Study UK

Guide for students
2023/2024

Study UK Guide for students

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Contents· Why study in the UK?.....................................................1· Finding a study option that’s right for you............6· How to apply for undergraduate studies..............12· Student visas...................................................................18· Apply to stay and work in the UK
after graduating............................................................21· Money, budgeting and scholarships......................22· Living in the UK.............................................................26· Further information.....................................................34

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/

Study UK
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Study UK Guide for students

Why study in the UK?

You will discover so much about yourself, here in the home of the English
language. We’re one of the world’s most popular study destinations; witha welcoming, inclusive way of life, outstanding academic standards andrich traditions that will inspire you to think independently, be creative
and truly grow as an individual. It’s why our graduates are progressing
further and being promoted quicker than peers educated elsewhere.
And with new friends, new experiences and some of the world’s greatest
cultural events waiting for you, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime.
The UK has inspired some of the finest minds in human history, and now
it can inspire you.
For centuries, the planet’s most inventive and creative thinkers were
taught at universities in the UK. And today, our country’s rich traditionsof critical thinking and problem-solving are taught alongside the most
cutting-edge and modern approaches to learning in the entire world.

That means that the UK is the perfect place for you to be creative. Our
universities have one of the most diverse subject offerings in the world
and we’ll give you the support and space you’ll need to be imaginative,
ambitious and to think differently. And all while receiving a prestigious
education that is built on the most solid of historical foundations.
Celebrated figures in science, politics, art and literature have all
benefited from this exceptional standard of teaching. Thirty eight percent of Nobel Laureates and one in four world leaders have been
shaped by their studies in the UK.

1Study UK Guide for students

You will be given space in other ways, too. Studies in the UK aren’t aren’t
confined to the classroom or lecture theatre. Regular field trips, visitsand excursions will accelerate your learning by applying it to real world
situations. By studying and problem-solving with friends you will learn
how to challenge each other’s ideas, enjoy constructive debate andgain an unbeatable understanding of how lessons and theories can betranslated into working practice. This critical and intellectual approachto education will give you so much more than just a competitive edge
among your peers. It will fire your imagination and widen your personal
experiences too.

World-class education
A UK education is your bridge to the world, and to a bright andsuccessful future.

Academics and employers across the globe admire and respect theformidable reputation of the UK’s education system, and our graduates
are among the most employable in the entire world. In fact, themajority of international students who have studied in the UK report asignificant competitive edge over peers educated in other countries.
They are progressing further, being promoted quicker, and earning
more because of the prestigious education they have received in
the UK. That’s because our universities and colleges consistently top
world rankings. Two of the world’s top three universities can be foundhere - and a further 26 of our universities and colleges are among theworld’s 200 best institutions for learning (Times Higher Education, World
University Rankings 2023).
What’s more, the UK’s higher education system is held to strict andexacting standards by the UK government, so you can be certain to get
the very best in teaching, support and educational resources.

Study UK Guide for students

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The UK is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. Over
600,000 students from other countries are currently studying here, andso you’ll make all kinds of friends and learn about hundreds of othercultures. All in the home of the English language.
This is a chance to discover the very best in yourself. You will gain theknowledge, skills and insights which are in extremely high demand, allacross the globe. It is also your opportunity to develop your personal
interests, to learn about other cultures and experiences and to forge
new and important friendships.

Great student experience

You will never forget your time studying here, with great experiences
and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Whether it’s your first time in our welcoming, beautiful country or simply
your first time away from home, this is your chance to fall in love with
the UK’s ancient traditions, modern attitudes and our world-beating
cultural scene.

There are so many things to discover here as you study. Everywhere yougo, from the breathtaking scenery of our national parks to the dazzlingnightlife of our cities, you and your new friends will get to experience thevery best in music, art, theatre, film and literature.
The UK has given the world superstars from Hamlet to Harry Potter, The
Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Adele and Ed Sheeran. We’re a world
leader in fashion, too - with Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwoodand Stella McCartney all learning their trades in UK universities.
Whether you’re the type who wants to get muddy at Glastonbury
Festival, or someone who keeps things refined at the Royal Opera
House – you can be sure to find the things which will truly make yourheart sing.

