What supports are available for international students in the UK

International students are very important to us in the UK. We want you to be happy and healthy while you're here. It's great to come to the UK to study, but it can be scary to move to a new place with different ways of doing things.

The UK is known for being welcoming to international students. They get lots of help like orientation, support before they arrive, help with their well-being and studies, and more. These services and caring for students make it easier for them to join in cultural and social activities while they study. When international students come to the UK, they feel excited and a bit nervous about their new life. The support services and programs here create a nice atmosphere that makes the foreign place feel like a second home for them. This article talks about the different ways international students are supported in the UK.

Where should I get support in the UK?

• Pre-arrival Support: International students should reach out for help before coming to the UK. Most universities offer pre-arrival consultations to answer questions about visas, immigration, orientation, scholarships, and housing. The International Office often arranges webinars, virtual campus tours, and more to help students feel comfortable. These services focus on students' emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being, and the International Office is a valuable resource for expert advice on pre-arrival matters.

• Orientation for International Students: British universities usually have an orientation for new students to help them get used to their new surroundings. During orientation, students attend introduction sessions, go on campus tours, and participate in events to meet fellow students, faculty members, and support staff. This helps them learn about academic planning, health and safety guidelines, housing arrangements, and other essential things. For international students, orientation is especially important as it helps them become part of the new culture from the start.

• Academic Support: UK universities offer academic support, especially for international students, to help with their studies. They provide academic tutors who can assist with any course-related challenges. These support services include English language courses, writing centers, and workshops. International students can use these resources to enhance their academic skills and succeed in their studies.

• Career Consultation: Career counseling plays a big role in helping international students choose their careers. These services often host workshops about making resumes, getting ready for interviews, and finding good jobs. They also give advice about job opportunities in the UK and provide information about internships, job placements, and visa requirements to assist international students in their career journeys.

• International Student Communities: Many universities have strong student unions that support international students throughout their studies. These unions are independent bodies often linked to the National Union of Students (NUS). Their main goal is to protect the rights and interests of all students, including international and LGBTQ students, and to fight against discrimination. They're there to help you with any challenges you face, making it easier for you to adapt to the academic culture in the UK.

• Counseling for Well-being: Universities provide counseling to take care of international students' mental health. They have experienced professionals who offer workshops and sessions. They take issues like stress, depression, cultural adjustment difficulties, and personal challenges seriously. These services create a safe space for students to openly discuss any problems they face during their stay, helping them stay well and feel supported.

• Support for Multicultural Practices: UK universities offer students from all around the world, creating a diverse and inclusive environment where different cultures and religions are respected. Many services offer spiritual and religious gatherings, bringing together students of the same faith. If a student wants to practice their religion, they can join these communities while studying in the UK. The student community often organizes events where they share and contribute to art, music, dance, community engagement, food, academic research, and more. This cross-cultural interaction helps students understand different traditions and beliefs, promotes unity in diversity, and encourages tolerance for other religions.

• Support Services for Language Learning: UK universities often provide language courses and workshops to help international students improve their English skills. These courses are especially helpful for students who need extra support to excel in their academic studies. Language proficiency courses cover a variety of options, including general English and academic English, as well as IELTS preparation courses. Students can attend these classes to enhance their language skills.

• Societies for International Students: British universities have support groups for international students. These groups not only plan social and cultural events, seminars, and workshops but also advocate for the rights of different student communities. You can seek help from societies like:

  • UKCISA

  • Student Minds

  • Great British Magazine

  • The Student Union

• Support for Accommodation: Universities often advise students to seek budget-friendly housing options. In the UK, students can explore several types of affordable accommodation, including:

• University Provided Accommodation: Many first-year students choose to stay in university-provided housing, called Halls of Residence, which you should apply for before arriving in the UK. If you ask for help, the university's support team can assist you in securing accommodation. This option allows you to live close to your classes and make new friends. Some campuses also offer shared flats and houses for international students.

• Privately Rented Houses or Flats: Renting a house or staying off-campus with friends is a good choice. This is often preferred by older or postgraduate students. When you arrive, the university may offer a temporary guest room for a few days until you find a permanent place to stay.

• Support Regarding Visa and Immigration: British universities often help international students with visa and immigration matters. University officials offer support both before and after your arrival, assisting with the following:

  • Student Visa application-related queries

  • Applications for visa renewal

  • Details for work permits

  • Status of the pending Visas

  • Rules and regulations for immigration

  • Health insurance-related queries while applying for the visa

• Financial Support Services: Studying in the UK can be financially challenging if not planned earlier. Most students take huge education loans to meet financial requirements. Universities offer financial advisors. In the case of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, this support authority explains funding options to overseas students. This advisory support involves

  • Funding options

  • Breaking down budget

  • Looking into banking support

  • Scholarships

  • Part-time work opportunities

• Support for Disabled Students: An office is always available to offer support services to disabled students on every university campus in the UK. A student with special needs can reach out to support services under many conditions. The following support services are available on any British university campus:

  • Universities in the UK offer many scholarships for disabled students. The university support service helps with the applications for scholarships for international students with special needs.

  • When a fresher with special needs arrives at the campus, university support officials must make him feel at home. They must share all details and take care of his needs to ensure overall well-being during learning sessions.

  • It is always recommended to contact the university officials and to talk about your requirements. It is illogical to think that the university has every piece of equipment that you need. However, if you are willing to inform your requirements beforehand, the university may issue the requirements for you.

  • Apart from scholarships, Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is financial support to meet the costs of studies for physical and mental disabilities.

  • Being a disabled student you have specific rights to accommodation under the Equality Act 2010 as the non-disabled students. The university must allow disabled students accommodation as per their needs without any refusal.

In conclusion, international students in the UK receive a lot of support to keep them well and help them succeed. UK universities offer various services, from before you arrive to when you're on campus, all aimed at ensuring your academic success and overall well-being.