This article is sponsored by the University of South Wales.
Are you considering studying in the UK? The UK is a first-choice destination for students from all over the world. A university prospectus or website can only tell you so much, so it’s a great idea to speak to UK university representatives when they visit your country to get a real feel for a place.
University international recruitment teams are here to help you with any enquiries you may have about studying at the UK university they represent, whether you are just thinking about studying in the UK or have already submitted your application. International recruitment teams work closely with their own enquiries and admissions teams to ensure that applications are dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner.
Dr Lisa Davies, International and EU Recruitment Manager, has worked in international student recruitment since 2002. Lisa is responsible for co-ordinating and managing the international and European marketing and recruitment team and their activities at the University of South Wales.
Lisa says, “One of the more important things to consider, when you begin to look for the right university, is to check if they offer the course you wish to study. International students from all over the world study over 500 different courses at the University of South Wales, ranging from foundation courses, to undergraduate degrees, to PhD study. It’s important not to just judge by the degree title as the content of similarly titled programs will often vary between universities. Take in the details of their programs and find the right match for you.”
What questions should you ask about studying in the UK?
So if you’re considering studying in the UK, what questions should you be asking at education fairs and exhibitions and at universities’ agents’ offices?
One of the more important questions to ask, when you begin to look for the right UK university, is to check if they offer the course you wish to study. In no particular order, here are a few other suggestions:
- Where exactly is the university located? When you are planning to study in another country, location matters. It will influence your experience on both personal and practical levels.
- What are your previous students/graduates doing now?
- What kind of job can I get when I graduate?
- What scholarships can I apply for?
- How is the course divided between theory and practical work?
- Will I have exams towards the end of the year or will I have a final year project?
- What facilities are available for my course? What about field trips?
- Can I gain work experience as part of my course or while at university?
- What grades and qualifications do I need to apply for this course?
- How do I apply?
- What clubs and societies can I join?
- How easy is it to get around on public transport?
- What do you look for in a personal statement?
If you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you will probably need a visa to study in the UK, so confirm what the visa and immigration procedure is.
When you are choosing where to go to university, the quality, availability and value for money of accommodation can be a key part of the decision making process, so find out what accommodation options are available.
Choosing student accommodation in the UK
For the majority of international students, coming to study in the UK means living away from home for the first time. Where you live can be just as important as what you learn, whether you want to live on campus, or nearby.
Finding the ideal place to live can be daunting, but your chosen UK university will have a team offering advice and support for your accommodation needs. There’s a huge selection of accommodation for students in the UK – from halls of residence on campus to privately rented rooms in the local area – so you should be able to find something that is right for you.
If you’d prefer to live off-campus in private accommodation within commuting distance, the majority of universities will help you find something suitable. Some international students prefer to stay with a host family or share a house with British students, as it provides them with a good opportunity to improve their English.
It’s important to allow yourself plenty of time to make your accommodation choice, so when you are speaking to a university representative ask them about the accommodation application deadline.
You could also ask:
- Are there special accommodation options for first-year students?
- How much are the halls of residence?
Final tips when meeting a representative of a UK university
Finally, here are some more tips from Lisa for meeting a university representative:
- Be prepared. Visit a number of university websites and make a note of any questions you want to ask. Don’t forget to also research the local town or city.
- Take a family member or friend along for company and a second opinion.
- Bring a notebook to jot down information you want to remember.
For more information about the University of New South Wales, and to find out when the university’s international or EU team is visiting a city near you, email international@southwales.ac.uk.
