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5 Things US Students Should Expect | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Not only is applying to university a big step but applying to a UK university is a larger one! You need to navigate the different admissions processes, obtain your visa and book a flight. Once you’ve hurdled all these steps and you’re done, what should you can you expect when you start this new, exciting life?

 

1. Flatmates vs. Roommates

Many UK universities offer students accommodation where they will have their own bedroom.  This means you do not have to worry whether or not you will vibe well with a roommate. Some university accommodations will even have an en-suite option where you will get your own bathroom with toilet and shower! That being said, instead of roommates you will have flatmates. Each flat may be compromised of 5-7 other students that you will share a kitchen and possible sitting room with. Therefore, it is important to understand boundaries and not make too much noise in the hallways.

 

2. Three Year Degrees

Most UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) courses are very subject focused, meaning that if you are studying a history degree you won’t be expected to take any math classes. Due to the lack of general education requirements UK degrees are only three years, rather than the 4 years you may be familiar with in the USA. If you wish to take classes outside of your chosen major many universities will have classes open for the public that students can take for free or at a reduced rate.

 

3. Takeaway, Meal Plans, Kitchens and More

You may be used to the concept of meal plans as many US universities require first year students to take out a meal plan. While available, they are not as common at UK universities. This is due to students having access to a kitchen in their accommodation. This allows you to start cook your own meals at your own time. If you don’t want to cook, no problem! The UK has a variety of places to order delivery, or takeaway, as it’s referred to here. Most universities will also have a variety of cafes, food halls or more to help ease the rumble in your stomach.

 

4. No Grades for Attendance

Academics works a bit different in the UK than it does in the US. For one, there are less things that you will be graded over. In the US you might expect to have 10% of your grade for attendance, 20% for participation, 20% for homework, 50% for exams or tests. In the UK many courses, or modules, will only grade you on your submitted work or seated exams. So, if you have 2 essays and one exam, your essays may be worth 25% each and your exam for 50% of your grade! While daunting, many departments will help to prepare you for each of your assignments and you will receive a personal tutor, similar to a US advisor, who can help answer any questions you may have.

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Another thing to prepare for is the grading scale. For an undergraduate course a failure is below 40% and below 50% for a postgraduate degree. You can then get an undergraduate degree that is labelled as a third-class degree (40-50%), 2.2 degree (50-60%), 2.1 degree (60-70%) or a first degree (anything over 70%).

 

5. Hundreds of Societies

Students in the UK are able to join a variety of societies that cater to their interests. This can range from sport societies, such as rugby, soccer and American football, to specific societies that relate to your course, hobbies, politics, beliefs and more! Most of these societies will allow you to go to the first meeting free of charge before you are expected to pay a smaller membership fee that goes to the students Union.

 

The students union is a common concept in the UK and is there to work or the student. They help to raise awareness of student issues at the university and work on improving student satisfaction. The students union will have a variety of student-elected full-time officers that serve as the student voice on campus. They may hold positions that focus on wellbeing, student opportunities, societies and more. The students union will also hold events on campus and hosts a variety of welcome activities during the first week of term to help introduce new students to student life.

 

Jackie Jarocki is a Regional Officer at Aberystwyth University. Jackie is a former international student from the USA who came to study in the UK in 2018 and never left! She has been working in the UK Higher Education in international student recruitment since 2019.

Student Support at UK Universities

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Supporting our students in all areas of their life is one of the most important values to British universities and, as a result, we have plenty of options in place to make sure your time at university is as amazing as possible!

 

A lot of support actually starts before you even arrive in the UK. The universities you apply to will run pre-departure sessions, aimed at preparing you for both life and study in the UK, as well as more practical elements of moving across the pond. At University of Sussex, we run sessions covering Campus Life, Housing, Finance, Visa application, Life in the UK, and Moving to the UK in the months leading up to you leaving for university.

 

Academic support is obviously vital to you completing your degree successfully, and universities across the UK offer plenty of resources for you to maximize your learning potential. Most universities will allocate you an academic advisory, a member of teaching staff in your department who is there to help you out with any challenges you might be facing with your degree program. Also, don’t forget, all of your professors will have office hours to drop into and discuss content from each module you’re taking! We also run university-wide sessions on things like essay-writing, note-taking, and presentation skills- all things you’ll need throughout your degree.

 

If you are someone that might need extra support academically due to a disability, then universities have extra processes in place to support you. This can include working with you to provide an individual support plan, contact with our dedicated support workers, and working to support your academic life at a higher level, particularly with essays and exams.

