How To Adequately Prepare Yourself Before Studying Abroad With Few Tips:
Easy tips to Prepare Yourself for Studying Abroad
Academic Education explains here 7 Easy tips to Prepare Yourself before Studying Abroad. Study in the UK is the greatest decision any students could ever make because the UK is worldly empowered by their quality higher education, facilities, and global connection.
The decision to move from one country to another for higher education is undoubtedly a big decision. We think that such a decision should be made only after enormous analysis, that’s why we will try to simplify the steps explaining answers to your every query regarding studying in the UK.
Step 1: Get a Passport
Having a valid passport is the first requirement even before dreaming of studying abroad. If you are a passport holder already, do ensure the validity to be more than 6 months of your expected return to the UK. If you have travelled before, make sure you have enough blank pages in your passport.
For the first time appliers, would recommend to visit the closest passport offices in your country to know the procedure. Every country has similar requirements. You can make the processing fast by paying a little more fee but it’s always to apply with some time in hand.
While applying don’t forget to bring:
- Your birth certificate
- 2 recent passport-sized photos (lab printed)
- Certified identification (like a driver’s license or NID card if you have)
- Your passport application which you can get from online as well
- The required payment for the processing
- If you are renewing your passport to increase the validity, you don’t need to bring a birth certificate or identification document. Your previous passport will be enough.
Step 2: Explore universities
If you are applying in the UK first make your mind about why you are choosing UK over other countries. To help here is a few strong suits for studying in UK.
- The UK is not like other countries in terms of educational history. The UK carries a long history of excellence in education. You know history is created only with remarkable stories.
- London and other cities around are known as student cities so students get the most of the privileges everywhere around the city.
- The UK is a hub of different cultures as there are many international students. SO it is easy to cope up there.
- British culture is something to get fascinated about. You get to experience British culture while in the UK.
- You get so many university choices while applying for the UK.
- Hundreds of courses make your UK study more relatable to your interest.
- Almost everywhere you get a chance of scholarship with an average to excellent result.
- From 2020 and onwards, students will get 2 years of work permit after their master’s course.
- The Master’s program in the UK is only a year-long unlike any other country of the world.
LISTING IS THE KEY
Once you are mentally set, make a list of universities according to its Cost, Offered courses, program tenure, the modules and campus location along with accommodation facilities.
Make a pros and cons list depending on these options. Now check if you Meet the requirements for the specific course you are opting for. Also check the application dates before filing your documents.
Step 3: Take an IELTS in necessary
As we said before that the IELTS is separated into four distinct sections. Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each section has about 40 marks that are converted into band scores. Then all the band scores are averaged to finalize the result.
The one who gets 9 is considered as an expert user and it is assumed that he has complete command over the English language and has a full understanding of English with fluency and accuracy.
The one who gets a band score of 8 is considered as very good user of English having complete command in English with rare errors or inappropriate words.
He has the ability to deal with complex situations but uses some inappropriate words in complex situations but also have the ability to deal with some detailed arguments.
Having band score 7 proves that the test taker is a good user who has had good command in English but has some occasional inaccuracies.
Step 4: Start Documentation
ORGANIZING IS THE KEY
Once you check know the entry requirements and you also have an IELTS score which meets the university requirement, start documenting right away. Make a submission file with no unnecessary documents. Each should be scanned properly if you are applying online.
You may need a student resume and an application essay detailing about why you are the right fit for the university. Read more about an UCAS application process in our blog section.
Step 4: Figure out Financing
Before you do anything else, make sure you have enough money to pay for the education including your living cost. The real costs are always a little higher than expectation. You can consult with a UK based consultant for a better experience if you don’t want any hidden cost surprising you on the way.
Do consult your bank about when you will be reaching UK. In that case you can just take your card and swipe in the ATM to get some foreign money instantly.
Step 5: Apply to the university for an offer letter
You can apply through UCAS application services directly or you can also take an admission service center. We would suggest to choose someone operation inside UK and are solely working for the UK education. In that way you can also get some scholarship offers if you are eligible.
They will help you to double check the documents and can give you a guaranteed offer letter sometimes. Usually the service standard is 15 working days but you should be applying 3 months prior to course starting dates.
Step 6: Get a VISA
VISA Documentation is the next thing asking for your organizing skill. All foreign students who wish to study in the United Kingdom must obtain a (Tier 4) student visa in the UK. This type of visa is applicable only to students who apply for a full-time course in the UK. This visa is not available for any short time course or language course.
The right to enter the UK territory, whether permanently or temporarily, is hereby granted through a visa. Student visa in the UK is a permitted document given by the UK embassy or consulate.
If you intend to come to study in the UK though a new standard guidance of Student Visa in the UK and want to stay longer then you will find the visa complexity and its solution through this guideline. You will be facing a credibility interview in this stage.
When applying for your Tier 4 visa, you may generally need:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation
- Evidence of funds for your living expenses for the duration of your course
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and related documents: Your education provider will send you a reference number called a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) once they’ve offered you a place on a course.
