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Moving to another country to study is an exciting experience, but there can be a lot to think about before you arrive.
From finding somewhere to live and managing your money, to understanding British culture, healthcare and everyday life, preparing in advance can make your move to the UK much easier.
This guide will help you understand what to expect and what you can do before leaving home to make your transition to life at the University of Gloucestershire as smooth as possible.
There are some practical arrangements that are much easier to make before you travel.
Before leaving for the UK, think about:
Keep important documents and essential items in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage. It is also useful to keep electronic copies of important documents somewhere you can access securely online.
Preparing to move to another country takes time. Give yourself plenty of time to organise accommodation, travel and finances, and read the information the University sends you before your course begins.
You should arrange somewhere to live before travelling to the UK.
The University has accommodation in Cheltenham and Gloucester, including halls of residence, as well as information about private accommodation.
When choosing where to live, consider:
If you are renting privately, make sure you understand what you are agreeing to before paying a deposit or signing a contract.
Please note, University of Gloucestershire does not provide accommodation for families. If you are considering bringing your family, it is important that you arrange accommodation for them prior to arrival in Gloucestershire.
If you are not able to arrange family accommodation before arrival, you should travel on your own, book short term accommodation, and then secure family accommodation before your family travel.
The cost of living in the UK may be different from your home country, so it is important to plan realistically.
As well as your tuition fees, your regular costs are likely to include:
You may also have higher costs when you first arrive, for example buying bedding, kitchen equipment or other essentials.
Try to have access to enough money to cover your first few days in the UK without relying immediately on opening a UK bank account.
Creating a monthly budget before you travel can help you understand how much you have available to spend.
The currency of the UK is the pound sterling (£ or GBP).
Debit and credit cards are widely used and contactless payment is common in shops, cafes, restaurants and on many forms of public transport. Cash is still accepted in many places, but you should not need to carry large amounts.
Please note, University of Gloucestershire operates cashless campuses, so you won’t usually need cash when you’re at the University. Payments on campus are made by debit or credit card, or using other digital payment methods such as contactless payment.
Before you travel, check whether your current bank card:
It can be useful to have more than one way of accessing money when you first arrive.
Many international students choose to open a UK bank account after arriving.
Different banks have different eligibility and identification requirements. You may be asked for evidence of your identity, UK address, student status, and immigration status.
The University can provide information to help you obtain evidence of your student status once you have completed the appropriate enrolment processes.
Take time to compare accounts rather than simply choosing the first bank you find.
Healthcare in the UK is provided through the National Health Service (NHS) as well as private healthcare providers.
Once you have arrived and are eligible to do so, you should register with a local GP (General Practitioner). A GP is normally your first point of contact for non-emergency medical care.
Do not wait until you become ill before finding out where your local GP surgery is.
You should also find a local dentist if you are likely to require dental treatment.
If you regularly take prescribed medication, speak to your doctor before travelling.
Bring an appropriate supply for your journey and initial period in the UK, together with information about the medication you take. Some medicines available in your home country may have a different name, require a prescription or not be routinely available in the UK.
Keep medication in its original packaging and check any restrictions before travelling with it.
In a genuine emergency where someone is seriously ill, injured or in immediate danger, call 999.
For urgent medical advice when the situation is not a life-threatening emergency, NHS services can help you identify the most appropriate care.
British weather can be unpredictable. You may experience sunshine, rain, wind and changes in temperature within a relatively short period.
Bring clothing that can be worn in layers, as well as:
You do not need to bring everything you will need for the whole year. Cheltenham and Gloucester have supermarkets, pharmacies, clothes shops and stores where household essentials can be bought after you arrive.
UK mains electricity uses 230V and UK plugs normally use a three rectangular-pin Type G plug.
Check that electrical equipment brought from your home country is compatible before connecting it to a UK power supply. A plug adaptor does not convert voltage.
Check with your mobile provider before travelling to find out whether your phone will work in the UK and what international roaming charges apply.
Many students choose to obtain a UK SIM or eSIM after arriving.
When comparing mobile services, consider:
University campuses and halls of residence provide access to wifi, although you may still want mobile data when travelling.
Make sure family or friends at home know how to contact you once you arrive.
University of Gloucestershire has campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, so check where your course is primarily based before arranging accommodation and travel.
Public transport in the UK includes buses, trains and coaches. You can often save money by planning journeys in advance and using student or young-person travel discounts where you are eligible.
Before travelling to the UK:
Do not assume that you will be able to arrange everything when you reach the airport, particularly if you are arriving late in the evening.
Supermarkets in the UK sell food from around the world, and Cheltenham and Gloucester have a range of international food shops and restaurants.
Most large supermarkets offer:
Some supermarkets also provide home delivery.
Tap water in the UK is safe to drink.
If you will be living in self-catered accommodation, find out what cooking equipment is already provided before buying or bringing kitchen items.
Moving to another country involves more than learning your way around. Everyday behaviour and social customs may be different from those you are familiar with.
There is no single ‘British culture’, and the UK is a diverse and multicultural society, but there are some things you may notice.
