Advice for students

Can I bring my family?

International students who have permission to stay in the UK for at least a year can bring their spouse and any children below the age of eighteen. However, the student will have to prove in advance that he or she can provide financial support and accommodation during their stay. UK health authorities also recommend that children are vaccinated against Meningitis C while still abroad. You need to apply for your family members’ visas in your home country, bringing along your marriage certificate and a birth certificate for each child. If your spouse and children arrive separately in the UK, they’ll also have to carry a copy of your main passport pages. This way, they can show the immigration officer that you have the right entry permit yourself. Once in the UK, your children will have to go to school if they are under sixteen. If you don’t know how to arrange this, your university should step in. Its international student adviser can find you a local school and handle registration there.

Do I need a visa?

If you plan on studying abroad you should apply for a student visa in the country of which you are a national. Consult your nearest embassy/consulate to check if you need a visa. Embassy addresses and phone numbers can be found at www.embassiesabroad.com.

They will also tell you what kind of visa you need. Sixty percent of the world's countries require visas for any length of stay. If you travel, you may need visas for other countries. Apply early for visas as processing time varies widely.

If you come to the UK as a student on or after 1 September 2007, you must obtain entry clearance before travelling. Students who are nationals of European Union (EU) member states can enter without a visa. The current members of the EU are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

To Study in the USA the validity date of your passport has to be at least six months beyond your application, Like the UK a visa is also needed and a stamp will be placed in your passport by the U.S. Consular officer in your country. Your U.S. visa has important points in regard to U.S. immigration; it shows the last date you can enter the country, the length of your stay and how many entries you are allowed.

If you wish to study in Canada there are two main areas that need to be ticked off, firstly you must have been accepted to study on a programme recognized by the Canadian Secondry/Post-Secondry institute, secondary to this you must also be granted student authorization and might be asked to obtain a visa. Each education institute differs so you should contact the institute you are applying to for exact information. Charges for the student authorization also apply.

Looking to study in Australia? Well you need to fulfil pretty much the same requirements as the U.S. and the UK, you need to apply for a visa and have a valid passport, also to be accepted for a visa your finances need to show you have enough funds to cover your university tuition fee’s. Another visa requirement is that you have Over Sea Student Health Cover (OSHC), around $156 Australian dollars and this will cover you for about 6 months.

Travelling to New Zealand to study you will need a visa but the type you need will vary as to the length of your course, if your course is three months or less you could enter the country on a Visitors or Working holiday visa which allows you in the country for up to 9 months. If your course is longer than 3 months then you need to apply for a student visa, you also need an offer of study from your chosen institute. Different policies do apply depending on which country you are from so do contact the New Zealand immigration office.

Do you fancy the Far East? If you wish to study in somewhere like China you will need to apply for a visa, if your course is less than 6 months you will need a ‘Student F’ visa and if it is more than 6 months a ‘Student X’ visa.Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months for a single entry within 3 months of the date of visa issue; at least 9 months for double or multiple entries within 6 months. Proof of itinerary is also required, where you are staying your return ticket, a letter of acceptance from the Chinese institute and proof of sufficient funds.

Another popular choice fro studying abroad is Japan. Any foreign persons wishing to enter or land in Japan must possess a valid passport and a student visa obtained from an embassy or consulate. A student visa cannot be acquired after arriving in Japan. It is not permitted to work in Japan under a student visa. Visa fees also vary according to nationality.

This information should be of some use to you but to look further into studying abroad contact the institute in which you wish to study.

How do I improve my English?

If the language in which you were educated was not English, the university will expect you to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam at a British Council centre in your home country. If you pass with the grade specified, you will be admitted. Students who don't pass the test are usually advised to take a course in 'English for academic purposes' in the UK. Such courses are offered by further education colleges, higher education institutions, private language schools, boarding schools and tutorial colleges. To ensure your course is of good quality, check that it has been accredited by the British Council. If you narrowly passed your IELTS test, you might still want to take a short pre-sessional course at the university to which you applied. This will provide you with a subject-specific vocabulary and the right study skills. (However, if you also lack subject knowledge, an access course for international students would be more appropriate.) In short, if you’re at all nervous about your English, take a course first. Not only will a stronger grasp of the language lead to better grades, but it will enable you to understand and enjoy lectures, seminars and the student social scene.

What if I'm from outside the EU?

It depends which European country you live in. Students from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) do not require a visa permit to study in the UK, and nor do students from Switzerland. While students from Russia continue to require a visa, the process of obtaining it is currently being simplified. If you are planning to travel to a UK university from there or from any other country in Europe outside the EU and EEA you need to obtain full, up-to-date details about British visa requirements well in advance. These can be found on www.ukvisas.gov.uk

If your country is not a member of the European Union (EU) or in the European Economic Area (AEA) you will almost certainly need to apply for a visa to enter Britain. So will your spouse and children, if they are travelling with you. This application has to be submitted well in advance, in case you need to supply further information. To clarify your visa status, contact your nearest British Council office or British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. You can also go to www.ukvisas.gov.uk and select 'Do I need a UK visa?'. For help with filling in your visa form, look at an British Council online guidance note called First steps guidance note - preparing for entry clearance.

The most important requirement for obtaining your visa is that you have been accepted to do a full-time course at recognised higher education institution, such as a university. You also need to have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family, if they accompany you, while you study in the UK. This is important because international students are not allowed to run a business or hold a full-time job.Even your limited right to work depends on a visa-related stamp. On arrival in the UK, you'll need to tell immigration officers that you will be studying here. They will then put a stamp saying "restricted" (not "prohibited") in your passport, which allows you to work 20 hours a week in term time and unlimited hours during the holidays. Keep in mind that your visa application can be refused, either because the UK authorities are not satisfied that you meet all requirements, or because they are currently restricting the entry of people from your country. However, this is fairly rare.

Choosing where to live

Most international students live in either a university hall of residence, in a student flat-share or in a room within a family home. First year students usually prefer university accommodation as most students living in this environment find friends quicker and make better use of their university's facilities. Although halls of residence vary in terms of age (some are brand-new, others are situated in ancient, historic buildings) they provide quite similar facilities, each student will occupy a modestly-sized single room with basic furnishings. Always check out a few more details: does the room have internet access? Will you be sharing a bathroom? Are there any cooking facilities?

A room in a shared student flat or in a family home, which can be found through your college accommodation service, may be more spacious. This usually works best for mature students who appreciate home comforts or those who like their own space. Private landlords don't have to meet the same housing standards as universities so it is best to make sure you thoroughly check out your accommodation before you hand over your money or begin packing your bags.

Distance is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration, universities in big cities tend to be centrally located, but affordable housing rarely is, you should look into good transport links to your chosen institute as well as affordable rent, after all you don’t want to spend the money you are saving on rent getting yourself to your university each day.

Finding accommodation

Immigration rules state that non-European nationals must meet the cost of their accommodation in the UK without working or claiming welfare benefits. When studying abroad many countries would have restrictions on your visa as to how many hours you can work per week, because of this you must remember to take into account housing costs when weighing which country wish to study in.