- Passport-sized colour photograph
- Tuberculosis screening result (if required)
Step 7: Get an Air ticket and FLY towards your dream
Don’ book your flight before your visa
Getting a UK visa can be tricky sometime depending on your case. Each case is handled individually and there is no guarantee that your visa will surely be approved just because your friend had it approved.
You can always keep patience and wait for the approval. Get an immediate flight and fly to catch your course on time. Take assistance of your consulting agency if you have any.
After reaching in UK, your life will be a hitting a new phase. Coping up with the new environment, arranging a Part time job, continuing your study needs a lot more dedication and enthusiasm. Know how you can easily get used to it. Read our blogs to find your focus.
How do I prepare for a study abroad trip? 12 tips
Studying abroad is an unforgettable adventure. Period. But before you can become proficient in the language of your choice, immerse in the local lifestyle, and make memories that will last a lifetime, you need to get ready to travel to another country – and doesn’t just mean getting your passport out and a suitcase ready.
1. Figure out the finances
Before you do anything else, make sure you have enough money to pay for the trip – this also includes the money you’ll spend during your time abroad. (Here are our tips for those of you saving for a gap year experience.) As a rule of thumb, you’ll probably spend more money than you expect. Usually, it’s best to have some cash, in a small denomination, but also a credit card for bigger expenses and longer trips. Inform the credit card company where you’re going and how long you’re staying – that way they won’t block the card once you start your shopping spree.
2. Organize an airport transfer
If you want to make your life easier, let your study abroad adviser organize the transfer from the airport to the residence or the school. If you prefer to find your own driver or take public transport, make sure you research the different options beforehand and download the necessary apps – it will save you a lot of time and energy, especially after a long flight. Once you’re all organized at the destination, remember that you’ll also need a ride to get to the airport before you depart.
3. Cover your insurance needs
Your study abroad adviser will also be a good person to talk to about travel insurance, so take advantage of their knowledge. You should also get in touch with your health insurance provider to see if there’s a special offer that covers you while you’re abroad.
4. Copy important documents
Have digital and paper copies of all of your important documents – passport, insurance, credit card company info – and store them in different places. It’s best to leave a copy at home with your family or friends and have a digital and paper copy with you. The digital version should be somewhere safe but easily accessible, like your email inbox or a cloud server.
5. Research your home away from home
Learning about where you’re going and what you can do and see there is probably the best part about preparing for the trip. You can either buy travel guides or just google away to see what your new home away from home has to offer (we have a lot of travel content you can explore as well). Even though it will be much more fun to look at in real life, getting an overview ahead of time can help you plan any trips and excursions to make the most of your time abroad. Don’t forget to read up on any customs, habits and traditions that will help you feel like a local in no time.
6. Pack (duh!)
First, check the weight and size restrictions of the airline you’re flying with. Then, read our blog posts to make packing a walk in the park. Essentials, an adapter, and a change of clothes are best put in the carry-on bag, in case your luggage is delayed. If you stay in a place for more than a few days, buy toiletries at the destination and only bring travel-size containers for the first shower after you land. Once it’s all packed up, make sure you put a name tag on everything.
7. Pick up a few words in the local language
Since you’re reading this on our blog, it’s probably safe to assume that you’re going to learn a language abroad. But why not prepare a little bit before? Traveling will become much easier if you’re used to the sound of the new language and even know a few sentences in the local language. (Long flights are a perfect way to brush up on some basic vocabulary.)
8. Get any necessary prescriptions
If you regularly take prescription medication or use contact lenses, make sure you either have enough for the whole trip or a prescription that you can fill abroad. (Check with your insurance about the coverage.)
9. Write down important numbers
In the age of mobile phones, we hardly remember any phone numbers – or passwords for that matter. If you go abroad, you might have to get a new phone or log into a computer at school: Make sure you memorize or just write down a few important phone numbers and passwords (or hints to passwords), so you can call and log in without panicking.
10. Figure out the cell phone plan
Depending on how long you’re going to be abroad, it’s worth getting a SIM card at your destination. Before you depart, check with your cell phone provider about roaming costs and data plans, so you won’t get a huge phone bill after you return. You can get (free) Wi-Fi in a lot of places – like the school, your residence, and possibly even public places – but it might be nice to also have a way to be reachable when you’re not near a hotspot.
11. Say hi to your host family
If you’re going to live with a host family or roommates and you have their contact information: Introduce yourself before you depart! They’ll probably be as curious about you as you are about them, so saying hi will be a nice gesture. Everyone loves presents, so why not score some more brownie points and bring them a little souvenir, which will also act as the perfect ice breaker, from your home country? Here are more tips for those of you living with a host family while abroad.
12. Be excited
There are so many things to think of and do before you go study abroad, especially if it’s your first trip. But no matter how many times you repack your suitcase, don’t forget to be excited about the unforgettable adventure you’re about to embark on – this is precisely what happy dances were invented for!