Want to study in UK?
Anastasia
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Career Centre of Leeds University never failed to conduct their annual autumn career discovery. The event entitled with “Discover your future” happened across October and was offering different events such as career fairs, employer meet-up, and personal development webinars. All events are conducted online and went equally as good as offline events.
The Career Centre uses Career fair plus to make the online career fair happen. We can download the application through the app store and play store, or if you don’t want to download the apps, you can simply go to their website. From there, simply make an account, choose the fair that is happening in your organization, book time slots for one-to-one meeting, or discover a drop-in session with employers.
I personally prefer online career fair because they are easier, flexible, safer, and more organized. I also could choose a timeslot to have a one-to-one conversation to employers which is a non-existent feature in offline career fair. In comparison with offline career, I did not have to queue for gaining information which saves me time. The employer can also focus on me which allows me to give them some impression in establishing connection. Finally, I can avoid crowds which is an important for my health and safety since the pandemic.
The career fair happened almost every day with each day having a different theme. I attended sustainable futures and environmental jobs career fair on the 27th of October. It was a career fair for companies who offer roles in sustainability or ‘green company’ who offer services to improve planet’s health.
I was looking into 2 companies: Jacobs and Hermes. I had one to one meeting in both companies by booking a specific available time slot, and it lasted for 15 minutes. From 2 companies, I gained prestigious information on what the companies are, the details about the role, whether it is an entry role or graduate scheme, whether they sponsor international students, the application stages, and the details on the entry requirements.
Unfortunately, both companies are not offering role that is related to food science. However, through my skills, I still can apply to their role as they do not have a specific degree requirement. For Hermes, they are also planning to incorporate sustainable food delivery in the future which might be relevant to my degree.
The good thing about having a one-to-one meeting with employer is that the connection I gained with them. I can gain their email and connection in LinkedIn. This eases my job hunting as they might be interested in offering a role for me in the future whenever needed.
Khanh.
Hi everyone, it’s me Khanh. Last Thursday 21st October, I had the opportunity to participate in the career fair “Discover your future: Sustainable Futures and Environmental Jobs” and I am here to share with you some of my experience. As a graduate postgraduate student, I figured out that this career fair is really useful as we got the chance to attend group workshops to get to know more about each company and even can book 1-2-1 appointments to speak with employers about graduate/ work placement opportunities. In total, I attended 2 events: (1) Savills Graduate Recruitment- Group Session and (2) Sustainability at Jacobs- Presentation and Q/A with Sustainability Professionals
The very first session I took part in was “Savills Graduate Recruitment– Group Session ”, which was led by Hebe Williams and Hester Thompson. Savills is one of the world’s leading property agents that provides diverse consultancy services including building, environmental consultancy, planning project management to support clients within their property decisions and ambitions. Right now Savills is actively recruiting many positions such as Internship and Graduate Scheme, which I am actually interested in. For that reason, I booked an appointment with Savills and had an informative discussion with 2 representatives from Savills- Hebe and Hester. At the beginning, I thought it would be a group session, but actually there is only me there with Hebe and Hester, so I felt really amazing and comfortable. They started out by introducing Savills and the current graduate schemes/work placement that Savills is currently hiring. Then I demonstrated my interest for the Sustainability Graduate Scheme 2022. Heba and Hester were really supportive as they guided me throughout the role, the recruitment process and also what they expect from the candidates. In conclusion, even though the session with Savills was just a short one, I found it to be very useful for me as a graduate student.
2. Sustainability at Jacobs- Presentation and Q/A with Sustainability Professionals
The second workshop that I participated in was “Sustainability at Jacobs– Presentation and Q/A with Sustainability Professionals” hosted by James Steven and Chris Sowerby from Jacobs. The workshop included 2 parts: Jacob’s introduction and Q/A session. The workshop began with Jacobs sharing about their company and introducing exciting projects and career journeys relating to sustainability professionals. In fact, right now, Jacobs has had more than 25 Environmental/Sustainability graduate positions open for 2022 ranging from environmental assessment/ management, landscape, air quality and sustainability consultancy. I have known Jacobs since during my course, my professors invited Jacobs to come as guest lecturers and share with us about their company and the field that they are currently working on. Jacobs is one of the leading global environmental firms that provides technical, construction and environmental consulting services. Within their session in the career fair, James and Chris also provided some advice and three tips for us as graduate students on how to build and develop our career path.
Here were the three tips:
i. Grow your professional network.
Join workshops, networking events; be proactive in approaching people and put yourself in a position to be noticed and speak to people. Utilize Linked and other social media channel to connect and broaden your professional network.
ii. Take opportunities to work with relevant organizations.
Try to gain different opportunities to work with different environmental, sustainability-related organizations through volunteering internships and research projects to earn working experience. Any experience would be considered as valuable for any graduate students.
iii. Belief
Believe in yourself. Be confident in your skills and knowledge and strengthen your weaknesses.