Most universities and institutes will help you to find appropriate accommodation in their student halls or private housing; some institutes also have placements where you can stay with a local family. Student accommodation is growing increasingly short in the UK, especially if you have a family so do ask these sorts of questions when you are researching into your chosen university. As soon as you have been accepted on your course you should begin to make living arrangements rather than leaving it till the last minute and It is very important that the standard of your accommodation is up to scratch otherwise your studies and health may suffer.

Private accomodation, what to look for

See who is dealing with accommodation in your university as they will have a list of landlords offering flats or rooms. Leave yourself plenty of time to start looking as you don't want to be left with nowhere to live a week before starting! An estate agent, though, may have a larger choice, so it's worth registering with one in your area. Estate agents will charge you, however, so be warned to part with your cash if you go about it this way. Have a look on websites as rented accommodation is also advertised online, as well as in newspapers and on cards displayed in shop windows. For safety reasons, female students may want to visit a property either with a friend or with the estate agent. If a shop window card lists only a landlord's mobile number (which does not identify his address) try someone else.

When viewing a flat, check that everything works and make a note of everything that doesn’t as well as informing your landlord about it. Some landlords don’t have very good reputations with giving back deposits etc. so make sure you ask questions before you move in. The landlord should have a Gas Safety Certificate. Do the flat's electrics seem sound, without old, trailing wires? If the flat is on the ground floor there should be a lock on each of its windows, as well as on the front door. Will you be covered by the landlord's insurance policy in case of damage, or must you take out your own? If you’re unsure what you need to be asking before moving in, ask your parents. You don’t want to be taken for a ride…o Also, take a second look at the flat's environment. Is it sufficiently well-lit to make you feel safe? Can you see the bus stop, or will a night out mean a long trek through deserted streets? Are there food shops nearby? Still keen? Now read the tenancy agreement. If it's for a year or less, allows you to leave earlier if you give notice and asks for no more than one month's deposit, sign and enjoy your dream home.

Types of accomodation

Accommodation provided by your institution.

Accommodation owned by private landlords or external organizations (arranged by yourself or with the help of your institution).

A placement with a local family which is usually arranged by the university. 

Do I need a bridging course?

If you'd love to go to university, but haven't got the right school qualifications, an access course can bridge the gap. One-year courses of this sort are run by both further education colleges and universities, either full-time or part-time. To ensure your course will be up to scratch, check that it is recognized by the government's Quality Assessment Agency (QAA). In America this type of course is called an AP course and it is used for various reasons, some use it to get extra credits when they are in high school, some use it for a challenge and many use it as an aid to get into America Colleges. An AP course is recognized in Canada, Australia, UK and some universities in Taiwan, Uruguay and the Czech Republic. All access courses and AP courses will strengthen your knowledge base, but different courses are geared towards different levels of education and careers. Some access/AP courses require their students to already have a sound grasp of math, English and science. Others will help you to acquire it. An access/AP course can prepare you for a specific degree course such as law, for a subject area such as science or for higher education in general. Try to pick the one that will suit you best. Access/AP courses are sometime run at universities and are often geared towards one of their own degree courses. If you complete your access/AP course, many will guarantee you at least an interview. On the other hand, access/AP courses held at further education colleges may include placements giving relevant work experience. If you are aiming for a vocational degree course, such experience can be a real plus.

How do I apply?

Applications for degree courses in the UK are handled by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). So, once you've decided which courses you like best, find their course codes on www.ucas.com and fill in the online application form. You can list up to six courses (four if you'd like to do medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry), either at the same or at different universities.

In the U.S. you apply to each College individually, some colleges are joined to the Universal College Application, this like UCAS means you can fill in one form that is then sent off to different colleges. The UCA has over 44 members including Harvard and Duke.

Austria, Belgium and Switzerland have quite relaxed process from secondary education to university, if you have passed the Matura (or high school diploma) you can enrol in most colleges or courses without any problem.

Brazil it is required that you have a secondary school diploma and a good performance in a competitive entrance exam called a Concurso Vestibular, each university can choose the syllabus of their Vestibular exam and it is usually catered towards the course you are wishing to study.

China gives a national exam each summer which is required to be taken by all perspective students, it covers key subjects such as maths and science, the greater your score the more institutes you have to choose from as well recognized institutes take the highest scorers.

In India most universities use a centralized admission procedure who organizes tests and interviews and applicants are then ranked by their exam grade.

The Netherlands uses a system that requires a student to have chosen a graduation type two years before they graduate and most universities will then accept students who have chosen the correct type.

Nigeria conducts the JAMB Matriculation Examination for entry into all public Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

 These are just a few examples of the application process and you must remember applications can vary dramatically country by country. You should get in touch with your chosen institute for all the specifics and if you are looking at universities in other countrys nearly all institutes have special services for international students who wish to apply.

Interviews

Some universities and colleges require you to have an interview before they offer you a place, the more popular and renowned and popular your institute the more likely this is to be the case. Interviews are also carried out if you are applying to certain courses such as law and medicine or artistic courses like drama, art and music. Here are some interview tips that may come in handy:

Let's face it, when it comes to interviews most of us get nervous, so try to relax and be confident, even if you don't feel like it!

Look over your application form as this will be the base of the interview; be prepared to expand on the answers you have given previously.

Make sure you arrive early! I know this is difficult for some, but leave yourself plenty of time to get there! You will have already have made a bad impression if you turn up late and you want to show how important this is to you.

Dress smart, but make sure you're comfortable. Don’t dress in a full on suit if you’re going to feel self-conscious.

Don't just give one word answers. It may be really early in the morning and you still don’t feel awake yet, but it’s not only your parents who hate little response. The interviewer wants to know about you and your interests so keep your answers detailed but relevant. Don’t ramble on about the same thing for twenty minutes, they may look interested, but they won’t be after this amount of time! Plus, always remember to speak slowly and clearly.

Make sure you have researched the course and institute you are applying for; be prepared to answer questions about it. Have answers ready as to why that particular subject interests you and how it will help with your future goals.

Think of some good questions that you can ask at the end of the interview. Perhaps a question about your course to indicate your enthusiasm/passion for your chosen field.

Get someone else to interview you first reading you questions that you may be asked. As they say, practise makes perfect!

Don't be afraid to smile or make them smile and always make eye contact as this shows you’re comfortable and confident.

The most important thing is to relax and be yourself! This is a conversation, an exchange, not a quiz.

Tips & tricks when applying

First, think of ways in which you can prove that you are really interested in the course subject. There’ll be tons of other students in the same position as you, so you need to stand out (and not by a luminous coloured t-shirt). Did any of the work you did for your sixth form/high school projects touch on it? Have you watched every relevant TV documentary in recent years? Or do you have subject-related outside interests? If not, there may still be time to develop some. Find out as much as you can about the course and your chosen institute, this does not just mean reading everything about it in the university prospectus, because everyone will have already done that. You also need to find at least one book which deals with an intriguing aspect of it (boring, but you’ll have to do it). If the course has a practical angle, it helps to get a holiday job in a related field, this will not only show the institute that you’re determined, but also help you to avoid mistakes. A student dreaming of become a doctor while working as a hospital volunteer may well discover that she absolutely hates sick people. It's best to do so before you sign up. In short, you want to show that you've already focused on the course subject and would like to learn more. The reward is likely to be a good response to your perfectly spelt application form.