 

Whilst the academic support we provide is essential, so is enhancing other areas of your life- after all, universities is a whole life experience! UK universities all have teams to help out with different issues you may run into in your day-to-day life. At Sussex, our student support options cover:

  • Student life: this can be pretty broad, covering anything from budgeting advice to homesickness to relationship advice

  • Mental health support: at Sussex, we offer free counseling to our students and can work with the on-campus doctors to support mental well-being

  • Residential life and housing: whether you’re living on or off campus

  • Careers and Employability: this is a service you can use throughout your degree and also 3-years post-graduation

  • International Student Support

  • Health

  • Religion and spirituality

 

Universities want you to have the best possible time, so these are all services we encourage you to reach out to if you feel you need it!

 

We also want our campus spaces to be a safe as possible. This will work differently depending on whether you’re at a campus or city-based university, but never doubt that there will be support available. At Sussex, we offer a 24/7 security team who patrol the campus, with security pick-up points across campus. We have a dedicated emergency line and phones across campus, and our Residential Life team are trained in crisis management.

 

There are also loads of other outlets for support at UK universities (sports clubs, societies, the Students’ Union, mentoring programs) but it’s safe to say that you’ll be well supported during your time at your chosen British university!

 

Kasia Symons is the International Officer for the Americas at University of Sussex.

Am I Eligible to Pay UK Home Fees?

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Let’s say that your student (or child) is British and has applied to the UK, but is currently living here in the US. The family is wondering, hmm, since we are British, are we eligible to pay Home (domestic) Fees or are we categorized as “international” and pay the International Fees?

 

Whether you pay “Home” or “International” fees depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Speaking with Falmouth University we were able to clarify. To be classed as a “Home” student, you normally need to meet one of two basic criteria before the first day of the first academic year of the course:

 

  • The student must have “Settled” status in the UK. Meaning, the student will have no time limit on the amount of time they can reside in the UK. That usually means a UK passport or another form of “indefinite leave to remain” granted by the UK government.

 

OR

 

  • The student must have been a “Resident” in the UK for the three years prior to the start of the course. That means they have been working, studying, and generally living their everyday life in the UK.

 

There are some exceptions to this, such as, parents owning a property in the UK and paying UK taxes. If you are categorized as a “Home Fee” student, it’s worth noting that it may be more competitive for admissions.

 

We recommend checking with the university for confirmation. Some universities will offer confirmation before a student applies; however, most will recommend applying first and will review the student’s application before assessing their status.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about the different policies, you can check UKCISA guidelines to help navigate what your status is. UKCISA also has a useful overview.

 

How The UK Study Expert Search Tool and Quiz Can Help You

 

Are you in the process of finding the right fit UK university? Check out our university search engine. Where you’ll be able to learn about UK universities and their entry requirements.

Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match. 


Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs.

 

 

Conditional vs Unconditional Offers | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Navigating your way around UK higher education admissions can be a bit daunting, especially as it is so different from the US way of doing things. You have researched your options, written a wonderful personal statement, and applied, congratulations! Now it is time to be patient whilst you await the responses from your chosen universities.

 

Below I am going to outline the different types of offers you may get from the UK universities you have applied to. Here in the UK many prospective students are made an offer of study based on their predicted final grades, whether this be the final high school grades and test scores, if applying for undergraduate, or the final cumulative GPA if applying for postgraduate. The offers set out below reflect this:

 

  • Conditional Offer – This offer means you have a place reserved for you as long as you meet certain requirements, usually the conditions of your offer so your final exam results or your final transcript. Universities don’t need to see the evidence of your final qualification right away (unless you have applied very late). They will set a deadline for you to provide your final documents to then confirm your place.
  • Unconditional Offer – This means you have successfully been given a place at this university and have met all the academic requirements we need for entry. Please bear in mind you may still need to sort your visa and other documentation before traveling to the UK and being able to commence your studies.
  • Unsuccessful – This means that the university is unable to make you an offer, this usually happens if your predicted final grades are not high enough to match the universities offer.

 

Once you have heard back from all the universities you will then need to make a decision as to what pathway you are going to take. If you are applying for undergraduate and have applied through UCAS you will need to choose one university as your firm choice and a second as your insurance choice. Remember to take your time over this and choose the course that appeals to you the most and will help you achieve your future goals.

 

Things to remember:

 

  • Deadlines – whether this be the UCAS decision deadline date, or the decision date set by universities be aware of them! Put them into a spreadsheet so you can keep track and respond to any offers before they expire.
  • Be aware, those applying for undergraduate, some universities may entice you by promising an unconditional offer if you make them your firm choice. Try not to be influenced by this. Choose the university based on the course that is the most appealing to you and your future goals.
  • Deposit – once you have your offer that you want to accept you may be required to pay a deposit to confirm. Make sure you are aware of this and pay the deposit before the deadline.
  • Speak to your family and friends before choosing where to study, their insight could prove to be very valuable.

 

Good luck with your applications, remember to do your research and apply with plenty of time.

