UK Immigration focus UK Immigration Guide: The UK is the world’s oldest, most mysterious, and noble country, holding great appeal; consequently, the number of people studying in the UK increases every year. However, expenses for international students in the UK are very high. Are there tips one can try to sufficiently reduce living expenses and lower the overall cost of studying abroad?
1. Take full advantage of student discounts and benefits
Many stores, theaters, cinemas, museums, and art galleries in the UK offer student discount prices, and student tickets are available for buses and trains.
You can enjoy 10% discounts on certain products at audio-visual retail chain HMV and clothing chain TOPMAN, as well as half-price deals on laptops. International students can check with their student union for the latest offers.
2. Work part-time if you have the capacity
You may choose to work while you study. Students in the UK must comply with relevant policies when working to avoid unnecessary trouble. Working in the UK requires a work permit. International students are permitted to work 20 hours per week during term time, with no such restrictions during holidays. As the cost of studying in the UK is quite high, many choose to work and study simultaneously; in the process, they gain social experience, laying a foundation for finding a suitable job later. Of course, some jobs may not provide directly relevant experience, but they can be considered a way to integrate into society.
3. Actively apply for scholarships
UK universities offer scholarships of £1,000–£3,000 per year to students who receive an offer of admission and successfully apply. Generally, these scholarships are numerous and easier to obtain, and many universities automatically grant them to students who receive an admission offer.
Chinese students should feel free to apply for these scholarships. Unlike in China, scholarships in the UK are not solely based on academic performance. UK scholarships place more emphasis on a student’s character and practical abilities. If you have any special talents, don't be afraid to showcase them; you might just secure a generous scholarship!
4. Consider a two-year accelerated undergraduate degree
Studying in the UK for one year less can save you a year of high tuition and living expenses. If you also factor in the salary earned by starting work a year earlier, students in two-year courses can save an average of more than £20,000 compared to three-year students. The saying "time is money" is perfectly demonstrated here. Currently, seven UK universities are piloting two-year accelerated undergraduate degree programs.
5. Smart methods for currency exchange and remittances
Because bank foreign exchange rates change daily, smart currency exchange can effectively reduce expenses. Choosing the right remittance method can also save money. For example, while wire transfers are fast, the handling fees are higher than for demand drafts; therefore, choosing a demand draft can save costs. If the university accepts credit card payments, you can even save on remittance fees. When choosing a credit card, try to select an international card. Many commercial banks have launched international credit cards applicable in over 300 countries, which do not charge transaction fees for purchases and offer certain overdraft limits and interest-free periods—these should be the top choice for UK international students.
6. Avoid popular majors and institutions
By being strategic in selecting institutions and majors, international students in the UK can also alleviate the financial pressure caused by high study costs. In terms of school selection, public universities generally only charge registration fees, whereas tuition at private institutions is astronomically high. Typically, top talent flocks to popular majors, making scholarship opportunities relatively scarcer, and competition for admission is fierce; failing an application can lead to financial loss. Therefore, for Chinese students with limited financial capacity, it might be wise to take a different approach and avoid popular regions and institutions to effectively lower study costs. The duration for an undergraduate degree in the UK is generally three years. For instance, both in London, the annual living expenses at the University of East London (located in the eastern suburbs) are around £5,000, while universities in central London cost £900 to £1,000 per year in living expenses. The aforementioned expenses include food, accommodation, transportation, and necessary pocket money. Transportation is the third largest expense, and transportation costs in the London area are exactly double those in the Manchester area.
