Find a UK University – 5 important tips for overseas students

With a growing number of students coming to British universities from overseas it is only fair that we offer out some advice to these students about how to find a UK University perfect for them. So, we have spoken to thousands of students from abroad who visit UK universities each year to look around, apply or start courses, and come up with the definitive guide for overseas students trying to find a UK university –

1. Speak to the universities’ international students division – every UK University looking to attract foreign students has an international students division, which is essentially a team of liaison staff whose job it is to attract and retain foreign students. They play an important role in a competitive marketplace, vying for the lucrative overseas student market, and so you can always guarantee they will go out of their way to help you out with advice from courses to living accommodation to getting to and from the UK and arranging visas. They should be your first port of call with any questions or concerns and will be a big help to you when you set out to find a UK university to study at.
2. Visit University fairs in your home country – many UK Universities are now promoting at overseas trade fairs or arranging foreign visits to attract students. Try to find out where these fairs are held in your home country and visit as many as possible to get a feel for what the different UK Universities can offer you. Visiting these will save you time and money as it will allow you to narrow down your options before you travel to the UK on visits.
3. Join a forum of existing overseas students in the UK – remember when you set out to find a UK University you are not alone. There are scores of forums online where you can chat to other overseas students looking to come to study in the UK, so join in with some and find out about what university life is or could be like for foreign students. You may be surprised at what you learn!
4. Consider the job prospects – coming to the UK to study is a popular choice but you must consider the long term impact aswell. Will studying at a UK University improve your job prospects in your chosen field? Do you wish to end up working in the UK or in your native country? It is worth finding out as soon as possible what criteria you may need to fulfil for an employer either in the UK or at home – it will save you time later on and help make sure you choose the right UK University.
5. Research the towns and cities online – wherever you choose to study, you are going to have to live in the town or city on the campus. So, it is worth knowing a little bit of background about the city, such as the cost of living, the transport links, the nearest airport and the recreational facilities. You may be living there for 3 – 5 years so you may as well choose somewhere you think you will like to get the most out of your time there. You aren’t just looking to find a UK University, you are looking to find a place to spend the next few years of your life.

So don’t forget – you aren’t the only overseas student looking for a university in the UK, nor are you the first, so get some advice from incumbents, research the area, and visit some trade fairs to give you added comfort. Your choices will become much more straightforward!

ThisUni.com is the UK’s largest database of University open days providing valuable information to FE students looking to undertake undergraduate and graduate degree courses.

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This release was published on openPR.