 

Katie Sharpe is Senior International Student Recruitment Manager (North America) at the University of Surrey.  Located 35 minutes south of London in the town of Guildford, the University of Surrey has been awarded the prestigious accolade of ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022 recognising the University’s consistently high performance in the employability of its graduates.

 

 

How The UK Study Expert Can Help You

Looking to find your best match UK university? Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy search tool. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.

 

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs. 

 

 

UK Application Timeline & Deadlines | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

The UK application timeline can be similar but very different compared to the US. The UK does not have Early Action or Early Decision. Instead, UK universities have set deadlines depending on the university and courses. To better prepare you in your application journey, below are the timelines and deadlines when applying to UK universities for your bachelor’s degree!

→ Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $27

 

Deadlines

The UCAS Application is the centralized application system for all UK universities for undergraduate courses.

 

Applications for Oxbridge or Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry courses must be submitted by 15 October.

 

For the majority of all other courses and universities, applications should be submitted to UCAS between:

  • September to January (final deadline varies each year) to be guaranteed equal consideration with other applicants.

    Disclaimer: Many top ranked universities will require this as their final application deadline. Please check the university’s application page.

    For 2025 entry, the equal consideration deadline is January 29th.

  • End of January (equal consideration deadline) to 30 June – the majority of universities will offer rolling admissions for international students. Students can still apply until 30 June, but places on courses may vary.

  • After 30 June – Students can use Clearing (more information on this below).

 

Admissions Test

Most universities do not require an additional admissions test, but the universities that do require it are the competitive universities (Oxbridge) or competitive courses (Business, Medicine, Law, etc.). Universities will list on their course page, admissions page, or on our university page if you will need to take an additional exam and their procedure. Or you can also check the UCAS admissions test page on the UCAS website.

 

University Decisions

Each university and college will make their decisions at different times depending when you have applied. Once you have applied, they have to make a decision on a student’s application:

  • If you send your application by the January deadline, you will hear back from the Universities before or by May. The usual response time for universities to respond back to an application is 2-6 weeks.

  • If you send your application by the June deadline, you will hear back by July.

 

Replying to Offers

Once you receive all of your offers, you will have deadlines to respond by. Don’t worry – these deadlines will be presented on your UCAS portal and you will be notified. These are varied deadlines based on when you get the last decision from your university or college:

  • If you receive your last decision on or before the May deadline, your reply date is typically in June.

  • If you receive your last decision on or before the July deadline, your reply date is typically at the end of July.

The actual dates and deadlines will be listed on your UCAS Application Portal. It’s important to check and make a note in your calendar so you don’t forget.

Clearing

All applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing. Clearing is how universities and colleges fill any places they still have on their courses.

From July – October, you can apply for a course using Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places.

If you have questions about deadlines or the processes and wish to speak to a UK university representative who assists with US students, you can contact a representative directly on our university webpages. Click the “contact university” on the red button on the university page and your message will be sent directly to them.


Toni Dolby is the International Recruitment Manager for the Americas at the University of Sheffield. The University of Sheffield is a World Top 100 University located in the heart of the UK offering undergraduate and graduate study. The University is truly international as we are home to over 29,000 from 150 countries and have been voted one of the top 50 most international universities in the world!

 

Need help figuring out your UCAS application? Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide!


Get the UCAS Guide for $27

Applying to UK Medical Degrees

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

What are the entry requirements to apply to medical school? How competitive is it for me as an American to apply? Will my UK medical degree transfer back to the US? What are some viable options if I can’t get into Medical School in the UK?

We address these questions and more as we help you understand what it means to study Medicine in the UK!

 

UK Medical Degrees 

In the UK, it’s hard to believe, but British students can go directly into Medicine as an undergraduate. This often leads to a misconception in the US that the process will be quicker, cheaper, and perhaps easier to study a medical degree abroad. However, that is not accurate.

Medical programs are called the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB or MBBS). They have no general education or core curriculum requirements and are five years in length. This program is considered a combined Undergraduate and Graduate degree. The first two years are foundational and years 3-5 are hospital experience.

Students who complete the Medicine (MBChB or MBBS) program, must then complete an additional two years of professional training to practice in the UK. Therefore the length to start practicing is around 7 years.

 

Entry Requirements as an American

Medicine is one of the most competitive programs in the UK. Out of 130 universities, there are only 37 medical schools. The average UK student who is accepted into a Medical degree already has a strong knowledge and understanding of Math, English and Sciences with at least 3 to 5 A-Levels or Highers exams with scores of A’s. The equivalent of these exams in the US are AP exams with scores of 5’s.

In addition, most universities will also require you to take one admissions test: University Clinical Test (UCAT), Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) along with an interview.