Great universities that give you space to growWith a global reputation for research and academic excellence, theUK is the perfect place to discover your talents. By studying here, you’ll
feel confident and ready to make great leaps forward in your life andchosen career.

The UK is one of the world’s most innovative countries and has
consistently been at the forefront of science, culture, finance, politics
and more. We are the birthplace of many world changing events, fromthe Industrial Revolution to the invention of the World Wide Web – andour small country continues to exert enormous global influence.

This impressive culture of innovation and invention will inspire you to get
the very best out of your own studies. And as our teachers are among
the brightest in the world, studying here is an opportunity to draw froma wealth of experience and learn from the very best.

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Study UK Guide for students

Study UK Guide for students

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A UK education will enable you to transform your life and career, giving
you experience and insights that are in high global demand. And as ourintensive postgraduate programmes maintain this exceptional standardof education, while often being shorter than those in other countries,
choosing to study for a postgraduate degree in the UK can quickly
transform their prospects in an effective and affordable way.

Finding a study option that’s right for you
Whether you are looking for undergraduate, postgraduate, English
courses or other study options, we can help you find the right course foryou.

Courses in the UK are tailor made to support you in getting the mostfrom your studies as quickly as possible. There are thousands of courses
for you to choose from – no matter what you’re passionate about, theUK is a fantastic place to pursue your interests.
In the UK, flexibility is built into the majority of our courses. Many
universities allow you to choose from different subject ‘modules’, so you
can build a course programme that suits you, specialising as you go fora perfectly tailored experience.
Postgraduate courses in the UK maintain our exceptional academic
standards, and while some are shorter than those in the US andAustralia, many of our prestigious MBA degrees take just one year
to complete. This allows you to get excellent value for money in yourstudies and means you can begin applying your education to the realworld a lot sooner.

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Study UK Guide for students

Study UK Guide for students

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Starthere

How to find your dream UK course
Use this chart to help you decide on your study
journey in the UK

Choose your subject:
Consider your interests, strengths, academic background and career goals

Shortlist institutions
and courses:
Scan to search
institutions and what
subjects they offer.

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies

Undergraduate studies
Private language schools
offer personalised care,specialised courses, anda variety of choice
University language
centers offer excellent
facilities, access to shared
university resources, andflexible end-of-course
assessments that lead tomainstream courses.

Language schools:
1. Choose an accredited
language school
2. Attend an English course inpreparation for next stage

Boarding schools and pre-university education:
1. Do your research on schools' profiles, inspection reports
etc. You can start by visiting www.isc.co.uk
2. Choose a foundation course recognized by your target
universities.
3. Check each institution’s entry requirementsto make sure
you are eligible.

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses:- Do your research - check out websites like Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
to search for inspection reports and rankings of individual institutions'subject expertise and research capability.
- Check each institution's requirements to make sure you qualify.
- Consider affordability of tuition fees and living costs.

Apply to the UK institutions of your choice:
1. Be clear about the entry requirements and follow the application procedures.
2. Scan to apply on Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS) for undergraduate andfoundation programmes

Receive more than one unconditional/
conditional offer:

Receive no offer: enter the Clearing stage or submit yourapplications for a different course.

Scan to find out more about clearing

Decide on your university and course considering
academic and non-academic factors:
If you have a conditional offer:
1. Accept the offer.
2. Meet the conditions before the deadline.
3. Receive the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies(CAS) and other necessary documents.

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If you have an unconditional offer:
1. Accept the offer.
2. Receive the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies(CAS) and other necessary documents.

For international undergraduates looking to kick-start their career, theUK offers far more than just a world-class education. With a wide rangeof learning experiences around every corner, you will graduate with theconfidence, skills and knowledge to shape your future.
UK undergraduate course types include:• Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree: BA (Bachelor of Arts),
BSc (Bachelor of Science), BEd (Bachelor of Education) and
BEng (Bachelor of Engineering). A full-time bachelor’s degree
normally takes three years to complete (four in some cases). Part-time
options are also available at some universities and colleges.
• Shorter courses: Foundation Degree, Diploma of Higher
Education, Higher National Diploma, and Certificate of Higher
Education.

