AFS International Students Guide, in partnership with Primo Property

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

2020-2021

STUDENT GUIDE

CONTENTS

21 03 17 03

Why study in the UK ?

From the unique culture to the easy application process.

15 05

Student Visas 101 Everything you need to know about visas

11

Latest offers and information

17

Visa application top tips

21 Covid-19 tips for international students The latest advice for the UK

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

Student Accommodation...

What’s your type?

The pros and cons of the different accommodation types available

Expert tips for a smooth application process

13

Primo Property Management

Top 10 UK experiences Our list of the must-do activities and experiences in the UK

Hi My name’s Daisy and I’m an International Student, originally from the USA. I am studying at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, and a couple of years ago I chose to spend a year studying in London.

I have been asked by AFS to create a guide for international students who are thinking about studying in the UK, or who have already made that decision, but who had lots of questions about what to do.

The guide should have the answers to all of your key questions right now and we’ll keep it up to date so that you can be sure to get everything you need. You can watch some of my other vlogs on studying in the UK right here on my Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/daisyblake72

Daisy Blake 02

WHY STUDY IN THE UK? 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.

Unique Culture Britain offers a unique, multicultural society which

Additionally, you’ll never get bored in any city as we

boasts a long lasting relationship with international

offer galleries, concerts, pubs and excellent night-

students. Last year around 480,000 international

life in almost every town or city. The UK also is home

students studied in the UK, so we know how to treat

to many wildlife reserves and world heritage sites.

our international students well, resulting in their

If nature and history isn’t your thing, Great Britain

high return year after year. Alongside its diverse

is amongst the world’s front runners in sports

and multicultural society, the United Kingdom is

and sporting events. Where else can you watch a

home to various cosmopolitan cities, with many

Premier League match, see a cricket match or even

areas such as Yorkshire, Warwickshire, London and

spend a day at Wimbledon. It’s safe to say that you

Glasgow incorporating contemporary architecture,

will always be able to find something to do and fit

lifestyle and commerce alongside historical

right in with our British culture.

LONDON

buildings and culture.

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

Financial Aid

Easy Application Process

On average, most UK undergraduate courses are

The online course database,

shorter, lasting only three years (rather than four),

alongside the informative step-

equalling in cheaper costs overall for tuition fees

by-step application system means

and living costs. Many universities offer various

that it has never been easier to find the perfect

scholarships and bursaries to international

course. UCAS provides around 38,000 course

students, so a little bit of research could gain you

options ranging from archaeology to zoology,

some extra money.

meaning that you can find the right course in the

The cost of living is reasonable within the UK, with many affordable student houses available online through websites such as 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

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.

as the UK offers the National Health Service, a nationalised service which provides free health care (covered with your Visa surcharge). If you

Transport

want to have fun and experience your city and the

All of the UK’s major cities have excellent public

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

criteria so please do your research beforehand; however, most universities offer supplementary courses to enhance your current language skills.

04

STUDENT VISAS 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.

Who should apply for a visa?

You should apply for a visa if: •

You are not from the UK or Ireland

•

You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor

•

You have enough money to support yourself (expenses, housing, transport etc) and pay for your course

•

You can read, write, speak, and understand English

•

Your course meets all of the other eligibility requirements listed on the gov.uk website

If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland: •

You may apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, if you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1st January 2021.

- If granted the ‘Pre-Settled’ or ‘Settled’ Status, you will not need a student visa - The deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme is 30th June 2021

•

You will need a student visa, if you or your close family member did not start living in the UK before 1st January 2021, or you were not granted ‘Pre-Settled’ or ‘Settled’ Status under EU Settlement Scheme

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

VISA 10

What are the different types of visa?

There are a few different types of visas available.

The one you’ll apply for depends on your individual circumstances. The visas available specifically for students are:

Short-Term Study Visa 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.

