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People study abroad for many reasons - to see new places, to experience a different culture, and, most importantly, to get access to student life and educational opportunities not available at home. If you want to study at a UK university, you’ll not only have access to some truly innovative teaching and research, you’ll also be joining one of the most multicultural student bodies in the world.

The UK has a vast range of universities and courses to choose from. So, how do you choose between over 160 institutions and thousands of courses? that half of students who drop out of university early do so because they chose the wrong course, so it’s important to be completely happy with your choice.

So, here's what you need to consider before you make your university application so you can make the right choice.

Choose your subject

The first step in choosing a university is deciding what you want to study. Your will be sent to all your university choices, so it should be relevant to all the courses you apply for. This means that your course choices must be the same or in a similar field.

Think about the school subjects you’re good at, but also think about what you could spend the next three or even four years studying.

Is there a subject that you want to continue and deepen your knowledge in? Or do you want to study something completely new?

Do you want to study a subject like law or medicine related to a specific job? Or do you want to take a course like history that can be used in a wide range of careers? Think carefully about these questions and the rest of the process will become much more manageable.

Do as many events and online taster sessions, and sign up for as many free online courses as possible. has a great range of taster courses from universities all over the world. This can help you decide where your interests lie. Above all, keep notes on what interests you and what doesn’t.

If you think you want a broader degree, then you’ve always got the option of doing a joint honors degree. This means you combine two different courses. Many joint honors courses combine a language with another subject, allowing you to use your learning around the world or even do a study placement in another country.

Consider the competition

When thinking about what course you could do, it’s important to consider the competition. Some courses have many more applicants than places, but there are also hundreds of ‘hidden’ courses that get far fewer applicants. For example, the University of Oxford receives 16.9 applicants per place on its Economics course, but it’s closer to 3 applicants per Classics place. Classics covers a range of areas like politics, history, linguistics and social sciences, and really challenges your intellect.

Economics might be competitive but Classics might be just as valuable. There are thousands of ‘hidden’ courses, which don't attract as many applicants just because they’re not well known. Check out the full range of courses on the site and the and do it with an open mind.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of courses, it’s time to think about where to study.

Think about location and compare places

The UK might be a small country but it’s incredibly diverse. There are large, international cities like London or Glasgow, smaller towns and cities like Cardiff, Belfast or Nottingham, rural universities like Lancaster, coastal towns like St. Andrews or historic cities like York, Oxford or Cambridge.

So, when deciding on a UK university, you must first ask yourself: what’s important to you? Would you prefer to live in a busy city or the quiet countryside? Will you be doing a lot of exploring or will you stay near campus? These factors will make a difference to your decision.

You’ll also need to think carefully about costs. Different parts of the UK have different living costs, depending on things like rent, transport and the cost of entertainment. Check out to see what rents are like, to get an idea of how expensive life will be.

Finally, the type of university itself is important. Some universities have campuses where the whole of university life takes place, like the . Others are more spread out, such as the , which has buildings all over the city. Each has its own atmosphere and you should think about which you prefer.

Look at the university rankings��

Find out how your preferred universities rank in the league tables. Rankings of the top universities in the UK don’t just measure teaching quality. They show data on student satisfaction, post-graduation employment rates and staff-to-student ratios.

The best universities in the UK and courses with higher rankings will be more competitive to gain entry to. You can apply for up to five courses on your UCAS form, so choosing a range of courses and universities is a good idea. Include an ambitious choice which you may or may not get the grades for and safe choices that you know will accept you.

You can check the s, or the to see which universities are the most highly rated.

That being said, student life in the UK is about balance. You need to consider both rankings and what’s right for you. It’s no use going to a top-ranking UK university in a location you hate, studying things that don’t interest you and where the culture on campus doesn’t appeal to you.

Sometimes it might be better to consider a lower university ranking if it can offer you plenty of chances to thrive and achieve your personal goals.

Remember, the reason that there are so many different kinds of universities is because everyone is unique. If you’re applying to somewhere you know matches your values and interests, you’ll be much more likely to succeed in your university career.

Research the teaching style

It’s a good idea to look at the style of teaching and assessment at your chosen university. Some courses focus more on final exams, others on coursework, projects, dissertations and independent research.

See whether your university’s exams are open book or closed book. If they’re closed you have to remember a lot more, but if they’re open you will probably have to give more detailed answers in your exams.

If you can attend open days and chat with other students and potential professors, do so. But if you can’t, remember that each university course website will tell you about the course content and how it is assessed. You need to make a choice based on what type of assessment will suit you best.

Some courses are taught in large lectures and seminars; others, such as many colleges, will teach you in small groups or one-to-one with a tutor. The teaching style that works best for you will be crucial in your choice.

Consider your hobbies

Every university has its own culture and social life based around the student unions and societies. For local and international students, university life is about more than studying.

