Students considering to study abroad in the UK can have a unique and fulfilling time in the UK. The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, renowned for their extensive histories and excellent educational programs. Beyond its academic reputation, the UK has a thriving cultural scene, a diverse population, and a wealth of options for both career and personal development. Let’s explore this topic more deeply and the following sections showcase reasons for students to study abroad in the UK.
High-quality education
The UK is home to many of the world’s leading universities, with one-fifth of its 163 universities ranking among the top 200 globally. In comparison, only one-fifth of universities in the United States are in the top 200. Thus, students studying abroad in the UK have a higher likelihood of attending a prestigious institution. These universities also offer top-rated programs, allowing students to pursue majors that align with their interests.
Academic qualifications from the UK are highly regarded and valued internationally. In the UK, students benefit from top educational resources provided by institutions with a long history of excellence. British universities are renowned for their high-quality education and have produced over 90 Nobel Prize winners. The Times Higher Education regularly conducts academic surveys and publishes university rankings, further enhancing the global reputation of British degrees, which are recognized and respected worldwide.
Shorter course duration
The cost of studying abroad is one of the first reasons everyone considers when choosing a country to study in. In the UK, except for Scotland, which has a four-year undergraduate system, England, Wales and Northern Ireland all have a three-year undergraduate system, and a general master’s degree can be completed within one year. The content of undergraduate and master’s courses in the UK is extremely professional and the curriculum is compact.
The significant advantage of a shorter academic system is that it can reduce both the cost and time of studying abroad. Graduating a year earlier than usual means saving a year’s worth of expenses, including tuition and living costs.
This means that while others have not graduated, students who study abroad in the UK can already start working earlier, invest, and plan their own development.
Stable social environment
As an island country, the United Kingdom has a small land area. The means of transportation between cities are mainly cars and trains. You can travel between any two locations in the UK in basically 3 or 4 hours. Even if you live in a remote and uninhabited mountain village in the UK, you can take a train for an hour or two and go to London for a tour. In countries with vast territories like Canada and the United States, it may take two hours of driving to reach the city center. In addition, the UK is a country where guns and drugs are illegal. Relatively speaking, the safety factor is greatly increased. You don’t have to worry too much about your own safety while studying abroad.
Students can study and work at the same time
Students who study abroad in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week if they are studying at degree level or above at a higher education institution. If they are studying a course below degree level, they can work up to 10 hours per week. During the official university holidays, students can work full-time. Students need a National Insurance number if they would like to work in the UK, and this is can applied for once they have arrived in the UK. Students who wish to work can try to find jobs via university job boards, job portals (such as LinkedIn, StudentJob), or they can even work at campus (such as student union, librarian).
To ensure that students’ professional responsibilities do not interfere with their academic commitments, practicing good time management is essential. Students studying abroad in the UK should prioritize their academic duties. Maintaining strong academic performance is crucial for extending their study permits in the UK.
Ease of exploring other countries
It is very convenient to travel from the UK to other European countries. Students who study abroad in the UK get the chance to travel to neighbouring countries easily. Depending on where the students are from, traveling to other European countries may be visa-free. For others, the students only need to apply for a Schengen visa if they intend to travel within the EU. The Eurostar train takes them from London to Paris in just 2 hours. Air tickets from various low-cost airlines also make sure the expenses are kept low.
Wide range of job opportunities
Studying in the UK will not only offer students a high-quality education but also broaden their employment opportunities after graduation. As a highly internationalized country, the UK values talents with a global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills across various industries. Students who live and study abroad in the UK will adapt more easily to the international workplace, enhance their competitiveness, and build a solid foundation for their future career. International students who are interested to look for a job in the UK after graduation have 2 years to do.
Student life when you study abroad in the UK
The UK boasts a buzzing cultural scene and dazzling nightlife, home to cultural icons like Shakespeare and Harry Potter. Whether students studying abroad in the UK are seeking vibrant nightlife or cultural enrichment, the UK has it all. Experience the dynamic nightlife in cities like Glasgow and Cardiff, or enjoy the bright stage lights of London’s West End for unforgettable moments and lasting memories. The UK’s music scene is legendary, having produced artists such as The Beatles, Adele, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and Dua Lipa. Students considering to study abroad in the UK can attend concerts, dance at venues like Printworks in Manchester, or participate in festivals like Glastonbury. Additionally, the UK offers top-class galleries, museums, and cinemas, many of which provide free general entry or student discounts for special exhibitions.
Studying in the UK offers access to high-quality educational resources, exposure to diverse cultures, opportunities to expand your network, and a strong foundation for future employment. Choosing to study abroad in the UK means choosing a broader world and a brighter future.
