Reasons to Study in the UK

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Studying in the UK

There are endless reasons why you should come to the UK to study English, apply to study at a Higher Education Institute, live and possibly work in the UK.  Numerous people have attempted to highlight the reasons why you should study English and of course, come to the UK as opposed to other English speaking countries.  Although we are positive that these people have not failed, UKLE has tried to combine their thoughts with our own, and although the following reasons are by no means exhaustive, we do hope that they are more insightful and provide more factual evidence, so that you can be sure that the UK is the right place for you to come and study!

Why study English in the UK?

Approximately 600,000 people travel to the UK – the home of the English Language, every year to learn English.  Apart from the United States, there are more people using English as their first language in the UK than any other country (around 60 million).  Arguably, the English Language is becoming increasingly popular and more widely used in the business world than it has ever been before.  Consequently, there is no surprise that the UK has the best choice of English language courses anywhere in the world.  Furthermore, due to the new UK Border Agency regulations, English language schools in the UK are only getting better, and offer even more high quality English courses once they are recognised by the British Council.  You can rest assured that language teaching methods in the UK are well developed.

Why choose a UK University/College?

The British educational system is highly reputable and maintains a solid image throughout the world.  Accredited qualifications obtained from British universities are also recognised in many different countries.  Britain is home to four of the world’s top ten universities including Cambridge and University College London, second and fourth respectively.  Education institutions across the country have earned a well deserved reputation for high levels of quality and standards of teaching.

Study in the UK and you will gain valuable experience of speaking English in its native country and demonstrate to future employers your independence and personal drive.  Conversely, you will also gain vital skills and qualifications you need to succeed in your chosen career.

What’s the UK Culture like?

The UK is an exciting multicultural – cosmopolitan country to live and study with plenty to see and do.  There is a rich mix of history, culture, global influences and opportunities to learn.  You are guaranteed to meet students from all over the world and you can always find time to socialise with your new friends and explore the country when you are not studying.  On the whole, British people are tolerant to international students, and respect the freedom of people to have different opinions and beliefs.  British people are free to express their own opinions – living in a democracy, so do not expect people to agree with you all of the time!  Generally, individual ideas are encouraged and British people are quite modest, although often avoid talking to strangers in fear of self embarrassment.

If you have any problems adjusting to new life in the UK, the UK Council for International Student Affairs, has further information on how to overcome ‘culture shock’.

Working in the UK

If you have been granted a student visa under the new Tier 4 Points Based System (PBS) before you enter the UK, then you are authorised to work part-time.  The amount of hours you work will depend on the type of course that you are studying.  For many students part –time work is essential, as living accommodation and food prices are quite high in comparison with other countries.  There will be endless opportunities to find work, but primarily these will be in either the retail or hospitality sector (whilst studying).  The work can be demanding at times; although the benefits will be that you can work in a general public environment and learn English simultaneously.  It’s also a fantastic opportunity to show off your new language skills!

What about Health issues?

If your course of study is for six months or more and you are studying in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or if your course is of any duration and you are studying in Scotland, you will qualify for NHS treatment from the beginning of your stay on the same basis as anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK.  However, if your course of study is for less than six months and you are studying in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, on a course which is substantially funded by the UK government, you will receive full NHS hospital treatment from the beginning of your stay. ‘Substantially’ means at least 35% government funded. You will need to provide evidence of the funding in order to qualify for free treatment. However, you might not be eligible for free GP treatment.

Safety in the UK

Statistically the UK has relatively low crime rates in a majority of counties across the country.  The police in the UK do not usually carry firearms, and there are strict controls on the ownership of weapons.  Like all countries you will be at risk from ‘petty crime’ such as pick pocketing – once more in busy areas.  There are not many insects, snakes or dangerous animals in the UK.  There is very little risk of earthquakes, hurricanes or other natural disasters, although flooding sometimes occurs in low land areas. As in many other parts of the world, there is some risk of terrorist attack.

UK Food

Although not the most desirable of food dishes overseas, the British is still known for its Sunday roast dinners that contain beef and Yorkshire puddings.  Previously fish and chips was said to be popular in the UK, but nowadays it is a dish from India that has stolen the spotlight – Tikka Masala.  Conversely, there is in fact a very wide variety of food available (both traditional British food and international cuisine), especially in the bigger cities. There are many fresh ingredients available to the consumer in local supermarkets as well as street markets.

UK Weather

The British weather is quite unpredictable.  From November to February temperatures are between 2 degrees and 9 degrees centigrade.  Days are short in the middle of winter (it gets dark before 4pm in December), and long in the middle of summer (it remains light until after 9.30pm in June).  Typically there is more rain in the west of the country and more sunshine in the south.  There are many award winning beaches in the UK, and Britain is an ideal location if you want to sunbathe on a beach or swim in the sea during the summer.  The weather is also pleasant enough for either studying or working especially between the spring and autumn.