Being on time is generally important, particularly for classes, appointments and meetings.
If an appointment is at 10am, you would normally be expected to arrive by 10am rather than begin travelling at that time.
People commonly queue for shops, buses, services and events. Joining the end of the queue rather than moving ahead of others is generally expected.
You may hear these words frequently in everyday conversation, including between strangers.
‘Sorry’ does not always mean that somebody believes they have done something wrong. It can also be used simply as a polite expression.
People may maintain more physical distance during conversation than is usual in some cultures. This should not normally be interpreted as unfriendly.
Informal conversation or ‘small talk’ is common. Topics such as the weather, travel, sport, food or what you did at the weekend are often used to start conversations.
Humour, understatement and sarcasm are also common and can sometimes take time to understand.
You do not need to change who you are to fit in. Part of studying internationally is learning from each other’s cultures and experiences.
Academic life in the UK may be different from the education system you are familiar with.
University study involves a significant amount of independent learning. Lectures and seminars are important, but they are only part of your studies. You will also be expected to read, research and work independently.
You may be encouraged to:
Disagreeing respectfully with another student or lecturer is acceptable in UK higher education when your argument is supported appropriately.
Academic staff will explain the requirements for your course and assessments, and support is available if you need help adjusting to UK academic practices.
UK universities take academic integrity seriously.
You will be expected to clearly distinguish between your own ideas and information obtained from other people or sources.
The University will provide guidance on areas such as:
Academic practices may differ from those in your previous education system, so do not worry if some of these expectations are unfamiliar. Make use of the academic support available and ask for advice if you are unsure.
Starting university in another country can sometimes feel isolating, particularly during the first few weeks.
One of the best ways to settle in is to get involved.
You could:
You will meet students from the UK and from many different countries.
It can be reassuring to make friends from your own country or cultural background, but try to meet people from a range of backgrounds too. It is a valuable part of the international university experience and can help you become more confident using English in everyday situations.
Even if you are looking forward to studying in the UK, there may be times when you miss home or find adapting to a different culture difficult.
This is normal.
When you first arrive, everything may feel new and exciting. After a while, differences in food, language, weather, social behaviour or everyday routines can sometimes become frustrating or tiring.
Give yourself time to adjust.
Keeping regular contact with family and friends at home can help, but also try to establish a routine in the UK and become involved in university life.
If you are struggling, speak to someone. The University has support services that can help with your wellbeing and adjustment to university life.
You do not need to wait until a problem becomes serious before asking for support.
The UK is generally a safe place to study, but you should take the same sensible precautions that you would anywhere else.
For example:
International students can sometimes be targeted by criminals pretending to represent banks, the police, government departments, delivery companies or universities.
Be suspicious of unexpected calls, messages or emails demanding immediate payment or asking for banking details, passwords or security codes.
Criminals often try to create urgency or fear to stop you checking whether a request is genuine.
If you receive something suspicious, do not make a payment or provide information. Contact the organisation independently using contact details you know are genuine.
Some international students choose to work part-time alongside their studies.
Before accepting any employment, make sure you understand whether you are permitted to work and any restrictions that apply to you.
You should also make sure that employment does not interfere with your studies.
If you hold a Student visa, read our separate visa and immigration guidance before undertaking any work.
The UK’s reputation for talking about the weather is well deserved.
Weather in Gloucestershire changes throughout the year.
Typically:
Autumn – September to November
Temperatures begin to fall and days become shorter. Rain is common.
Winter – December to February
Days are short and conditions can be cold, wet and occasionally icy or snowy.
Spring – March to May
Days become longer and temperatures generally become milder.
Summer – June to August
Usually the warmest period, although rain and cooler days are still possible.
British buildings are designed for colder weather, and university accommodation will have heating. You are unlikely to need to bring bulky winter clothing from home if this would use a large amount of your luggage allowance, as suitable clothing can be purchased after arrival.
Studying here gives you the opportunity to experience more than university life.
Cheltenham and Gloucester are close to the Cotswolds and have good connections to other parts of the UK.
During your studies, take the opportunity to explore the local area, attend events and experience life outside campus.
Travelling around the UK can also be an enjoyable part of your time as an international student, whether you visit larger cities, historic towns, countryside or the coast.
When you first arrive, concentrate on getting the basics in place.
A useful first-week checklist is:
You do not need to understand everything immediately. Your first few weeks are about finding your way around, meeting people and gradually becoming familiar with your new home.
Preparing to study overseas is a big step, and it is normal to have questions.
University of Gloucestershire has teams who can support you before you arrive and throughout your studies.
You can find information about:
Accommodation
Finding somewhere to live in Cheltenham or Gloucester.
Arriving in the UK
Practical information about travelling and arriving.
Money and budgeting
Guidance to help you understand and manage your living costs.
Student support and wellbeing
Support with your health, wellbeing and university life.
Visa and immigration advice
Separate guidance for students who require immigration permission to study in the UK.
Take some time to explore this information before you travel.
We look forward to welcoming you to Gloucestershire.