Studying in England can be a great experience. The UK has a long history of providing quality education and is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. The UK education system is known for its flexibility, with a wide range of courses and degrees available to students.
The UK is also a culturally diverse country, with many international students choosing to study there every year. It means you will have the opportunity to meet people worldwide and learn about different cultures.
Language
English
Quality of Edu
#12
in the world
Study Cost
About 2,500 Euro
Monthly
Living Cost
About 1,000 Euro
Monthly
Table of Contents
England student visa requirements
- a valid passport
- an Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institute
You might be required to provide:
- Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay your tuition fee – this may change depending on your occasion.
- An ATAS certificate if your institution and nationality need it
- Tuberculosis test results
- Written approval from your financial supporter if you’ve received sponsorship for your tuition fees and living expenses in the last 12 months
- If you’re under 18, provide proof of your relationship with your guardian or parent.
- Proof of parental or other legal guardian permission if you’re under 18
Cost of living in England
However, studying in the UK can be expensive. Tuition fees can range from €11,500 to €32,000 annually, depending on the course and university. Living costs can also be high, with an average monthly price between €930 and €1,500.
As an international student in England, you can expect to pay for the following expenses per month (€):
- Accommodation: 400 – 800
- Food: 130 – 220
- Health insurance: 13 – 27
- Transportation: 22 – 44
- Sports: 22 – 53
- Clothing: 54 – 110
- Semester contributions: 110 – 220
- Working materials: 53 – 110
- Internet costs: 20 – 45
Please remember that these are approximate prices and may change depending on your occasion.
If you are interested in studying in the UK, many resources are available to help you plan your studies and find funding opportunities. The Study UK website provides practical information on choosing a university applying for courses, and scholarships.
Social life in England
Social life in England is diverse and vibrant. The country has a rich cultural heritage and many opportunities to explore it. British people are known for their love of tea, and having tea with friends and family is a popular social activity.
When it comes to socializing, the British are generally polite and reserved. They value personal space and may seem distant when conversing with others. However, they are also known for their sense of humor and love of good conversation.
Making friends in a new country is demanding, but there are many methods to meet new friends in the UK. Here are some suggestions for finding new people in the UK:
- Join a club or group: Entering a group or club is an easy way to meet people who share your interests. You can find groups for everything from sports to book clubs to language exchange programs.
- Volunteer: Working as a volunteer is a creative way to see new individuals while providing back to the community. You can find volunteer opportunities through local charities and organizations.
- Attend events: Joining events is a way to meet new people. You can find events through websites like Meetup or Eventbrite.
- Take a class: Taking part in a course is a great way to meet people who share your interests. You can find them through local community centers or adult education programs.
- Be friendly: Being friendly and approachable is critical for making new friends. Smile, say hello, and strike up a conversation with someone new.
- Be patient: Making friends takes time, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen immediately.
If you want to explore the country’s history and culture, there are many museums, galleries, and historical sites to visit. London is the birthplace of the world’s most notable museums, for instance, the British Museum and the National Gallery.
Here are some popular activities to consider:
- Walking tours of London: London is a walkable city with many famous attractions near the city center. Visitors can see Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben in Parliament Square. Other nearby attractions include Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the National Gallery.
- Visit Stonehenge: Stonehenge is an iconic site and a World Heritage Site. Visitors can see the famous stone circle, antique houses, and a museum that describes the region’s history.
- See a play in Stratford-upon-Avon: The Royal Shakespeare Company plays in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre.
- Explore Bristol’s street art: Bristol is known for its street art scene, which includes works by Banksy. Visitors can walk around the street to visit the most well-known works.
- Visit Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most famous landmarks. Travelers can tour the palace and see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- Surf in Cornwall: Cornwall has some of England’s best surfing beaches. Visitors can take lessons or rent equipment to enjoy the waves.
- Visit Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery: The Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery has an extensive collection of art and artifacts worldwide. It also hosts temporary shows yearly.
- Explore Newcastle’s Victoria Tunnel: The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th-century wagonway that runs beneath Newcastle Upon Tyne. Travelers can book guided tours to learn about its history.
These are just a few examples of popular activities in England. Whether you enjoy history, art, or outdoor activities, there is something for everyone.