Not only are the entry requirements quite high, but looking at it from an international standpoint, it becomes more competitive. Most universities accept only 10-15 international students per year. You’re not only competing against other Americans, but you’re also competing against other students from around the world.

The application deadline for all medical programs is October 15th.

 

Transferring your UK Medical Degree to the US

If a student wants to return to the US after graduating, there are going to be some extra steps. UK graduates with the MBChB or MBBS are generally exempt from having to attend medical school in the United States, but may need to complete a residency, in addition to passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to become a licensed doctor.

Either way, the process will be rigorous. It will take about 7-8 years to complete no matter which route you choose. So the decision should be less about saving time and more about what experience is going to be the best fit for you.

 

Other Medicine Pathways

If a student is looking to get the best of both worlds, a great option might be to complete a Bachelor of Science in the UK and apply to a medical school in the US.

The UK is a fantastic option for the student who knows what they want to study, as there are no general education or core curriculum requirements. You have the chance to study your major and related subjects from day one. Not to mention the transparent application process and reasonable tuition fees. One thing to keep in mind is that US medical schools could require specific general education courses. It’s important to do your research and check before applying.

If a full degree abroad isn’t the preference but a student has medical aspirations, studying abroad for a semester or a year might be a good choice. TheUniversity of Glasgow has a study abroad course called ‘Functional Anatomy’ that is exclusively available to visiting students. This was designed specifically for pre-med study abroad students by a professor who used to teach at a medical school in the U.S.

Once you research the process to find out if studying medicine overseas is truly what you want to pursue, you will have the fun task of finding the right schools to apply to. Some of the best medical schools in the world are in the United Kingdom.

 

Our University Partners and their Medical Schools 

If you are interested in pursuing your full medical degree in the UK, below is a list of our university partners who offer Medicine. If you would like to connect with a university representative to learn more about their entry requirements and applying, we recommend filling in their university contact form. A university representative will contact you within 2-5 business days.

University of Glasgow

Leeds Beckett University

King’s College London

The University of Sheffield

University of Sussex

University of Bristol

University of Kent

University of Birmingham

University of Plymouth

Imperial College London

Newcastle University

University of Manchester

 

Ashley Warmington is the Senior International Officer for western USA at the University of Glasgow. Ashley studied her undergraduate degree in Scotland and has worked in UK admissions since 2016. She is now based in Southern California, where she helps American students through the UK application process.

 

 

My First Semester Studying in the UK

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

So, you’ve packed, gotten your visa, and finally sorted your accommodation? It may feel like you’re ready to get on a plane and go, but right when you think you’re finally done with all the hard logistical stuff, you start to think about university and student life, but there is one thing that many people forgot to consider before heading abroad to study in a new country. No matter how crucial it seems, when caught up in the hustle and bustle of preparing to move, it’s easy to forget to even think about academic differences and challenges. I, for one, was fully unprepared for the hurdles I would face transitioning to school in the UK.

 

During my first week, I attended a lecture on writing where I was introduced to the UK grading system. The obvious difference was that there were no letters, only numbers, and they weren’t necessarily sorted by percentage. I was told that it was rare and near impossible to get a mark higher than 80, and that 70 and up was equivalent to an A in the US grading system. Truthfully, I didn’t understand it at all, so I assumed I would just pick it up as I went along.

 

Fast forward a month or so and I finally get my first mark back. And it’s a 63. Now, this is actually a pretty good mark for a first try, but my brain, fully acclimated to the US grading system, saw it as an automatic failure, and my first instinct was to cry, which I definitely did. However, after my moment of weakness I looked up a table comparing UK and US grades, something I recommend all international students do (for their corresponding country of course) BEFORE arriving in the UK, and I finally learned to understand the scoring system.

 

Once I got over the grade-translation obstacle, I noticed other academic differences between the US and UK, and a lot of them are actually amazing! One of the best things about studying in the UK is the freedom. I felt more grown up, and not just because I literally moved to another country and was now living alone and ultimately was forced to grow up, but also because I was finally able to study exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. The professors treated me like an equal rather than someone they were just employed to teach. The coursework I did outside of class was actually productive and left plenty of room for creative expression. I loved that it was not just busy work and I could write/read about absolutely anything I wanted, but most of all, I loved feeling like a real student, excited to learn and enjoying what I was studying.

 

The assignments I do for my classes in England are all about quality over quantity, which is something I wasn’t used to after being in the US school system. With only a couple big essays or projects per semester, it felt like I finally had TIME to fine-tune my assignments AND I even had extra time to read. (Granted, the workload may differ depending on your program of study, but for me, it worked out great)! The days of setting aside 3 hours for homework after school were over. No more coloring in maps of the world for geography, writing scientific reports for chemistry, and filling in equations for algebra.

