Staying connected to home while in the UK
Written by admin - 01/11/2016
Updated 23 July 2024 by Advisor Brittany.
One of the hardest parts of first arriving in the UK is missing family and friends. Luckily, technology is constantly evolving to bring new ways to stay connected anywhere in the world. It's now easier than ever to speak to anyone whenever we want (just don't forget about the timezone differences)! Utilizing these tools will help you battle early stages of homesickness and remain present with your friends and family back home. When our Across the Pond Advisors studied abroad, the majority found the easiest communication tool was Facebook, followed by WhatsApp- both will be discussed in more detail below, but before that here is some information on getting your phone set up.
Getting a Phone
If you have an unlocked phone at home already, all you need to do is get a British SIM card. Some low-cost, no contract phone providers in the UK even offer their SIM cards for free. Plans typically range from £10-£20 a month ($20-$30 CAD) and include all the features you might need. Each month you can decide which ‘goodybag’ you want for your specific needs, and change it whenever you need to. If you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can buy one in the UK from a number of providers.
Consider waiting until you attend your university's "Fresher's Week" before deciding on your phone provider as many providers will have booths at the university and offer some great student discounts.
With a working phone with a data plan, you can use things like Facebook and Facebook Messenger to send a quick message to family and friends. It’s a great way to say hi or tell them something cool that happened that day, not to mention sharing all of your photos from your adventures!
Texting and WhatsApp
You also have the option of using WhatsApp. It is an app which essentially works like texting but is free (on WiFi or within your data allowance), so instead of opening your messages you can text from WhatsApp. If you have an iPhone and want to talk to another iPhone user, this is also an option without any fees. You can iMessage regularly without any international fees as long as you’re on data or Wifi.
Calling and Zoom
Sometimes messaging your loved ones is not enough, and you’ll want to hear their voices and see their faces whilst studying overseas in the UK. Pets’ faces, too! Video calling like FaceTime (via Apple devices) or Zoom are both options that don’t cost anything!
Go Tech-Free
Want to make the most out of your "tourist" stage in your new home? Grab some postcards and utilize snail-mail for a personal touch to your communications back home! The UK has no shortage of beautiful postcards and these are readily available at museums, giftshops, and other tourist attractions that you're likely already going to be visiting (especially if it's your first time in the UK!). Even if you use these in addition to some other forms of communication, postcards can be a cost-effective and thoughtful way to highlight different landmarks, museums or areas that you visit throughout the year. Plus, who doesn't love receiving mail?
There are many different ways to stay in touch with everyone at home. If one option doesn’t work for one person, there will always be another way! Speaking to everyone and staying up to date with each other helps to adjust to living in a different country without them. If it ever feels like it’s too difficult, or your homesickness is particularly strong one day, an instant message can be a great pick me up.
And remember, if you would like to find out more details about any aspect of studying in the UK, please contact one of our Advisors!
Master Your study in the UK University Application In 5 Simple Steps
Written by Across the Pond - 01/08/2023
Applying to UK universities is both exciting and intimidating. Applying to Canadian universities can be difficult enough, but making the decision to study overseas in the UK requires even more courage and planning since it involves additional steps that are not necessary in Canada. But don't worry about these additional steps. Plenty of Canadian students have successfully studied in the UK with the help of Across the Pond, and you can too!
This blog will help ensure you take the appropriate steps to complete your study in the UK university application...
1 - Choose the right course of study
Whilst Canadian universities can be extremely competitive, UK universities are more ‘relaxed’ in comparison. You still have to meet the requirements of the university and your course though, before you are accepted for study. When choosing your course consider your background, current skills, and plans for the future. Having the ability to showcase you are the right candidate for the program will make a big difference as to whether you’re accepted or not.
Top Tip – Only apply for courses that suit your academic interest or future career path. Don’t be tempted to apply for something random that could backfire and ultimately leave you without a course at all.
2 - Choose your top university
You may be happy going to any university in the UK, but chances are that some are a better fit for you than others. Different areas of the country offer very different experiences, so you should determine the kind of environment in which you want to go to live and study.
Top Tip - We recommend you narrow your list of potential universities. Your personal advisor at Across the Pond can help you pick the best universities for you.
3 - You have several options to offset cost
The demands of your course work may limit the number of hours you can work while you study, but international students are only allowed to work up to twenty hours a week on their student visas. With plenty of part time jobs available in grocery stores and local attractions, this could become a valuable source of income. UK universities also offer scholarships for international students; these are competitive and merit-based. Canadian federal loans also help with tuition and living expenses.
Top Tip - You need to secure funding for tuition and living expenses before you apply for the visa in July.
4 - Fill out your application
This is where you need to pay close attention to what you are doing. The application will require you to enter a substantial amount of information, including personal details, preferred courses you would like to take, your previous education, your employment history and a personal statement. As an undergraduate, you will need to pay a small application fee to UCAS, and you will need to make sure you submit the application within the appropriate time frame. Failure to enter in all information accurately, or to submit the application at the correct time, can result in denial.
Top Tip - Although Across The Pond’s students rarely experience rejection from their preferred UK degree, it’s important to keep in mind that you will have to wait until the next application window to apply again.
5 - Understand the student visa process
It is not enough to be accepted by a UK university. You also have to gain the permission of the UK government to live and study in the country. Take the time to research the student visa process in the UK, and to understand exactly how you fit into it.
Top Tip – Across the Pond can provide you with visa guidance! For more information, get in touch with one of our advisors.
Free advice available
All students looking to study in the UK can take advantage of free guidance and expertise from the Across the Pond team. We can help you overcome the hurdles of applying to study in the UK and identify the best university for your degree. For more information, contact an Across the Pond advisor today!