Economy
The employment rate in the UK has been increasing steadily. The employment rate for September 2023 is estimated to be 75.7%. However, the number of vacancies in the UK fell by 43,000 in the quarter to 988,000.
Here are some ways to find a job in the UK:
- Online job portals: You can visit popular job portals such as Indeed, Monster, or Jobsite to get an idea of the number of opportunities available. Furthermore, you can make an online profile and upload your resume on LinkedIn to check for any exciting vacancies.
- Government websites: The UK government website publishes and regularly updates skills shortage occupations on its website. You can also use the ‘Find a job’ service to search and apply for jobs.
- Recruitment agencies: Recruitment agents can assist you in finding a job that matches your skills and experience. Some popular recruitment agencies in the UK include Reed, Hays, and Adecco.
- Networking: Networking is an effective way to find a job in the UK. You can attend job fairs, industry events, and seminars to find potential employers and create networks.
- Embassies and consulates: they can provide information regarding career options in the UK for foreign nationals.
- Self-employment and freelancing: If you have a unique skill set, you can consider self-employment or freelancing in the UK.
Culture
Italy’s rich cultural heritage has influenced the world in many ways. Italy has been the center of the Roman civilization and the Catholic Church and the starting point of movements with tremendous international influence, such as the Renaissance, Neoclassicism, Baroque, Futurism, and Fascism. Italy is considered a cultural superpower and one of the birthplaces of Western civilization.
Italian culture’s main elements are art, music, cinema, style, and meals. Italy was the home of Opera, and for many years, the language of Opera was Italian, irrespective of the composer’s nationality. Italy had a significant presence in developing Classical music, birthing Baroque music, and many forms of musical pieces, such as the Sonata, the Symphony, and the Concerto, as well as many vital songwriters. Italy is known for its cheerful folk dances. Italy has electronic dance music scenes consisting of Italian-born genres such as Italo disco, lento violento, and dream trance and foreign genres such as hardstyle. Before being exported to France, the Ballet dance genre originated in Italy.
Italian cooking is renowned worldwide for its variety and quality. Italian food is characterized by its simplicity and use of fresh ingredients. Some favorite Italian dishes include pizza, pasta, risotto, lasagna, and gelato.
Italy is also known for its fashion industry. Milan is one of the world’s fashion and style capitals and the motherland of well-known fashion designers such as Giorgio Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Gucci.
Transportation
The UK has a well-developed transportation network that includes buses, trains, taxis, ferries, and airplanes. To choose the best mode of transportation, you need to pay attention to your itinerary and budget.
For shorter distances within cities, you can use buses, the metro, trams, and taxis.
If you need to travel long distances within the UK without a private car, there are several options, such as long-distance coaches and airplanes.
Here are some pros and cons of each mode of transportation:
Buses
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good for shorter distances
Cons:
- It can be slow due to traffic
Trams
Pros:
- Good for shorter distances
Cons:
- Limited coverage area
Trains
Pros:
- Fast
- It takes you straight into the city center
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Expensive
- It can be crowded during peak times
If you plan to travel between major cities such as London, York, Edinburgh, Bath, and Liverpool, the train is the most efficient and cost-effective option. It is essential to book in advance and avoid traveling during peak times (before 9:30 a.m. on weekdays).
Hiring a car
Pros:
- More flexibility
- More accessible to visit rural areas
Cons:
- Expensive
- Parking can be difficult in cities
If you plan to visit rural zones of the UK, such as the Cotswolds, hiring a car and taking a road trip or an organized day tour is much easier.
Metro
Pros:
- Fast
- Good for shorter distances
Cons:
- Limited coverage area
Taxi
Pros:
- Convenient
Cons:
- Expensive
It is essential to consider your itinerary and budget when choosing a mode of transportation. For example, taking the train will be the most comfortable and inexpensive option if you travel from city to city around the UK. However, if you plan to visit rural areas of the UK, such as the Cotswolds, hiring a car and taking a road trip or an organized day tour is much easier.
Weather
The United Kingdom has a marine climate, which is mild and wet throughout the year. They experience four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Here are some general characteristics of each season:
Spring: Spring in the UK lasts from March to May. The weather is mild, and temperatures vary from about five °C to fifteen°C (43°F to 59°F) on average. The days start to get longer, and flowers begin to bloom.