You must: •

Have been accepted onto an English language course at an accredited institution, that lasts more than 6 and less than 11 months and does not include any other subjects

•

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

Have access to enough money (and be able

English language courses. It is not aimed primarily

to prove so) to support you in the UK and pay

at students, but you may undertake short study.

for your course, without working or access to public funds. This may include housing and support by family or friends •

Visitor Visa

You may: •

charity

Be able to pay for your return (to country of origin), or onward journey

•

2, 5, or 10 years. You can stay for periods of up to 6 months on each visit

Study on any other course or switch courses while in the UK

•

Study at a state-funded school

•

Work or carry out business, including unpaid work, work experience or work placements

•

Claim most public benefits

•

Extend this visa

Apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa if you visit UK regularly over a long period. It lasts

You cannot: •

Volunteer up to 30 days with a registered

You cannot: •

Undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person

•

Claim public benefits

•

Switch from the Visitor Visa to another type of visa—you must leave the UK upon conclusion of the 6 months period

06

Child Student Visa This visa is for students aged 4-17 and allows you to stay in the UK for: The duration of your course (up to 6 years) plus 4

Student Visa

months afterwards, if you are aged under 16

This visa is for students over eighteen who are

The duration of your course (up to 3 years) plus 4

will usually allow you to stay for up to 5 years.

months afterwards, if you are aged 16 or 17 You must: •

Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor

•

Have enough money to support yourself (expenses, housing, transport, etc.) and pay for

prove so) to support you in the UK and pay for

your course •

Have consent of your parent or legal guardian

You may: •

•

Have access to enough money (and be able to your course

•

You must:

Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school

•

planning on doing a full-length course in the UK. It

Be able to read, write, speak and understand English

•

Have consent of your parents or legal guardians if you are aged 16 or 17

Undertake part-time work during term-time of up to 10h per week

You may:

•

Undertake full-time work during vacation

•

Extend your visa

•

Undertake work on a placement, if and only if

•

Arrive in the UK before the course starts:

the duration of the placement does not exceed

- Up to 1 week before the course starts, if the

50% of your course time

course lasts less than 6 months - Up to 1 month before the course starts, if the

You cannot: •

Study at an academia or local authorityfunded school, further or higher education

course lasts more than 6 months •

you are studying and whether you wish to work

institution •

Claim public benefits

•

Undertake full-time, permanent work, or be self-employed

•

Work as a professional sportsperson or an entertainer

•

Apply for settlement

Undertake work: how much depends on what during term-time

•

Bring your partner and children, if you meet the eligibility criteria

You cannot: •

Undertake work as a self-employed person

•

Claim public benefits

•

Study at an academia or local authority-funded school

•

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

Work as a professional sportsperson or an entertainer

How much does a visa cost?

Visitor Visa

Child Student Visa

£95 for a six month standard visa,

£348 to apply from outside the UK

£361 for a 2 years long-term visa

£475 to extend your visa or switch

£655 for a 5 years long-term visa £822 for a 10 years long-term visa Short-Term Study Visa £186

£

to a Child Student Visa from inside the UK

Student Visa £340 to apply from outside the UK £475 to extend your visa or switch to a Student Visa from inside the UK

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.

After completing the online portion of the application, you must either: •

Go to a Visa Application Centre to have your biometric information recorded. You may be able to pay for faster decision, if your Visa application Centre offers such a service

•

Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (usually a passport). You will also create an UK Visas and Immigration online account. This option is exclusive to Student and Child Student visas

08

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!

Student Visitor Visa

Child Student Visa

Personal documents:

Personal documents

•

Current passport or other valid travel document

•

Current passport or other valid travel document

•

Evidence that you will be able to support

•

Evidence that you will be able to support

•

yourself during your stay in the UK. - e.g. bank

yourself during your stay in the UK - this will vary

statements or payslips for the last 6 months

depending on your circumstances

Details of where you intend to live or stay

•

and your travel plans. Note: do not pay for accommodation or travel to the UK until you get the visa •

•

that you have enough money to pay for it •

Evidence of your relationship to your parent or guardian - e.g. a birth certificate or your other

Evidence that you have paid for your course or

government-issued documentation with your

that you have enough money to pay for it

parents’ or guardians’ names on it

Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you are from a

•

test (check UK Government website for further guidance)

Written consent from your parent or legal guardian for your study and stay in the UK

country where you are required to take such a

•

Evidence that you have paid for your course or

•

Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you are from a country where you are required to take such a

Contact details of your parent or guardian if

test (check UK Government website for further

you are under 18

guidance)

Academic documents:

Academic documents:

•

•

Written document confirming your acceptance

from your course provider

from the institution you intend to study at. This must include your course’s name, duration, and cost (including accommodation)

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

•

Evidence of the qualifications you used to gain a place on the course (if required by the course provider

!

When will you know if your visa application has been accepted?

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

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.

?

here can you get more W information on visas?

you can contact the UK Visa and Immigration office by phone, email, or web chat.

