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Posted Sept. 8, 2016

5 Ways To Prepare Yourself For Postgraduate Life In The UK

Postgrad Study BlogIf you are an international student who is about to embark upon postgraduate study within the UK then we can help you. Below we share the five best ways in which you can prepare yourself for life as a postgraduate student.

1. Find work as a Postgrad Student

Most postgraduate students need to work in order to supplement their studies. University student services or the student union are the best places to go in order to seek advice about the legalities of working as an international postgrad student. Working can be a necessary way to fund your course as well as to enhance your post-course opportunities, for example Sheffield University state on their website the importance of both paid and voluntary work in terms of career advancement. You do need to check the hours of work you can legally do during both term time and when on break. Sheffield University also states that they advise against students working more than 16 hours a week as this can interfere with studies.

2. Find Suitable Accommodation

Fresh Student LivingIt is best to organise accommodation before you arrive in the UK. There are several options available. The first is Halls of Residence which are university owned. Here you will have your own or shared room, a canteen that is on site, as well as shared communal rooms. Another option is self-catering halls that are similar to university halls but have shared kitchens. The final option is privately owned student housing which gives you more freedom. They usually cost more and you will need to sign a tenant agreement with the private landlord so be sure to read the small print. This option also includes rooms and apartments in privately owned student buildings such as those provided by Fresh.

3. Open A Bank Account

As an international student you will be able to open a bank account. This is best done well in advance of you starting your studies as the process can take several weeks to complete. In order to set up a bank account you will need your course enrolment information, passport and documentation with reference to your UK address. The Student Underground blog also suggests that it is a good idea to contact your local bank before you leave for the UK in order to check how money can be transferred to your UK bank account and vice versa.

4. Manage Your Money

One of the biggest challenges for the postgraduate student is that of managing money. Postgrad.com’s Ultimate Postgraduate Student Funding Guide is an essential guide on how you can better manage your finances while studying in the UK. The information given explores hints, tips and resources to help you make the most of your money.

5. Travel Around as a Student

When you arrive at your city of choice, it is important to find out what transport is available to you. Most cities have an excellent public transport system that incorporate trains, buses and even trams. This new form of transport and associated cost can be somewhat of a culture shock. It's a good idea to get acquainted with other students and to travel with them in order to familiarise yourself with your new area.

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2 comments

saz Sept. 29, 2016, 9:41 a.m.

As a student myself I know that accommodation is the hardest part, it can be really hard to afford when you only have time for a part time job. I have lived in halls for 2 years in Sheffield student housing and they weren't too bad but it varies a lot.

Charlotte King Oct. 3, 2016, 3:55 p.m.

Fresh Student Living has some great student accommodations for students at cities all over the UK which are available on a short-term or long-term basis.
Find out more here - http://freshstudentliving.co.uk

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