International Students Accommodation Guide
Studying abroad is always a rewarding experience, but of course it's not an easy first step to make for new students. Scotland is a beautiful location in which to study, and it boasts several highly acclaimed universities, a friendly environment in which to work, a diverse student body, a celebrated selection of cultural highlights and iconic landmarks, and of course some truly breath-taking scenery.
If you're planning a year or more of studying in Scotland, you can be sure of a good time. Having said that, there are some issues which you need to take into consideration before you arrive. Perhaps the best and most important piece of advice is to research your trip in advance, to help you become familiar with things like the currency, passport and visa requirements, bank details and medical care.
It goes without saying that you'll need to arrange your student accommodation before the term begins, and that's where we can help. Here at Citylets, we offer a comprehensive selection of accommodation in Glasgow, Edinburgh and elsewhere, so you can scan the various choices and make a selection in no time at all.
Getting into contact with people just like you is easy thanks to the various social media platforms. Scotland's universities welcome a significant number of students from across the world every year, so there will be plenty of people facing the same issues, dealing with the same matters and looking forward to the same experiences as you. Be sure to look for groups on Facebook and Twitter before you travel.
Healthcare is a hugely important issue for newcomers to the UK. If you're from the European Union, you need to get a European Health Insurance Card (or the equivalent) from your own country. This will help you to get either free or reduced cost healthcare during your time in Britain. If you're from outside the EU, you'll need to arrange healthcare in your own country before travelling.
Stay connected during your academic year
Using your mobile phone in the UK is usually not a problem, although it's worth noting that students from Japan, North America and South America will often have to make arrangements to use their phones in Britain. As always, be sure to ask questions at home first, or check on the internet to see what you need to do. If you need to buy a new phone here, there are a number of cheap options open to you.
Public transport in the UK is generally very good, and in and around Scotland's universities you can get from A to B with relative ease. A student bus pass entitles you to inexpensive travel, and there are railcards available for young people as well as students. Ask your chosen university about such arrangements. If you're studying in Glasgow, you will no doubt want to make use of the Subway, a 15-station underground loop that makes it easy to get around in the centre and in the West End.
Many students, both those based in the UK and those from abroad, like to take a part-time job in order to earn extra money. If you're from the EU there are currently no restrictions on the amount of hours you can work, but if you're from elsewhere you'll be limited to no more than 20 hours per week. As always, be sure to ask the university staff if you are in any doubt.
Over the years, we at Citylets have matched a huge number of overseas students with accommodation across Scotland, and we continue to set the standards that others need to follow. Whether you're looking for shared student accommodation in Dundee, a room for one in a house or flat in Glasgow or just about anything else, you can find it with ease thanks to our search facility. The whole process really is as simple as it gets.
As well as finding the best place to live in your chosen area, our website allows you to specify how many bedrooms you want, when the property becomes available and, perhaps most crucial of all, how much you are looking to spend. A vibrant, exciting journey is about to unfold for you, and there will be many things that need to be arranged. Thanks to Citylets, finding your new home won't be a difficult problem.
