When it comes to fresh high school graduates looking to pursue higher education abroad, the UK has always been a top choice. Recently in Bangladesh, studying in the UK has seen a surge in popularity for both undergraduate and postgraduate level education.
1. How to apply for university
You should start thinking about applying for university at least two years before you want to go. You need to make sure that you have enough grades to get into the course you want to study. If you don’t know what courses you want to do yet, then you should think about doing a degree in something related to your career goals.
2. What to expect when you arrive in the UK
When you arrive in the UK, you will probably feel homesick straight away. But if you try not to think about home too much, you will soon adjust to British culture. When you first arrive, you may find yourself feeling lonely and isolated. Make sure you talk to people and join clubs and societies to meet others who share your interests.
3. Living costs
Living costs vary depending on where you live in the UK. In London, you can expect to pay around £400 per month. However, students in Manchester can expect to pay around $600 per month.
4. University life
University life is different in each country. In England, you will spend most of your time studying. In Scotland, you will spend most your time socialising. In Wales, you will spend most time partying!
5. Student loans
If you decide to go to university in the UK, you might have to take out student loans. These loans are paid back once you earn over £21,000 per year.
6. Getting work experience
Before you leave home, you should look for any job offers that you can get. Try to get as many work placements as possible. Work experience is often given free or cheap to international students.
7. Finding accommodation
Finding accommodation is easier than you would think. There are lots of websites online that offer rooms to rent. You just need to search for them.
Where do I live?
Cambridge is about 30 minutes outside London by train. There are many options for accommodation depending on what you prefer. Here’s a list of the different types of accommodation we have on campus:
• Halls – These are shared rooms. Each hall has between 8 and 24 people sharing bedrooms, living spaces, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and lounge area.
• Colleges – These are smaller groups of around 10 students who share a house together. Like halls, each college has its own facilities including a communal kitchen, dining space, laundry room and lounge.
• Dormitories – These are private rooms where you pay per week. When you arrive, you move into your dormitory and then move out again after your studies end.
• Self-catered apartments – These are fully furnished flats that you can stay in throughout your time at Cambridge.
• Shared houses – These are private houses where you live with 4 to 12 other students. Each student pays their own rent and shares the house equally.