 

The most incredible thing about studying at University of Sheffield specifically has most definitely been the global perspective it’s strengthened in me. Sheffield has a huge international student population, which is something that drew me to it in the first place. As a politics and philosophy student, speaking with my peers and hearing about their unique experiences has really aided my understanding of the subjects I study in my classes. I get to see first hand how cultural and personal upbringings can drastically impact individual opinions on the same issue. Having conversations in classes and seminars with my peers added a whole new dimension to my understanding of the wider world.

 

Ultimately, despite initial hurdles, studying in England has helped me grow as a person and learn as a citizen of the world. I feel better equipped to continue my academic career with newfound freedom and knowledge, which is something I always wanted. 🙂

 

Charlotte Flores is a current student at University of Sheffield originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico. She is currently studying BA Politics and Philosophy and plans to graduate in 2022.

Predicted Grades and UCAS Application | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Yay, you’ve completed your UCAS Application! The next step will require your counselor or teacher to supply predicted grades for you IB, AP, or other exams. You may be wondering: What is the best way to approach this? Will submitting the wrong grade hinder your chance of acceptance? We asked Ashley Warmington from University of Glasgow to help us understand this process.

 

Before we begin, it’s important to understand a major differences between US and UK secondary education. In high school, which is called ‘college’ in the UK, there are no GPAs or transcripts. Instead, students work towards exams called A-levels or Higher’s (Scotland) taken in May or June at the completion of their course. Students use scores they receive on quarterly practice tests to estimate the grade they will receive on their final exam. This is the predicted grade.

 

Often US teachers or counselors do not know how to calculate a predicted grade and are afraid they may be held accountable if they guess incorrectly. This is not the case. When approaching the predicted grade, think of it as the University asking you if the student is likely to meet the academic requirements. Using the mid-year transcript or a first semester progress report is a great way to estimate a final grade. We recommend that the teacher try and answer as honestly as possible based on the student’s previous coursework, but also keep in mind what the university’s minimum entry requirements are.

 

With all this in mind, we can see why the UK admissions process is historically test-focused. US applicants either appreciate the transparency (get the grades and you’re in, fall below and you aren’t) or fear it. It isn’t a perfect system, but one of the silver linings of the pandemic has been more and more UK institutions offering a flexible and holistic review process for US applications.

 

I hope that clarifying the UK grading/testing system helps you to understand the UK application/admissions process a bit better. As always, we recommend reaching out to a UK university representative if you are unsure. You can always find helpful articles on our website, The UK Study Expert or UCAS.

 

Ashley Warmington is the Senior International Officer for western USA at the University of Glasgow. Ashley studied her undergraduate degree in Scotland and has worked in UK admissions since 2016. She is now based in Southern California, where she helps American students through the UK application process.

 

 

Should You Consider a Foundation Year?

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Foundation years are something that are often overlooked in the UK university system, but provide benefits to certain students. There are typically two different types of foundation years in the UK.

 

The first is aimed at those who need some assistance with English before undertaking a full degree. This is called international foundation. We wouldn’t recommend this to US students since their first language is English. The second is a different type of foundation year, that students might take for a number of different reasons, and it is this one that would be most relevant to students from the US.

 

Foundation year is a preparatory pathway taken prior to starting a three-year degree in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They are in broad subject areas, which will allow you to progress into a more specialized area. For example, at University of Sussex, our foundation year in Business, Management and Economics will allow students to progress into any of our 3-year degrees in the University of Sussex Business School.

 

So why take a foundation year?

A foundation year can be taken for a number of different reasons. As you start to research English universities, you’ll see that undergraduate degrees are in specialized areas (and start in the subject from day 1; we don’t have general education classes in our system!). But you might not be ready to commit to something that early on, so a Foundation Year can provide you with an intro year in a broad subject area whilst you finalize your choice on the three-year degree.

 

Most English degree programs will have specific academic requirements that you need to meet to be granted a place. This may be AP test scores, SAT/ACT scores, GPA, and we do this to ensure that you’ll be able to manage the workload on your chosen degree. If your test scores aren’t quite matching up, you could also consider a foundation year. There will still be requirements to meet (again to ensure that you can work at the foundation year level which is higher than high school), but they tend to be lower than the requirements for the degree, and give you that chance to bridge the gap between high school and first year of university.

 

Think of it like a final year top-up or attending community college in the US: It’s a great option if your grades aren’t strong enough to get into the school of your choice and you want to improve your academic skills. The foundation year gives you that option but you won’t be taking general education classes. Instead, you will be developing your subject knowledge before starting your bachelor’s degree.

 

You may also want to consider a foundation year if you’re rethinking your educational path, or if you’re coming back to education after a little while out.

 

How can a foundation year benefit me?

