Living in the UK
What is it like living in the UK?
During your induction programme, you will be told about the cultural and social aspects of living in the UK. As a starter though, you'd just better remember to pack some warm clothing if you come in the winter and light clothing if it's the summer when you arrive!
Am I allowed to work while I am studying in the UK?
You may undertake paid vacational work while you study, as long as it does not interfere with your studies. You are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week or do part time work, as long as you do not work for more than 20 hours per week during your term time. There are no work placements included in our courses so you must follow the 20 hour rule an work no longer than this per week. In particular, you must not undertake business, be self employed or provide any kind of service by way of trade. You may not pursue any career by filling any permanent full-time vacancy in a UK organisation.
Having said the above, it is the specific terms of your visa which are paramount and these may overide the more-general rules.
Can I bring my partner and children with me to the UK?
If you can prove that you can maintain and accommodate your partner and children under 18 years old without recourse to public funds, providing sufficient evidence to support your claim, they may be allowed to accompany you during the period of your studies.
If my partner is allowed to the UK, are they allowed to work?
Provided that you were granted leave to enter or remain the UK for a minimum of twelve months, they may be allowed to work
.
The controlling factor may actually be the terms under which your spouse’s visa was granted and such terms will overide any other considerations.
What steps must I take if I lose my passport while in the UK?
The first call is to the police, to whom you must report the loss and they will issue you with a crime reference number. You will the need to approach your embassy/high commission and they will process your revised application, recording the crime reference number, along with details of the incident.
Only when this is done may you apply to the Home Office in order to receive confirmation of the revised visa.
The law in the UK states that you alone have the responsibily for ensuring that you have a valid passport and all the necessay up-to-date travel documents.
What sort of costs will I incur in my studies?
Just what it will cost for you to live in the UK will depend principally upon the life-style you demand but below are some rough annual figures to give you an idea of what to expect.
College Registration Fee |
£100 |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £60-£100 per week |
| Food/Travel | £50 per week |
| Books | up to £300 per year |
| Exam Fees | Under normal circumstances, assessment fees are included in your fees |
| Leisure | that’s up to you! |
Do I need health insurance?
When travelling anywhere outside your own country, you really should ensure that you have adequate independent health insurance. However, students who come from countries which have reciprocal health care agreements with the UK's NHS should investigate the nature of these agreements before travelling. In many cases, these allow the traveller to make full use of the NHS provisions in the UK
Students who are staying for over one year will neeed to register with a GP in order to receive the necessary health care. There are details on how to go about this on the UK government's website.
Telephone - +44 (0) 20 7210 4850
e mail - dhmail@doh.gsi.gov.uk
