Why You Should Study Abroad in Great Britain: A Guide for International Students

There’s nothing like studying abroad, and it’s one of the best investments you can make in your future. Great Britain continues to be one of the most popular study destinations for international students. The UK has a lot more to provide, with world-renowned universities, a rich background, and a multicultural atmosphere.

Whether you want to boost your employment opportunities, see the UK academic tradition up close or enjoy life as an international student in the UK, our helpful guide will help you understand what to expect and why study in the UK could be one of the best things you ever do.

Key Takeaways

• Great Britain boasts some of the best rated universities in the world and is currently educating students from more than 180 different countries.

• The UK higher education system is known for its academic excellence, critical approach, independent approach to learning and is one of the most prestigious in the world.

• Britain offers a unique cultural exchange, with world-class museums, theaters, cuisine from all over the world and communities that reflect that diversity.

• Living and studying in the UK is an amazing experience, opening up new worlds and experiences, including a robust support network specifically for international students, as well as after-study work opportunities.

• Adventure and culture await with a wealth of experiences – from iconic heritage to groundbreaking innovation.

Good reasons to study abroad in their Great Britain program include:

If you’ve been thinking about studying abroad, Great Britain has probably already crossed your mind. With good reason.

It provides an enriching experience for international students, combining high-quality education, rich cultural diversity, and global networking prospects. Whatever your passion – be it history, technology, politics, literature or science – there’s a wealth of world-class institutions on offer throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, perfectly matching your aspirations.

Here’s just a few reasons why Great Britain continues to be one of the best places to visit.

• Degrees that are gold-stamped across the globe

• A deep-rooted, proud cultural heritage meets a vibrant, youthful, kinetic student era

• Research, internships, and industry placements are just a few of the opportunities available.

• Access to quality English-language instruction at every level

• Targeted scholarships and funding opportunities available to international students

The UK experience extends far beyond academics.

A guide to life in the UK education system

It’s designed to create a climate of independence, exploration and academic discipline within the UK education system. This will be very different from what you are accustomed to, and that’s okay. It’s even preferable.

Alternatives to Increasing Enrollment in Traditional Higher Education

Universities in Great Britain award undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. It is no surprise then that some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities — such as Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh — are located in the UK. On the positive side are dozens of contemporary colleges and universities with vibrant, focused, well-resourced programs in business, engineering, health sciences, media and related disciplines.

Bachelor’s degrees generally only take three years, with postgraduate taught degrees almost exclusively requiring just one year. This level of efficiency allows you to get into the workforce earlier than you might in other countries.

Academic Requirements

You’ll soon discover the emphasis is less on rote memorization and more on independent study, analytical thought, and debate. Essay writing, debate, group work, presentations, independent research projects are the norm. This unusual approach trains you to think and work autonomously. Perhaps the biggest value add to employers globally.

Experience of living as an International Student in the UK

Life in the UK as an international student is a thrilling, eye-opening experience. From the bustle of major cities such as London and Manchester to the quieter, yet equally historic university towns of Oxford, York or St. Andrews, students will find themselves in a lively, friendly, and global setting.

Student Engagement and Leadership Communities

Nearly all UK universities have international societies and clubs to welcome many students arriving from other countries, as they have for many decades. Orientation events, campus tours, buddy programs, and multicultural festivals all start developing that feeling of belonging from the get-go.

You’d be hard-pressed not to immediately become friends with people from every corner of the globe, friendships that have flourished long after the summit ended.

Housing and Cost of Living

This includes university-managed housing, private rentals, and available shared apartments. Nearly all first year students choose to live on campus, further smoothing their transition, and those residences usually have all utilities and Wi-Fi included.

Cost of living Each city is different, with London being by far the most expensive. Thanks to student discounts, travel cards, and universities that offer various amenities, costs remain quite affordable.

Human Health and Safety

On your visa, international students are granted access to the British National Health Service (NHS), usually covered by a health surcharge that is included in the cost of your visa. Another thing that further enhances the student experience in the UK is the feeling of safety and well-planned public infrastructure that students can benefit from while exploring their new surroundings.

Cultural Exchange in the UK

One of the most fulfilling aspects of going abroad in Great Britain is the cultural exchange in Britain that occurs organically.

Diversity & Inclusion

The UK itself had often been considered an exemplary multicultural society. Walk into any British university and you’ll find a student body that reflects not just all 50 states, but every continent. Cultural acceptance and openness is truly evident in the academic and social environment.

