Top 10 Tips for International Students Moving to the Salford UK

Everyone has dreamed of studying abroad at some point in their life, but there’s a lot more to it than the desire to lead an independent life or having the opportunity to use all the world’s knowledge resources. Home to the top 3 universities in the world, the UK is an extremely popular destination for international students. From securing admission to confirming an accommodation near the school and signing up for classes, there are a lot of steps one must take after acceptance into a school and before they can really enjoy their time at University.

Studying abroad can be a little scary at first. You might feel stressed or overwhelmed by the experience. However, there are some things you can do to make your transition to Salford more seamless. I’ve compiled 10 tips that you should keep in mind to make your stay more enjoyable. If you think of anything else, don’t hesitate to comment below.

• Get Organised

The first thing you should do when you start studying abroad is to go through all the legal requirements and formalities. You should organize, research, and apply for funding as soon as possible if you want to work or take out a loan, as there are many options that are available for you. Be sure to check whether you’ll need a Visa before coming to your university. You should get your Visa in advance, but if you don’t hear from the university after you were accepted, it’ll be too late.

• Book your Flight Tickets in Advance

When you receive your student visa, it’s best to purchase your flight tickets as soon as possible. At the beginning of a new academic year, you’ll probably find cheaper flights available than a few months from now. Confirm your flight tickets as soon as possible and make sure that your flight provider has baggage allowances for your country. Make sure to check the travel restrictions in the UK and ensure that you have a Certificate of Vaccination for Covid-19.

• Secure your Accommodation Early

When looking for a place to live, choose from university dorms, private apartments, shared student housing, or homestays. It’s worth staying in the properties that are near your school location such as True Salford and IQ Student Quarter Salford so that you can get access to all the lectures easily. Check online to see what type of student accommodation Salford is available. Make sure you book your house well in advance to keep costs low. 

• Keep your Paperwork in Order

To prepare for your move, try to gather all the necessary documents into one folder or system. This will make it much faster and easier to find the documents you need when you need them. Make sure you have physical and digital copies of all academic transcripts. Get signed copies of any contracts that you have with your previous university, housing, etc. We recommend keeping your current paperwork with your documents and appointments and don’t forget to take passport-sized photos of yourself for new IDs (such as a UK driving license/US driver’s license).

• Make sure to open your Students Bank Account

One of the first things you should do is set up your student bank account in order to avoid conversion and transfer fees. We usually pay providers like Monzo or Transferwise in pounds, but employers might require you to have a UK-based bank account. Setting up a student bank account is free in most banks. Santander on campus has the best rates, and they are great at assisting with setting up a totally free student account. You can also get your own debit card for free. 

• Know all about the City

To make the best of your international life, skim through the lifestyle and culture, and choose a city that is appealing to you. You might also want to consider cost-effective options for leisure activities and transport in the city. Watch vlogs, which typically feature a first-hand review of what to expect in the city.

• Get a Part-Time Job

Working in your free time during your studies is one of the smartest ways to go. Working in a new environment can help you develop valuable skills, work harder, and meet people. If you get paid as well, you’ll be able to start controlling your budget and manage your finances better. It might also help you appreciate your salary more.

• Find Affordable Transportation

Every country has a different public transport system. As a student, the most efficient ways of traveling between Salford and MediaCityUK are certainly bus number 50 and bus 51 which are free for all Salford students with a valid student ID. These buses allow you to travel towards MediaCityUK, Salford’s Shopping Centre, and much more. Traveling from Manchester Airport is also pretty easy, as you can get a train and arrive at the Main Campus directly, without having to change at another station first.

• Start Socialising

The first week of the academic year is a great time for events. Various student clubs, societies, and sports clubs organize events, so it’s up to you to meet new people and explore what the university has to offer. If you’re late to an event, there’s still plenty happening during the year. Saying ‘hi’ is always a conversation starter. The University of Salford is an international university, so it’s easy to find other people who speak the same language as you do.

• Learn and Grow

This is your chance to unlearn and learn and then grow. If you are willing to grow in your comfort zone, you need to be constantly aware of the odds that are on the road ahead. You can learn about what to expect by chatting with some former students and being active on social media. However, don’t lose sight of your studies too. Allow yourself to learn, but also have a lot of fun. Slowly, you will turn an alien land into a home away from home.

At University Living, all we want to do is make your search for student accommodation Salford as stress-free as possible. That’s why we ensure our properties are compliant with COVID standards. Whatever you need, just contact us!