Robbie, along with our guests, discuss essential first steps for international students arriving in the UK, covering immediate priorities like accommodation, bank accounts, and NHS registration.
Host Robbie James sits down with guests Risper Okello and Lika Gvasalia to share their insider knowledge on navigating your first weeks as an international student in the UK.
From finding accommodation and opening bank accounts to dealing with homesickness and cultural adjustment, this episode covers everything you need to know to hit the ground running.
Risper Okello is a third-year Economics and Finance student at the University of Surrey. Passionate about cultural integration, inclusivity, and community development, she founded the Eastern and Southern African Society at Surrey and served as president of Stag Radio, a student broadcasting society.
Beyond campus, she co-founded the Dream Seed Project with her sister, an initiative supporting children in care by equipping them with leadership skills and confidence for the future.
Lika Gvasalia, originally from Georgia, founded and led the Georgian Society during her Psychology degree at the University of Exeter. As an International Student Ambassador, she championed support for fellow international students and earned both the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award for her outstanding leadership contributions.
Now working as a Support Services Advisor at the university, Lika continues helping students navigate their academic journey and access the resources they need to succeed.
This debut series covers the fundamental questions every international student faces. We explore what makes the UK such an attractive study destination, dive into the practicalities of funding your education through scholarships and smart budgeting, and give you an insider's view of what student life really looks like.
We'll also examine the exciting alumni networks and career opportunities available to graduates, and explain the graduate visa system and job market to help you plan your future beyond university.
In this series, we tackle the key decisions and practical steps you'll need to take on your journey to studying in the UK – from exploring your options and applying, to relocating and finding your feet. We'll guide you through the research process to help you identify the perfect courses and universities that align with your ambitions.
You'll learn how to navigate the application system effectively, understand Clearing and Extra, discover support networks and get essential advice on the practicalities of moving to the UK.
Choose a uni, degree subject or select by their home country, and find out what life’s really like at uni.
Thinking about studying in the UK can give international students a lot to consider. Here are answers to the most common questions.
As an international student, one of the most important things you'll need to sort out is opening a UK bank account. This can sometimes be a lengthy and complicated process, so here are the things you'll need to understand to get this off your to do list.