What qualifications do I need?

Entry requirements for your course are available from either the institute or the application board that is used for entries such as UCAS in the UK. For most countries you need to have a high school diploma, A Levels or the equivalent. Having this kind of qualification does not automatically entitle you to a place, an institutes offer will depend on your grades, grade predictions, points or school recommendations, or, like in India and Pakistan you made need to take an entrance test with your past score and grades not taken into consideration at all.

Admissions staff may also want to interview you before they make a decision and the information you gave about your interests and achievements on your application form will be of further influence to them. The more highly rated the university, the higher the grade (or number of points) it is likely to demand. An academically demanding course, such as medicine, will admit mainly top-grade applicants and/or high test scores. There are a few degree courses that have very firm requirements in around the world, with subjects such as medicine and engineering institutes will often ask you to sit additional tests, for example in the UK you must have chemistry (plus at least one other science) to do medicine. Engineering courses require A-level maths and, at some universities, also further maths or physics.
Entry rules for vocational degrees, on the other hand, are very flexible, what admissions staff seeks is enthusiasm for the course and an aptitude for the work involved.
While universities can make grade allowances for students who are disadvantaged or have been ill, it would be unwise to rely on this.

On a international level the grades you have received in your own country are usually transferable to count in another, you do however need to be able to speak the language and some universities would prefer you to have taken and passed some sort a recognized language course and perhaps do a years international student foundation course.
Information on grades and recognized language courses are usually on the institute website or obtainable from their international students department.

Can I get sponsership?

If you're interested in sponsorship schemes you can get in touch with your chosen institute as they often have links with businesses who wish to sponsor students through their course, some of these businesses want you to do a placement with them. If you’re a student studying in the fields of engineering, IT, physics, chemistry or anything business-related as you have more chance of finding a sponsor.

China has actually doubled its financial aid for students; this means more students from low income families will be able to get some help with funding. In Canada students who have achieved the qualifications needed can apply for a Canada Study Grant however you do need to meet a specific criteria, Sweden does not charge students tuition fees and the UK is making more grants available and sponsorship from private companies can be looked into. The US also has a scholarship system and some of these are from companies such as USPS and the American Ground water trust but look carefully into applying as a lot of companies will want you to work for them after you have finished your course. Many American universities also have separate scholarships to encourage minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to go on further on in education.

It is very hard for international students to acquire a loan or sponsorship but in some rare cases possible, if you wish to look into this and try to apply you have to MAKE SURE you do it before you leave your home country as trying to do it in the country you are studying in is near on impossible. Each country has its own rules and you should look into them thoroughly before you apply.

Funding for European students

European students who are in need of financial help may qualify for assistance from several bodies, once they have been accepted by a UK university. Whether you qualify for a scholarship, usually depends on the country you are from or the type of course you are taking. The amount offered can be anything from £50 to the equivalent of your tuition fees plus living costs.

For more details, especially on help for undergraduates, see the Department of Education website www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport/eustudents. Also useful are two British Council sites, www.educationuk.org/scholarships and www.britishcouncil.org/education/funding. If you are applying to a Scottish university, see www.scotlandscholarship.com.

If you are embarking on a UK postgraduate programme, it pays to know that the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a financial support scheme aimed at talented students whose work will benefit their countries. This is known as the Chevening Scholarships. Details can be found on www.chevening.com

UK universities also very occasionally offer special bursaries to students excelling in their course or needing assistance with course-related travel or equipment. However, competition for all financial support schemes is great and students need to give convincing reasons for their application.

Students currently attending a European university outside the UK can get financial help to spend anything from three months to a year in this country with the help of the European Union. Details of its Socrates-Erasmus scholarship programme can be found on www.erasmus.ac.uk or www.europa.eu.int/comm/education/erasmus.html

How much will my course cost?

At most universities you will be expected to pay tuition fees whether you are a domestic or international student (apart from Sweden who does not charge either tuition fees) international students pay more than domestic students but there are more opportunities for domestic students to get grants and help in regards to funding. In the UK domestic students can apply for a student loan to help with living costs, you can get information on and apply for these through your local education authority.

There is no standard fee for international students taking a university course in the UK. Instead, universities and higher education colleges set their own fees. The amount charged is usually based on an institution's academic reputation and the type of course. Students interested in a specific course must therefore check all details about tuition fees with the institution directly. Institution prospectuses will often contain all the information needed.

How to save money?

Being able to cook a basic meal or willing to eat daily in your college cafeteria is another way of keeping to a budget. Restaurants are plentiful but costly in the UK. The same applies to mobile phone services, so shop around for the cheapest and don't spend all your time on the blower. Cigarettes are shockingly expensive and so the greatest saving a prospective student can make is to give up smoking. On the other hand, paying for the right housing is often money well spent: living in a shabby rented room miles from your university will make for a less satisfying student experience than a place in its hall of residence would. You will make more friends there and it may be only a little more expensive. Still, total costs for a year vary considerably. If you need to support yourself in the university holidays, as well as in term time, expect to spend between £7,000 and £8,500 in a big city, Oxford or Cambridge. Elsewhere, your are likely to spend around £6,500. Students willing to share a room or to go easy on clubbing, drink and new clothes often manage on rather less. Tuition fees, though, are a separate expense.
If you are a student and you really want to save money, it would be a good idea to buy used textbooks instead of new ones. Also, do not be tempted by the credit card offers you get at your student union. They will only get you in debt and you might find it hard to repay your debts.

Living costs

Living costs as a student depend mainly on two factors: where you study and how you spend your free time. A student in London, Birmingham or Manchester is likely to the pay the highest rent, around £70-£80 per week. Oxford and Cambridge are relatively pricey, while Scotland, Wales and the north east of England have the lowest rents at around £50. Entertainment, food and travel also cost more in big cities. Your lifestyle will matter too. Universities and their student unions generally provide free or cheap leisure activities, from team sports to club nights. A student keen on exploring what the big city has to offer, on the other hand, can spend loads of money. Theatres, cinemas, clubs and fashion stores in the UK are not cheap, but they are world-famous and many offer student discounts.
You might want to cut back on items which aren’t really necessary. For example, a £10 CD per week will amount up to £520 a year.

Must I pay my fees in advance?

Home students doing a full-time degree course no longer need to pay their tuition fees in advance. Instead they can pay off the money in instalments once they have graduated. Pay-back starts when they are earning the equivalent of 15,000 Pounds Sterling per year. If you are planning to do a part-time degree course, though, you must still pay before you start. The same rule applies to students from the EU and EEA. Unlike home students, though, such students are not entitled to maintenance grants. They are, however, free to work without a permit and for as many hours as they like anywhere in the UK. The same tuition fee rules apply to students from the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). 

European students from outside these two country groups need to pay their tuition fees before embarking on their course. So do international students from any other part of the world.

