Are you an international student looking to study in the UK? While it’s a really exciting prospect, it can be rather daunting too. However, as self storage and personal storage expect we have the experience and space you need. We have helped lots of students just like you with their secure storage needs and we have cheap storage available in Peterborough and Darlington that is ideal for your needs.

As secure storage experts we wanted to help international students moving to the UK. In this blog post we have put together some top tips for international students moving to the UK. If you’re an international student looking to move to the UK, then check out our tips below. It’s a big move and it’s important to be prepared. If you need help with cheap storage in Darlington or Peterborough, just give us a call.

Tips For International Students Moving To The UK Quick Self Storage

Funding or Scholarships

The most important part of being an international student studying in the UK is that you need to make sure that you have the finances in place so you can fund your time at university. Further to Brexit changes, students from the EU no longer receive the same student loans as UK students. As an international student you must cover all education fees yourself. This can come in between £10,000 and £35,000 per year. There are scholarships available, so it is worth while looking into funding and scholarships and find out the application process.

Student Visa

A student visa is almost as important as funding for your education in the UK. All international students will need to apply for a student visa to allow them to study in the UK. This includes students from the EU and the EEA. If you are an international student or 12 months or less, you will need a Standard Visitor Visa. This will cost £95. However, if you are studying in the UK for longer you will need to apply for a student visa. A student visa costs £348. It is possible to submit your visa application online, however it can take up to 6 months and will need to be done before you can start your course. The British Council has more tips on student visas.

Weather Ready

The UK is well-known for it’s cold and wet weather. Make sure you bear this in mind when packing for your stay in the UK. While most homes in the UK are fitted with central heating to help keep them warm, it can be expensive to run. When planning out your monthly budget, make sure you take the heating bill into account. We would recommend that warm costs, hats, scarves, gloves, coats, knitwear and blankets are a must too.

Tips For International Students Moving To The UK Quick Self Storage

Student Accommodation

During your first year at university, you will be offered student accommodation. This will be within something known as ‘halls of residence’, or ‘halls’ by students. You will be placed in a flat with other people, often having your own room and sometimes an en-suite, then you share the living area and kitchen.  This is a great way of getting to know other students that are in the same boat as you. You must organise your student accommodation before you arrive in the UK.

Health Insurance

When completed your visa application, it is likely you will be asked about healthcare. You may be asked to pay a healthcare surcharge. This gives you access to the NHS which is a universal healthcare system in the UK. The healthcare surcharge will be around £235 for 6 months or £470 for 12 months. We would recommend that you take out international student travel insurance on top of this, just so you know you’re safe.

Bank Account

It’s a good idea to open a student bank account. This will make your spending in the UK a lot easier. There are lots of high street banks that will offer special student accounts. These will often include interest-free overdrafts. This will give you a little something to fall bank on when finances get tight.

International Calls

It’s only normal that you will want to keep in touch with your friends and family while you are studying abroad. Take the time to look at international call rates to get the best deal for you. You may find that video calls are the most affordable option as you can use the Wi-Fi in your student accommodation. However, it is worth looking into the best SIM cards for making worldwide phone calls too. It might be worth getting a UK SIM as well. This will make it easier and more affordable to contact your new friends in the UK.

Working

You may choose to make extra money while studying abroad through working. If you do this, it is important you understand your worker rights. A part-time job will help supplement your studies. However, under your student visa you will only be able to work 20 hours a week or less. Remember to inform any potential employers of this. Something many international students do now is work in the digital gig economy, using various freelancing websites then working from home to earn money.

Tips For International Students Moving To The UK Quick Self Storage

Get Exploring

While the UK is relatively small in relation to other places across the globe, there is a lot to explore. It’s worth checking out London, the capital city. However, there are lots more places to explore too. For example, the stunning coastline in the Southwest of England, the castles in Scotland, the valleys of Wales and so much more. Make the most of your time in the UK and see what we have to offer. If you do need secure storage during your travels, drop us a line.

If you are looking to become an international student studying in the UK and you’re worried about secure storage for all your belongings, call our team. We have cheap storage in Peterborough and Darlington that will suit your needs perfectly. 

Student accommodation will be small, so a nearby secure storage facility could be just what you are looking for. It will give you the extra space you need in your accommodation, while giving you the peace of mind that your belongings are safe and secure.

Our cheap storage in Darlington and Peterborough can also be use when you are travelling around the UK. For example, during summer holidays and breaks between terms you may need to leave your student accommodation. Quick Self Storage’s secure storage facilities mean that you travel the UK easily, while your belongings are stored safely.

Call our storage specialists to find out more – and Good Luck with your studies in the UK.