The UK government website has pages of

You can also contact your university’s international

information about each of these pages. To access

student office if you have any questions about the

this information, go to www.gov.uk/student-visa. If

immigration process. They have advisors who can

the answer to your question is not on these pages,

help you with the trickiest visa questions.

Student Visa Personal documents: •

Current passport or other valid travel document

•

Evidence that you will be able to support

•

guardian for your study and stay in the UK (if you are under 18)

yourself during your stay in the UK - this will vary depending on your

•

country where you are required to take such a

- You will need to prove you have funds for at

test (check UK Government website for further

least 1 academic year (9 months):

guidance)

• £1,023 per month if you study outside London

Academic documents:

You need to be able to prove have the funds

•

them for at least 28 days before you submit the application You do not need to prove this if you were in the UK for 12 months or more on another type of visa •

Evidence that you have paid for your course or that you have enough money to pay for it • The exact amount you need to pay is specified on your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies • This may include a student loan, if you are

•

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

required to support your stay—you must have

•

Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you are from a

circumstances

• £1,334 per month if you study in London

•

Written consent from your parent or legal

•

Valid ATAS certificate, if your course and nationality require it

•

Evidence of your level of English language • You must pass a Secure English Language Test (e.g. IELTS), or • If you study at a Higher Education Institution (University), you must fulfil their internal English language criteria. This usually means passing the IELTS test—or other accredited test (check UK Government website for a full list), or completing your secondary education entirely

eligible, or financial sponsorship

in English (e.g. International Baccalaureate

Evidence of your relationship to your parent

English—your university will have more detailed

or guardian (if you are under 18) - e.g. a birth

guidance on that.

certificate or your other government-issued

• Either must be equivalent to CEFR level B2 or

documentation with your parents’ or guardians’

above

Diploma) and achieving a particular grade in

names on it

10

V I S A A P P L I C AT I O N T I P S Applying for a student visa can be confusing. Here are some tips to help make the process smooth and easy all the way through.

Give yourself plenty of time to apply 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!

Do not rely on instructions from forums or help from internet ‘experts’ 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.

Read every question on the application form carefully

Write-in any mistakes

While the UK Government tries

There’s always a chance, no matter how many

to simplify the process, the visa

times you check your application, that you may

application form can be very tricky.

make a mistake. Maybe you forgot to include

Read every question carefully, and if something

a time you visited the UK or a Commonwealth

stumps you, don’t be afraid to call in a family

country, or maybe you marked ‘yes’ to a question

member or friend and see if they understand

when you meant to hit ‘no.’ If this happens, don’t

what’s being asked. Sometimes, a second set of

panic. After you print out your application (if you

eyes is just what you need to make a confusing

need to do so), you can write-in anything you

question clear. You can always call the UKVI on

forgot or change the answer to a question. This

the phone or ask questions via email. It is also

is perfectly acceptable, and it won’t have any

very useful to check out FAQs (Frequently Asked

influence on if your visa application is accepted

Questions) on the government websites.

or refused.

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

TOP TIPS Provide every supporting document requested 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.

Provide translations of non-English documents 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

Don’t plan any international travel while waiting for your visa approval 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.

Contact UK visa services or your university if you have any questions 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.

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.

12

COVID-19 The current rules around Covid 19 are relatively fluid and fast moving at the moment, so you will need to check on a regular basis to make sure you stay up to date with them.

The good news The good news is that the UK was one of the first countries to approve and implement a vaccine regime and this has moved the country forward towards a longer term, sustainable position. UK Universities and accommodation providers have worked hard to support international students arriving in the UK, both practically and through wider support, to ensure students have as positive and experience as possible.

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

Follow the rules Once you arrive in the UK you will need to follow which ever rules are in force at that time, which could be local or national - make sure to check out government websites regularly, as new rules may

Student accommodation Many of the larger student accommodation providers have recognised the challenges the students face when trying to plan for their studies in the UK. As a result many of them have introduced new initiatives aimed at making this process as easy as possible. Some of these things include; •

More flexible contracts and cancellation policies

•

Enhanced cleaning and sanitisation regimes

•

Self-isolation and social distancing support

•

Online check ins and online social events

The aim of these initiatives is to make the decision

be introduced with just a few days’ notice.

If you are self-isolating, make sure that you have means of getting to your accommodation; note that most shops, cabs, and other services no longer accept cash.