Foundations years have the aim of preparing students to be successful in the full degree they progress into. Because of this, you will be learning material specifically aimed to preparing you for a certain subject area – when school may not have done for you! You’ll learn essential skills and knowledge, and be taught by members of your university’s faculty. In fact, you’ll be considered a full member of the university, and get access to all the support services, facilities, and student life experiences that English universities have to offer.

 

What happens next?

Once you have successfully completed your foundation year (each university will have a certain grade they need you to make), you can then progress into one of the 3-year degrees that is in your chosen pathway. For example, the Social Sciences foundation year can lead into degrees in Politics, Law, Sociology, International Relations, Criminology, Geography- just to name a few. At this point, you’ll join the first year of your chosen degree and complete it successfully! And we know that students who have done a foundation year do really well too! At University of Sussex, over 88% of foundation year students went on to achieve the top two grades in their full degree in 2021.

 

Kasia Symons is the International Officer for the Americas at University of Sussex.

An American Studying in Leeds

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Ian is an American student in his second year of the BA (Hons) Filmmaking program at Leeds Beckett University in Leeds, England. As the third-largest city in the UK, Leeds is home to 70,000 students and three universities! It’s also known as the ‘financial capitol of the North’ and is an affordable yet cosmopolitan English city only 2.5 hours from London!

 

Ian is originally from California and was living in San Francisco before moving to the UK to study. We asked him 10 questions about what it’s like being a US student in Leeds.

 

What made you want to study in the UK?

To be honest, I had never really thought about it before, but I knew I wanted to be in another country. I wanted to travel around Europe due to its proximity to the UK – Covid soon put a stop to that, but I could still explore Leeds and the surrounding areas.

 

University tuition is much more affordable in the UK than in the US, and everyone speaks English of course, so there isn’t a language barrier – but you’re still able to gain a different cultural experience. The free healthcare through the NHS is also a huge bonus!

 

What do you like about the city of Leeds?

Leeds has some beautiful architecture, both old and new – and the university campuses really show that. Headingley Campus has beautiful old architecture and a lush campus surrounded by trees, whereas the City Campus is in practically in the middle of the city centre and has some brand-new modern buildings.

 

Leeds itself has so many things to do. I love going for a walk along the canal, checking out the culture and arts scene, and visiting all the shops. No matter what your interests are, there’s always so much to do in Leeds – and you can discover the city online to see what the experience will be like before you get here.

 

LeedsThe city of Leeds is renowned for its wealth of nightlife, entertainment, shopping and dining.

Leeds

The city of Leeds is renowned for its wealth of nightlife, entertainment, shopping and dining.

 

For my filmmaking degree, it was because the Northern Film School is based in Leeds. The school is industry leading with lots of top professors, plus the brand new £85 million Leeds School of Arts building with a built-in cinema is amazing!

Leeds School of ArtsThe new Leeds School of Arts opened in Spring 2021.

Leeds School of Arts

The new Leeds School of Arts opened in Spring 2021.

All courses are practical based, so I have unlimited access to software such as the Adobe Creative Suite, which usually costs a lot. Your classes are pre-selected too, which is totally different to the competition to secure a place in classes at universities in the States. It’s good to know that you are guaranteed those classes and it takes a lot of the pressure off! I could even try out specialisms in Year 1 and now focus on those in Year 2.

 

How are you finding your time in Leeds so far?

I’ll admit that arriving during a pandemic was tough. I would say I’m not as outspoken in a Zoom class as I would be in-person. I couldn’t meet my peers because I was studying online and when I arrived in Leeds, so lots of my classmates already knew each other. However, it surprised me just how nice they all were! I was slightly worried because I’m 26 and my peers are 18 but I get along with them well.

 

During the pandemic I started jogging, even when it was snowing, so that’s certainly a positive! Now that things have opened again here in the UK, I’ve been able to see more and there are more part-time jobs available. I work in a café and as a global ambassador for the university, which is really nice as I get to speak to lots of different people.

 

What were the most surprising things about Leeds?

Considering Leeds is one of the UK’s largest cities, the city centre is really compact, especially compared to US cities – so it’s surprisingly walkable. You don’t need to drive, and there is plenty of public transport.

 

You’re so close to nature as well as the city. I’m still wrapping my head around how green it all is! Even the trees at home in California are brown! That’s the best part of living in a city surrounded by countryside – it’s a nice mix between the two.

Yorkshire DalesThe green countryside of the Yorkshire Dales is only a short journey outside of Leeds.

Yorkshire Dales

The green countryside of the Yorkshire Dales is only a short journey outside of Leeds.

 

I also couldn’t believe that even though the UK is such a small country, there are so many different dialects from one region to the next. I’m still trying to learn the Yorkshire accent and sayings!

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of your studies?