Reccommended job websites

An excellent website for fun, flexible, well paid work for students is www.stuckforstaff.com.  There is work all over the UK and students can update their availability weekly, working when they choose to.  The website has over 500+ promotional agencies joined and the pay is excellent ranging from £50- £150 per day.  It is £10 to join the website, but it's worth it due to the highly paid work.  Promotional work can be anything from leafleting, sampling, demonstrating in stores, mystery shopping, working at concerts, events and road shows.  You may occasionally be asked to work where you have to wear some embarrassing outfits here too, but at least the pay is much better.  Plus, it can be really fun, and a great way to develop your communication skills and meet new people.  So take a look!Another website, specifically designed for student jobs is www.e4s.co.uk.  It is easy to find work by selecting the area you are available and browsing through the adverts.  This is also a good website for work experience and placements and can provide a variety of jobs from hospitality to work experience at the BBC.

Should I get a student job?

This all depends; how generous are your parents?  If you can get away with getting them to send you money, this is probably the best option for you as you'll have loads of time to go out with your friends, to shop and go clubbing (all with their money!)  Most students have a great time while surviving on remarkably little money, but the fact is, you still have to eat. So, if you don't qualify for one of the government's maintenance grants, a student job can be the answer. This usually means working around 20 hours a week during term and full-time in the long summer holidays. Before looking for work, though, it's best to suss out how much time you'll be spending on your course. Attending the lectures and seminars on your timetable is not all that is expected of you. If you don't just want to scrape by with a pass, but do really well, this is a route to a proper job and fewer money worries.  But this also means you'll need to read, research and write essays.  At the beginning of each course, your tutor will inform you how many hours a week you should be studying and make sure you stick to it. It takes most new students a week to see how much time they really have for other jobs.

Where to look for work

Your work search should probably start at the university itself. Campus jobs, often found through the student union, are easiest to combine with your studies because there is no travel.  You've been warned, though, if you get a job in the university cafeteria you usually have to wear a rather embarrassing hat and sometimes apron etc. so you won't exactly look 'cool' or end up pulling the man or woman of your dreams. Job agency sites, local papers and the websites of nationwide companies like Boots are another option. Local cafes or pubs can be worth a try, but keep in mind that such work experience may not impress future employers. Avoid nightshifts, as you'll fall asleep in class and not just because it's boring this time. It's good to keep an eye on the money side. The currents minimum wage is set at £5.52 per hour.

Advice for gay/lesbian students

Most university now have a lesbian, gay and transsexual society, but The Pink Paper last year rated Manchester Metropolitan as the most gay-friendly university in Britain. This is because it boasts the highest gay-to-straight ratio, a host of events run by the LGTS, and the widest range of "queer theory" courses.Runners up were Brighton, the University of London, Birmingham, Lancaster, Leeds, Hull, Bradford, Durham and Edinburgh. Gays make up an estimated five to ten per cent of the total student population at these universities.This does not mean you should dismiss other places out of hand. While some universities did not make it onto the above list because of the selection method (those not offering a “queer theory” course got poor ratings), their towns may well have a lively gay scene and be just as 'gay friendly'.

Finding your way around

As the choice can be bewildering, student advisers explain courses, social facilites and UK visa requirements to applicants while they are still abroad. This is usually followed by an orienteering program at the university. Counselors will offer financial advice and explain where to find familiar food or medical care.Students are also helped to make new friends by a variety of social events held during their first week. They can expect to meet up again in small seminar groups or tutorials, before moving on to a spot of break-dancing, frisbee or chess. Most shops, clubs and cinemas near a campus offer student discounts.

Gap year choices

The number one destination for gap year students is Australia. If you’d like to volunteer for charities then countries in Africa, Asia and South America might be a good idea.
Travelling abroad will give you a chance to meet other people and learn about their culture. There are many ways to volunteer, whether it is teaching local children how to speak English or teaching them different sports. As well as teaching others, you may be learning a lot from a different environment, as well as learning a different language.

If your family can afford it (or if you are willing to work in the UK first), look at reputable gap year companies like the ones registered with the Year Out Group. These offer well structured schemes lasting anything from a few weeks to a year. Most involve voluntary work, but a few offer a small wage. Before you sign up, ask how exactly you will benefit and quite what you will be doing. If you'd like free help to arrange your gap year or would just rather stay in the UK, consider a new scheme set up by the government called DO IT. This directs young people towards quality voluntary work in their own areas. There is also a list of interesting projects needing volunteers on TIME BANK. You might not get a sun tan by working for them, but at least the locals will speak your language. However, researching and organizing your own trip independently can be just as rewarding in a completely different.

What are gap years for?

Most people take a gap year to have a break from studying. Others want to travel the world and do different things. Some people are not sure if they want to finish university so soon and take on the world.

If you want to travel, it would be a good idea to work out how much money you have and where you would like to go to. The last thing you would need is to be stranded in another country with no money and no family to help you.

A gap year can enhance a CV for future employment prospects. While almost any gap year will make you forget the horror of exams, a well chosen one will move you forward. You will become more skilled and more mature, while working in an interesting environment with like-minded young people. This could help you to impress future employers (or a university, if you have not yet found a place).But what gap year option should you go for? Well, most students focus on going abroad with the aim of earning money, acquiring a skill, doing voluntary work or just travelling. Some gap year schemes allow you to enjoyably combine it all, but these need to be paid for.

What to bring?

One good rule is to pile up everything you think you might take, then put back half of it. For a start, you are not going to need the entire contents of your wardrobe; there is no way you will wear everything, despite what you may think. Remember, everything you take to university you will eventually have to get back home or maybe move in your second year, so make your moving days less stressful by only taking essential items.  Moving days aren’t fun, especially when you have 50 boxes to pack and carry to the car, or even worse, on the train.Your iPod or MP3 player must come along, but if you are taking your favourite CDs, accept that they might get lost or stolen. Make sure you already have the best possible mobile phone deal. And consider leaving behind your TV/DVD player. There may be a communal TV set, Big Brother (if you can stand watching a load of nobodies in a house) is best watched with friends and your new social life will quickly change your old viewing habits.Check what is already provided in your room. Most require you to supply your own hairdryer and kettle. To customize your room, take posters, photos and your own, favorite quilt cover. Lastly, be equipped when it comes to contraception. This means bringing your contraceptive pills, cap or a supply of condoms.  These are generally provided free of charge by the local family planning clinic.

Check your insurance policy

Your parents might suggest that their household insurance already covers your possessions.  However, this may not be comprehensive enough for a student's eventful life, so consider taking your own policy.

Since not all student policies are the same, it pays to read the small print first. Will the insurers pay you new for old or only let you have the resale value of a three year old computer? Will you be able to claim only if you have been burgled or flooded, or also if you left your camera on the bus? Does the policy only cover items worth up to £500? For a struggling student having the right policy can be crucial.Once you've found it, you can usually sign up online and pay by credit card. You'll be covered for a year, but some companies automatically renew your policy unless you cancel. Others will send you a reminder or nothing at all, so make a note of the renewal date. Also keep in mind that in order to claim compensation for lost goods you may need proof of purchase. This means you should keep all shop receipts.

Do I need to get insurance?

