What's it like being a student in the UK?

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image - university life, 1080px
Reading time: 6 minutes

You’ve always dreamed of studying in the UK. But what’s student life in the UK actually like?  

From living costs to class schedules, to accommodation options, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get from international students coming to study at UK universities. Check them out! 

What will my class schedule be like? 

University classes in the UK typically run between late September and June. At some universities, courses are divided between two semesters: fall (or autumn) and spring. But at others, courses are divided into three terms. In the last term students usually take exams.  

How many hours you’ll spend in class each week will depend on the course you’re studying. If you study something like English - which requires a lot of reading outside of class - you might only spend 10 hours in lectures and seminars each week. But if your course is more hands-on, you could be in class for several hours each day. You’ll also have several weeks off each year - usually around April or March (Easter), December and January (Christmas), and in July and August (summer).  

And what will classes look like this upcoming term as coronavirus restrictions ease? Well, the UK has allowed students to head back to campus starting in May. However, many universities say they’ll run hybrid classes (both online and in-person) this fall, so that’s something you should be prepared for.  

Check out our blog: Study tips for the UK 

What housing options will I have? 

Lots! As an international student in the UK you can choose to live in residence on-campus, or similarly, in student housing off-campus.  

These options are designed for students in mind. They usually feature study spaces, social rooms, as well as restaurants and cafeterias. Many people decide to live in student accommodation because it gives you a real taste of student life in the UK. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and socialize with other students from around the world. 

You might also decide to rent a room in a shared space with roommates. Alternatively, you can find your own private apartment, which can provide you with a bit more independence abroad.  

Check out our blog: How to choose international student accommodation in the UK.

What will my living costs be? 

Living costs in the UK can vary depending on where you’re located. For example, university life in London will be more expensive than in smaller cities like Leicester or Nottingham. But a survey conducted by Save the Student found that students across the UK spend an average of £795 each month. Expenses include things like rent (£418), groceries (£100), going out (£46) and getting around (£46).  

Can I work? 

Many students who move overseas want to work while studying. And in the UK, lots of international students can. If your course is at a degree level and you’re studying full-time, you should be able to work for 20 hours each week during the semester. If you’re studying below a degree level full-time, you should be able to work 10 hours per week. The rules surrounding exactly how many hours you can work will be clearly stated when your student visa is approved. 

Learn more about the minimum and living wage in the UK.    

What can students in the UK do for fun? 

With its multicultural cities, charming towns and breathtaking rolling landscapes, the UK is an incredible place for international students to explore. Why not hop on the train to visit some centuries old castles? Or spend an afternoon alone exploring a renowned museum? Wherever you are in the UK, there’s no shortage of activities to take part in between classes - all of which can help you experience the different cultures across the UK. 

If you’re looking for something unique to do, design my night is a good website to check out. It lists events across more than a dozen UK cities. It includes activities like quiz nights, escape rooms, pop-up cinemas, afternoon tea, and more. There’s also Sofar, which plans intimate, pop-up gigs in secret locations around London – and work to follow COVID-19 regulations.  

Lots of restaurants, museums, and stores also boast generous student discounts. You can take a look through them on Save The Student’s student discount directory.  

Now, what does the PTE team like to do in London? Here’s what they recommend: 

“I've really enjoyed cycling on all of the bike routes in London during lockdown! There are so many cycle highways that it's easy to see the whole city on bicycle," said Richelle Zakrzewski, who’s the Digital Marketing Manager at PTE Academic.  

“I've been making the most of the great British countryside and going hiking at the weekends in small group," said Melanie Drake, our global training and resources manager. 

“I've become a member of the National Trust and have enjoyed visiting the UK's historic houses and gardens. My favorites include Chartwell - Winston Churchill's house growing up - and Osterley House - a Georgian country estate in West London. I also went to a socially-distanced concert and really enjoyed it! I saw a band called Squid play outside in London's docklands, at sunset, with Canary Wharf and the Emirates Cable Cars in the background. It was a really nice way to see live music, and we felt very safe with mask wearing, social-distancing and table-service in place,” said Gemma Considine, who is the director of English Assessment Marketing at PTE Academic.  

"With less people in town, I’ve been enjoying taking photos of iconic landscapes that would normally be very crowded,” said Erica Da Rocha, our Global Marketing Manager.  

Are there support services for international students? 

Yes. International student life in the UK can be full of great moments - but it can also be challenging at times. Your university will have a team to support international students, who should give accessible information on university matters. These teams help foster a community for international students and provide general support for every international student on campus.  

You will also be able to get academic, well-being, and community support through your university. This might include language support, study skills programs, employment and housing services, academic accommodation, and financial support.  

Student Minds, a UK charity which focuses on student mental health, also has a great resource for university students. It addresses a number of issues that might come up such as questions about identity, excelling in courses, and developing positive mental health.  

