Studying in the United Kingdom (UK) is a dream and ambition many worldwide aspire to fulfil. Recent statistics have shown that the UK currently has over 600,000 international students. London, among many other cities in the UK, remains the most popular option for students who want to study abroad.
In addition, statistics show that over 75,000 international students currently study in London. Some of the best places to study in London include The University College London, King’s College London, and Coventry University. Many people want to study in London, however, it’s essential to do your due diligence prior to making the big move.
Why Study In London?
London is known for being unparalleled in academic excellence throughout the world. The diverse educational institutes in the city allow you to truly pursue your field of interest. In addition, those who are studying abroad in London have the added flexibility of working part-time as numerous employment opportunities are available. Being able to work as you study will allow you to cover your expenses.
You’ll also be able to work at reputable organisations and get a head start on your career. Furthermore, London is known for its diverse culture, meaning that international people can learn about others’ backgrounds and share their beliefs. Doing so increases their awareness about the world around them and is also essential for their interpersonal growth.
What Should You Do To Study In London?
Moving to a foreign country is a big move that most people are often hesitant to make. However, following the right sequence of steps can help you get adequate information to answer the big question “Why study in UK?” In addition, these steps will help you streamline your move to a new city.
Research Universities
When researching a university it is important to focus on all the academic aspects first. Simply searching for the cheapest universities in UK won’t help. When doing this, you need to consider various factors, including entry requirements for your majors, available classes, and research and internship opportunities.
In addition, you should also look at the number of students that graduate from these universities, as it will give you an accurate idea of their retention rate. Furthermore, you should consider the cultural diversity and the available housing facilities. Lastly, it’s important to use multiple sources as it will help you get accurate information.
Send Applications
The next step for your big move is to register and apply. International students can apply to London universities for Masters programs or undergraduate programs. Universities in London for Masters programs have specific entry and application requirements. Therefore you must check with each preferred institute to ensure compliance with their requirements.
Most people have misconceptions about getting acceptance offers from UK universities without IELTS. Although you can study in UK without IELTS, you will need to pass alternative language tests. Some of these tests include TOEFL, PTE Academic, and the Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) exam. Some universities may require reference and motivation letters as part of their admission process.
Accept Offers
Once you have applied for an admission in a London university, you will be contacted via email with details about your acceptance or rejection. Universities in London offer either unconditional acceptance or conditional acceptance. An unconditional offer means that you are in compliance with all the admission requirements and are required to pay a confirmation fee for admission.
However, a conditional offer letter means you have not met all the admission requirements. The most common reasons for receiving a conditional offer letter include lack of proper documentation or English language proficiency. In addition, those students waiting for final results from their current institute may also receive a conditional acceptance letter.
Arrange Funds
After meeting the admission requirements, your next step for the big move will be to arrange funds. Most people assume that a hefty amount of funding is required. However, that belief is not entirely true. You might be eligible for UK scholarships depending on your acceptance. The UK government currently offers various scholarship programs to support international students.
Three main government scholarships include GREAT scholarships, Chevening, and Commonwealth scholarships. Students from different regions can avail themselves of these scholarships and progress academically. Although these scholarships’ compensation varies, they generally include practical contributions to tuition. Some students can even earn fully-funded scholarships.
Apply for a Visa
International students who want to study business in London or pursue other academic avenues are required to apply for a visa. If your academic program is more than 6 months long, you must have a student visa to study in London. Universities in London provide students with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).
Once you have received your CAS, you can begin applying for a visa. It’s pertinent to mention that you should start your visa application process six months prior to the start of the course. When applying for a visa, you will need a valid passport and must pay an application of around £350. You will also need around £450 as an Immigration Health Surcharge.
Find Accommodation
Once all the applications and legal paperwork are taken care of, you will need to decide on accommodation while you study in London. The availability of housing facilities for international students varies among universities. If the university you have been accepted to does not provide such facilities, you should consider private rental options.
Renting a house or apartment on your own can be a bit expensive. Reports show that the average price of rent in London reached almost £550. Therefore it’s better to share an accommodation space with your peers and divide the rent. Some of the most affordable places to live in London include Bexley, Newham, and Croydon.
Key Takeaways
Wanting to study in London is an ambition that many around the world have. The city is home to thousands of international students and has some of the best institutes in the UK. It’s important that those who want to study economics in London or pursue other academic opportunities thoroughly reach their preferred universities. If you still need more information, get in touch with consultants from AVG Education and learn more about options suitable for you.
