Planning Your Stay Before You Study In London

By taking a few easy steps you will ensure a great arrival when you study in London. Exchanging the safety of your home for a new life in London is daunting, but fortunately there are international groups that can help students cope. Consider the few steps below and you will make your stay in London unforgettable.

Immigration and Visa

Visa issues are very complex, make sure you understand them before embarking. The UK Border and Immigration Agency (UKBA), UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and British Council are great sources of information to get you on the right track.

Before You Leave

A proper map of London is a good starting point... be sure to Google your college location. You should not ignore the internet as a source of information as many people share their experiences on blogs and the information can benefit you. Most schools nowadays have Facebook pages that help you getting in touch with existing students and asking questions.

Transport System in London

The London underground ("Tube") network is devised into 6 zones and you will be charged in accordance with the area and distance you travel. Zone 6 is where most commuters live and zone 1 is the so called "City" where all the rich and famous live (and bankers). Students get an amazing 30% discount on most public transport in London! Buy any duration ticket and you will qualify for this discount providing you have your student card. Ask your college for the TFL (Transport for London) information and you are on your way to cheaper travelling.

Railcard for Young People

If you are aged 16-25 then you can really benefit from getting a railcard as you will be able to get around the UK at discounted prices. Most railway stations sell the 12 month card at a small cost. For more info go to 16-25railcard.co.uk.

Where to Live?

Students have more than enough options to choose from when it comes to accommodation in London. Most schools are in contact with suppliers of student accommodation and will be able to point you to the right place for you depending on your budget.

Health & Safety Issues

If you are on a 12 month or longer course you will have access to the NHS (National Health Services). Free medical treatment is available for students while they study in London, aside from dentistry. You should register with the NHS and your college will help with this process.

Jobs in London

Students are allowed to work whilst they study in London. Working hours are strictly regulated by the UKBA and you should make sure to check the latest regulations before you start working. With so many international companies operating in London there are many job opportunities available. A good place to start looking for job opportunities is the internet. There are many newspapers, some of them free like the Standard and Metro, advertise students jobs and this is also a good source to find work.

Money Matters for Students

Try opening a bank account before you leave your home country as many international banks can open accounts for students. Almost all London banks have student accounts so be sure to take your passport when going to banks and enquiring about this. There are a large number of banks to choose from when you study in London, so be wise and find the best one for your needs.

Contacting Family at Home

Having a mobile phone in London is a must. Mobile packages to choose from are plentiful and you will have more than enough options to choose from. Look at the pay-as-you-go (or pre-paid) packages with cheap intentional call rates that suits you and is available all over London. With all the international calling plans available it is worth spending some time in selecting the best one for you.

Next Move

Choosing the right school for you is an important step. Fortunately there are so many sources and guides to help you make the decision in selecting a school that is right for you. Get as much information as possible and take your time making the decision. You can check out some of the schools by joining a summer session during the European summer. Now you are ready to study in London!