Guide to Become an International Student in the UK
Intro
Hello everyone, my name is Samandar (Sam) and I am thrilled to be writing my first article on Medium. I am currently a second-year student at the University of Hertfordshire, located in Hatfield, UK, where I am pursuing a major in Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence.
Here, in this post, I will be sharing my personal journey as an international student, including the application process for the University of Hertfordshire and the tips I would give to future students.
Application Process
1. Research and choose your course of study
Browse the list of undergraduate courses that the University of Hertfordshire offers and determine which program of study you are interested in. If you have any open questions or concerns, sign up for Undergraduate Open Days and get them resolved before you making any further plans and commitment.
2. Check entry requirements
All international students from countries where English is not the main language must provide evidence of their English proficiency. This can be either an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or an equivalent score in other tests that university accepts. You can check the entry requirements for getting a VISA and studying at the university of Hertfordshire on the university website.
The followings are some common documents requested by all universities:
- English Language Qualifications — it is a way to ensure that students have the language skills needed to understand lectures, participate in discussions, complete assignments, and communicate effectively with their classmates and professors.
- Academic Transcripts — a high GPA demonstrates a strong academic record, and can increase the chances of acceptance.
- Personal Statement — you can include the reason for applying for the course, for applying to the University of Hertfordshire, reasons for applying to a UK university, career aspirations and how the course fits in with this.
3. Submit your application
Submit your application online along with all required supporting documents. You can apply now for September 2023 intake in the International Application Zone as the applications are now open.
4. Wait for a decision
The University of Hertfordshire will review your application and supporting materials, and you will receive a decision within a few weeks or months.
5. Accept your offer
If your application is successful, you will receive a conditional offer letter from the University of Hertfordshire. To secure your place, you will need to accept the offer and pay a deposit of £5,000 prior to registration.
Tuition fees for the University of Hertfordshire can vary year to year and the latest information can be found on their official website. For 2023–2024 academic year, the full tuition fee for international students is £14,750 and you can get a £500 discount should you pay the fees in full.
6. Prepare for arrival
After accepting your offer, you will receive information on how to prepare for your arrival, including information on visas, accommodation, and orientation.
If you want to apply for the student accommodation, you are required to pay a refundable deposit of £100 which is returned to you after you have completed your housing agreement and there are no outstanding fees or damages. The room itself might cost between £5,000 — £10,000 per academic year based on the facilities and the length of your accommodation contract.
To learn more about student accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire, including gallery, floor plans, and facilities, visit the official website.
7. Arrive and start studying
Arrive at the University of Hertfordshire and begin your studies. The university will provide support throughout your studies to help you adjust to life in the UK and succeed academically.
Tips before coming to University of Hertfordshire:
1. Familiarize yourself with the university’s campuses and facilities
This will help to better understand what to expect and what facilities and support services are available. The university offers a virtual tour where new students can explore the campus and see the facilities.
University of Hertfordshire has 2 campuses — College Lane and de Havilland — that are situated less than a kilometer apart. Checkout maps of College Lane campus and De Havilland campus to get an idea of the layout and location of different buildings and facilities.
2. Review the university’s social media pages
By browsing through university’s social media pages, you can gain a better understanding of the university and what to expect when you arrive, which can help make the transition to university life smoother. This can help you to:
- stay informed: The university’s social media pages provide up-to-date information about campus life, events, and important deadlines.
- connect with current students: You can connect with current students and get a sense of what it’s like to study and live at the university.
- see the campus through a student’s perspective: The university’s social media pages often feature posts and photos from current students, which can give you a glimpse into campus life and the facilities.
You can follow University of Hertfordshire on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn to stay informed, connected, and engaged with the university community.
3. Explore student services
By exploring student services, you can ensure you have access to the support you need to succeed during your time at the University of Hertfordshire.
- Campus Facilities — the university offers study, social and support facilities that provide convenience, support and spaces to build connections and lifelong memories.
- Learning Facilities — many of the university’s student services have online resources available, including guides, videos, and FAQs.
- Careers and Employability — you can schedule an appointment with a career counselor to discuss your goals and receive personalized advice.
- Support and Wellbeing — the university’s health center provides medical and mental health support for all students.
- Sport Facilities — it gives everyone a chance to get involved with physical activity, there is always a way to take part, get healthier and make new friends.
4. Look into housing options
By exploring housing options, you can make informed decisions about where you want to live while attending the university, and ensure you have a comfortable and convenient place to call home.
- Research on-campus accommodation: Student accommodation is available on both campuses and everything you need is close by. You can browse the accommodation options to find out about availability, amenities, and costs.
- Consider off-campus options: Living off campus is a very different experience to living on-campus, with many more responsibilities to take into consideration. Find out about things you need to remember when you are living off campus.
- Contact the housing office: You can contact student support services to ask questions, request assistance with your search, or learn about housing-related policies and procedures.
- Find out online resources: You can speak with people who study in the UK, or more specifically, the university you are going to. This is the best way of looking for accommodation as those people probably had similar problems when they first came.
5. Make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses
By making sure you have enough money to cover expenses, you can ensure that you have the financial resources you need to succeed and make the most of your time at university. As an international student, you need to deposit some amount of money that covers your expenses for the duration of your stay in the UK.
- Research cost of living: You can research the cost of living in Hatfield online, including the average cost of housing, food, transportation, and other expenses.
- Create a budget: You can keep track of your income, set financial goals, and allocate your income. This can help you determine how much money you need to cover your all expenses.
- Look into part-time jobs: You can find part-time jobs in Hatfield, but the job market and job opportunities are more diverse and abundant in London. However, living in London can also be more expensive. The best option depends on your personal circumstances and priorities. You could weigh the pros and cons of both and make a decision that works best for you.
6. Research the local area
Researching the local area helps you understand the available resources and services in Hatfield, including transportation, healthcare, shopping, and recreation, which can help you feel more at ease and independent in your new surroundings. Additionally, it can help you make informed decisions about your day-to-day life, such as choosing a place to live and finding ways to stay active and engaged in the community.
- Check out transportation system: Familiarize yourself with the local public transportation system, such as the bus and train routes, to easily travel in and around Hatfield.
- Search healthcare facilities: Search for information on the nearest healthcare facilities and services, including hospitals, GP surgeries, and walk-in clinics, to ensure you have access to medical care if needed.
- Investigate local supermarkets: Familiarize yourself with local supermarkets, restaurants, and shops to learn about the availability of food and other essential items.
- Check out tourist attractions: Find tourist attractions, such as parks, museums, and historical sites, to experience the culture and history of Hatfield.
- Look into recreational facilities: Find out local recreational facilities, such as sports clubs and gyms, to stay active and healthy. The university itself offers a wide range of activities that you can enjoy taking part in.
- Find out about local support services: Explore local support services, such as banks, post offices, and libraries, to help settle in and manage your daily needs.
7. Practice your English
Practice your English as much as possible before you travel, as this will help you to better understand and communicate with others when you arrive.
- Speak with native English speakers, friends or family members.
- Watch English-language TV shows, films, and news broadcasts to improve listening skills.
- Read English books, newspapers, and magazines to build vocabulary and improve comprehension.
Wrap Up
I look forward to sharing my journey in the next posts, where I will let you guys know where I am going next, so stay tuned! Feel free to browse my personal webpage and connect on LinkedIn to know what I have been up to.
Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey. See you guys soon :)
