With the approaching month of October every year, many international students worldwide pack their luggage and bags, bid farewell to their friends and families, and embark on a study trip abroad ... this journey for which they have fought another long journey of decisive procedures, tests and decisions so that they can join them.
Therefore, it is very necessary for the student to take into consideration some final steps that he must take care of before leaving his home country and moving to Britain, which has become his academic home, in order to avoid any problems or difficulties that he may face if he omits it.
Confirm travel arrangements:
You must be sure of the location of the airport from which you will leave, as well as the airport you will reach .. The United Kingdom has many international airports spread throughout the country, so you must be sure of the airport that your flight will reach, and the arrival time as well .. There are many Available options to help you on arrival include:
Many universities provide the "welcome and welcome" service, meaning that you will find a team from your university in which you will study waiting for your arrival at the airport .. you must check with your university to book this service before you travel. You can rent a taxi that takes you to your destination, but you must put Considering that it is usually very expensive. You can book on buses or trains that connect the airport with various cities and local neighborhoods..You can make reservations on national express buses through their website before traveling, or you can take one of these buses immediately after your arrival. You also consider the possibility of moving on the famous underground network in Britain, which can take you to all places and neighborhoods that you want to reach easily.
Housing arrangements:
One of the cheapest options for students in terms of living is to reside in university housing .. However you can also choose from many different options for accommodation, whether through private apartments or student homes or others.
Your medical situation:
Before leaving your home country, you must pass to your own physician and ask him for a letter in English containing details of any medications or treatments that you keep taking, until you use them when you arrive in Britain.
Note that in Britain some medicines are not sold without a prescription, and that you will need a health certificate to get them, so try to bring with you some routine medications for your medical condition before you arrive in the UK..and once you arrive at them you will have to register with the local NHS In your city, which will guarantee you free treatment during your studies.
Visit your own bank:
Before traveling, you should coordinate with your bank about any special arrangements related to the system of bank transfers or the use of debit cards abroad, or other measures that ensure you adequate stability, especially in the first weeks of your presence in the United Kingdom.
Pack your bags:
Remember that you are on your way to the United Kingdom and not to a neighboring country! .. Meaning that you must bring clothes appropriate to the circumstances of this country, the climate in Britain is never predictable, and if you do not take this point into account, you will often have to spend all your money Purchase heavy coats and raincoats during the first weeks of your studies!
Remember to bring with you:
A heavy coat and a waterproof glove or, in general, warm clothes ... Also try to bring some clothes hangers, alarm clock, flashlight and camera with you ... widgets that may seem strange but you will definitely need them!
Heavy bedding, basic cooking tools ... You can of course buy these items from anywhere in the city, but it is better to reduce your expenses as much as you can, at least until you adjust to the level of life there in the first weeks. Bring your transformers with you A set of personal photos that are usually required to obtain passports, because you will inevitably need them in the first weeks to issue your identity card or any other documents related to the university or residence in Britain. Also remember to coordinate with the airline that you are traveling through, about the loads that you will take With you on the trip, where students usually enjoy additional loads of extra, so you must make sure of this point before traveling, in order to avoid the confusion that usually occurs in airports at travel times.
The necessary documents:
Always keep important documents close to your fingertips, because, as usual, you will be asked to show them at customs the moment you arrive at the airport in the United Kingdom .. Always make sure that you have in your possession a passport and university letter confirming that you are coming to study there, and a document with proof of the address you will stay in it.
Get insurance
As an international student in the UK, you will have the right to free medical care, but after checking the compatibility of the health insurance provided to the student with his health .. Some insurance companies also cover property and travel within the European Union.
Now, after taking into account all the above before leaving your country on your way to study in Britain, do not forget to collect some information about life in Britain and British culture ... and be aware of many behaviors that foreign students usually ignore, which makes them always vulnerable to cultural shocks, especially In the first weeks of existence in Britain.
Britain, like any other society that has its own changes and dynamics, and your choice of it to be your academic homeland, makes it important to get to know in more depth where your new settlement will add to you many other experiences besides study experiences for sure.
Author: Kea Heng