I’m pretty boring so I don’t go clubbing but I can appreciate how many clubs and events there are for students. Personally, I love brunch. There are so many options in Leeds for breakfast and coffee.

 

I love bouldering, which I thought was quite a niche hobby, but I was pleasantly surprised to see there are so many facilities. And if you want a bit of retail therapy then there is the Corn Exchange, where there are some small, independent shops.

Corn ExchangeThe Leeds Corn Exchange was built in 1863, and is home to independent shops and cafes.

Corn Exchange

The Leeds Corn Exchange was built in 1863, and is home to independent shops and cafes.

My course has a secret cinema club where we have cinema showings every week and that’s built into the program. You will find a lot of courses have that. I’m really looking forward to doing that in-person now that things have opened up.

 

I didn’t join any societies because I wanted to make sure I was able to balance my course work with the social side of things, but there are so many available to join through the Leeds Beckett Students’ Union.

 

What are some differences between the UK and the US?

I would say there are huge cultural differences, mainly around the way people behave. In America, you don’t really hang out outside much, even if it’s sunny, but people always sit outside here when they’re eating or drinking – even when it’s cold! It’s very social. You even talk to people that you don’t know which is very different. I was sat at a table one time and someone asked me “Oh, what are you reading?” I was walking down the street when someone asked me “Are you alright?”- I wondered if there was something wrong with me or if I looked sick, but I soon realised they are just so friendly here and it’s simply a way of saying hello in the UK. I’m still getting used to it!

 

What words of advice would you give to Americans looking to study in the UK?

 

Do your research! As with any big leap, there will always be lots of surprises and just try to be prepared as much as you can. I would just say keep your mind open to the adventure. Some things will go right, and some things will go wrong – if you’re open to new experiences and challenges, you will have a great time.

 

Many new students ask about where to live and how to find housing. What would you recommend?

 

I would recommend living on campus if you can because it’s so convenient! The biggest issue with going for private housing is that landlords here will want you to pay a big chunk of rent up front, and that’s because overseas students don’t have a UK guarantor. Living on campus in university-managed housing solves that issue, and rent can be paid in instalments. Leeds Beckett has some fantastic university accommodation options, which you can check out on their website.

AccommodationLeeds Beckett offers a range of university-managed accommodation for every budget.

Accommodation

Leeds Beckett offers a range of university-managed accommodation for every budget.

Rent is so much cheaper in Leeds than in San Francisco. I was paying $1,500 per month in San Francisco for a 200 sq ft studio. If I wanted a big, modern studio flat in Leeds then I would pay something like £675 per month, which is so affordable in comparison. And you could still get great housing for much cheaper than that!

 

Do you think Leeds is an affordable place to live?

In my opinion, absolutely! Leeds is so cheap to live compared to what I’ve experienced and compared to other cities in the UK. Free healthcare is also astonishing as an American!

 

I couldn’t believe how cheap groceries and beer are. The fact that I can buy a loaf of bread for a few pence is staggering. Even eggs would be at least $12 in America but they’re £1.95 here. I’ll leave you with a small tip: if you are trying to find eggs in the grocery store, I would recommend looking next to the bread and not in the refrigerated section!

 

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Thank you to Ian for contributing to this blog about the student experience in the UK. If you are interested in learning more about Leeds Beckett University, please visit  www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/international.

 

You can also read student blogs from other international students in Leeds here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/blogs/student-blog-squad/

Differences of High School in the UK vs US | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Have you ever wondered the differences between UK high school education compared to the US? Also, why do so many UK universities require AP exams to be admitted into their university? Ashley Warmington from the University of Glasgow clarifies the UK secondary system to better understand why…

There are four nations that make up the United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. The education system is similar throughout the UK; however, Scotland has a slightly different set of high school qualifications:

Scottish Education

In Scotland, high school students study what are called the Highers. At the end of each year, students take Higher examinations. Highers are one year in length and sYou’d be surprised to know that students can even take several Highers in their Junior year. (Known locally as Fifth year.) What the Scots call Sixth year, or the equivalent of a Senior year, students can take additional Highers or Advanced Highers in topics they have already studied. This is not required, but it is common for competitive students to complete this additional year.

This system means that students in Scotland have the option to apply to university in their Junior year; that being said, Scottish students typically need at least four test scores to apply. Degrees in Scotland are therefore four years to account for the optional year and still total 16 years of education like the rest of the UK.

