Birthplace of Harry Potter, home of the British Royal Family, and literary greats, among other things, the United Kingdom holds a stellar reputation as one of the best places to attain an education.
With a population of approximately 67 million people, largely concentrated in the metropolitan city of London, the UK is a prospective student’s dream destination.
To be an international student on the UK shores is to be part of a rich and thriving academic and social culture, which makes it an excellent destination for prospective students.
Comprised of four countries- England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland– each with its own distinct culture, and easily accessible by the transportation links, its relatively small size, and excellent transport connections, make it an enticing country to experience.
In many ways, studying in the UK offers one of the most unique experiences to a study abroad student. This is one of the many reasons why high caliber people like Malala Yousafzai, famous author Dr. Seuss, Oscar Wilde, and Desmond Tutu to name a few, chose the UK as their study destination of choice.
And it isn’t hard to see why.
Besides providing students with access to an unsurpassed world-class education system, students get the added benefits of engaging in a multicultural country that celebrates and embraces cultural diversity.
With the perfect mouth-watering balance of the old and new co-existing, students get to fully immerse themselves in an environment that challenges yet inspires.
From academics to lifestyle, the UK is the top-tier location for students looking for that healthy student life balance, at a reasonable cost.
But if you’re still unsure, here are some reasons why you should study abroad in the UK
1. World-Class Education Destination
The UK has a reputation for being one of the premier destinations for international students seeking a world-class education.
Students seeking an education that stands out can find a wide variety of courses in UK universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, which consistently rank at the top. In addition to those two, 8 of the top 50 and 26 of the top 200 universities can be found in the UK, reflecting the country’s reputation for quality education and research.
2. Internationally Recognized Credentials
Compared to other countries, the qualifications obtained from the UK are widely recognized and highly valued by employers. British higher education has consistently been ranked among the best internationally, setting the benchmark for other higher education institutions around the world.
It is these challenging and creative environments provided by these institutions that make it possible for their students to excel in their chosen area of expertise. So UK graduates can rest easy knowing that doors to world-class employers will be open to them in a variety of industries.
3. Cultural Diversity
Like New York, the UK has a reputation for being a culturally diverse destination. This means home is never too far away.
If the taste of home is what you are missing, then you never have to look too far to discover a wealth of widely available cuisines to satisfy your cravings.
Cultural festivals and events are celebrated openly and warmly so students from abroad feel welcomed and at home. It is this welcoming nature that makes the UK a multicultural haven for all races, ethnicities, and faiths.
4. Global Mindset
The gift of studying in a culturally diverse country will bring a different perspective to your academic experience whilst providing you the opportunity to share your own.
Because of this, you will be encouraged to discover and develop new ways of thinking whilst expanding your social experiences.
Also being surrounded by fellow study abroad students who can relate to your experience allows you to forge meaningful global connections with your classmates.
This means that no matter where you find yourself in the world, you will have a friend.
5. Weather
Let’s face it, the weather in the UK has a reputation for being rainy, drab, and quite frankly unpredictable.
On any given day, you could be wearing a waterproof hoodie, carrying an umbrella, wearing a sundress or t-shirt, with boots all in a bid to keep up with the weather’s unpredictability.
As daunting as this sounds, this is what the weather in the UK is like. I mean one minute it’s hot and the next minute it’s rainy and cool.
But don’t let that deter you.
Whilst the weather can be unpredictable, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the UK. For instance, Summers in the UK have been known to be quite hot, with temperatures soaring up to 32℃. This makes it the perfect weather to grab a pint of lager or a glass of wine at a nearby pub to enjoy the sunshine, socialize with other people and listen to live music in many cases.
But even with that, don’t forget your umbrella!
6. Earn while you Study
One of the positive benefits of being a full-time student In the UK, is that international students thankfully can work up to twenty hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
While this is a welcome relief, it is important to note that you do your due diligence and check on your visa type to see if restrictions and conditions may apply. University advisors are available to offer a helping hand in providing clarity in that department.
Either way, the opportunity to work while you study is an excellent way to gain invaluable work experience, build your network, while also relieving any financial burdens you may have.
A win-win scenario.
7. Free healthcare
Besides academics, the UK also boasts an enviable and free healthcare system.
The best part about this? International students are entitled to receive free NHS primary care at any General Practice, free of charge. There is only one catch: to qualify for this free healthcare, you should be a full-time student, studying a course that lasts more than six months.
8. Bustling Social Scene
To get the most out of your study abroad experience, a healthy balance is key. The UK offers just that.
With its endless array of clubs and quirky pubs and bars, the UK is the ideal place to experience a vibrant and bustling social scene to keep you entertained and refreshed.
From the nightlife to exploratory travels, the UK is small enough to explore, yet large enough to never get bored. With its rich history, the Tower of London, Stonehenge, British Museum, Tate Modern, British Library, Buckingham Palace are a day trip away.
If you are itching for a quick European getaway, its prime location means that you are a cheap flight away from the Republic of Ireland, France, Italy, or Spain and a train ride away from Wales, and Scotland. Before travel, check all visa requirements for clarity.
9.Best place to learn and Improve your English
One of the best gifts of studying in the UK is that you get a chance to improve your English language skills in a country known for its high speaking manner.
Whether in an academic or social setting, as a study abroad student you will have every opportunity to dramatically improve your English language skills.
If you aren’t confident in your English, don’t worry. You can take a Pre-Masters course or take a Foundational course specifically designed for international students to help you gain the fundamentals of succeeding in your academic pursuits.
10. Post Graduate Study Work Permit
Finally, in the wake of Brexit, the UK introduced the post- study work visa, which will be available to international graduates from the UK, starting in Summer 2021!
The visa will allow international students to stay in the UK for up to two years after their studies, to find employment!
The post-study work visa presents a fantastic opportunity for international students as it allows them to stay in the UK and work for up to two years after they’ve completed their studies.
Being able to work in a skilled job for a specific period of time after graduating is not only an important component of your international study experience but it also adds to the general appeal of being a UK graduate.
By applying for the post-study work visa, you get to be part of the UK work culture. The thriving, innovative, and high-class business communities in London, Manchester, Bristol all provide the opportunity for international students to break into their fields of expertise.
Furthermore, graduates interested in working in the UK after graduation and possibly settling in the country can do so with this route.
All in all the UK continues to be one of the best places to get an education for international students and it isn’t hard to see why!