Make sure you are able to buy your groceries and necessities online- most shops provide no-contact delivery services, but check if your bank card is widely accepted in the UK. Most universities provide special guides for students arriving in January 2021 and after - be sure to check them out, as they may provide good advice and cover more topics than the government websites. Check out: www.gov.uk/guidance/localrestriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

to study and live in the UK as simple as possible, particularly for those students who are aiming to study in the UK in from January 2021.

Support bubble If you live alone, you may be able to form a support bubble with one other household; you cannot change your support bubble, so choose wisely! You may interact socially with people in your support bubble as though you lived together - this means you generally can meet with them indoors. . www. gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-withanother-household Arriving in the UK may feel overwhelming these days, but as long as you prepare accordingly, follow rules, check government pages regularly and behave reasonably, you will be perfectly fine!

14

WE STILL HAVE AVAILABILITY FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/21 BOOKINGS www.primopropertymanagement.co.uk/students/

Covid-19

Booking Flexibility

Health and safety during the current pandemic is

All 2021/22 bookings offer booking flexibility, to

extremely important to Primo.

take account of the continuing impact of Covid-19,

•

We adhere to and share Government advice to our student tenants on a regular basis.

•

Our viewings and check ins take account of all

including travel bans, visa delays and online course delivery. These are uncertain times and Primo understand the need for booking flexibility during this difficult time.

Government guidance to keep you safe.

•

Your room will be professionally cleaned before move in and there will be regular cleaning in the building during your stay.

•

Academic year 2020/21 Availability Some of our developments have availability –

Social distancing measures are communicated

call our office on 01204 360920 to discuss your

and adhered to, including directional signage

requirements, we got some great offers in Leeds

to support movement around the building in a

and Sheffield.

safe manner.

•

There are sanitiser stations on entry to the building and in high traffic areas.

Academic year 2021/22 Bookings The booking process is now underway for the next academic year. Take a look at our website to see our developments, pricing and facilities www. primopropertymanagement.co.uk

For more information visit:

www.primopropertymanagement.co.uk

16

STUDENT AC C O M M O DAT I O N W H AT ’ S YO U R T Y P E ?

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

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

STUDENT HOUSE

because we’ve laid out the pros and cons of each option.

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

Pros:

Cons:

•

•

Usually more expensive than sharing a house.

•

Bad for quiet study. University halls tend to

Great for making new friends. You’ll be sharing a flat with between 3-15 other students and most will new to the area and university life.

•

Socials! University halls will typically have

there are first years who are (understandably)

student-run residents’ associations or junior

more interested in partying than getting a

common rooms (JCRs) that will organise

First. Getting a good night’s sleep might be

regular social events, from bar crawls to

challenging.

bowling.

•

be very noisy because most students staying

•

Get involved! Most university run halls offer

catered halls, expect to spend ages queueing

opportunities for you to help out and get

for breakfast and dinner.

experience by running to be on the JCR. This could be all-important when you’re looking for

•

No need to worry: expect Wi-Fi and bills to all be taken care off when you get there.

who you have nothing in common with.

•

Unlimited heating. With bills all included you can leave the heating on as long as you want through cold British winters.

•

Sharing a bathroom with eight other people.

Enough said.

Everything should be included in your rent.

•

No choice in who you live with. There’s always a chance you’ll end up sharing with people

that summer internship.

•

Queueing for breakfast. If you’re staying in

•

Fire alarms going off. Expect fire alarms to go off in the middle night as drunk students fail in their attempts to make toast.

Can’t cook? Don’t worry, some halls are fully catered which means that you can avoid learning how to cook for another year.

18

HALLS

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.

Pros:

Cons:

•

•

•

•

•

Meet new friends from a wide range of courses and universities. You’ll be sharing with other

expensive of all three options. However it

students, so if you’re new to the city you can

doesn’t look too bad once you consider that

make friends easily.

bills are included.

While not as common as in uni-run halls, some

•

halls are less likely to have in-house pastoral

experience as enjoyable as possible

care on offer.

All-inclusive – expect gas, electric, and

•

housemates in private halls, so it may be a little

halls even offer contents insurance.

harder to make friends.

Live in luxury. Private halls are typically

areas with plush sofas and flat screen TVs Many halls offer a choice between catered and non-catered accommodation.

Extra perks. Private halls increasingly offer benefits like 24hr gym membership included in the cost.

•

You may have less in common with your

broadband to be included in the price. Some

halls and many offer spacious communal

•

Less support. Unlike university halls, private

private halls organise socials to make your

•

Shorter tenancy. Unlike other private accommodation you won’t be paying rent over the summer holidays.

