Information Sheets

• Arriving and living in the UK
• Immigration
• Financial support
• Studying in the UK

Arriving and living in the UK

• Accommodation
  An introduction to the different types of student accommodation available in the UK.
• Arriving in the UK
  Practical information on issues such as transport and money, when first arriving in the UK.
• Driving in the United Kingdom: a guide for international students
  An explanation of the legal requirements relating to the car and to the driver.
• International students and culture shock
  Adjusting to life in a new country and a new culture can be very difficult at first. This Information Sheet aims to help students prepare for this period of adjustment and the effects it may have.
• Keeping healthy
  A practical guide to medical services in the UK, and students' entitlement to them. Also helpful information on diet, weather and personal health.
• Preparing to return home
  Practical arrangements before leaving the UK, and a discussion of 'reverse culture shock', which many students experience when they return to their own country.

Immigration

• Student immigration before you come to the UK
  Advice on immigration requirements for students planning to study in the UK.
• Your family
  Information on the immigration requirements for students' family members (spouse or civil partner; children) and an explanation of services available to them whilst in the UK, for example school education for children and medical services.
• I want more time in the UK as a student. What do I do about immigration?
  Advice on how to apply to extend your permission to be in the UK, as a student.
• Working during your studies
  Information relevant to students who want to work during their studies.
• Working in the UK after your studies
  Information on some of the schemes relevant to students who want to stay on in the UK to work at the end of their studies.
• Asylum and studying
  Advice on studying for asylum seekers and those who have received decisions on their asylum applications. It includes information on 'home' fees and Student Support. See also Tuition fees: will I pay the ‘home’ or ‘overseas’ rate?

Financial support

• Council tax and international students
  An explanation of Council Tax and advice on who must pay it.
• Tuition fees: will I pay the ‘home’ or ‘overseas’ rate?
  An explanation of all the groups entitled to the lower ('home') rate of tuition fees for courses at universities and colleges in the UK.
  
  • Tuition fees: will I pay the ‘home’ or ‘overseas’ rate for study in England, Wales or Northern Ireland?
  • Tuition fees: will I pay the ‘home’ or ‘overseas’ rate for study in Scotland?
• Ordinary residence: case law for fees and Student Support


• Student Support
  An explanation of the conditions you need to meet to be eligible for public (UK Government) funding for study (‘Student Support’).
  
  If you are eligible for Student Support, you should apply to the authority in the country of the UK where you normally live when you are not studying. Choose the Information Sheet for that country. If you are a European Union national, or the family member of a European Union national, and you are coming to the UK only in order to study, select the Information Sheet for the country where your institution is located.
  • Student Support: applying in England
    
  • Student Support: applying in Wales
  • Student Support: applying in Scotland
  • Student Support: applying in Northern Ireland
• Financial hardship
  An outline of strategies for international students in the UK who find themselves experiencing financial hardship
• Welfare benefits
  Advice on if and when international students can claim government benefits and help with health care costs. Also see, Keeping Healthy and EEA and Swiss Students, as appropriate.
• Sources of funding for international students
  Please note that UKCISA is not a funding agency and does not provide scholarships or any form of financial support. The link above takes you to the British Council "Funding your studies" page, where you can read and/or download their leaflet, 'Sources of funding for international students'. This is a basic guide to possible sources of funding for international students who want to study in the UK.

Studying in the UK

• Study methods used in the UK
  What is it like to study in the UK? How is education structured? An introduction to what to expect from your course, and what your tutors are likely to expect from you, as well as some suggestions to help you study effectively.

British Council Education Information Notes

The British Council produces a useful Full range of Education Information Notes under the heading "Choosing your course" on topics such as:

• Applications
• Learn English in the UK
• Study English language teaching
• Choosing your independent school
• Choosing a career based training course
• Choosing your undergraduate foundation programme
• Choosing your degree programme and institution
• Choosing your postgraduate programme and institution
• Choosing your research topic and institution

The British Council also produces Studying and living in the United Kingdom, a practical guide about getting to and living in the UK: arranging visas and accommodation, working in the UK, financial and legal matters, culture, food and health care.

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