Postgrad UK 2008/2009 - (Page 18) 18 Advice and Information www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK Living in the UK Moving to a new city can be stressful enough, let alone a new country, but understanding the culture of that country will allow you to adapt to life quicker. Prospects sheds some light on what you can expect from living in the UK. It is important that you check how much money you will need with the institution you wish to study at. Most universities produce a pre-arrival guide for international students with information on costs, travel and accommodation. ACCOMMODATION Most universities offer sign a contract and to pay a deposit, which you will get back once your contract has finished. The international office will be able to explain the terms of the contract to you, whether you are renting university or private accommodation. If you rent with an agency, there may also be an administration fee to pay on top of your deposit. But remember, always get some advice on where to live and have your contract checked by the university before you sign it. FOOD AND SHOPPING The UK has shaken international students priority accommodation in student halls of residence which you will share with other students. If the university is unable to provide you with a place in halls, they will be able to give you information on private accommodation that can be rented relatively cheaply. A number of housing associations build housing blocks for students, which are usually near to the university. If you’d rather live in a flat, a shared COST OF LIVING As well as course fees, which off its undeserved reputation for bland food. Its restaurants, cafes, pubs, supermarkets and shops now offer highquality, affordable cuisine for all tastes. As well as local markets, you can buy good quality food at a number of cheap supermarkets, including Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons (in the north), Somerfield and Asda. But other supermarket chains, such as Tesco and Sainbury’s, have regular price cuts and it may be possible to shop here if you stick to a tight budget. Most supermarkets also sell clothes, toiletries, stationery and music for less than a lot of high street stores, which is house or a bed-sit, however, the university will have some information on where to find this accommodation. For renting a place to live, prices vary up and down the UK. In general, living on your own will cost you more than if you share. If you share with two or more people, it is likely to cost you even less, but this will depend on where you live. As a rule, the north of the country is cheaper than the south. In London, for example, you could pay anywhere between can be anywhere between £6,000 and £29,000 depending on what course and institution you study at, you will need to budget for general living costs. The cost of living in the UK will depend on where you choose to study. At City University in London, for example, international students can expect to spend between £9,000 – £12,000 in 12 months on accommodation, bills, food, books, clothes and social activities, whereas in Swansea, this figure is much less at £7,000 – £9,000. Of course, what you spend will depend on how well you budget but it is recommended that you allow for 12 months even if your course is shorter. worth looking into if you want to keep £80 – £120 per week, whereas in Leeds, you costs to a minimum. could rent a shared house for as little as You can also buy fashionable cheap £35 per week. For both university and private accommodation you will be required to clothing from high street shops such as Primark and H&M, or from charity shops like Oxfam. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.