) is available for all students that are on a 12 month or longer course. Free medical treatment is available for students while they study in London, aside from dentistry. NHS requires registration with them and your college can help you with this process.
Working as a Student
Most students are allowed to work under certain conditions while they study in London. The rules around student working hours are regulated by the UKBA and you should confirm the latest regulation before you start working. There are so many international companies with offices in London bringing lots of employment opportunities. A good place to start looking for job opportunities is the internet. Free newspapers like the Standard and Metro should be the second place to look for work.
Money Matters for Students
Many international bank have students account and it is worth trying opening a bank account before you leave for London. Most banks in London are student friendly and students can open up a bank account having your passport at hand. There are a large number of banks to choose from when you study in London, so be wise and find the best one for your needs.
Contacting Family at Home
Make sure you have a mobile before getting to London or buy one as soon as you get there. You should be able to find any mobile package you want as there are almost too many options to choose from in London. Pay-as-you-go (pre-paid) sim card with cheap international rates are available everywhere and likely the best option. Making sure you choose the right call plan for you is important as it can save you a lot of money.
And Next?
You have to of course make sure you go to the right school for you. There is no short supply of information when you look into this because there are so many guides that can help you understand the different aspects. Choosing the right place for you is so important, so take you time when making this decision. You can check out some of the schools by joining a summer session during the European summer. Now you are ready to study in London!