The Life Or Death Guide To Being A Student In The UK

First some definitions:

'UK' means United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and is made-up of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.
Britain is the main island composed of England, Scotland and Wales.

1. British people like to form orderly queues.

Believe it or not, Anthropologists have documented the fact that practically any group of British people will naturally form an orderly (and patient) queue. Beware that you will certainly feel the wrath of the queue if you try to push-in. Strangely, although the people in the queue may be seethe with indignant rage at a queue jumper, it is unlikely that any of them will let you know how angry they are.

2. The Understatement and Daily Humour

This situation contains a very important truth about British people – they do not like to make a fuss. Therefore overseas students should not assume that if someone is not complaining they don't mind what is happening – often that is far from the truth. Furthermore, English people are well known to have a somewhat dry and ironic sense of humour. Indeed, much conversation has an undercurrent of humour


3 British people value punctuality

Never be late for an appointment, especially a dinner invitation. Brits are very fond of punctuality and will take it as a personal insult should you arrive late. If you are going to be late it is vital that you telephone your hosts and explain the problem, as soon as possible.

4. Drive with care

Like one thirds of the nations of this world, cars in the UK drive on the left side of the road so always be mindful of that, especially when crossing the road – always look right first! UK drivers tend to be very polite. In many countries, a driver who flashes his headlamps means 'get out of my way' – in the UK it means the opposite and is used to signal to an on-coming driver that you are allowing him to pass. Britain is a relatively small island and the cities tend to be buys, therefore driving laws are tough and strictly enforced particularly drink driving (which is a criminal offence).

5. The Weather

The weather in the UK is very changeable and it has been said that the UK can have four seasons in a single day. Many overseas students will have heard that it rains a lot in the UK. This is unfortunately true, and there can be quite a lot of wind, especially in Northern towns such as Manchester, so remember to bring warm and waterproof clothing. However, the sun does follow the rain and the UK weather is very much liked for it's variety.


6. Security and Personal Safety

The UK is relatively safe but some simple rules can help keep you safe. Always lock all doors and windows. Collect money during day light hours. Women should try to travel with others. Taxis are often the best form and safest of transport, but always use a company that is well known.

Summary

Many overseas students enjoy their time in the UK so much that many of them choose to live there for life! It is a civilised country with a very long tradition of welcoming people from all over the world. Try the UK – you are sure to enjoy it greatly.
 
About Tony Radford
For a full list of facts, figures and very helpful advice about student life in the UK, visit the'Living in the UK' page on the Manchester Metropolitan University web site. http://www.mmu.ac.uk/international/living/index.php

Non-UK Students - Do You Have The Qualifications To Get Into A UK University?

I Know the System

Entry to UK universities is managed by an organisation called 'UCAS' (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). UCAS has a 'Tariff' system which they define as:

“... a points system used to report achievement for entry to higher education (HE) in a numerical format.”, which “... establishes agreed comparability between different types of qualifications”, and “ ... provides comparisons between applicants with different types and volumes of achievement.”
Source: www.ucas.co.uk

Therefore your qualifications are given points and if you acquire enough points you are acceptable.

Speak the Same Language

Practically all UK universities require a minimum standard of written and spoken English Language. Some universities provide language training but in general the qualification you require are:

For undergraduate courses: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550, TOEFL Computer based 213, HKALE Use of English Grade C, HKCEE English Syllabus B Grade D.

For postgraduate courses: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 575, TOEFL Computer based 230.

But Do I Qualify?

We now provide specific examples of how qualifications from various countries are considered by listing the overseas qualifications recognised by Manchester Metropolitan University, which specialises in assisting overseas students.

Please note that these are only guidelines – you should always gain confirmation from the university you want to go to.

Recognised Overseas Qualifications

China
Senior Middle Three: Acceptable for entry onto the Foundation Year programme.

University Diplomas: Acceptable for entry into Bachelor degree courses.

University Degrees - Considered for entry into Masters and Postgraduate courses.

India
Undergraduate programmes - 10 + 2 – minimum of 70%.

Postgraduate programmes - Bachelor degree: a minimum of 60%.

Hong Kong
HK Certificate of Education / LCCI Intermediate: Grades A, B, and C are generally to the UK 'GCSE' school leaver qualification (except for English Language where Use of English on the HK ALE: Grades A, B, C are generally considered to be equivalent to the GCSE).

LCCI Higher: Approximately equivalent to AS Levels.

HK Advanced Level Certificates: Equivalent to A Levels.

Vocational Certificates and Diplomas / Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) Certificates and Diplomas / University Higher Certificates and Higher Diplomas: Equivalent to BTEC National Certificates and Diplomas – possible entry directly into the second or third year of certain of our courses.

Associate Degrees from the Hong Kong University—SPACE, Hong Kong Baptist University, City University, Lingnan University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University: Possibly eligible for consideration for direct entry onto some advanced courses.

Japan
Upper secondary School leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho). Require a one year foundation study programme in the UK before entering undergraduate courses.

