Life in the UK
Introduction
The United Kingdom is the second most popular country for studies amongst Indian students. The country has a diverse population and an inviting lifestyle that attracts the global student community at large.
Life in the UK exposes you to a variety of academic and professional opportunities. Besides this, students can also avail health, safety and working rights in the country while pursuing their degrees.
Learn more about life in the UK and what it can give you as a young and enterprising student/professional.
Why Choose the UK?
Education
Home to student cities such as London, Nottingham, Liverpool, Birmingham and Sheffield, the UK is a sought after education hub. The QS World Rankings feature reputed British universities such as the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London and the University College London (UCL).
These universities are known for their high standards. The country boasts of 9 such institutes in the QS Top 50 listings that offer high-quality education and produce qualified and competent minds.
The UK is an attractive location with respect to sightseeing, accessibility and lifestyle. The country is well-connected via a network of airports, subways, ferries and bus networks. Most cities and locations are almost a stone’s throw away from London.
Pursuing your study and working alongside your degree becomes easy with a legal permit that gives you comprehensive coverage to ensure your health and safety in the UK.
You can also extend your stay and convert it into a full-fledged citizenship later. Check out more details about the citizenship procedure here.
Part-Time Work Opportunities
Studying and living in the UK as an international student is a tad bit expensive. Besides being fully/partially covered by scholarships, students still choose to work part-time in the UK to finance their requirements.
Part-time jobs in the UK give you sufficient exposure to the country’s work ethic and help you understand its culture.
International students in the UK can work for up to 20 hours/week during the term, and 40 hours/week during the holiday season. Indian students can register for part-time professional opportunities under the Tier-4 student visa.
Students prefer to work in retail sales, social caretakers and delivery and marketing executives, while chasing their academic commitments.
Students/workers aged between 18 and 20 are paid at least £6.15/hour. Those aged above 21 get £7.70/per hour as a minimum wage. The rates can go higher depending on the employer.
The UK’s Student Visa Policy
Tier 4 Student General Class Visa
The Tier-4 Student Visa is essential to work and study in the UK as an immigrant. Students over 16 years of age wishing to pursue an academic programme of their choice are eligible for this document.
The government allots the Tier-4 visas via a point-system process consisting of 40 points in all. You need to-
- Possess a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your respective education provider. The institute must be a completely licensed Tier 4 sponsor. The provider will send you a valid CAS reference, which is mandatory to enter on your visa application. Successful completion of this stage will award you 30 points.
- Â Be able to cover the fees for the educational programme you are enrolled in. As a student aspiring to study in the UK, you should be able to provide for your own maintenance (daily expenses). Being eligible in this respect will award you 10 points on your visa application.
- You can read more about the requirements for the Tier-4 visa here on the UK Government’s Official Website.
Knowing About the PSW-GIR
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The PSW-GIR is a post-study work visa for Indian students who wish to extend their stay in the UK. Getting this visa is essential for those who envision a fulfilling career for themselves in the country via an extended opportunity.
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The route for an extended post-study work visa is also available to other international students, including Indian scholars. To avail the New Graduate Route you need to complete your academic degree from a registered education provider/university in the UK.
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The application cost for a post-study work visa is £715, with an additional £624 healthcare surcharge for every year you plan to apply for.
Visa Extension
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If you want to extend your visa in order to continue your academic and professional commitments, booking a visa document checking session and requesting for a CAS is mandatory.
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As a necessary requirement, applicants have to pay the indicated fees for the same. You need to book your sessions at least 10 days prior to the expiration date. If your post-stu
Bringing Family to the UK
According to the UK government’s guidelines, a Tier-4 visa holder is allowed to bring their family and dependents to the country. The dependants can also apply for a visa if you fulfill one of the following conditions-
- You are pursuing a full-time postgraduate course via a licensed educational provider in the UK which lasts for 9 months.Â
- You are pursuing a full-time degree/course for a duration of 6 months or more. You need to be financially sponsored by the UK government or your domestic government.
Our expert guidance can help you navigate these tricky visa requirements and also offer you more details on how to get UK citizenship.
Assistance and Student Support in the UK
UKCISA
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Although life in the UK is quite accommodative and diverse due to the huge number of international students/professionals, adjusting to a new place and culture can be daunting. However, the UK houses a vibrant Indian diaspora and offers a range of emergency services that can help students navigate the country with ease.
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As an international student, you can enlist the help of The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). This organization works closely with educational institutes, student unions and other forums to secure your rights related to health and safety in the UK.
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Connect with them at:
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Student Advice Line- +4420 7788 9214
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The line is open from 1.00 PM to 4.00 PM (BST), Monday to Friday (except for public holidays)
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For urgent assistance, dial +020 7288 4330
Student Support NGOs and Scholarships
In addition to the UKCISA, there are several non-profits that offer additional help to the international student community in the UK.
Since newbie students might face significant hurdles during their stay in the country, these NGOs can help you with your problems. Try contacting the following organizations that will ensure your health and safety in the UK while you navigate your academic commitments-
1. Educating Beyond Borders
- Educating Beyond Borders is a volunteer-run NGO establishment dedicated to support international students in the UK. Their extensive network spans across all nationalities and is gender-affirmative. You may find out more about them here.
2. Scholarships and Funding
- The UK government offers regular scholarships for international students. Some private institutions also offer grants and funding for students and assist them financially. You can apply for Chevening, Commonwealth and GREAT Scholarships, and also avail help from the UKCISA.
- International students might encounter some initial problems in adjusting to life in the UK. With these comprehensive assistance and student support services, you can readily find help whenever you want it.
Health Insurance in the UK
Worlding in the UK becomes easier with proper health insurance. It is possible for international students to access the National Health Service (NHS), if they are here to study for more than six months. Other options like private insurance providers are also open for immigrant students, their dependents and visitors.
Wrapping Up
Choosing to study in the UK and pursuing a career on the side can boost your profile and prepare you to work in diverse situations. With our guidance and timely placed applications, your stay in the UK can be a pleasurable experience. You can even choose to apply for citizenship to enjoy the whole breadth of rights in the UK.