Search for your course
UCAS lists more than 50,000 undergraduate courses
with over 380 providers in the UK, which you can searchfor here:https://digital.ucas.com/search

Their subject guides also give you an insight into thecourses you could study at undergraduate level, what
they involve, and how to enroll:www.ucas.com/explore

Apply for your UK visa threemonths before your course starts,and get ready for the exciting
journey and experience of studyingin the UK!

Study UK Guide for students

You can also use the university finder on the Study UK
website to search for a course:
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/choosinguniversity-college
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Postgraduate studies
With our exceptional academic standards, progressive teaching
techniques and globally respected research practices, it’s easy to see
why so many international postgraduates choose to study in the UK.
Some UK postgraduate course types include:
Master’s degrees

A full-time master’s degree normally takes one year (taught master’s) or two
years (research master’s) to complete. Part-time options are alsoavailable at some universities.
PhDs or doctorates

Postgraduate diplomas and qualifications: are usually shorter than amaster’s courses and do not involve a theses and dissertations.

Search for your post-graduate course• M.A (Master’s of Arts)• M.Sc (Master’s of Science)• M.Eng (Master’s of Engineering)• M.FA (Master’s of Fine Arts)• LL.M (Master’s of Law)
• M.Arch (Master’s of Architecture)• M.Phil (Master’s of Philosophy)• MBA (Master’s of Business Administration

Visit the Prospects website, which has details of postgraduate study options:www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses

Other study options

Subject specific qualifications are research-led and usually designed forstudents to progress to a PhD.

As well as undergraduate and postgraduate study, the UK offers manyother opportunities to international students:

Further education refers to education after secondary school thatis not an undergraduate or postgraduate course. Further education
institutions in the UK provide technical and professional education andtraining to people over the age of 16. Qualifications and training include
A-Levels, apprenticeships, traineeships, vocational qualifications andentry level training.
Foundation pathway courses are designed for international students
to improve their English skills and develop the confidence to startundergraduate or postgraduate study. They provide the opportunity toadjust to the UK’s culture and get used to university teaching.

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Study UK Guide for students

Study UK Guide for students

10English language courses: As the home of the English language andreputation for academic excellence, the UK is the perfect place to learn
English.
Boarding schools: A residential schools where students live and study
during the school year. There are approximately 500 boarding schools
across the UK.

Studying for a UK degree outside the UK
Did you know you can gain a UK higher education qualification outside
the UK? There are various transnational education (TNE) options for you
to choose from, including online courses, articulation pathways andjoint degrees.
To find out more about course information and other UK
study options, visit:

How to apply for undergraduate studies
Most undergraduate applications are made throughthe Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
To apply through UCAS, go to www.ucas.com to register
your details in their system. You can apply for up to fivecourses through UCAS and you will be contacted withany offers by your chosen universities or colleges.

Deadlines for 2024 entry applications
2 May 2023

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/ways-learning

2 October 2023
18:00 (UK time)

16 October 2023
for 2024 entry
at 18:00(UK time)

Study UK Guide for students

2024 entry courses will be shownin the UCAS search tool:https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/
applying-university/ucas-undergraduatewhen-apply

16 May 2023

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www.ucas.com

You can start your undergraduate
application for 2024 entry, but
you cannot submit it to UCAS until
5 September 2023.
Application deadline forconservatoire music applications
Applications for dance, drama,
and musical theatre courses may
have different deadlines. Do
check conservatoires’ websites for
up-to-date information.

Deadline for applications
to Oxford and Cambridge
universities, and for most courses
in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry
You can still add other choices
later but don’t forget that you arelimited to a total of five choices.

Study UK Guide for students

31 January 2024 Deadline for the majority of
18:00 (UK time)courses
Applications can still be sent after
this, but the institutions cannot
guarantee they’ll give it equalconsideration.
30 June 2024
18:00 (UK time)

Last date for receipt ofapplications with choices
Applications received after thisdeadline are automaticallyentered into clearing. While you
can still to apply until 30 June, it isadvisable to apply early.