 Student property is exceptionally prone to loss and theft, perhaps because many students have their heads in the clouds, or perhaps because their homes lack safety features. A student insurance policy, which can be quite cheap, will enable you to replace valuable items such as computers, mobile phones or bicycles. Clothes and books may also be covered, though few policies will pay back lost cash.

What if I don't get the grades?

Your first option is to apply to one more university through a new scheme, UCAS EXTRA. Between mid March and the end of June 2006, you can make an additional choice from the UCAS EXTRA list of courses which still have vacancies. UCAS will then pass on your application, or you can contact the university directly. Alternatively, you can wait until mid August and apply again through CLEARING. By then, universities know which places have been filled and publish a list of course vacancies. Previously rejected applicants interested in a course need to contact the university offering it as soon as the list appears. If staff are happy with your qualifications, you will be offered a place. If these choices do not appeal to you, consider taking a year off. Rather than flying out for your gap year, though, ask yourself some hard questions:

Did you submit a poor personal statement?(A badly written, sloppily spelt personal statement suggests that you are not serious about your university plans and did not learn much at school.)

Did you fail to give convincing reasons for choosing your course subject?
(Universities want to feel sure that you are interested in it and, ideally, developing that interest through reading or practical work.)

Did you have the wrong qualifications? (No engineering course will admit students without A-level maths.)

Were your university dreams realistic?
(While A-level predictions of BCC will do fine for some universities and courses, they are miles too low for others.)

Once you’ve worked out what went wrong, you can move on. If you’d like to reapply next year, consider what and where you can realistically aim for. You may also want to get some course-related work experience or study for a course-related AS level to prove that you really care.

What if I pick the wrong course?

Every autumn, hundreds of students discover with shock that their carefully picked, wonderfully sounding degree course actually bores them to death. Firstly, don’t cry about it and don’t just pack up, go home and give up on university altogether.Instead, be prepared to wait at least a few days, you’ve come this far after all and your parents think they’ve finally got rid of you! While your first lectures may have been off-putting, this was probably because they were full of new academic terms and you felt a bit lost. If you’re really struggling, why not copy the person next to you.What you tend to find is that some course modules really interest you, while others don’t. It helps to know that at most universities, in the first year you have set modules, whereas in the second and third year you have a choice and can take the ones that most appeal to you, which means you’ll enjoy the course much more.

Talk to your tutor, who can point you towards another course you might enjoy at the same university. You cannot usually move from geography to law, for example, if you did not sit the university’s law entry test. Nor can a student with arts A-levels do a science degree. Still, given the huge range of options, most students find a new course they like.

If there is a university which had originally made you an offer and still has some vacancies you may be in luck. If you need to move closer to home or to another part of the country, though, universities can be sympathetic.

Can I bring my car?

Almost every university has public transport such as train and buses nearby. Although public transport isn’t everyone’s first choice and waiting for a bus in the cold is never exciting, it may save you money.  In London especially, an Oyster card will save you you money when traveling on the bus and tube.  Traveling there by car may feel like a more attractive option, but keep in mind that parking spaces near campus are like gold dust.  Plus, you need to consider your car's annual MOT, car tax and insurance policy.

However, if you’re determined to drive, the good news is that while insurance costs for young, inexperienced drivers can be high, many insurers offer students special rates. To bring costs down even further (and protect the environment, so we don’t get anymore of this strange weather) you could also find a fellow student to share the journey with.

How can I save money

Being able to cook a basic meal or willing to eat daily in your college cafeteria is another way of keeping to a budget. Restaurants are plentiful but costly in the UK. The same applies to mobile phone services, so shop around for special student deals. On the other hand, paying for the right housing is often money well spent: living in a shabby rented room miles from your university will make for a less satisfying student experience than a place in its hall of residence would. You will make more friends there and it may be only a little more expensive. Check all local businesses for student discounts. An NUS card, see www.nus.online which you are eligible for as a UK student offers a whole host of savings. Still, total costs for a year vary considerably. If you need to support yourself in the university holidays, as well as in term time, expect to spend between £7,000 and £8,500 in a big city, Oxford or Cambridge. Elsewhere, you are likely to spend around £6,500. Students willing to share a room or to go easy on clubbing, drink and new clothes often manage on rather less.
It might be a good idea to have a budget which will show your income and expenditure. This should show how much you will spend on your accommodation, food and travel. It should also show other miscellaneous items which you need like books and socialising.
The best way to be in control of your money is to know how much you have for the term and how you are going to spend it.

How high will my living costs be?

Living costs as a student depend mainly on two factors: where you study and how you spend your free time. A student in London, Birmingham or Manchester is likely to the pay the highest rent, around £70-£80 per week. Oxford and Cambridge are relatively pricey, while Scotland, Wales and the north east of England have the lowest rents at around £50. Entertainment, food and travel also cost more in big cities.Your lifestyle will matter too. Universities and their student unions generally provide free or cheap leisure activities, from team sports to club nights. A student keen on exploring what the big city has to offer, on the other hand, can spend loads of money. Theatres, cinemas, clubs and fashion stores in the UK are not cheap, but they are world-famous and many offer student discounts.
As long as you sort your finances are in order, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your life as a student.

Finding a suitable program?

To find a suitable research program, it is best to seek advice from the academics who have taught you. They are likely to know who has published relevant papers and might be willing to supervise your work. Alternatively, you can contact university departments directly and ask for information on their research projects. While there are no set entry requirements, prospective research students normally have a first degree in the relevant subject and a strong academic record. Your experience of working alone on a research project may also impress a UK university. To see what research is being done at specific universities, see www.educationuk.org. To find out more about the quality of a university department's research work, check the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) site via www.hero.ac.uk/index.htm

How can I do postgraduate research?

A student keen on further exploring his or her academia interests in a field studied at undergraduate level may want to consider a research based postgraduate course. This lasts a year or two and usually leads to a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Research (MRes). Most research students, though, first complete a taught postgraduate course. They then continue by working towards a doctorate. Research programs leading towards the title of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD or DPhil) require the student to produce a fairly original dissertation or thesis after three or more years. Some universities now also offer the New Route Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD), which combines formal coursework with individual research and lasts four years. UK research programs, which are internationally recognized, attract students from many countries because of their academic quality. UK universities contribute almost a tenth of the world's research output. They also rank first in the world in the number of citations and number of papers per million dollars invested. In career terms, close links between universities and employers mean that much of the research undertaken also relates directly to the world of work.

Postgraduate funding

If you are embarking on a UK postgraduate program, it pays to know that the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a financial support scheme aimed at talented students whose work will benefit their countries. This is known as the Chevening Scholarships. Details can be found on www.chevening.com.

Why do a MBA in the UK?

If you want to do a MBA you’ll be happy to learn that UK business schools have a strong record of combining the study of business theories with valuable practical experience. Also, MBA staff have often worked at managerial level in a wide variety of countries. This means you’ll be offered real life examples and will be helped when understanding different business cultures.Another good thing about UK courses is that courses are very intensive (it gets better), covering a huge amount of material in a relatively short time.  This means that students can obtain their MBA in one year, rather than two!

