Got accepted to go to uni or study abroad in England? First of all, congratulations! This article is all about university in England and what to know before you go. Read on for advice for fresher's, including everything from study tips to accomodation!
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During your orientation, you'll get a form to sign up for a GP with the NHS. If you're already registered somewhere else in England, you should consider switching to whatever GP surgery they recommend that's close by to your uni. If you're coming from abroad, you'll have to register for the first time.
Instead of letter grades, you are classified by percentages. However, don't be worried if you get a 70% on your first assignment—that's actually a top mark here! Click here for more info on UK degree and grading classifications.
This was a mistake I made when I moved to the UK for uni. I had a good deal on my U.S. cell phone and had a debit card that gave me a great exchange rate so I didn't bother getting either when I moved to the UK. However, some places (like my gym, my current mobile phone provider, etc.) only accept payments from UK cards. And various other things require a UK mobile number.
I've just switched to Voxi for my mobile phone contract. You get unlimited social media and a good amount of data for just £10 per month.
As a student, I'd recommend signing up for a Santander student account.
Basically, in the UK (particularly after Brexit), landlords are a lot more reluctant to rent to foreigners, especially if they're also students. So, if you can get uni accommodation for your first year, it's much easier! If you can't, some unis will offer to serve as guarantors for private accommodation, so definitely check.
Honestly, I made all of my best friends in halls when I came to the UK for my master's. And I'm still friends with them to this day!
Each module will have a reading list with required readings, suggested readings, and additional readings for if you're really interested in the topic. One thing to know before you go to university in England is that learning is done quite a bit more independently than in the U.S.—it's up to you to do your reading and it won't all be spoon-fed to you in lectures.
This happens once a term and is usually in the middle of term.
For tutorials, you may have to write an essay and then discuss it in a small group with a Professor or just discuss some particular readings.
That's why it's particularly important to keep all your notes organised!
It can be quite a lot of work, but it's worth it!
You get the spot rates and the fees are very low. Plus, with this link you can get a free transfer.
On that note, if you do plan to drink, I'd recommend trying some alcohol at home in a safe environment before you go so you know your limits.
You can get most books you need from the library or online. In my experience, there's a lot less emphasis on textbook reading anyway than other sources.
It's a great way to make friends. You can also get discounts on phones contracts and info on signing up for bank accounts, etc. Plus, you can pick up lots of free swag!
Check out this article for the essentials you need to buy for uni.
Check out this article for everything you need for your first flat in England.
This article will help you make your first budget as a student.
It's only 30 pounds and gets you one-third off of train tickets.
I know it can be hard and overwhelming, but it's really one of the best ways to make friends. Don't try to go to everything, but pick things that are appealing to you.
There's no general education requirement at university in England, so your classes will be focused on your concentration from the beginning.
This article has a list of all of the best student discounts (100+) in the UK.
Have a few staples in your repertoire so you're just not cooking tomato pasta over and over again. If you need some recommendations, check out my recipes for easy vegan meals you can make in the microwave.
You can either bring some old costumes with you or go to Primark when you have your first one!
Even if you only learn ONE important piece of important information, it'll be worth it.
Check out this article for my top fun facts about the UK.
On that note, if you're coming from the U.S. or Canada, your different words for things will be a massive topic of conversation during freshers' week. It can get old, but it's a pretty easy conversation topic, so just go with it!
I hope this article helped you figure out what you need to know before you go to university in England. For more uni advice, check out these articles.