How should I plan for life after graduation?  

There are new visa changes in the UK - and they make them much easier for students to plan for after graduation. The UK’s new post-study work visa - called the Graduate Route - opened on July 1st. It lets bachelor’s and master’s students stay in the UK to work (or job search) for two years after completing their studies.  

Doctorate students will be allowed to stay for three years. So, graduates are now able to take time to grow their careers in the UK - and make long-term plans to stay if they choose.  

Looking to study in the UK?

PTE Academic can help you begin your adventure. Our computer-based test is accepted by 99% of universities across the UK as proof of English language proficiency and it’s also accepted by the UK government for immigration purposes. Learn more today!

Related Content

  • Image- Australia,800px x 451px
    How to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    There’s a lot to love about living in Australia. The country boasts beautiful landscapes, multicultural cities, and one of the best education systems in the world. Many people who hold an Australian work visa want to stay in Australia for the long run and decide to apply to become a permanent resident.

    In this guide, we’ll take a look into what the process entails. By the end you’ll have all the information and online resources you need to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia:

    What does it mean to be a permanent resident in Australia?

    With an Australian permanent resident visa, you can remain in the country indefinitely. If you secure a permanent resident visa you’ll also be able to:

    • Work and study in Australia

    • Receive healthcare benefits

    • Sponsor relatives for their permanent resident visas

    • Apply for citizenship

    Keep in mind that until you become a citizen, you cannot:

    • Hold an Australian passport

    • Vote in Australian elections

    • Access student loan benefits

    How to apply

    There are multiple ways to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia. It will depend on how and why you are eligible. Most commonly, people commonly apply through a family, work, or business stream.

    A family-stream permanent resident visa

    A family member can sponsor you for a visa. You can do this if you are the partner, child, parent, or dependent of an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident. You can also be sponsored for a permanent resident visa if you need to move to Australia to care for a family member long-term. You can apply from both inside and outside Australia for this type of visa.

    To learn about how to apply through the family stream and all the different visas available, check out this questionnaire on the Government of Australia website.

    A work-stream permanent resident visa

    You can be sponsored by an Australian employer for a permanent resident visa. Likewise, you might also be able to apply through a skilled workers program. You will qualify for this if you have skills the country views as valuable – such as chemistry, agricultural engineering, or carpentry. The skilled occupation list outlines all the jobs in Australia that are in high-demand.

    Keep in mind that for some work-stream visas, you must be nominated by an employer or Australian government agency to apply.

    Discover the different work-stream permanent resident visa options on the Government of Australia website.

    A business or investment permanent resident visa

    If you own or manage a business in Australia, or invest in the country, you can apply for a permanent resident visa. This will allow you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

    People are also eligible to apply for permanent resident visas in Australia for a range of different reasons. For example, if you wish to retire or are a former resident of the country. You may also apply if you have a “distinguished talent” – which means you have made an outstanding achievement in a certain field – or are a refugee. For each visa, you’ll also have to check if you qualify. Every situation is different and you can explore every visa option on the Australian Government website.

    Fees and processing times

    Expect to pay $2,890 AUD for an investor visa, $4,770 AUD for a skilled visa, and $9,095 AUD for a partner visa.*

    Processing times also range. Some permanent resident visas take a few months, while others can take more than two years to be granted. This makes it extremely important to do your research and plan ahead.

    *Please note these fees are correct at the time of writing. Please consult the government website for up-to-date information.

    Many permanent resident visas always require you to take an English language test, so you’ll have to study for this in advance. Our secure, computer-based English exam PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian government for all visa categories – including business and investment permanent resident visas. And the good news? Once you’ve written the test, you get the results within 48 hours.

    Learn more about PTE Academic for Australia.

    Plan ahead

    Applying for a permanent visa anywhere can be a long (and sometimes complicated) process. So, it really does pay to do your research ahead of time. You’ll need to save up, prepare your application, and plan your move ahead with lots of time to spare.

    Want to learn more about living, working, and studying in Australia? Check out all our articles on our blog.

    We are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Department of Home Affairs website.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

  • Image- Asian student group, 800px x 451px
    Study in Malaysia with PTE Academic
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Do you want to study in Malaysia?

    If you are an international student wanting to study in Malaysia, you may need to take an English test.

    International students are required to meet the English language competency requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

    Do you need to take an English test?

    If you are an international student who meets all academic qualifications but have not met the English language requirement for admission you may receive a conditional offer.

    You will then need to complete an English language preparation program within 12 months at the respective private college or university and pass the language test requirement. Only then will you will be able to commence your course.

    Who is exempt?

    You do not need to prove your English language skills if you are an international student that:

    • is from an English-speaking country

    • has an academic qualification from an institution that uses English as the medium of instruction

    • has completed their education in Malaysia and has decided to further their studies to a higher level

    Where is PTE Academic accepted?