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

Noise. Whether you choose university-run or private halls, expect it to be loud.

maintained to a higher standard than university

•

Price! Typically private halls are the most

•

Location. Make sure to check how far the hall is from your university, typically university run halls will be the closest to campus.

Private house or flat share 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, but if you’re new to the country you can still find people to share with by using the Housemate finder on accommodationforstudents.com Pros:

Cons:

•

•

•

You get to choose your housemates, which means staying with friends rather than

your housemates, so you won’t have the same

complete strangers.

additional support as you would have in halls.

It’s cheaper. Expect to make big savings when

•

•

More choice. Sharing a house typically means

•

Longer tenancy agreements, some landlords

having more freedom to choose your providers

ask for 44/52 week tenancy agreement so you

for things like broadband and electricity.

may be paying rent over the summer holidays.

If you’re lucky, some landlords will only charge

Noise is less of a problem. Well, as long as you

half the cost of rent over the summer months.

pick the right housemates.

•

Choose your housemates carefully because you’re going to be stuck with them for the year.

you switch from halls to sharing a house.

•

No in-house pastoral care. It’s just you and

Greater independence. Living in halls isn’t too

•

Risk of burglary. Student houses are frequently targeted by burglars for their poor security. If

much different from living at home, but moving

you’re sharing a house, make sure to ask the

into shared accommodation means taking

landlord to put locks on the windows and a

responsibility and learning in the process.

five-lever deadlock on the front door.

•

Keeping shared areas clean can lead to heated disputes. Come up with a cleaning rota to keep arguments at a minimum.

•

Location - expect to travel a bit further to university when you’re staying in private accommodation

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TOP 10 UK EXPERIENCES 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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01 1. Visit London

3. Explore a castle

If you’re not already studying in the UK’s capital

Castles can be found everywhere in the UK, from

city, visiting London should be at the top of your list.

the remotest parts of the countryside to the centre

The vibrant city has something for everyone: world-

of major cities. While you’re studying in the UK, be

class theatre, fascinating museums, beautiful

sure to go to least one. You could go to one near

parks, cool markets. London is also renowned

your university, or you could go on a road trip and

for its night-life, and there are plenty of clubs

check out some of the most popular castles in the

throughout the city that offer student deals.

UK. No time studying in the UK is complete without a visit to one of its many royal palaces.

2. Go to a football match Football is one of the most popular sports in

4. Eat a Full English Breakfast

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.

A ‘Full English’ consists of fried eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, hash browns, tomatoes, black pudding, toast, bacon, and sausage. This tasty meal is served in restaurants throughout England, and it offers

accomodationforstudents.co.uk

enough food to fill you up all day.

5. Hike the Scottish Highlands 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

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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.

6. Head to the beach

7. Go on a pub crawl

While the British shore may not be too warm,

Pubs are a quintessentially British thing,

it’s as picturesque as anything found in the

and over the centuries UK residents have

Mediterranean. There are tons of places to check

perfected the art of the pub crawl. Grab your

out, from the white cliffs in Cornwall and Dover to

friends and head out for a night of drinking pints in

the craggy beaches of Scotland to the historic pier

classic wood panelled, dimly lit pubs. You can plan

in Brighton. Any of these beaches are great for a

where you’re going beforehand, or you can just be

day trip, or you could spend your summer hopping

spontaneous and see where the night takes you.

from beach to beach, checking out the best the UK

Either way, you’re sure to finish the night with plenty

has to offer.

of great stories to tell people back home.

8. Visit the Edinburgh Festival 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 bigname authors, and the Fringe Festival, which puts

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on hundreds of plays by independent theatre companies. The Edinburgh Festival is a must-see for any fan of the arts.

9. Take part in a quirky event

10. Visit a museum

Round out your time in the UK by participating

It may surprise you to hear that most museums in

in one of the many quirky events that can only

the UK are free, including famous museums like the

be found in Great Britain. You could try cheese

British museum in London, the Scottish Museum of

rolling in the Cotswolds, bog snorkelling in Wales,

Scotland in Edinburgh, and the National Museum

pea shooting in Cambridgeshire, or partying with

of Wales in Cardiff. Even if you’re not the biggest

Vikings at Up Helly Aa in the Shetland Islands.

fan of museums, it’s worth checking out a free

Any of these events are sure to be an

museum near your university to help you get a

unforgettable addition to your time

better sense of the history and culture of the UK.

studying in the UK.

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