In conclusion, Khanh and Anastasia- we both think that the career fair was really interesting and useful for graduate students like us. Thanks to the event, we got the precious opportunity to meet and talk directly to the companies that we aim to work with in the near future and prepare ourselves better for the application process. We hope that next year, there will be more events like this from the Career Centre, University of Leeds so that more international graduate students like us can connect to more companies whose work are relevant to our courses/majors.
Today I am going to share with you my experiences in joining a workshop “How to write a CV for UK Employers as International Students” organized by the Career Centre of University of Leeds. The workshop was helpful for me as an international student to learn how to create a UK style CV. Here are a few things that I have learnt from the workshop that I am happy to be able to share with you:
A CV can be considered as your marketing document which aims to provide employers a very brief introduction of a candidate’s skills, experience and qualifications when applying for a job opportunity. There are four main types of CV that you can consider when applying for jobs:
A traditional CV is among the most used CV style. A traditional CV is normally included with different sections including academic records, work experience, skills, achievements, which are representing in reverse chronological order where you start with your most recent study or jobs.
Many jobs will require strong employability skills from the candidates. For that reason, you can choose to create skills bases CVs to highlight/put more emphasis on your skills/personal qualities and explain how they meet the job requirements.
Academic CV is normally used when you want to apply for research-based, post-doctoral research or lecturing roles and will highlight your research and academic achievement.
Creative CV is normally used when you want to apply for a role that require high creativity such as marketing, advertising, media, graphics, and publishing…The layout/design of your CV plays a critical role but not more important than its content.
Before beginning your CVs, spend time to think about what your strengths are as an international student and what you can contribute to the organization. Reflect positively on your international background, knowledge, and experience.
Knowing more/ Being fluent in more than one language besides English can also be your strength as you can contribute to support your future company to communicate with their overseas markets/ partners.
Your diverse cultural knowledge and background can be useful if your employers are interested in exploring and creating the right impact on new overseas market/customers.
Again, this can also be useful as you can utilize your contact and network in your home country/region to help your company reach the right people/ partners.
STAR method stands for “Situation- Task- Action- Result”.
Note: you are advised to highlight the action part of your example and clearly demonstrate the skill you have used.
The Careers Centre of University of Leeds offers a lot of supports for students, especially international students to be able to create the best and most effective CVs. You can book an appointment with staff from the Careers Centre or you can utilize Vmock – a smart online CV-checking platform.
In conclusion, the workshop was interesting and useful for international graduate students like me. Thanks to the event, I have learnt a lot on how to design and create a good CV, which help me to prepare myself better for the application process. I am really looking forward to more workshops like this from the Career Centre in the coming future.
By Ioana Batcu
As an undergraduate student, your university experience may not necessarily start when you step into your first lecture. I believe it may start sooner than that, during an Open Day. An Open Day is your opportunity to visit and explore the universities you’re interested in and get an idea of what it’s like to study there. And while your priority may be to familiarise yourself with the campus, I’d recommend wandering around the city to get a taste of what it would be like living there.
Derby has been my home for three years now. Long before I finally started studying here, I’d had the chance to experience the city while attending an Open Day. This was how I was able to gain an understanding of what it would be like both studying and living in Derby. And don’t worry, whether you love to splash out or you’re looking after your pennies, Derby has a lot to offer.
Coffee hunter, brunch craver or shopping enthusiast? Sadler Gate is your place. It is one of Derby’s most vibrant streets. Sadler Gate offers a variety of independent coffee shops, restaurants, and shops. Wandering through this narrow street, you'll notice plenty of quirky spots such as Derby’s largest and last surviving coach inn – the Old Bell Hotel (ideal for a Saturday lunch), Bunk (promising an alternative dining experience) and fabulous brunch venues like Plant, The Kitchen and Milk & Honey.
The Museum of Making is a contemporary and creative space, where you can learn about Derby’s, 300-year long, history of manufacturing. The museum sits on the site of the world’s first factory. Entry to the museum is free and you don’t need to pre-book unless you’d like to visit a special exhibition. Give it a go and make sure you check the opening times before your visit.
One of the cosiest places in the city, QUAD is a cultural and creative centre. It’s an indie cinema, art gallery, café bar and events space. Here you can enjoy the latest films, visit exhibitions of work from local, national and international artists, have a drink or a meal, and enjoy an array of carefully curated independent films and art.
Situated in the heart of Derby, Friar Gate is a lively street, close to the city centre. This charming street has a long history which goes back hundreds of years. Featuring restaurants with a range of cuisines, including Indian, Spanish and Italian, Friar Gate can offer you a memorable eating-out experience. As you walk along the street, you can admire the local Georgian architecture.
Bustler Market is a great place to enjoy during the weekend. This street food market showcases food from local food street traders, and you can enjoy a drink and some music while you eat. A much-loved Derby destination, Bustler Market has a great atmosphere and offers a large selection of veggie, vegan and gluten-free food options. Go ahead and try it out!
An Open Day is the perfect time to get the answers to your questions and gain more perspective about your options. At Derby, elements such as campus tours, subject-related talks, insights from current students, career services information, wellbeing support and student accommodation tours can give you a sample of what university life is like here. Along with that, a tour of the city could complete your visit and give you a good idea of what life would be like as a Derby student.