England/Wales/Northern Ireland Education

The rest of the UK is uniform. Students sit the A-level exams which are taken in the final two years of school or what is known as Year 12 and 13. They spend these two years focusing on three or four subjects per year.  in preparation for the A-Level exams. Students in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales normally apply to University during Year 13 or Senior year. Since these exams are taken over 2 years, students often apply up to five with three test scores. 13 years of school leave and only three years at University to total 16 years of education. This is why degrees are three years in length in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Conclusion
While students in the UK don’t have GPAs or transcripts, they do specialize their education very early on. For instance, if you want to study Medicine you will be taking Biology, Chemistry and likely another STEM subject. If you are interested in Sociology you will be taking essay and analysis based classes such as Higher Psychology, English, Sociology – you get the idea. This targeted education can help them gain offers of study to their anticipated major.

The biggest difference between UK and US university education is the lack of general education or core curriculum requirements. Students in the UK apply to their major and study it from day one, allowing them to tailor their degree experience from the beginning. US students, on the other hand, tend to start broad with their classes and whittle down their interests later in university.

With all this in mind, we can see why the UK admissions process is historically test-focused. US applicants either appreciate the transparency (get the grades and you’re in, fall below and you aren’t) or fear it. It isn’t a perfect system, but one of the silver linings of the pandemic has been more and more UK institutions offering a flexible and holistic review process for US applications. This has been led by having more in-country officers based in America than ever before.

**Fun fact/side note: there are no high school graduations in Scotland! When students complete high school at their chosen exit point, they are commonly called ‘Leavers’. Instead of ‘Class of 2021’ hoodies you’ll see students with shirts that say ‘Leavers’. Because there is no grand exit to mark a momentous occasion, completing high school is not your qualification and you don’t receive a high school diploma – you receive the exam scores in your Highers or A-Levels.

Ashley Warmington is the Senior International Officer for western USA at the University of Glasgow. Ashley studied her undergraduate degree in Scotland and has worked in UK admissions since 2016. She is now based in Southern California, where she helps American students through the UK application process.

UK Still Accepting 2022 Applications | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

UPDATE [August 29, 2022]: The below universities are no longer accepting applications for 2022. Did you miss the September 2022 deadline? Learn which universities are accepting applications for January 2023! Read More.

The following UK universities have provided information if they are still accepting undergraduate and graduate applications for September 2022.

To speak to a university representative, please go onto their university page, click their university Contact Button and complete the form. The form will go directly to the university representative’s inbox who assists US students.

Any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

WALES

Aberystwyth University 

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Occupational Therapy are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS, Direct University Application or CommonApp

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Cardiff University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Occupational Therapy are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

SCOTLAND

University of Abertay

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

University of Glasgow

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, and Nursing are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Heriot Watt University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

ENGLAND

University of Birmingham

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Business, Law, Computer Science are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Scholarships available for PG courses – Global Masters Scholarship of £10,000.

Application: Direct University Application

University of Bristol

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? No

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Falmouth University 

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Data Science BSc, Music Business BA, Sound Design BA are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Artificial Intelligence MSc, Game Programming MSc are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: Direct University Application

Goldsmiths University of London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: MFA Fine Art is no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: Direct University Application

Imperial College London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? No

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

University of Kent

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine is no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Kings College London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? No

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Some programmes could still be open, however, students need to check the pages on a course by course basis.

Application: Direct University Application

Leeds Beckett University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: BSc Physiotherapy is no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: MSc Speech and Language Therapy is no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: Direct University Application

London Metropolitan University 

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Courses that are full for September 2022 will have a banner across the top of the course page noting they are full, but almost all of our undergraduate/postgraduate courses are still open.

Application: Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Dietetics and Nutrition MSc is no longer accepting applications for 2022. Courses that are full for September 2022 will have a banner across the top of the course page noting they are full, but almost all of our undergraduate/postgraduate courses are still open.

Application: Direct University Application

The University of Manchester

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: We are accepting limited applications for some of our environmental engineering courses, some of our international studies and politics courses, and very limited availability for biology or biomedical courses for 2022.

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Middlesex University London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: BA Social Work is no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Newcastle University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine and Dentistry are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS or CommonApp

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Norwich University of the Arts 

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Oxford Brookes University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Direct applications for international students are open until 30 June 2022. Allied health courses tend to close for applications before the deadline because of demand.

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Direct applications for international students are open until 30 June 2022. Allied health courses tend to close for applications before the deadline because of demand. 

Application: Direct University Application

University of Plymouth

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine, Dentistry and some health programmes such as Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Health programmes such as Occupational Therapy and Nursing are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: Direct University Application

University of Roehampton London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

University of Sheffield

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: BA Digital Media and Society, LLB Law and Criminology and LLB Law are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

University of Surrey

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Veterinary Medicine, Acting, Musical Theatre are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

University of Sussex

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Data Science MSc (with placement), MSc Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: Direct University Application

To speak to a university representative, please go onto their university page, then click their university Contact Button. The completed form will go directly to their university representative’s inbox who assists directly with US students.

Any questions, please reach out to [email protected].