England: preparing to go
Things to do before admission
Starting a study abroad life is a challenging but exciting journey for international students. To help you quickly overcome the feeling of being surprised in a foreign country, let Hotcourses Vietnam explore the list of things you need to do before officially enrolling in the UK!
Accommodation arrangement
You can choose to stay at the university's dormitory (residence hall) or off-campus university accommodation (off-campus accommodation). Each accommodation option has its pros and cons. At the university's dormitory, you won't have to worry about security, facilities, and it's easy to make new friends from around the world. The option of renting out is more complicated, as you need to work directly with the landlord or broker and do your own tax-free procedures as well as pay for electricity, water, and Internet. In return, the cost of renting out of school is often more economical and you can comfortably gather with friends at home after school.
Preview of specialized materials
Before enrolling, universities will send students a list of necessary materials for the course. This will help you visualize the volume of work you need to study, and learning and reading in advance of these materials will help you get acquainted with the specialized English and confidently communicate with the faculty during study.
You don't need to own every book on the list. Identify the most essential and important materials for your studies and buy them. To save money, you can borrow from the school library or buy from the bookstore, or alumni of the school.
Biometrics card (BRP)
Getting a biometric Residence Permit (BRP) should be your number one priority after you arrive in the UK, as you need a valid residence visa in order to live, study, work in the UK and also to travel to other countries. When applying for a student visa in the UK, the UK government only grants you a visa valid for 30 days, allowing you enough time to visit the UK. You will be required to obtain a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of your arrival in the UK to confirm your valid visa for the entire course. This card applies to all international students applying for a visa or extending a visa to the UK to attend a course lasting more than 6 months.
You can get your BRP card at the university or the post office, depending on the location you choose when you fill out the online visa application form. You need to bring your original passport or temporary visa, and a decision letter sent from the British Embassy to receive your BRP card.
Registration for medical examination
During the visa application process, international students have to pay a medical surcharge (about £200 for a one-year visa, equivalent to VND6 million) to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. To use the NHS's main services, you need to register with alocal doctor (General practioner – GP) after you enter university. If your university has its own medical center, you can also register with them. If not, you can look up the clinic near you at trang NHS and register with them. In the UK, you will not be able to see a specialist in a hospital if you have not yet seen a doctor and received a diagnosis from a local doctor. So, do not forget to register with GP after you have arrived in the UK!
Open a bank account
At the beginning of the school year, bank branches near the school are often crowded with students to register for a card. So, please call the bank to schedule an appointment in advance or choose a bank branch far from the school to be opened the card in the shortest time. Most Account opening process Banks in the UK are different, so choose a bank that is convenient for you in your city. When you create a student account, you will need to bring your passport and a student confirmation letter provided by your university. The bank will then send your card, pin number and internet banking account name by post to the address you provided.
Owning Railcard card 16 – 25
Own the card Railcard 16-25 Railcard 16-25 will give you a one-third discount on train fares when travelling across the UK, allowing you to enjoy the UK or move to school at the most economical cost. If you are under 25, you can apply for a card online for £30 per year. If you are over 25, you will have to bring the application form to the school for full-time student certification and then take it to the train station to purchase the card. You can refer to more information about Railcard 16-25 here: https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/
Getting used to college life
At the beginning of the school year, universities will hold “Welcome Week”, commonly known as “Freshers' Week”, to welcome new students. During this time, clubs and organizations on campus often hold new member search events. Most universities have a wide selection of clubs that are suitable for everyone. Whether you want to discuss politics, learn how to film, join a band or swim, you will definitely find activities you love in these clubs. Joining a club is not only an opportunity to meet people with similar interests and have a good time, but also helps you to improve your experience and develop soft skills that will be useful for your resume later.
Source: Hotcourses
For more details and specific advice, please contact:
Greatlink International Study Abroad Co., Ltd.
Hotline: 0936.77.33.86 / 0868.81.79.81
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