You will have a more balanced student experience if you make time for your hobbies. You can look on the university website to learn about student societies and clubs and see which activities are available. But don’t worry if you don’t see anything that appeals - you can always be proactive and start your own society.

Do you have a sport that you love to do? If you do and are really good at it, you may be eligible for a . There are all sorts of funding and awards available, so even if you think you won’t get anything, it’s a good idea to check.

Make sure you meet the English language requirements

You’ll need to pass a test of English for your UK student visa requirements. You can take any Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the Home Office, the UK government department responsible for immigration.

PTE Academic can be used for UK student visas for degree-level courses, and to access 99% of universities in the country. The test takes two hours, covers reading, speaking, listening and writing, and is done on a computer. Results usually come back within 48 hours, making it convenient and reliable.

Choosing a university requires a lot of thought. Luckily, choosing an English test to get a visa is easy.��

Studying at a UK university can be an amazing experience, but it comes with financial obligations. If you're thinking about studying abroad, it's essential to thoroughly research the cost of living in the UK and create a budget that works for you.

We’ve created a simple guide to help you get an idea what to think about when it comes to researching the living expenses in the UK for international students. To make sure you're prepared before you head off to the UK.

Consider all costs

As you prepare for your trip abroad, there are various expenses you'll have to pay for before leaving your country. These one-time expenses include fees for a UK student visa, university fees for international students, and course materials.

Although these costs can be significant, it's important to include them in your budgeting.

Recurring expenses

After moving to the UK, you will have regular expenses to take care of such as rent, transportation, household and phone bills. These expenses remain consistent throughout the year and can be easily planned for.

Unplanned expenses

As an international student in the UK, you may face various living expenses that can vary based on your individual circumstances.

For example, If you often travel on weekends or spend a lot of time going out with your friends, it's best to overestimate those expenses.

It's important to consider your expenses for socializing, shopping for clothes, and pursuing hobbies. If you have a limited budget, it's crucial to monitor these expenses closely.

Researching the cost of living in your area

If you're planning to study in the UK, keep in mind that the cost of living will depend on your location. Living in a big city versus a small town can result in significantly different accommodation costs.

For instance, the average one-bedroom rental can range from £1100 in a smaller city like Oxford to £1,695 in metropolitan London.

If walking isn't an option for you, then you should consider budgeting for transportation. In Glasgow, a monthly pass for public transportation costs £63, while in Manchester, it will cost you £74.

If you're someone who likes to stay active and exercise, you may also need to account for workout costs. Even with student discounts, joining the university gym in Cambridge will cost students about £35 per month, compared to £22 at the on-campus facilities in Leeds.

Where to find local information

Before deciding where to study, it's important to research the cost of living in different cities and regions to ensure it fits within your budget due to the variation in costs.

Do you know any international students who have studied at the university you plan to attend? Or is there a student organization you can contact for information?

Reaching out to current students can provide insight into their daily expenses and they might even offer great tips on where to find good deals or places to avoid.

The cost of student housing varies based on the type of accommodation you prefer. Are you interested in living on campus, renting your own place, or sharing with fellow students off campus? Most schools provide comprehensive details about housing options, including contact information for potential roommates, landlords, or homestay families.

Handy tip:

To help with budgeting as a student in the UK, you can use a like the one provided by the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS).

The calculator also offers the convenience of selecting your school from a list for accurate local costs.

Part-time UK jobs for international students

With all these expenses, a bit of extra income would be helpful for any student. One possible way to supplement your finances during your studies is through tutoring. You can consider tutoring children or your fellow students at the university. It's important to note that international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year while on a student visa.

Your university's career center can assist you in finding part-time work opportunities, especially if you are looking to gain experience in your field of study. Maybe you're looking to work in a pub or restaurant to improve your English skills and experience the local culture.

Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, either directly from universities or through government initiatives. Non-EU nationals seeking postgraduate studies can apply for .

An example of a student budget

Although it may seem overwhelming, estimating your cost of living only requires a few calculations. Simply add up your fixed and variable expenses, as you would if you were living in your home country.

As a helpful reference, we have provided an example of a monthly budget for a student living in Nottingham. The budget is calculated using average spending data obtained from a UK student budget calculator.

It's common to come across discounts for students, like deals on food at campus eateries, special phone plans, or lower prices at certain shops and restaurants.

Don't miss out on these opportunities and make sure to ask about them. Keep in mind that this budget doesn't cover expenses for shopping or hobbies, so take those into account based on your individual situation.

If you're able to work while studying abroad, it can help ease some of the financial strain. UK residents who require additional support may be eligible for .

There are lots of regarding financing and budgeting whilst abroad, so make sure to do your research and check them out.

Learning English with music can enhance learning and create a more engaging and dynamic classroom environment. In a previous post, we discussed if music can help you learn a language; this post looks at how music can be incorporated into the classroom.

Using music in your classroom can help improve student motivation, focus, and retention of information. Here are some ways you can use music to enhance your classroom teaching:

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