    Since April 2016, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has accepted PTE Academic as proof of the English language skills for international students wanting to study at a private higher educational institution in Malaysia.

    There are a growing number of Malaysian Universities that now recognize PTE Academic such as:

    • Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT)

    • Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

    • Asia School of Business

    • Asia e University

    • Berjaya University College

    • Curtin University (Sarawak)

    • Cyberlynx International College

    • Disted College

    • Education Malaysia Global Services

    • Despark College

    • First City University College

    • HELP University College

    • Heriot Watt University Malaysia

    • Inti International College Subang

    • Malaysia University of Science and Technology

    • Monash University Malaysia

    • Multimedia University

    • MAHSA University

    • Pintar College

    • Segi University

    • Sunway College

    • Sunway University

    • Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak)

    • Taylor’s University

    • The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

    • UCSI University

    • University of Reading Malaysia

    • University of Southampton Malaysia Campus

    • Xiamen University (Malaysia Campus)

    We are constantly expanding the number of Malaysian Universities that accept our scores, explore our full list of institutions in Malaysia who accept PTE.

    You can take PTE Academic at test centers around the world and at 6 locations in Malaysia. Ready to take PTE Academic? Book now!

  • Image- KL twin tower, 624px
    How to study in Malaysia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    With high-quality universities, more affordable tuition, and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Asia has become a popular destination for international students. This includes students from within the region itself.

    Western countries still attract a large number of students each year. “But the idea that a Western degree is automatically better and more advantageous than one obtained in Asia is losing ground.” states by ICEF Monitor.

    In fact, countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have all been competing to attract more international students in recent years. As a result, Asian students now have the opportunity to receive a world-class education and international study experience much closer to home. This is especially important for many families today, as uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is expected to continue.

    Now, let’s take a look at what one Asian country – Malaysia – has to offer international students. We’ll also go into what students should keep in mind as they plans their studies:

    Malaysia at a glance

    Malaysia boasts innovative universities and excellent intra-regional mobility, making it a great place for students to consider. The country has worked to put itself on the map as a destination for international learners. It hopes to welcome 250,000 students from abroad by 2025. Students come from a variety of countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

    Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s official language. However many university courses are taught in English.

    Universities in Malaysia

    Malaysia boasts more than 100 higher education institutions. Many universities here are also ranked amongst the top in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Included in the ranking are: 

    • University of Malaya (UM): Ranked 60th globally. 

    • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Ranked 148th globally. 

    • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Ranked 138th globally. 

    • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Ranked 146th globally. 

    A number of international universities have also opened branches in Malaysia. These include the University of Nottingham, Heriot Watt University, Monash University, Xiamen University, and Newcastle University, to name a few. They provide students with the chance to earn a degree from Western universities without having to leave the region.

    If you're looking to explore your study options, the government has a great tool for students to find the program that suits them best. You can also learn more about diploma studies with this useful guide.

    In order to study in Malaysia, students will need to prove they are proficient in English and PTE Academic is the ready choice for you to do so. PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides unbiased and secure proof of a candidate’s English skills for study, professional, and migration purposes.

    According to language requirements set by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), students who plan to undertake a Bachelor’s degree and above at university or college must score a minimum of 47 for PTE Academic, which is equivalent to CEFR High B1 level.

    Students who wish to undertake a diploma course will need to have a minimum PTE Academic score of 36, which is equivalent to CEFR Low B1 level. However, students should always check with their respective university or college to confirm their language score requirements.

    Getting your visa

    Applying for a Student Pass to study in Malaysia is relatively simple and can be done online. Before starting your application, you must have a letter of acceptance from your university. The whole visa process takes about one month. You’ll find out how to apply on the Education Malaysia website.

    With a Student Pass you can work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks that last longer than 8 days.

    Cost of living

    Malaysia draws the attention of students all around the world because it offers an affordable, yet still top class education. A bachelor degree, for example, costs between $10,000-20,000 USD. This is a lot less than in the United States or the U.K. In fact, Malaysia’s booming capital city Kuala Lumpur was named the second most affordable city in the world for students by the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

    Financial aid

    International students in Malaysia can apply for financial aid. Universities offer scholarships directly to students. To get an idea of what these might be like, you can take a look at the scholarships offered by University of Malaya.

    The Malaysian government also provides scholarships to international students. The Malaysia International Scholarship – which offers air tickets, tuition, and a monthly allowance, among other benefits – is one scholarship to look into. The Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also offers international students some generous financial support.

    Want an international study experience in Malaysia?

    PTE Academic – a fast, flexible, fair, and secure English assessment can help you get there. Book the test now and get the result within 2 days.

    View prices in your country and find your local test center.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.