Coming soon

Student life in the UK

Being a student in the UK tends to be enjoyable, because universities enable you to have a social life alongside your academic work. Student clubs and societies offer activities which help tired brains relax after a hard day's work. They also allow you to follow cultural or vocational pursuits: you can often expand your knowledge about film-making, theatre, journalism and much else. Student unions not only provide advice and support but also organise club nights. Student papers cover local sporting events and gigs. They also tell readers where the can buy exciting clothes, gadgets and CDs. Still, it is important to pick the right place for you. Many rural universities have superb sporting facilites. International students drawn to the UK by its youth culture, on the other hand, will be happier in a big city such as Manchester or London, or a vibrant small town like Brighton.

What about the nightlife?

For some students, going to university is mainly about leaving home and doing what their parents always warned them against. Quite a few manage to achieve these ambitions while also getting a degree. By picking your university course on the basis of your clubbing plans, though, you could be tipping the balance too far. The problem is that if you want to complete the course, at least a third of your daily waking hours need to be spent studying. If your subject leaves you cold or is not taught at the right level right for you, this may prove impossible. Even if both university and course are a good match, nightly clubbing will utterly sap your daytime energy. It is also, you will discover, far too costly for most students. This does not mean that there is anything wrong with a passion for clubbing, of course. Nor must you totally shun the great club scenes of Brighton, Manchester or London. Several graduates I know fondly remember this aspect of university life. Most of this group, though, had also picked a degree course they could love, had studied hard for it during the week and needed amazingly little sleep.

What about the weekends?

You'll find that lots of people stay around on the weekends, either because they love university life or because they have to finish course work. Also, students often live too far away to nip home for Sunday lunch.Holidays can be more of a worry if you have no base outside the university, but there are several solutions. If you are already living in halls, it's worth asking whether you can stay all year round. If the place doubles as a conference centre outside term (as quite a few universities do) it may even offer you a holiday job. While you will have to pay rent, financial help may also be available from a university hardship fund. Still, what funds universities have for students like you varies greatly and you need to check before accepting a place.You may also want to enquire at the student support office of your local council if it provides any holiday grants. Again, rules differ, but you have nothing to lose by asking.

Will our love survive?

The honest answer to this question is yes, maybe. University life requires you to adjust and juggle new ideas. As a result, a student may feel closest to someone she can gossip about her course, tutor or college kick-boxing team with. One recent magazine study put the proportion of student relationships which survive separation at just 50 per cent. This is not to say that all relationships are equally vulnerable. A couple of mature students who had been sharing a home for three years may be quite unfazed by temporarily living apart. Two eighteen year olds who'd only been going out for a month are likely to split up - even if they attend the same university. Distance is another factor. Attending universities which are less than an hour's coach ride apart should not test your love too much. But check out the time table: Oxford and Cambridge, for instance, seem reasonably close on the map. The coach trip between them, though, takes over three hours. Fortunately, a smart business student has just started charter flights between the two towns for star-crossed lovers.How often you meet will also matter. You may be unable to imagine a weekend apart, but punitive essay deadlines and endless reading lists (a shock-horror experience for new students) can scupper your plans for meeting every Friday night. If you see one another only in the holidays, on the other hand, love may well die. Given these facts, you want to hedge your bets a little. It's best to stay at university for the first few weeks to settle into your course. This is also when most friendships are formed and most students commit to the extra activities that make university fun. Once you've come to appreciate your new life, it's fine to rush off for a passionate reunion. You'll have some good stories to tell and, if the relationship doesn't work out, somewhere welcoming to go back to.

Contact list

To find out country and program specific information refer to the following list:- Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)  For information about studying at university level in another Commonwealth country:- Woburn House
20 Tavistock Square
London WC1H 9HF
United Kingdom
Tel: 020 7380 6700
Web: www.acu.ac.uk
Or to find courses: www.acu.ac.uk/coursefinder The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services(AGCAS)/The Higher Education Careers Services Unit (CSU)  For information on working and studying abroad (including study at postgraduate level):- Booklet: Postgraduate Study and Research
CSU
Booth Street East
Manchester M13 9EP
Tel: 0161 277 5240
Fax: 0161 277 5250
Web: www.prospects.csu.ac.uk A list of publications relating to study and work abroad is available from:- The CSU website at www.prospects.ac.uk/student/cidd/.            The British Council 10 Spring GardensLondon SW1A 2BN SOCRATES-ERASMUS Email: info@erasmus.ac.ukWebsite: www.erasmus.ac.uk LEONARDO & EUROPASS UNIT Tel: +44 (0)20 7389 4389
Fax:+44 (0)20 7389 4426
Email: leonardo@britishcouncil.org or
europass@britishcouncil.org
Website: www.leonardo.org.uk or
www.europass-uk.co.uk CONNECT YOUTH Tel: +44 (0)20 7389 4030
Fax:+44 (0)20 7389 4033
Email: connectyouth.enquiries@britishcouncil.org
Website:
www.britishcouncil.org/education/connectyouth/ Department for Innovation, Universities and SkillsSanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London SW1P 3BT
Tel.: 020 7925 5000
Fax: 020 7925 6000
Web: www.dius.gov.uk
Publishes "The European Choice: A Guide for Higher Opportunities in Europe" European Commission Offices in the UK 8 Storey's Gate
London SW1P 3AT
Tel.: 020 7973 1992
Fax: 020 7973 1900/10

For information about all EU funded programmes,
including SOCRATES, LEONARDO and TEMPUS:-

Web: http://ec.europa.eu/unitedkingdom Eurodesk European Information Service for Young People (UK wide)
YouthLink Scotland
Rosebery House
9 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5EZ
Tel: 0131 313 2488
Fax: 0131 313 6800
Web: (Eurodesk Uk website) www.eurodesk.org.uk

(European Youth Portal) http://ec.europa.eu/youth  Your Europe web: http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope PLOTEUS
Web: www.ploteus.net UK Erasmus Student Committee Website: www.erasmus.ac.uk/esc UK National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (NARIC) Oriel House
Oriel Road
Cheltenham
Glos GL50 1XP
Tel: 01242 260010
Fax: 01242 258611
Email: info@naric.org.uk
Web: www.naric.org.ukUNESCO "Studying Abroad" website

Web: www.unesco.org/education/studyingabroad/index.shtml

Opportunitites for studying aboad as part of a UK degree

Studying a language course, as a single or joint honours, usually involves a year out at a foreign university before returning to complete the final year of your course. You can still study abroad without taking a language course which can found out about from your university.  The European Union has some very large and well established schemes that support studying abroad and student exchange, such as ERASMUS and LEONARDO. In addition many institutions have their own bilateral agreements with foreign universities. Some opportunities are in the form of study or work placements and summer schools. The International Office or Study Abroad Office at your home institution is likely to be the best source of information about what opportunities are available to you.International schemes support a range of paid and voluntary foreign exchange programs. The IAESTE scheme is for students of science, technology and engineering degrees. Most placements are from 8- 12 weeks between June and September (www.iaeste.org). See also AIESEC (www.aiesec.org).

