Going to University in the UK
- Elena Mocanca
- Jan 4, 2021
- 3 min read
The Application Process
The process of applying for undergraduate studies in the United Kingdom is usually straightforward. You apply through UCAS to universities or colleges by providing the necessary documents: a personal statement, a recommendation letter from one of your teachers, an English certificate, the predicted grades and, after receiving them, the transcript of grades. If accepted, two of your choices will become your firm and insurance and you’ll have to accept one of them to complete the process.
Student Finance and Brexit
Once this first step is done, you can apply for Student Finance, a loan that covers the university tuition fees (£9250/year) and that can be repaid once you earn over a certain amount. Although Brexit changed the way Student Finance works for students that start the course after the 1 August 2021, you can still obtain it but only if you have citizens’ rights, which means giving evidence that you have lived in the UK, Islands or Ireland for at least the last 3 years before your course starts.
As a citizen of the EU, if you are living in the UK on or before 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (settled and pre-settled status) until 30 June 2021 by completing the form and uploading proof of identity, evidence of residence, and other documents to support your application. Once the pre-settled status is granted, you can travel to, study and work in the UK for a definite period of time at the end of which you have to apply for the settled status.
Accommodation
Before going to university, you have to find a place to stay during your course. Researching your options online, comparing them, making a list of what you expect from your accommodation and choosing the most suitable option is an adventure. A lot of students choose to live in those managed by University, but private accommodations or houses for rent are also a possibility. Either way, you should pay attention to prices, living conditions, distance from university, common areas, study spaces, and of course reviews. My advice is, if possible, to visit the city long before starting your course since accommodations offer private tours at all times and are willing to answer any question. This is a good opportunity to familiarise with the place and make an informed choice.
Booking a room is a relaxed virtual process that involves completing a form, signing the contract and nominating someone from your family – on the base of some more documents – as a guarantor. Once this is done, you can start packing for university.
Arriving at University
Once you arrive in the UK, besides familiarising with the accommodation, your campus and the city, you should apply for the National Insurance number (NINo) by calling and scheduling an interview where you have to present the required documents. NINO is used in the administration of the National Insurance or social security system. It is also used for some purposes in the UK tax system.[1]
The second step is to open a bank account as you won’t be able to receive the salary from a part-time/full-time job. There is a range of banks you can choose from such as Barclays, Lloyds, Santander, HSBC and not only where some of them offer tailored programs without extra taxes for students. Also, regarding the possibility of working part-time, there usually are a lot of jobs available for students (note the changes caused by the latest Coronavirus restrictions) and the curriculum allows it, although the academic work is based on independent study.
*Recommended but not mandatory: you can switch to a British phone number by choosing one of the UK mobile networks. Just make sure they don’t impose higher roaming taxes after Brexit.
Now that the administrative and legal aspect of studying in the UK were clarified, you should start preparing for one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, stimulating and fascinating experiences of your life that will subtly assist you on your transition from a child to a well-accomplished adult.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Insurance_number
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