At all UK universities and most of the larger colleges, students are automatically considered as members of the National Union of Students (NUS). This will give you access to clubs and societies, representing a vast range of hobbies, sports and interests. Most branches of the Students - Union hold a 'Fresher Week'- at the beginning of the autumn term, during which you will be able to join these clubs and societies. The Students' Union also organizes a wide range of social activities.

UK – Climate & Clothing     

There are four seasons, namely autumn, winter, spring and summer but it rains all year round. During autumn and spring seasons, it tends to get chilly and you will need heavy warm clothes such as Jackets, pullovers, sweaters, vests, waterproof shoes or boots, jumpers, coats, hats, gloves and scarves.
What is equally important to clothing in the winter is to ensure that you have heated accommodation. When the temperatures rise in summer you will start wearing, T-shirts, open sandals, sundresses, sunhats and sunglasses.
For the reasons highlighted above, wet weather clothing should be packed together with jumpers and other warm clothing. An umbrella is also essential regardless of when you visit.

Accommodation                                                      

Most Universities and Colleges in the UK are well served with suitable student accommodation. Accommodation is of two types, on campus and off campus.
The on campus accommodation is called Halls of Residence. The off campus accommodation can be modern, multi-storied town houses, located close to the Universities. While the on campus Halls of Residence cost less, it is left to student's choice which type of accommodation is preferred.
Reservations for accommodation have to be made well in advance. The Universities will also offer full membership sports and recreation facilities and it is included within the rent payable for your accommodation.

Art

Art in the UK is flourishing and most of the UK's 2,000 museums and galleries are free. Art exhibitions are regular events throughout the UK and are highly popular.
There are many art galleries in the UK including the Tate Modern Gallery in London and BALTIC in Gateshead. One of the largest art spaces in Europe and the biggest arts event of all is the renowned annual Edinburgh Festival which is actually several festivals at once - a real feast of music, drama, comedy, dance, film, books and other arts.

Sports                                                                                                                                                                                         Top

Sport is popular throughout the UK. Football, cricket and rugby are the national games. UK colleges and universities have a range of sports teams and clubs. If you prefer to go along and watch, look out for football matches (thousands of games kick off at 3.00 p.m. every Saturday), cricket (at cricket grounds and village greens from May to September), international athletics events, golf tournaments, the Wimbledon tennis championships, the London Marathon, horse - racing (meetings all over the country), Cowes sailing week and the Oxford and Cambridge boat race.

Working - after your studies

 

On graduation, there may be opportunities to work with leading UK and international corporations in the UK, or to join national and international firms in Europe, the United States or, indeed, in any part around the globe.

At the end of your course, you may be able to stay and work in the UK through TWES.

To be eligible for this scheme, you will have to do one of the following:

	Undertake training leading to a recognized professional or specialist qualification (e.g. accountancy).
	Follow a graduate training programme leading to international employment.
	Join a work experience scheme where you can gain up to twelve months work experience with a UK employer.
	Stay/Work in the UK after graduation.
	Under new work permit regulations, international graduates with specific skills (in areas such as electronics, engineering, health and technology) will be able to stay and work in the UK for a limited period.

You are welcomed to the UK

The UK has been welcoming international students for generations. Many institutions arrange for you to be collected from the airport and offer guaranteed accommodation for your first year. They will provide a dedicated international office, international student societies, planned social activities, academic support, counselors and advisers.

Quality Education

The UK has two distinct education systems: one for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and one for Scotland. Each is compatible with the other. The Scottish Parliament has devolved responsibility for education in Scotland. Wherever you choose to study, you will be able to study relevant, world-class qualifications of exceptional quality.

Teaching Methods                                                                                                                                                              Top

Programmes are intensive and you should be prepared for a heavy workload. Postgraduate students attend classes and lectures, do a great deal of independent reading and/or experimental work between classes, complete regular written assignments, and write a substantial dissertation.

Leisure & Fun

Studying in the UK is not only a wonderful opportunity to benefit from a world-class education but also a chance to experience the country's vibrant culture.

Sightseeing                              

There are many places in the UK you won't want to miss, such as the sights of cities like London, Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, Bath and York, and the landmarks of Stonehenge, the Giant's Causeway and the mountains of Snowdonia. You'll find that almost every city and major town in the UK has at least one intriguing historic building or feature.

Outdoor Adventure                                                                                                                                                             Top

The UK boasts a wide variety of landscapes and an equally wide choice of outdoor activities. Miles of rivers and sandy coastlines are ideal for rowing, sailing, white water rafting, canoeing and fishing. Tennis courts and swimming pools can be found in virtually every town. And thousands of acres of unspoiled countryside, many of them in national parks offer ideal terrain for walking, cycling and horse riding.