Undergraduate entry - holders of Vocational degree (Semonshi) or Associate degree (Jungakushi).

Postgraduate entry - holders of First degree (Gakushi).

Malaysia
STPM: Equivalent to A Levels.

Canadian High School/Secondary School Diploma, 70% score minimum: Possible consideration for undergraduate courses

South Australian Matriculation, at least 72% with no subjects below 12/20: Considered for undergraduate courses.

Victoria Certificate of Education : Average grade of B required.

LCCI Intermediate: Approximate to the GCSE.

LCCI Higher: Approximate to AS Levels.

International Baccalaureate: Minimum 28 points required for entry to undergraduate courses.

BTEC HND: Considered for entry into the second and third year of relevant undergraduate courses.

College Diplomas and Higher Diplomas: Individually considered for entry onto undergraduate.

Singapore
Undergraduate study: Holders of the Singapore/Cambridge GCE Advanced level may be considered.

Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas / Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas from recognised private colleges: Considered for entry into year 2 or 3 entry of undergraduate courses.

Holders of the Bachelor Honours degree: Considered for postgraduate entry.

Thailand
M6 School Leaving Certificate with a recognised foundation qualification: considered for undergraduate entry.

Institute of Technology and Vocational Education, certificate and diploma: Considered for entry to Bachelor degree courses.

Holders of the Diploma of Vocational Education / students having successfully completed the 1st year of a Thai degree course: Considered for entry to the 1st year of Bachelor degree courses.

Holders of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or 6 IB Subject Certificates (including at least 3 at higher level) with a minimum total of 28 points, or A-levels obtained locally: Considered for entry to Bachelor degree courses.

Bachelor degree: Considered for postgraduate programmes.

Korea
High School Diploma: Considered for entry to foundation year leading to undergraduate study.

Junior College Diploma: Considered for undergraduate entry.

Bachelor (Haksa) degree: Considered for postgraduate entry

Taiwan
Senior High School or Vocational Senior High School: Considered for Foundation Year programmes.

Junior College Diplomas (2/3/5 year programme): Considered for Bachelor degree.

Junior College Diplomas (2/3/5 year programme) plus more than 3 years relevant work experience: Considered for Postgraduate/Masters’ courses.

First three years of a five year junior college diploma completed: Considered for Foundation Year.

University Degree: Considered equivalent to UK degrees and considered for Masters/Postgraduate entry.

Summary
As a non-UK student your qualifications may provide the entry requirements for a UK University. We hope our outline has proven useful to you.

How To Get Into A Top UK University Even If You Don't Have The Right Qualifications

The Way In

Many universities provide a training course called a Foundation Year. The Foundation Year provides essential preparation for a chosen course of study and also covers areas such as IT skills, maths and numeracy, academic and studying methods and communication skills.

Some Foundation Year courses provide English language preparation, to ensure your English is up to the required academic standard. Most Foundation Year programmes have a minimum language skill requirement, although many universities provide English language training.

A Foundation Course provides you with all the basic skills you need to gain access to a UK University course. Many Foundation Courses even guarantee you a place on the degree course you are aiming for, provided of course that you achieve the required standards in the Foundation Year.

You should definitely consider a Foundation Year if you do not have the necessary qualifications to gain entry to a degree course.

Typical Entry Requirements

Foundation Year entry requirement vary from university to university, so you must find out what is required at the university you are considering. However, there are some basic requirements:

* Most Foundation Year courses require you to be at least 18 years old.

* You must be able to prove that you have completed Secondary education in your home country.

* English - The English language requirement is likely to be at least IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 525. Some Universities provide English courses.

* Maths - You should have the equivalent of at least a Grade D in Mathematics at GCSE level.

* You must of course have a strong desire to succeed in your chosen area of study and any evidence of your desire will be very helpful in your application.

* Some 'life experience' may be required for certain courses.

What Can You Study?

Foundation Year courses are available in an very wide range of disciplines including:

- Business, Marketing, Accountancy
- Law
- Social Science, Humanities, Arts
- Hospitality, Consumer Technology, Leisure
- Science and Engineering
- Information Technology, Computing
- Food and Health
- Joint Honours Programmes

A Foundation Year is often organised into course units, designed to prepare you for your intended course. Some units are mandatory, others optional, many will be specified by the degree course you are preparing for.

Foundation Year Mentoring

Some Universities offer a Foundation Year mentoring scheme. A mentor is a volunteer who offers confidential help and guidance based on their experience. The mentor relationship can be very helpful.

How Do You Apply ?

First you should decide which degree you wish to study at University.

Then you should identify the University or universities offering a Foundation Year course that is the appropriate preparation for degree you have chosen. 

Then you need to apply for a place on the Foundation Year through the University & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). This is the university applications processing organisation in the UK and all applications for university places, including Foundation Year, go through UCAS www.ucas.ac.uk

Summary

A Foundation Year is all about giving you the chance to gain a place in a English University. For many it is a second chance – the chance to develop, the change to get a degree, the chance to get on that first rung of the ladder to success.

