Undergraduate

Applying to university can be stressful at the best of times, but when you’re an international applicant, it can feel impossible to get that UCAS application right! As an applicant from the Netherlands, I know how tricky it can be, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way. Here are some of the things I wish I’d known before starting my Ucas application.

1. DO communicate with your school.  Make an appointment with your careers advisor or head of year to discuss your application a couple of months before the deadline. Many schools that aren’t based in the UK are unfamiliar with how UCAS works, so be clear about what they are expected to provide, like references and predicted grades.
2. DO your research.  Even if you can’t visit the universities, there is plenty of information online to help you make an informed decision. Make sure you know exactly what you’d be studying at each university, as the course will be very different depending on where...

The following blog may or may not apply to you, depending on which country you’re from and what your school’s term dates are. But if you’re like me, and your last high school year has
already ended, you may be wondering what to do with all your free time during these long, unnamed months before University.

I’m from Korea, so that means my high school graduation was back in March. It also means that I’ve already achieved the grades I need for my uni offers (although this, of course, may not be the
case for every Korean). So what do I do with all my seven(!) months before I finally catch that Heathrow-bound plane?

I’ve had highs and lows. I’ve spent entire productive days studying a new language and mealprepping; I’ve stayed all day in my room, listening to Pet Shop Boys and cuddling with my dolls. Mostly, though, I’ve been trying to make the best of all the opportunities and resources that this sort-of-gap year (I still can’t think of a good name for...

Studying for a qualification in the UK could be the start of a fantastic adventure, but there are a few things you need to sort out first. Here are five financial tips to help you make the most of your studies.

1. Set up a bank account
Setting up a UK bank account gives you more security and control over your money. You can still spend it when you like, and
it’s much safer than keeping it in your pocket or hidden under your mattress.

When you open a bank account, you’ll need to show the bank or building society two types of identification:

• your passport
• proof of your address in the UK

Depending on the bank or building society you choose, the proof of address you need could differ – so ask before you apply...