Studying in Britain
7 Study in the UK Myths for International Students
We take a look at the seven most popular UK study abroad rumours amongst international students:
1. London is too expensive to consider: London is the most expensive place in Britain to live. Brunel University (in London) estimate the cost of living as 7800 GBP per year. LSE estimate 12,000GBP but do say it is possible to spend less. Middlesex University is also in London and they estimate about 7,200GBP per year. This is compared to cheaper UK cities such as Liverpool and Newcastle (The University of Liverpool suggest 5,500-7,000GBP, The University of Newcastle say 6,500GBP per year). However The University of Birmingham (which is in the centre of Britain) estimate between 7800 and 10800GBP per year.
So basically London is more expenisve but not by much for most cities. Therefore unless your budget is very tight, you should not think London is too expenisve. If your budget is very tight then consider the cheapest UK cities such as Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow & Sheffield.
Verdict: Not true unless your budget is very limited
2. Scotland is cold and they do not speak Standard English
All areas of the UK, even London, have their own accent. The Scottish accent is one of the strongest and can be difficult to understand at first. However, students quickly get used to it and find understanding the locals no problem. Also within the university people are likely to speak with a much less strong accent, so understanding lectures is not a probelm!
Verdict: Not true
3. After studying in Britain it is not possible to immigrate there. This one is quite true. It is very difficult for students to get a resident visa after your studies. However it can be possible to get a work visa - especially if you study in Scotland!
Verdict: Pretty true!
4. If you apply through a university representative in China you have more chance of being accepted
Agents can be very good at helping you. They can make applying easier, they can introduce you to courses you might not otherwise find and their knowledge can help you get in to a better university. However, no agents can get you accepted in to a university that would refuse you if you applied without their help. No agent has this guanxi and you should not believe them if they say they do.
Verdict: Definitely Not True
5. There are quotas for the number of visas that can be given to Chinese students each day
This is a common myth, but it is not true according to Susan Ivinns of the British Consulate, Shanghai. There is no daily limit or yearly limit to the numbers of visas that can be issued for Chinese students. In fact the British Government announced a policy to increase the numbers of Chinese students back in 2002. Visa officers actually want to issue visas and if your application is good and genuine you will get a visa
Verdict: Not true
6. Everything in the UK is very expensive. Most things in Britain are more expensive than in China and Britain is an expensive country. The most expensive items are: accommodation, nightlife, travel and food. However some items are inexpensive; mobile phones are actually cheaper than in China! clothes can be bought quite cheaply and students are entitled to large dicounts at many places including the cinema, and the trains.
Verdict: Mostly true!
7. Applying online is quicker. More and more universities now offer online application. Although you still need to send your documents to the university by the post, most universities will give you a quicker decision if you submit the online application form because they will send you an email decision even before they have received your supporting documents (school certificates, transcript, references, English certificate). For example the university of Nottingham can give you a decision after just one week if you apply online (6-8 weeks if done by post).
Verdict: True for most universities!
To view related articles please click here