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day/what-clearing

Please note:
The above dates are subject to minor
adjustments each year, so please check the
UCAS website for updates. UCAS also advises
applicants to apply as early as possible to allow
sufficient time for admission preparations.

12What is Clearing?
Clearing is how universities and colleges in the UK fill any places they
still have on their courses.

5 July 2024

Clearing opens, and vacancies are shown in the UCAS search tool.

As of 20 September 2023, the UCAS website has not yet updated theclosing date for clearance for entry in 2024. This year the dates are 05
July to 17 October 2023.

You can apply for a course using the clearing process if you’re notalready holding an offer from a university or college, and the course stillavailable.
You can use Clearing if:• You’re applying after 30 June.
• You didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept).
• You didn’t meet the conditions of their offers.
• You’ve paid the multiple choice application fee.
• You’ve declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’button in your application.
Useful tips for applying through Clearing:• Ask for advice from your teachers and counsellors.
• See what courses are available by using the search tool on UCAS
and check entry requirements.
• Consider different courses of subjects.
• Directly contact universities or colleges you’re interested in.
• Add your Clearing choice in your application.

For more information about clearing, visit the UCAS
website:https://www.ucas.com/clearing-launch

For more information about applying for undergraduate
courses in the UK, visit:https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/ways-learning/undergraduate

Postgraduate studies
Many UK universities handle their own postgraduate applications andyou can often apply directly through their websites.

Many postgraduate courses do not have fixed application deadlines.
However, it is always best to apply early to make sure you have the best
chance of being accepted – ideally, six months to a year before yourcourse of choice begins.
For more information about applying for post-graduate
courses in the UK, visit:https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/ways-learning/
postgraduate
www.prospects.ac.uk

Study UK

Prospects

Please visit www.ucas.com
for up-to-date deadlines

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Study UK Guide for students

Study UK Guide for students

14What you will need when applying to
UK universities and colleges• Your qualifications• Personal statement• Additional documents and information

Your qualifications

Personal statement
You will be required to provide a personal statement as part ofyour application to study at a UK university. This document is youropportunity to explain why you would like to study your chosen subject,
and to outline the skills and experience that make you well suited to thisfield.
Here are some tips:

You can check the equivalence of your country’s
qualifications with those in the UK by contacting the
National Recognition Information Centre –www.naric.org.uk• The course description on the university website will explain thequalities, skills and experience it requires. Be sure to explain how you
match each of these requirements as you write your statement.
• State why you are applying for the course. Be specific about
which aspects interest you most, and how you believe the course will
help you in your future ambitions.
• As well as explaining why you are academically suited to thecourse, also describe any work experience you may have – or any
extra-curricular activities you take part in.
For more advice on writing a personal statement, you
can visit:www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-to-university

You can get more information on the Study UK website:
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/apply

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Study UK Guide for students

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16Additional documents and information
While UCAS can send results on your behalf (including the International
Baccalaureate) for most international qualifications, you may need tosend proof of those results yourself.
You should check with your chosen university, to understand what theirpolicy is on the additional documents and information. You may berequired to provide proof in the form of certificates or transcripts.

Student visas

Most international students will need a visa to study in
the UK. Finding out whether you need a visa to study iseasy – simply check the UK government’s website here:
www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Student visa (previously Tier 4 visa)
It is likely you will need to apply for a student visa to study in the UK,
and you should check with your country’s governmental information toconfirm this.
It costs about £500 to apply for this visa outside of the UK.
For more information visit:www.gov.uk/student-visa

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Study UK Guide for students

Study UK Guide for students

18What you will need to apply

How long will it take to get my visa?

You will need to make an appointment at a Visa Application Centre
in your home country, where your fingerprints and photograph will betaken.

The UK’s Visas and Immigration service aims to process student visas
within 15 working days. You are recommended to prepare and apply foryour visa well in advance. You can make an application up to six months
before you intend to travel. If you need a visa quickly, you can pay extra
for a priority service.

The following documents are also usually required when applying forthe student route visa, although this will vary depending on where you
live.
• A confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference
number, which is provided your UK university or college.
• Evidence that you can pay for your course and living costs in theUK.
• Original certificates, showing your educational qualifications.

