For an international student coming to the UK to study, things can get a bit overwhelming, especially if it is your first time here. It is natural to feel a bit confused and sometimes intimidated as well.
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Planning
So many things can put you in trouble, starting from tuition fees and paperwork for visas to bank accounts, health insurance, accommodation, and much more. Learning the lingo can be a bit challenging, too. Unless you get used to the lingo, you will have a hard time blending in Manchester, Glasgow, or any other city in the UK. A great way to improve your social and communication skills is to join online dating sites in your country and connect with locals from Glasgow or other parts of the UK. Finding dating sites in Glasgow is never a hassle, but you may need to perform some research to pick a platform that suits your needs. To learn more about the people in the UK and even make a few friends in Glasgow even before you land, joining one of these dating platforms makes a lot of sense. But, it is always a good idea to proceed with a plan and know about the basic issues you might encounter when you arrive in Glasgow or anywhere in the UK.
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Be Clear about Your Finances and Scholarships
If you develop an interest in moving to the UK for studies after spending some time chatting with your pals over a dating site, plan your funding first. Not having the financial resources to fund your degree could hurt you in a big way. You may find many funding options, but most of them are available based on your native country. The majority of the scholarships help you cover your living allowance, tuition fees, and return flight from your country. Both private institutions and government universities offer various scholarships based on your courses. Some of the most popular include the Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and The Royal Society Grants.
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Take Care of Student Visas
Bear in mind that you require a student visa if your course lasts longer than six months. You may also need a visa if your course duration is less than six months, but you are interested in working to manage your expenses. Be sure to arrange certain documents, such as Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies, Proof of Finances, and English Language Skill Test. It is important to note that you may have to pay a healthcare surcharge as well, which allows you to use the NHS.
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Get Ready for British Life
The best way to get familiar with British culture is to make friends in the UK, and social media sites can certainly help. Facebook is a way to find new friends, but if you are looking for a romantic partner, who may serve as a local guide as you arrive, spend your time on Glasgow dating sites. By spending some time on these sites, you will realize how diverse yet welcoming people in the UK are. While using dating platforms, you may get to know so many other international students who are already on a student visa.
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Get Insured
For international students, it is compulsory to offer proof of health insurance, and you need to be covered for any healthcare you may require during your stay in the UK. For students outside the EEA, EU, or Switzerland, paying the health surcharge with the visa application is important.
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Find the Right Place to Live
You really do not want to come to the UK with nowhere to stay. Your university may help you to a certain extent, but they usually require you to apply before a certain date. Living in university accommodation is probably the best bet, but you can also consider renting out a room from a private landlord, if you can afford it, of course. It is better to stick to university accommodation, also called "halls" during your first year of study, as it also helps you make friends without having to go through a lot of hassle.
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Working in the UK
Get some idea about how many hours are available to work while on your student visa (Tier 4). Typically, you can work 20 hours a week, but do not make any assumptions and double-check it first. Various factors can impact how many hours you are allowed to work, so refer to the Home Office Website for confirmation.
The fact of the matter is that studying in any big city of the UK, including London, Glasgow, Manchester, etc., is an enriching experience in the long run, but it can be quite bewildering at first. Studying methods in the UK are different and extremely demanding, and many UK school leavers find it difficult to adjust to the new ways of studying at universities. Work on improving your social skills and try to make friends even before you arrive here, and that is when online dating sites and social media sites will help immensely.
