Preparing to study in the UK can be complicated and tedious. For example, arranging accommodation in the UK and opening a bank account are necessary steps for every student. Cyclopes briefly introduces them below. If you do not want to handle them by yourself, you can also choose UK study abroad agency services.
How to open a bank account for studying in the UK
- Opening a bank account in the UK can make it easier to manage daily expenses and transfer funds, so you should open an account as soon as possible after arriving in the UK. Here are the basic steps to open an account:
- Choose a bank: There are many banks to choose from in the UK, such as HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, etc. You can choose a suitable bank according to your needs and the promotions offered by the banks.
- Make an appointment to open an account: Contact your chosen bank and make an appointment to open an account. Some banks offer online appointments.
- Prepare documents: You will need to provide a passport, visa, student certificate and proof of UK address. Some banks may require additional documents such as a reference letter.
- Open an account in person: Bring all the documents to the bank at the appointed time to complete the account opening procedure.
Source: Unsplash
Accommodation options for studying in the UK
Accommodation options for studying in the UK include university dormitories, private dormitories, shared apartments, and homestays. Students can choose the appropriate accommodation based on their budget, location, and needs. Types of accommodation in the UK include:
- University dormitories: This is the most common accommodation option chosen by new students, as it is usually located on or near campus, making it convenient for classes. University dormitories may include facilities such as dining halls, laundry rooms, and communal lounges.
- Private dormitories: These are dormitories operated by private companies and are usually located near the school. The facilities in private dormitories are similar to those in university dormitories, but the rent may be higher.
- Shared apartments: This is a rental option where students or workers share an apartment. This can be a more affordable option, but it requires sharing household chores with roommates and getting along with them.
- Homestays: This is a way of living with a local family and can provide a deeper understanding of British culture and way of life, but may involve following more rules and therefore may have less freedom compared to living alone or sharing an apartment.
Source: University of Leicester
Considerations for accommodation when studying in the UK include:
- Budget: In addition to rent, consider other expenses such as deposits, water, electricity, gas, etc.
- Distance: Consider the convenience of transportation between your accommodation and school.
- Nearby amenities: Look for a location with sufficient amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, hospitals, or clinics, etc.
Here are a few things to keep in mind regarding the large differences in rental prices between different areas in the UK. The rent in London, where most international students are, is of course the highest in the entire country. The rent in famous university towns like Oxford, Cambridge and Bath is also relatively high. In addition to the differences between cities, within London itself, the rent varies significantly between different districts.
UK study abroad agent services
If you find the preparation process for studying abroad in the UK to be complicated, you can seek help from a professional UK study abroad agency. The agency can assist with visa applications, accommodation arrangements and other matters. When choosing an agency, pay attention to its ratings, fees and service scope to ensure you select a reliable agency that meets your needs.
Other important matters
- Buy appropriate study and medical insurance: Make sure you're covered in case of emergencies during your time in the UK. You can choose insurance recommended by your school or independently select reputable products from other insurance companies. [Text Wrapping Break]
- Understand UK culture and lifestyle: Before arriving in the UK, take some time to learn about the local culture and lifestyle to help you adapt more quickly to the new environment. You can read relevant books, watch movies and TV shows, or communicate in advance with friends and relatives already in the UK. [Text Wrapping Break]
- Arrange luggage and transportation: Prepare your luggage according to your needs, make sure you bring necessary documents, clothes, electronic products and daily necessities. In addition, plan in advance the transportation from the airport to your accommodation, such as reserving a taxi, shuttle or public transportation.
Source: Unsplash
In summary, when preparing for studying in the UK, you need to consider visa, accommodation, bank accounts, agencies, insurance, cultural adaptation, luggage and transportation. Make plans in advance to ensure a smooth study life.