Support from host country/ institution

Consult the embassy, consulate or education office of your host country and also the universities to which you apply. There is a wide range of scholarships, some more obscure than others that are worth finding out about. Competition for the majority of scholarships is intense, and so application a year in advance of the proposed date of admission is strongly advised. Most transnational  students have to fund their study independently.Do not assume you will be able to fund your studies by working during your degree. You will need to check whether and to what extent you are permitted to work if in the country on a student visa, and also to check the availability of work. It may be a condition of entry that you are able to demonstrate your ability to support yourself (and any dependants) from your own resources.

UK Sources of support

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) produces a guide to opportunities for Higher Education in Europe entitled “The European Choice” (although this is mainly aimed at students taking a degree in the UK and choosing to spend a year or less abroad as part of their degree). Although the UK has signed up to a commitment to making educational loans and grants portable, this has not as yet been implemented, so you are unlikely to be able to access the same entitlements you would have if studying in the UK.A small number of grants are available from UK research councils and professional bodies for postgraduate study overseas. Contact the relevant body for your subject area to find out whether they offer anything suitable.A small number of educational trusts and charities based in the UK may provide support for UK students studying overseas. In most cases these will only cover a small proportion of the costs involved, and funding from other sources will be needed. Information can be found in directories of educational grant-making bodies.

What does a four year course cost?

Students on a year out don’t have to pay the full tuition fee of £3,000 a year. Instead, they will normally be charged half of it (i.e. £1,500). The government will lend you this money, like the rest of your tuition fees, and you do not need to pay it back until you have graduated and started earning £15,000 a year.If you’re still unsure about that four year course, you might like to know that living in a foreign country may not just enable you to talk like a native, but can also make you seem sophisticated and mature.  You're probably not, but you may seem like it. All this is very useful when it comes to finding work.

What your qualifications mean?

Both work experience and academic achievements will gain recognition at foreign institutions.  There is no standard converter for qualifications, instead qualifications are generally considered by the individual institution.You should seek advice before starting your studies. UK NARIC provides advice on how foreign qualifications are likely to be viewed within the UK. You will also need information about how your current qualifications will be viewed when applying for admission to foreign universities.

Where to go?

Canadian universities have to take an academic ability test. Some European universities, such as in Italy, admit students unconditionally, while France and Germany will expect sound A-levels. Students applying for science courses not surprisingly will need some science background.Many students who took this option tend to be full of praise for it. Not only did they become fluent in a foreign language, but they also acquired good friends abroad… good friends that allow them to stay for free when they need a holiday.  Most importantly perhaps, their course enabled them to seek professional work in lots of countries.

Can I study music?

If you have a passion for music, you have lots of options out there. Music colleges offer additional modules covering music promotion or administration to increase students’ career options.  Some other areas you may want to consider after graduating are: record companies (marketing, PR, lawyers, personnel, recording engineers), education (teaching), music therapy, broadcasting (producing, managing, script writing), composing, instrument technology and manufacture, music publishing, libraries and museums, arts administration.  To find out more visit, www.he.courses-careers.com/music.htm

Can I study outdoors?

Yes, Agricultural colleges are no longer just training camps for young farmers. Writtle College, which proudly states that “our classrooms do not have walls”, offers a popular BSc course in Garden Design. Another of its degree courses is aimed at horse lovers. Equine Studies combines the scientific, technical and commercial aspects of horse management with teaching you practical skills in the paddock.If it is sea air you’re after, you should know that the University of Plymouth has launched a degree that will equip its graduates for employment in the yachting industry, with career paths ranging from yacht operations to project management for new builds and refit. Its BSc (Hons) Marine Studies (Ocean Yachting) is part of the university’s wider marine studies scheme. After simulator training, students practise their skills afloat a 70' yacht.To get even closer to the water, consider the Surfing and Beach Management Degree offered by the University of Wales. There are some 250,000 surfers in the UK and surfing is an economic force in anything from retail to the media. The course is held near some great surfing beaches and local industry professionals are looking for trainers with professional management skills. Graduates can find work within the surf/adventure industry, eco-tourism and leisure/tourism markets.

Creative courses

Not only can a degree course in a creative field enhance your artistic skills, but exploring its applications and origins can be hugely inspiring. Lecturers who are practitioners themselves may also point you in new, unfamiliar directions.Just as importantly, a growing number of courses are designed to help artistic students earn a living. These exist not just in well established fields such as Fine Art, Dance Studies and Drama. More recent additions are Digital Animation, Creative Writing, Fashion Design and Creative Music Technology, to name a few.Courses of this sort not just enable you to create, but also to display your creations. Most run annual shows in which their final year students try to impress visiting curators, fashion buyers or media bosses with their work.

Degrees for sporty types

Sports related courses allow you to develop your own sporting skills as well as those of others. Most graduates become teachers, trainers or sports administrators, but if you’re hoping for a teaching post, its best to combines sport with another degree subject. Courses in sports science tend to be broader, covering also psycho-social factors which influence participation and performance in sports.  These degrees sometimes prefer students to have studied at least one science subject at 'A' level, but every university is different. After you’ve graduated you may want to work in fitness, health promotion, dietetics, nutrition, sports coaching or teaching. Other options include facility management and sports development. Do a bit of research as some large fitness and leisure companies recruit graduates as management trainees. There are also sports management courses, which teach you how to increase sporting participation and profits. Topics include: marketing, human resources, finance, economics, legal issues and strategy. Students might also explore sociological issues, sports development and problems of social inclusion.

Do I need an

International students aiming for a UK university often start by taking an access course aimed at this group. This normally lasts a year (though there are shorter courses) and will bridge the gap between their subject-related knowledge and the level required here. The course will also include some English language coaching. This should enable you to understand academic texts, follow lectures and chat to other students. A student must have a sound knowledge of English before taking the access course in order to benefit. Also, most universities will only let you study for an academic qualification once you have reached a specific standard. This is either English Language Testing System (IELTS) 5.5 to 6.5 or TOEFL 550 to 600.

How do I go about becoming a teacher?

If you're looking to teach in the future, there are several different routes you can take and it's a good idea to look at all of them before you decide. Here are the main ones:

You can take a full time degree course in education studies leading to a qualification called the BEd, which is accepted by both primary and secondary schools.

You can also study for a BA or BSc “with qualified teacher status” (BA/BSc with QTS). This will provide you with a subject qualification as well as a teaching one, useful if you are still unsure about your plans.

If you already have a degree, you can take a university course leading to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Your first degree, though, usually needs to be in a subject you can teach.

You can learn on the job through the Graduate Teacher Program (GTP), which allows you to learn about teaching while earning an unqualified teacher's salary.

Top graduates willing to teach for two years in challenging schools before going into business can join a scheme called TEACH FIRST. Participants are provided with basic teaching skills and leadership training by major companies, then helped to build their business career through mentoring, commercial work experience and access to networks.

As each university tends to have different kinds of courses, there are loads of other options, but do check before you decide, how much actual teacher training a course contains. Some will be more aimed towards producing teachers and others focus on education from a social, political or historic angle. Also, while staff in the maintained sector need to have some sort of valid teaching qualification, teachers in the independent sector don’t. Many just have a university degree in the subject they teach.

How useful is a business course?

