Studying abroad in a new country can be a daunting experience, but it can open you up to endless opportunities and truly enrich your student life. Taking a bit of time to plan and research the country/city you’re heading to can ease your nerves and prepare you for the big move!
The UK may be small but it has a lot to offer to students looking to enhance their studies and explore a new part of the world. It’s no surprise that the UK is amongst the top countries to study abroad in due to its world-class academic institutions and rich history.
The UK is made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, it is a small yet mighty country with an impressive history dating back to the 9th century. The capital city is London, which is one of the world’s leading commercial and cultural hubs.
High-Quality Education
It’s no secret that the UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, the main ones being Oxford and Cambridge, as well as the renowned Russell Group, which represents 24 leading research-focused UK universities.
Because of the country’s globally recognized education system, degrees from UK universities are very well regarded by employers. In addition to this, the course durations in the UK are generally shorter than other countries like the US and Australia.
Cultural Diversity
The UK is an incredibly diverse country and is home to a range of different cultures and religions. Whilst London is the hub of international students, cities such as Edinburgh, Birmingham and Glasgow are great choices for students coming from overseas.
To immerse yourself in the UK’s culture, visiting museums and galleries can be an affordable (and sometimes free!) way of doing so.
Food is another pillar of the UK’s culture, with the main traditions being fish and chips, a roast dinner and of course a cup of tea!
Music is also a big part of the UK’s culture as it is home to world-famous musicians such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse and so many more. Museums dedicated to these influential acts can be found all across the country, including the British Music Experience and the Beatles Experience in Liverpool.
Rich History
The UK has been significantly influential in the global economy, especially in technology and industry. Key milestones in British history such as the Roman invasion and the World Wars have shaped the country into how we know it today.
There’s an abundance of historical landmarks and museums to be explored throughout the UK, including the National History Museum, The Roman Baths and Ulster Museum.
A city known for its Mediaeval architecture and playing a huge role in the woollen textile industry is Coventry, making it a great destination for students looking to secure accommodation in a modern yet historic location.
Benefits
A great incentive of being a UK resident is the National Health Service (NHS), which is the UK’s free healthcare service, and yes, it covers students from abroad!
Another great perk of studying abroad in the UK is the possibility of subsidised tuition fees in the form of a scholarship, grant or bursary, information regarding eligibility can be found directly from universities.
Sights and Scenery
Home to 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the UK certainly isn’t short of beautiful scenery and world-famous sights. These sites are scattered throughout the UK and vary from dramatic cliffs and beaches in the south,
to mountainous regions in the north, some of the most well-known sites are Stonehenge, Edinburgh, and Westminster Abbey.
Due to its size, visitors are often surprised by the vast range of landscapes in the UK, but its long history has given it some of the world’s most diverse scenery. Locations such as Snowdonia in Wales and the Scottish Highlands are (rightfully so) very popular amongst locals and visitors alike as mountains, beaches and lakes can be found at your fingertips.
If you’re a TV and film buff, you’ll be pleased to know that sets from Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Bridgerton and many other shows can be found throughout the UK.
Well-connected to European hotspots
The UK is very well-connected to European holiday destinations, making it a great option if you’re looking to tick off some countries on your year abroad. Travelling on a budget is certainly possible from the UK, with cheap flights and affordable hostels on offer in popular tourist spots such as Krakow, Prague and Budapest.
When travelling to France from the UK, you don’t even need to fly or catch a ferry, the Eurostar is a quick way of travelling from London to Paris – two of the world’s most iconic cities!
Work Opportunities
Student visas generally allow them to work up to 20 hours per week during term times, which can be a great opportunity for them to learn new skills and meet new people whilst earning money to support their studies.
Internships and placements are also very popular as they give students the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills from their university course into practice whilst getting a taste for the workplace.
The UK also offers a post-study work visa which allows international graduates to pursue long-term employment for up to two years after their studies.
Roundup
There’s no doubt that the UK has a lot to offer to students looking to broaden their horizons, with the country boasting a 90% satisfaction rate amongst English speaking countries.
The spectrum of cities means there’s something for everyone and you will no doubt have beautiful scenery and interesting activities at your fingertips wherever you are.
So, what are you waiting for? Come and feel the buzz for yourself and join an already thriving student community in the UK.