You might be celebrating Diwali with your friends in Leicester, Chinese New Year with your program-mates in London, or Thanksgiving dinner in a dorm kitchen with students from six different countries.

History and Heritage in Today’s World

Great Britain is a place where medieval castles overlook glassy, modern skyscrapers. You’ll have your pick of activities, whether you want to learn about Shakespeare during the day or see a hit West End musical at night. Most museums are free, and the reliable public transport allowed us to experience the incredible architecture, coastline and countryside.

Yet, the opportunity to dive into both old and new British culture and engage with people from all walks of life is what makes the experience so special.

What K-12, Community College, and University Courses and Programs are Offered

There sure are no lack of courses to take when you study abroad in Great Britain! From law and medicine to computer science and fashion design, the UK has everything to support any academic ambition.

MATLAB Popular Majors for International Students

• Business, Management and Accounting

• Technology and Engineering

• An example portrait created during the workshop Audiovisual arts and design

• Health & Medicine

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• Law & Criminology

• Equity Data Science and AI

Most of the programs include sandwich years (placement years) that allow you to receive formal work experience while getting your degree.

Some of these degrees are even accredited by international professional accrediting bodies, making certification in other countries easier after graduation.

Employment Opportunities While Learning and After Graduation

Alongside amazing study experiences, there are plenty of exciting work opportunities in the UK, both while you study and once you graduate!

Flexible and Part-Time Work

Most student visas do permit international students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during their holidays. This supports their cost of living and provides you practical, hands-on experience while immersing you in another culture.

Occupations found in hospitality, retail, tutoring, and clerical or administrative help are frequently just-in-time occupations for students.

Tackling complex visa systems Graduate Route Visa

Upon receiving your degree, you can apply for the UK’s Graduate Route visa, which offers the opportunity to live and work in the UK for two years (three years if you are a PhD graduate) without a prior job offer.

This continuing alignment is a huge benefit to students wishing to start their global careers from the UK.

Studying abroad in Great Britain doesn’t have to be expensive!

Tuition fees for international students in the UK are quite high, and they differ by both university and field of study. Here’s a rough outline of the deck:

• Undergraduate programs £10,000-20,000 annually

• £11,000 – £25,000 per annum, depending on course.

• Medical degrees Up to £38,000 over the length of the course

You should know that available scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid are usually open to international students. Most institutions do have a range of merit-based awards or funding pegged to your country of origin or field of study.

Planning for daily living costs

Beyond tuition, the cost of living is a factor. In real-world driving, on average:

• London, the £1,300 to £1,600/month accommodation.

• Other major UK cities: £900 to £1,200/month

This suffices to cover rent, food, transport, materials, study expenses and leisure.

By planning your budget in advance, you can plan accordingly to get the most out of your experience while staying within your means.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Time Studying in the UK

To get the most out of your visit to Great Britain, follow these helpful hints.

Keep an Open Mind Expect to be surprised

Cultural differences are to be sure, and that’s where a lot of the magic happens. Be open minded, flexible, experiment, and enjoy the learning process.

Photo by Ted McGrath Share your ideas and get involved

Become a member of student organizations, volunteer, attend the fairs and workshops. The deeper you go, the more you’ll come away with—so get ready to dig in!

Discover the UK

Strawman argument #3 — Don’t just have the summit in one city. It’s only through a robust network of passenger trains and frequent transit buses that we can continue to easily choose to visit new areas of the country. Explore Edinburgh, Oxford, Bath, or hop on a ferry to Northern Ireland.

Leverage Your Campus’s Assets and Expertise

Whether it’s career counselling or academic support, UK universities have got the resources in spades. So, don’t be afraid to seek assistance, or to participate in workshops and networking opportunities.

Closing Comments

Studying abroad in Great Britain is not just attending a university. It’s an enlightening personal journey that moves you toward a highly regarded education, practical real-world skills, and new possibilities and connections that will open your mind and define your future.

The UK education system will challenge and inspire you while giving you the skills to excel in an increasingly competitive global job market. At the same time, the incredible culture, diversity, and opportunities for cross-pollination in Britain make you develop personally as much as you do professionally.

Whether you want to expand your academic perspective, create a powerful international network, or just get a taste of what life is like as an international student in the UK, Great Britain has what you need and so much more.

So if you’re looking to forge ahead with your future, the UK could be the perfect place to do it.