How to apply• You must apply online for a student route visa, at
www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply• You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at
a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as partof our application.
• You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10
days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually
arrive at a later date).
If you are applying from within the UK, you can explore extending an
existing student visa or switching to a different type.

For more information on applying for a student visa, go
to: www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply
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Apply to stay and work in the UK
after graduating
Graduate RouteThe UK’s Graduate Route welcomes international students to apply tostay in the UK and work, or look for work, upon graduation. International
students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or
master’s degree can apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after
their studies. PhD graduates can apply to stay for up to three years.
You can find more information about the Graduate
Route on the Study UK website:

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/after-your-studies/graduate-route

You can find out more information about working after
your studies here:

Money, budgeting and scholarships
Course fees

Fees for UK courses vary depending on your study level and where in the
UK you are studying (as there are different rules for England, Scotland,
Northern Ireland and Wales).
International students can expect to pay between £10,000 and £26,000
annually, and typically an undergraduate degree course will last forthree years. Medical degrees may cost more and many UK master’s
degrees can be completed in one year, meaning lower living costs andfaster entry into employment.
Always be sure to check the cost of course fees with the university orcollege you are applying to. Most often, this information will be listed
the universities’ websites.

https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Working/Working-afterstudies

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Living costs

Scholarships and financial support

The cost of living varies, according to where in the UK you decide to
study. London and other big cities are more expensive than other areas,for example. As a guide, you should expect to budget from between£1,300 and £1,400 per month in London and between £900 and £1,300
in the rest of the UK per month to cover your rent, bills, entertainmentand other living costs.

There are hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and grant schemes onoffer for students who need extra support to pay for their UK course.
Many institutions offer their own scholarships and bursaries. Check theuniversities’ websites for more information.

The institution where you choose to study will be able
to advise you on more detailed local costs of living
and where to shop locally. You can use the UKCISA
international student budget calculator to help you plan
your budget:

GREAT Scholarships are for international students who want to study ata UK university for a one-year postgraduate course. Each scholarshipoffers a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees.
The scholarships are jointly funded by the British Council, the GREAT
Britain Campaign, and participating UK higher education institutions.

https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Studying--living-inthe-UK/How-much-will-it-cost-to-study-in-the-UK

The National Union of Students card and theInternational Student Identity Card offer great student
discounts in many shops, restaurants and businesses. You
can find out more about these cards at:https://www.totum.com/campaigns/wearetotum

GREAT Scholarships

Find out more at:Totum

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/greatscholarships

Post-graduate scholarships

https://www.isic.org/get-your-card

ISIC

You can also apply for some of these post-grad scholarships should you
meet the criteria:• Chevening Scholarships: Post-graduate
scholarships from the UK government aimed atstudents with potential as future leaders:www.chevening.org

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Study UK Guide for students

Study UK Guide for students24• Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship
Plan: Postgraduate scholarships for nationals
of Commonwealth countries, funded by the UK
government and intended to support individuals
who will subsequently make a contribution to thedevelopment of their home country:
cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/Country-specific scholarships and funding
There are many different scholarships available, some of which depend
on where you are from.
For more information, please visit:https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding

Living in the UK
Accommodation
Most universities and colleges have their own accommodation office,and this should be the first place you go to ask about accommodation.
Most institutions provide accommodation for international students ina hall of residence (either full-board or self-catering) or a self-catering
shared house or flat. Space is usually limited, so applications for suchaccommodation should be made as soon as you have been acceptedon your course and certainly before the required deadlines.

Private accommodation
The accommodation office at your institution should be able to help
with this, too. The office may keep lists of private accommodation
available in the area, and some offices may even help you arrange abooking. Do check in with them for more information.

The most common type of private accommodation is a room in a housewith shared facilities. Renting a furnished house or a flat is likely to be
expensive, especially in city centres, and can be quite difficult to secure.
A good way of making this affordable is to share with other students.
If you do this, make sure you agree beforehand on how you will sharecosts.

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Food

Leisure time

Food is often near the top of the list of things we miss when away fromhome. But food can be one of the best parts of living in the UK. Your
time at university offers you a great opportunity to build a positive
relationship with food and cooking, to create some interesting, delicious
meals and to really enjoy yourself.