Summer: Summer in the UK lasts from June to August. It is generally warm, with temperatures usually ranging from twelve°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F). It is the driest season of the year, and the days are long.
Autumn: Autumn in the UK lasts from September to November. The weather starts to get more relaxed, with temperatures varying from six°C to fifteen°C (43°F to 59°F). The leaves on trees change color, and days become shorter.
Winter: Winter in the UK lasts from December to February. The weather is cold, the temperatures going from two°C to seven°C (36°F to 45°F) on average. It is the wettest season of the year, and there is a chance of snowfall in some parts of the country.
Please note that these are general characteristics of each season, and the weather can vary depending on where you are in the UK.
Working simultaneously with studying
The most in-demand industries in the UK job market are:
- Information Technology: IT comprises software, hardware companies, and internet or related service providers. The number of advertised tech roles is 42% higher than pre-pandemic levels, and tech and IT-related vacancies make up 13% of job vacancies.
- Home Furnishings: With more people working from home than ever, homeware and soft furnishings sales have soared. High property prices have led to more people taking an interest in home improvements and DIY projects. Furniture production is one of the best-performing manufacturing sectors, and data from the British Furniture Manufacturers trade survey revealed that 43% expect to recruit new staff in the next six months.
- Sports Clothing and Equipment: Sports clothing and equipment sales have surged with more interest in health and fitness.
The most in-demand skills in the UK job market are:
- Hard Skills: Finance, auditing, and accounting
- Soft Skills: Communications, management, and customer service
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Sustainability
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Electricians
- Building and Construction, including brick-laying
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Roofing
- Power including solar PV and green energy
Please note that this information is current as of October 2023 and is subject to change.
At the time of writing, workers aged between 18 and 20 are paid at least £6.45 per hour.
- UK international students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term time if they are studying full-time for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree-level course or if an eligible overseas institution sponsors them for short-term degree-level study in the UK. However, if you are studying for a qualification below degree level, you can work up to full-time hours (usually around 40 hours per week) outside of the term. If you are a part-time student, you cannot work.
If you are in a ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ position under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can live and work in the UK without restriction and don’t need a student visa.
Remember that self-employment is not allowed on a Tier 4 visa. Suppose you need help balancing work and study. In that case, it is recommended that you seek professional advice from your university or college before deciding to work and study in the UK.
Work after education
In Italy, there are many job opportunities available for them. The most relevant job openings include positions in the fields of healthcare, education, and engineering.
In addition to this, several major companies in Italy are often on the lookout for skilled international graduates. These include Pirelli, Fiat, Eni, Enel, Luxottica Group, UniCredit, and Generali Group.
The areas primarily in demand for international graduates in Italy include tourism, engineering, manufacturing, fashion, winery, and motor vehicle.
If you’re interested in studying and working in Italy after graduation, it’s essential to research the job market and identify the most promising sectors. You can also seek guidance from your university’s career services office or connect with alums who have worked in Italy to learn more about their experiences.
If you are an international student in Italy and want to work after your studies, you can apply for a post-study work permit. Students can apply for a work permit in Italy after finishing their master’s or PhD. They can stay in Italy for a year until they get a full-time job offer. In this case, international students can apply for a post-study work visa.
You can find job opportunities for international students in Italy on websites. Additionally, you can convert your student visa into a work visa in Italy after your studies.
Residence after education
After graduation, you are able to request a Graduate visa. It allows global students who have finished their studies to stay in the UK for up to two years after graduation. Luckily, PhD graduates are able to apply to stay for up to three years. The Graduate visa is unsponsored, which means you can use this time to work or look for a job at any skill level. You are flexible to earn job experience, participate in an internship, or become a freelancer in the UK. As soon as you find a suitable career, you’ll have the opportunity to switch to a skilled work path and stay in the UK after your two or three years have ended.
After completing five full years of a graduate job in the UK, you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence card. To become a permanent resident, you must apply for the ILR (indefinite leave to remain) visa. A good code of conduct, a full-time job, and a clear criminal record will help you get the ILR visa in the UK.