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Traveling to the UK

Don't be surprised if, after the initial excitement of arriving in the UK wears off, you find it strange or begin to miss home. You won't be alone - other new students will be feeling the same. Such emotions will quickly pass as you begin to get caught up in the bustle of student life, make new friends and find exciting new interests.

Arriving in the UK

Before arriving in the UK, you must ensure you have the right documents and enough Sterling currency to cover any expenses when you arrive. Make sure you carry the following items with you in your hand luggage as you may need them before you collect your checked in luggage:

Reaching your destination

Your institution may operate a 'meet and greet' service, where a representative from your school, college or university will collect you from the airport or nearest railway station and take you to the institution or your accommodation. If this is not the case and you need to make your own way, check with your institution as to the best way to get there. You should be able to access the timetables of onward travel services in advance on the web, to work out the best way to get to your institution.

Accommodation

You should try to arrange your accommodation in the UK before you leave home. Ultimately, you are responsible for arranging your own accommodation but your school, college or university are likely to help you. Many institutions have student advisers or accommodation officers who can give you information on how to find accommodation.

If you're studying English, nearly all English language centers can help you arrange suitable accommodation. The type of accommodation available will depend on where you study: it may be halls of residence or a hostel, or lodging with a UK family. Living with a UK family is the most common option and will give you the opportunity to practice English in a supportive environment.

Boarding

Independent boarding schools offer a relaxed, home-like atmosphere. Pupils stay in bedrooms or dormitories on the school site, living under the same roof as residential house staff and their families. Younger pupils usually share a room with up to four others of a similar age; older pupils may have a study-bedroom to themselves.

Independent schools are complete communities. As well as the pupils, many of the teachers and care staff, such as the school nurse, also live at the school. At evenings and weekends, you'll have access to all sorts of leisure and social activities. You can join school sports teams, drama groups, choirs and bands; learn to play an instrument, dance or play a whole host of games. Schools often also arrange trips to local theatres, museums, tourist and sporting attractions as well as other places of interest.

Most international students coming to study at a UK college or university will be entitled to at least one year's accommodation in an institution-owned property. Around 30 per cent of international students studying at further education colleges live in accommodation owned by the college.

Privately owned accommodation

If you choose to rent accommodation that is privately owned, the options are shared flats/houses, lodgings, bed-sits (a single rented room with living, sleeping and sometimes cooking facilities) or private hostels. Prices can vary considerably and your institution housing office may be unable to help you if you run into problems with the landlord.

Living costs

When you are planning your budget for living in the UK, it is not just your course fees that you need to take into account. You also need to calculate your everyday living expenses including your food, accommodation (rent and other bills), books and equipment, and clothes - making sure that you have enough left over for leisure activities and socializing.

The cost of living varies between different regions of the UK; London, for example, is more expensive than average and costs may also be high in other major UK cities. Of course, the cost of a pair of jeans can vary hugely, depending on how important fashion and designer labels are to you. Just as if you were at home, you need to be sensible about what you really need and what you can actually afford.