About Tony Radford
Manchester Metropolitan University offers a very successful and substantial Foundation Year programme and welcomes applications to courses from overseas students. Click http://www.mmu.ac.uk/international/courses/foundation.php here for full information.

How To Get A Scholarship To A UK University

A. Who should I approach?

1. Start with your own Ministry or Department of Education. It should be able to give you information about the funding available.

2. The British Council. They may have an office in your own country and will tell you about the relevant schemes.

3. If there's no British Council locally, try the British Embassy or High Commission.

B. How Do I Apply?

1. Many grant-making organisations have strict requirements which you must meet so read the conditions carefully.

2. Apply for your grant at least one year before the start of your course and make sure you know the deadline for applying.

3. Fill in the application form clearly and concisely. Use the grant-making body's application form if there is one.

Useful tip: The grant-making bodies usually award only small amounts of money, which will not cover the full cost of tuition fees and living expenses, so make sure you have enough money for your fees and living needs. It's nearly impossible to organise financial help once you're here and you may be refused UK entry without proof of sufficient funds.

C. Scholarship Sources:

1. British Chevening Scholarships
http://www.chevening.com/

2. Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowships Plan (CSFP)
Funded by the Department for International Development and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for citizens of a Commonwealth country or a British dependent territory.
http://www.csfp-online.org/

3. British Marshall Scholarships
For US citizens under 26 years of age, graduated from a US university.
http://www.marshallscholarship.org

4. Charles Wallace Manchester Merit Award
Funded jointly by four of the region's universities, the Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust provides awards for one-year postgraduate students who are resident in Pakistan and have been accepted for a taught Masters course. For further information contact intoff@mmu.ac.uk

5. Fulbright Scholarships
Funded by the Department for Education & Employment and the US government. http://www.fulbright.co.uk/ or http://www.iie.org/

6. Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (ORSAS)
For full-time postgraduate students undertaking research. Selection is by academic merit and research potential only, so you can apply whatever your nationality or finances. The grant will meet the difference between the home and overseas tuition fees, so you'll only have to pay home fees and your living costs. For further information contact Clare Holdcroft: C.Holdcroft@mmu.ac.uk

7. Royal Fellowships
For post-doctoral scientists undertake research in the UK.
http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk

8. Canon Foundation Research Fellowships to Europe and Japan
Research Fellowships to post-graduate European and Japanese researchers.
http://www.canonfoundation.org/

9. Council for Assisting Refugee Academics
CARA makes small grants to help refugee academics rebuild their lives and careers in the UK.
http://www.academic-refugees.org/

About Tony Radford
For a full advice about claiming a scholarship to a top UK university visit the 'Scholarships' page on the Manchester Metropolitan University website here: http://www.mmu.ac.uk/international/courses/scholarships.php

Getting the Best Student Scholarship

However, this is not the case, if you have average grades and cannot afford to bear the study expenses, you can still obtain such scholarships, if you search and find an effective scholarship.

Next, finding a scholarship is only half of the process, as you will have to apply to every scholarship, which you wish to win. Thus, applying for scholarship requires lot of effort, as it is time consuming. However, fund that you receive in the end, will make your efforts worthwhile. Therefore, to assist you with the same, here are few tips, to apply and win a scholarship.

Helpful Tips:

Be practical

You need to be practical, while applying for the scholarship. Nobody will track you to award you with a scholarship, so you need to take efforts yourself. When you find information about any scholarship, gather details about its eligibility criterions. Contact the scholarship provider and request for the application.

You can obtain application form through several ways such as by sending a self-addressed envelope, through e-mail or by personally visiting the scholarship provider's office. To help yourself in this task, you need to be assertive as well as proactive.

Gather recommendation letters

Many student scholarship providers require the applicants to furnish recommendation letters. The reason is they wish to know the perspectives of the students from some other people. What most students do in this case is that, they ask their friends or neighbors to write a recommendation letter. However, in actual terms, the first choice needs to be your teacher, employer or some professional associate, as recommendations from these individuals are considered more credible.

Be prompt and timely

All scholarships have deadlines and you need to adhere to them. Check whether you have all the essential documents and credentials. Make sure you attach the same with application form ahead of the deadline. If scholarship deadline is nearing and you have not receive the application form, which you had requested few weeks earlier, then follow up with the scholarship provider and request application form again. Scholarship providers do not accept forms submitted after deadline. So, be prompt.

Be Organized:

Next, being organized is also a vital point to consider. Search for student scholarships, obtain the application forms before the deadline, take time to complete those forms and submit them ahead of due date. Take out the copies of completed scholarship forms before submitting them and file them in folders.

If possible, call up the scholarship office and ask them whether they have received your application or not, so that if application got lost in mail, you can send the extra copy before the deadline.

Next, important thing to bear in mind is to be positive. Believe in your capabilities and in your prospects of winning the scholarship. Hard work as well as time spent on scholarship application procedure will eventually pay off.

About Tom Tessin


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