On campus, the students’ union usually organises all kinds of social
functions and there will be many clubs and societies that you can join.

The average weekly food shop for one costs around £30 to £40. You
can will always find a range of supermarkets with plenty of choice forstudents on different budgets.

An increasing number of UK supermarkets offer international foodproducts, so you will always be able to get together with friends andcook the food you love. By living among people from all backgrounds
and cultures, you can also try out new and different cuisines. So why not
ask your flat mates for a few tips, and learn to make some quick andeasy dishes from different cultures?
Living in catered halls at university usually means that breakfasts anddinners are provided for you from Monday to Friday, which may be
more convenient for some.

If you are interested in arts and culture, you will find the UK packed
with museums, theatres and other cultural attractions just waiting to bediscovered.

The restaurant scene in the UK is thriving, and increasingly diverse. Pubs
are also popular social destinations for many university and college
students in the UK. You don’t have to drink alcohol to go to a pub – youwill find lots of non-alcoholic drinks on offer, and many pubs also havefood and entertainment such as karaoke, football match screenings,
and pub quizzes (weekly events where you compete as a team).
Some of the world’s largest music venues and events are in the UK, suchas the O2 Arena in London and the world-famous Glastonbury Festival,
but many world-renowned artists and bands also play at UK universities
and colleges, and small bars and cafés often host live music anddancing.
Almost every town will have a cinema with films from around the world.
Hollywood releases will be easy to find, but major cities also havecinemas specialising in foreign and independent films, and universities
often have a student cinema that shows films on campus at studentfriendly prices.

If you love sports, the UK offers a range of ways to explore your passion.
We’re fanatical about almost all sports here, and many of our athletes
and clubs lead the world. Whether it’s global team sports, like football,or individual sports like athletics, you will find ways to compete in andcelebrate the sports you care most about alongside your studies.

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UK weather and clothing
Although UK weather is unpredictable, it is rarely extreme. Wear several
layers so that you can put them on or take them off as the weatherchanges, and always carry an umbrella.

Four seasons in the UK

There are many ways to query the weather in the UK. Smart phones will all have their own weather querytool. Two more authoritative UK weather forecast networks are recommended here: One is the weather
forecast of Met Office and the other is BBC Weather.

In summer, the average temperature ranges from 9–18 degrees Celsius(48–64 degrees Fahrenheit), although on occasion, it can reach above
30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in a heatwave.

In winter, the average is between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius (36–45
degrees Fahrenheit), but temperatures can drop below 0 degrees
Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit). Most houses, buildings, trains and buses
have good heating systems. In general, there is little difference between
the regions of the UK, but you will experience more snow, rain and windin northern and mountainous areas.
Most UK towns and cities have a large range of shops selling clothes tosuit all styles and budgets. You will see all kinds of fashion at UK schools,
colleges and universities, and almost anything goes. Students usually
dress casually during the day – jeans and t-shirts are fine – and more
smartly if you’re going out in the evening. Very few student bars andpubs have a dress code.
Some courses require you to wear specialist clothing for health andsafety. For example, if you are in a science laboratory, you may need
to wear protective glasses and a white lab coat. Some universities will
provide these, while others may require you to purchase your own.

The UK is a multi-cultural place and it is common for people to wear
clothing associated with their culture and religion, for example a headscarf, kippah, turban, sari or long skirt. In major towns and cities, you willfind specialist shops selling clothing from around the world, particularly
Asian and Middle Eastern clothing.
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Study UK Guide for students

SpringMarch to May
Spring in Britain starts on the first day of March andends on the last day of May in the meteorologicalcalendar. But from an astronomical point of view,
spring usually begins at the vernal equinox, around
March 20 in the northern hemisphere.
As the Atlantic loses heat in autumn and winter, thehumidity and heat in the atmosphere are reduced,
so the weather in Britain is slightly dry in spring.

SummerJune to August
The British summer calendar includes threemonths in June, July and August, or according
to the astronomical calendar, from the day ofthe summer solstice, it is generally around June
21. The summer solstice is the time when the sunreaches the highest point in the sky, which isalso the longest day of the year.

