Living and studying in the UK

Living in Plymouth

Plymouth is a small city situated on the western edge of the county of Devon. Due to its size, Plymouth has all the benefits of a smaller place including a compact central area with accommodation, shops and entertainment facilities all within easy walking distance. Plymouth's status as a city means it has a distinctive cosmopolitan vibe and is a magnet for many different types of people including tourists, students, workers and migrants. Many visitors to Plymouth are surprised by its continental feel and sense of community.

Studying in the UK

The university education system in the UK may be quite different from the education system you have experienced in your home country.

The differences you may come across include the style of teaching, your relationship with your lecturers, what is expected of you and the study support that is available.

Generally we find that students can be a little surprised by the amount of self-study and free thinking that are required of a UK university student however the number of learning support resources that are available can make the transition for students much easier.

Culture Shock

After the excitement of the first two weeks has worn off, it is very common for newly-arrived students to become homesick and lonely. This is true not just for overseas students, but for British students, too. So remember, if it happens to you, you really are not alone.

You may experience mood changes and strong reactions, feel lost and irritated. It is important to understand that this reaction is normal and these feelings will reduce as your new surroundings become more familiar.

If you need someone to talk to, ISAS is always happy to listen and offer support.

Funding your studies

If you and your family are non EU nationals and/or are ordinarily resident in any country outside the EEA and Switzerland, you will most likely be counted as an overseas student for tuition fee purposes. As an overseas fee payer you must generally fund yourself completely, or apply in your own country for whatever educational funding may be available. There is very little financial assistance available for overseas students in the UK.

You should not travel to the UK or begin a course of study without making sure that you have enough money to cover all your academic fees and living expenses. It is very difficult to make arrangements for financial support once you have left your own country.

UK cost of living by Uniaid

Plymouth University scholarships and bursaries

UK healthcare

Students on courses of more than 6 months
All students on a course of 6 months duration or more and their dependant family members are entitled to NHS treatment in the same way as British Citizens are. Family members include your husband/wife, and your children aged up to the age of 16 or up to the age of 19 if they are in full-time education.

Students on courses of less than 6 months
Students from an EEA country or Switzerland are entitled to necessary medical treatment whilst they are studying in the UK. Students should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in their home country before travelling to the UK to demonstrate their entitlement.

Non EEA students should obtain private medical insurance before travelling tot he UK.

UK banking

It is important that you speak to your bank in your home country before leaving, to ask if they have a special relationship with a UK bank that may help you to set up an account. You are also advised to ask your bank if you can use your cash card in cash machines in the UK to access money from your home country account.

It can be useful to bring a bank statement or a university letter which is addressed to your home country address to help you to open a UK account.

It takes 2 to 3 weeks to open a bank account, so you should make sure you have access to money for this period. You must also have a local address to open the account, so you will have to pay rent and a deposit to secure your accommodation first.