You will have the opportunity to be a part of a different culture as an international student in the United Kingdom. Students here not only gain a great experience but also valuable knowledge and skills needed for their future careers. So, the wisest decision for every international student is to make the most of their international study experience.
Learning about the areas and making a proper concentrated effort to comprehend and adjust to the community are just a few essential factors to follow at the beginning for international students. However, it might seem challenging at first, as any fresh start, and you will probably make some mistakes which is very common for a fresher.
If you are planning or already have decided to study at a UK university, here are eight common mistakes made by most international students that you must avoid:
1. Unable to Manage Time Efficiently
In the United Kingdom, sometimes university applications take a long time to finish. To avoid frustration, it’s better to complete the process as early as possible.
Consider application dates to be in between October to January and that you should apply through UCAS, which stands for Universities and College Admission Services in the United Kingdom.
You will also need to proof that you have all the relevant English language skills to attend university in the UK as part of your application. In order to do that, you have to take an accredited Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as PTE Academic, and present verification of your performance with your submission.
2. Language and Knowledge Barriers
Make sure you know each and everything in detail about your host country before you depart. This will help you in decision and ensure a smooth change as well. Start preparing by learning about the institution that you’ve chosen, the area where you will be living, maps, and transit systems.
Don’t forget to dig deep into your host country’s culture and language. You don’t have to speak fluently if you master basic introductions and gestures in your native tongue. Make sure to connect with students from the area and listen to them speak the local language. Please try to speak it at the same time and understand as many words as possible.
3. Not Prepared for Class
Most of the universities use a variety of lectures, seminars, and tutorials to engage their students. Professors give lectures in a large classroom setting, where seminars and lessons are significantly more private settings. A postgraduate candidate or instructor leads tutorials and seminars most of the time.
During a lecture, you will usually have to sit and listen silently while taking notes, but don’t be surprised if you’re requested to speak in a lesson. Every week, you will be assigned new essays and assignments to complete in time and achieve a certain level of reading.
4. Lack of Research Regarding Finances and Grants
Most international students neglect the need to first check for scholarships and financial assistance. It has to be the first place you look because it can create a massive impact on your savings.
Scholarships and discounts are always available from most study abroad providers. The only thing you need to do is go online learn more about this. However, international students who do well academically are sometimes eligible for financial assistance from the state or other agencies.
Moreover, managing your daily budget is also essential. To survive through the semester or year of study abroad, you need to have a practical budget plan. You must establish a tactic ahead of time. Teach yourself more about the minimum and standard living costs in the UK and see how it matches with your budget. How much accommodation, utilities, and commuting will cost you? Don’t forget to make a list of everything and develop a strategy for following your spending plan according to your earnings and balance during your studies.
5. Packing Issues
When it comes to packing for a move to the UK, many students face trouble in deciding what to bring. It’s not uncommon, as you know how unpredictable British weather can be. Though it varies based on the region you are going to be in and the time of year. It is a good idea to make some research about the place you’ll be studying in and bring a bunch of clothing for different seasons.
In case you don’t know, the further north you travel, the colder and stormier it becomes. The west of the United Kingdom is also much wetter than the east. You may buy extra-warm clothes once you get here because they usually take up a lot of room. You may also buy used winter clothing as a solution to this problem. But don’t stay limited to raincoats and jumpers. Believe it or not, temperatures in summer in the United Kingdom can exceed 30 degrees Celsius!
6. Visa Problems
All international students who choose to study in the United Kingdom have to get a visa first before anything. Many individuals are don’t even know that there are two kinds of student visas available in the United Kingdom:
- Visa for short-term studies: This option is offered for 6 or 11 months and is the best for students who want to take a short language course or participate in a research program as part of their degree.
- Student visas are available: If you want to enroll as an undergraduate or higher-level degree at a university, you’ll need to have this visa, previously known as the Tier 4 General student visa.
You can apply up to six months prior to the commencement of your course if you stay outside the UK, and your application will be approved within three weeks. And if you live in the United Kingdom, you can submit up to three months before starting your study and receive a verdict within the first eight weeks of your submission. Remember that if you’re applying from within the UK, you must submit your application before your existing visa expires.
7. Keeping Unrealistic Expectations
Keeping high expectations can constantly lead to disappointment. Understand that not every day will go as you plan and that you will have to face people whom you won’t be able to satisfy. There will be good times as well as difficult times. It isn’t always smooth and enjoyable, but it’s all part of the journey.
Being diversified requires stepping outside of your regular day and attempting unique experiences. Learn about the new culture and try their food. This strategy can help you create a stronger bond with your new surroundings and adapt fast.
8. Not Checking Working Arrangements
A ‘work permit’ is what a lot of students are concerned about. If you are planning to work while you study, you will only be permitted to work part-time in the UK and will almost certainly need a work visa.
You’ll have to consider a lot of details here: you might be congested to working on campus with the institution as your workplace, or you might face the need to file for your post-study work visa while you still haven’t left your home country, or there is a chance that you might not be able to work at all if specific working standards aren’t met.
This may sound frustrating, but the best and wisest decision is to be mindful of what might happen and be prepared.
Final Words
When applying for a college internationally, make sure you’re committed to the entire process. Attending a college internationally may not always be the best decision for you. Sometimes students get influenced by what others encourage them to do instead of considering what they truly want.
We hope you avoid making the common mistakes and try your best to adjust to your new circumstances. If you are still hesitating about your decision of living in the UK as an international student, talk to one of our consultants for counselling, guidance, and support. Good luck!