This kind of degree can develop your understanding of organizations and the business environment in an increasingly global world. A good business studies course will prepare you for work in the private or public sector at a managerial level, or for those that want to start their own business it cam guide you towards doing so.Business studies isn’t just ‘business studies’, which is what you’ve probably thought, its actually a lot broader than its name suggests and may cover issues such as strategic planning as well as areas such as marketing, finance, industrial relations, mathematics, psychology and sociology.  Business studies is also a good course for people interested in working in organizations and their environment and the social relationships.    Sound business practices should form part of the syllabus, as should the relevant computer skills. You'll learn about economic theories and gain practical experience through placements.A wide range of course options, allowing you to specialize in business areas you’re interested in, also matters. No less important is a university's alumni network. Why not approach successful former students as this may well kick-start your career?

I want to work in the media

A degree is not a must in this highly competitive sector, but it can give you an edge. What media bosses seek is passion for their field, plus a willingness to learn to learn and to ask questions. So, lots of degrees come in handy. People working in political PR often studied international relations. TV and radio staff have degrees in anything from foreign languages to physics. Many broadsheet journalists did English, history or PPE. In advertising, Art degrees are common. Media studies courses offer another route in. Most provide students with an grasp of how radio, TV, films and newspapers work: lectures cover media history and the media's role in opinion forming. This is combined with training in production, feature writing and presenting.. Journalism courses, which can be shorter, cover similar ground but also teach editing and shorthand. Media work experience is crucial and students may be found placements during their course, but this is not always the case. Since courses vary in quality, it is best to pick one which leads to an accredited qualification, either from the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) or from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).While media studies degrees are stimulating and enjoyable, they don't guarantee you a media job. This is partly because their graduates tend to lack specialist knowledge of any field outside the media itself. Still, around 70 per cent find work after graduation, mainly in trade magazines or PR.

Is further education important?

A degree is the qualification you obtain by successfully completing a UK university course. This often involves studying one subject in depth, but an increasing number of degree courses enable you to study two or more subjects as part of the same course.Students opt to do a degree for several reasons. For a start, it allows you to immerse yourself in an interesting field far more deeply than was possible at school, or to explore a subject never taught there. It may also help you build a successful career; graduates have a greater choice of stimulating jobs than school leavers. They may also earn more, but this can depend on their subject. What you get at the end of your course is normally called a Honours or Bachelors degree. The most common degrees are the BA (Bachelor of Arts), the BSc (Bachelor of Science) the BEd (Bachelor of Education and the LLB (Law). Degrees are graded to show how well you have done. As for length, degree courses in the UK are shorter than in other parts of the world, yet recognised in most countries. Most involve only three years of intensive study.

To obtain your degree, you must generally pass a set of final exams, but many universities also draw on continuous assessment. This means that they also take into account course work and interim tests before deciding what grade to confer. If you suffer from terrible exam nerves, it is best to ensure that your degree does not solely depend on your performance in the last two weeks.

Studying medicine

Before, getting into medicine used to be a bit of a potluck process which worked best for the children of doctors, but now the selection process is becoming far more scientific. Almost all the UK’s medical schools use written aptitude tests (yes, more annoying tests) to create a shortlist of good applicants. Both the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), used by six medical schools, and the new UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), used by over twenty, seek out general qualities useful in medicine, rather than medical knowledge. So, if you have an aptitude for science, information management skills and a sharp, logical mind, you stand a fair chance. To further sharpen the mind, start reading science journals (if you‘re assured you won’t fall asleep) and newspaper stories about the various factors which affect health. This can help you to understand test questions and handle the interview.It’s important that you study for the right A-levels. Chemistry, combined with another science, is usually a must. Work experience in a hospital will impress some admissions tutors. Lastly, make sure to spend a few hours exploring your test’s probably unfamiliar format. What kind of things will you be asked to do and how? Is there an essay involved and, if so, of what length? If you want your results to reflect your abilities, now carefully read the sample questions available online. Then practice answering them and completing a paper within the set time.

What can I do with an arts degree?

University courses in traditional arts subjects, such as philosophy, are not necessarily designed to lead you towards a specific career. Instead, they develop your capacity to think, to absorb written material, to analyse other people's ideas and to express your own. These are qualities useful in a wide range of graduate jobs.Having said this, it's only fair to add that philosophy graduates often take longer to find appropriate work than other students. Employers certainly like to see some proof of their practical sense. Fortunately, volunteering or involvement in a student society can tick this box. Such activities suggest that you can interact not just with your highly theoretical subject but also with real life. Most important if you take a philosophy course, though, may be the degree you actually get. To impress an employer, you will probably need to get a First or at least an Upper Second. This suggests that you can still learn a great deal and fast, so be prepared to work hard for three or four years.

Where do I find "access" courses?

Many access courses are run by sixth form or tutorial colleges, which teach a general, pre-university syllabus. Others are held at universities and focus on an academic field such as science, engineering or the humanities. At the end, students who completed their coursework or passed an exam are given a certificate. While this does not guarantee you entry into higher education, lots of universities value it. To ensure that access students in the UK get a good deal, the standard of courses is officially monitored. Those recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) can be found on www.ucas.com/access. You can apply by contacting the college offering the access course or, if it is run by a university, through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Why study a language?

Absolutely. There are a variety of options for the future that will help with a business career. Business, finance, management and even engineering are increasingly global in scale. Having a good grasp of Spanish, a language spoken by 350 million people in over twenty countries, can therefore give you a huge advantage.  You may be in an interview for a job where speaking Spanish helps you stand out from the other candidates.  So would a sound knowledge of Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese or Russian. This is particularly true if you find yourself working abroad (you’ll also be lucky to leave the rain behind). While English is the international language of business, you may well need to communicate with non-business people in order to do your job. Language skills will enable you to convey your exact requirements to a foreign workforce and consult foreign experts, as well as showing off to your colleagues. Reading foreign papers will help you to grasp a country’s economic situation, so take a look. Quite a few Porsche-driving, high-earning city whiz kids are bilingual and everyone wants a Porsche, so this is another reason

Why study law?

Very challenging.

What are the best universities?

Universities differ in important ways, so it is impossible to draw up a neat best-to-worst list. Some excel in a particular subject area, such as applied science, while others are better at educating disadvantaged students. General factors taken into account when assessing a university usually include teaching quality, research achievements and job prospects. Attention may also be paid to the proportion of students obtaining top degrees. Expenditure on library and computer facilities counts, as does a university's staff-student ratio. You can check most of these factors on the annual league tables published by The Times, Sunday Times, Telegraph, Financial Times and Guardian. Most offer both a general university ranking and a breakdown by degree course but should be treated with caution: courses may not be identical and the nature of a university's student intake can affect its success rate. Some highly rated institutions recruit mainly top A-level students from problem-free schools. Nor will the excellence of individual academics show up on a chart; inspiring staff can be found in a huge variety of places. What this kind of information mainly tells you is that nowhere is perfect. For instance, the universities rated highest in academic terms are not necessarily the ones most popular with employers. Certain institutions, though, greatly outperform others in several key areas. If you are clear about your own needs and abilities, charts can therefore help you to pinpoint those universities likely to work best for you.