AutumnSeptember to November
According to the weather calendar, autumn begins
in September and ends in November. In astronomy,
autumn begins around the autumnal equinox on
September 22. Similar to the vernal equinox, during
the autumnal equinox, the sun shines directly on
the equator, day and night are almost equal, eachfor 12 hours.

In Britain, autumn often brings unstable weather,and you can still feel the obvious coolness sooner
or later. In the second half of this season, due to thedepression of the Atlantic Ocean, Britain will also
have rain and wind.

Study UK Guide for students

WinterDecember to February
The meteorological calendar divides winter into theperiod from December to February. In astronomy,
winter begins at the winter solstice, that is, aroundDecember 22 in the northern hemisphere. The wintersolstice is the shortest day of the year. When the sun
is farthest from the south of the earth’s equator, theearth’s northern hemisphere will tilt, causing the
reduction of solar heat. After the winter solstice, thedays begin to lengthen.

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Explore the UK

Health and safety

From bustling cities to snow-capped mountains, rolling green hills tohighlands and islands, exploring is a must. Its relatively small size andgood transport links mean that you can see a lot while you are here.
Some highlights include London with its fascinating history, iconic
buildings, cutting-edge fashion, theatre and food; northern cities
like Manchester and Liverpool, which are well known for their famous
football clubs and great nightlife; Scotland’s stunning mix of wild beautyand buzzing cities; the stunning landscapes of Wales’ national parks;
and the spectacular coastline of Northern Ireland.

With one of the best healthcare systems in the world, globally respected
policing and low crime rates, studying in the UK is safe and secure.

For more information about exploring the UK visit:www.visitbritain.com

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Study UK Guide for students31

The UK’s NHS (National Health Service) is one of the world’s mostadvanced healthcare systems, offering safe and modern treatment.
To gain access to the NHS, you will be required to pay an immigration
health surcharge as part of your visa application fee.
The UK is a safe country, with low crime rates and a trustworthy police
force. In addition, many institutions have their own security services
who patrol campuses. Your institution will usually provide you withinformation on staying safe on campus.

Study UK Guide for students

32Religion in the UK
As an open, inclusive and multi-faith society, students of all religions can
expect to feel welcome in the UK, along with plenty of places to practise
their faith. With a history of multi-culturalism dating back hundreds ofyears, we have well-established communities representing all majorreligions, and a deep commitment to supporting students’ religious
needs on campus.
We are proud to be an inclusive society, and it is against the law todiscriminate against anyone because of their race, nationality or
religion.

Further information
Useful links

If you would like to read more about studying in the UK,
and what opportunities you will find here, here are somewebsites and links that can help you.

Moving to the UK

For the latest information on moving to the UK to study,
please visit:https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk

Student visas

For information and guidance:

www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration

For Visa Application Centre (VAC) information:
https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html

Study UK website:

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/student-visas

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Study UK Guide for students

Study UK Guide for students

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General informationwww.linkedin.com/showcase/study-uk-british-council/

Study UK website:

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/

www.youtube.com/user/StudyInTheUK

Choosing a university:

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/choosinguniversity-college

What subjects can I study?:

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/choosing-course/
subjects

https://open.spotify.com/user/fuz79snssaf2ilfqtqbapdent

Sign up to the Study UK newsletter:

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/newsletter

https://weibo.com/educationuk

Find out about scholarships:

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding

Social media

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https://www.tiktok.com/@studyuk_britishcouncil

https://www.facebook.com/StudyUK.BritishCouncil

Universities and Colleges

https://www.instagram.com/StudyUK_BritishCouncil/

Admissions Service (UCAS):

https://twitter.com/StudyUKBritish

The official website for comparing UK higher education
course data:

www.ucas.com

https://discoveruni.gov.uk
Study UK Guide for students

Study UK Guide for students

36

Association of Colleges

https://www.aoc.co.uk/about/general-further-education-colleges

Prospects: Postgraduate course search:
www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study

Your UK academic adventure
starts here with IELTS fromthe British Council
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Study UK Guide for students

Study UK
Search Study UK©British Council 2023

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Study UK Guide for students