The United Kingdom is famed for the quality of its education. It’s no surprise that more and more students around the world (such as yourself) are looking to join some of the world’s highest-ranked universities. With all these known facts, COVID19 has also significantly changed how we do life, and ultimately, how we move around the world. Living in the middle of a pandemic has introduced us to a new world with more rules and regulations - especially when it comes to travel. Planning to go abroad has always been a process in and of itself, especially getting a visa. While things are trying to get back to normal, it’s not business-as-usual just yet. But don’t let that dampen your excitement, we’ve put together a nifty guide to help getting your visa feel like a walk in the park.
You can apply for your visa as soon as you get admission
If the prospect of moving to another country has driven you to spend hours on the internet looking up everything you need to know, then you’re probably aware that student visas for the UK are offered based on a system of points. The good news is that you can now apply for your visa as soon as you gain admission into your chosen university and confirm your UK travel, for a maximum of three months before your studies commence. This new change came right in time considering the uncertainty of travel mid pandemic. Previously, you could only apply for this visa closer to the official course commencement date.
Applying for your visa post lockdown
With the world slowly opening up again, you can also apply for your visa at various centres throughout India, namely: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru (Global Tech Park only), Chandigarh, Chennai, Jalandhar, Kochi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai (Mahalaxmi only), New Delhi (Shivaji Metro Stadium only), and Pune, with the option of “on-demand mobile visa” available for delivery to your doorstep.
Key things to tick off your checklist when applying
Ready to jet off into your new life? Here are a few things you need to be aware of as you get started preparing for your departure. This checklist serves as a guide to the information you will have to provide to obtain your UK study visa successfully:
Let’s help you get started
The procedure might seem lengthy, but with the right help, it’s a breeze. If processes often overwhelm you, don’t worry, we are here to help. Once that acceptance letter pops up in your inbox, contact us, and we will jump right on it and set you on the right path.
Why study in the UK?
Excellent education standards paired with England’s dreamy historical landscapes makes for the perfect student life experience.
Universities in the UK can be pricey, but England has a long-standing position of providing world-class learning with qualifications acknowledged globally.
What does studying at universities in the UK cost?
London is known for being one of the most expensive areas in the world for international students. Tuition fees can typically range from £10,000 up to £33,000 per year. These costs can be even higher for students taking law or medical-related courses.
For non-EU students considering making the UK their study abroad destination on a budget, you will be able to support your student life by working 20 hours per week during the term.
If you have impressive schooling achievements and are hoping to study for free - scholarships for international students in the UK are surprisingly easy to apply for. How so? Simply compile a list of companies in line with the course you’re interested in, find out which of these organisations offer student aid programs and lastly, submit an application form along with your financial support requirements. Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are both government-funded options you can apply for.
To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the top universities in the UK with the cheapest tuition fees. Bear in mind, however, low tuition fees do not make these institutions any less competitive than the top universities in London.
Top 5 UK universities with the cheapest tuition:
Located in Carlisle, a city consistently ranked high in terms of happiness, the University of Cumbria invites students from all over the world to study whilst surrounded by nature. With a reputation for being interdisciplinary and prioritising the student experience, Cumbria is ranked quite high amongst Indian students studying in the UK.
Tuition fees - £9250.
A unique feature of Harper Adams University is that all undergraduate courses include industry placement for students to gain experience ahead of graduating. Located in Newport, United Kingdom, Harper Adams boasts an employment rate of 98%.
Tuition fees - £10,200
Focused on providing inspiring education and recognised as one of the most inclusive academic institutions in the UK, York St John University holds an impressive employability rate of 94%.
Tuition fees - £10,000
With a whole team dedicated to supporting international students and industry-leading research, the values-led Staffordshire University has been ranked in the top 100 universities in the UK for many years. The university is located in Stroke-on-Trent, England.
Tuition fees - £10,900
Voted University of the year for Student Experience by The Times, Coventry University has a high international student population. The university is located in Coventry, England.
Tuition fees - £11,750
Helpful suggestions when applying:
Typically, admission can be competitive for even the most cheap universities in the UK, due to the overall high standard of academics, however, there are a couple of things you can do for your application to stand out, namely:
Get your application in early.
Write your motivational letter explaining why you want to study in the UK and not your country of origin. Emphasise why the course you have selected is suited to you by highlighting your knowledge and passion for the subject.
Add your employment history to your motivational letter as it will showcase your working background and performance skills. Adding references will speak for your capabilities.
Indian students will need a visa before studying in the UK, making it essential to find out if your chosen university is listed on the Register of Tier 4 Sponsors, for your application to be approved. Visa applications cost £348 and the processing period can take up to 3 weeks. You will also be required to provide the following documents when applying for your Tier 4 student visa:
· Record of your grades.
· Proof of finances.
· Competence in English.
· References and a motivational letter.
We understand moving to the UK to study as an international student can be overwhelming but we hope with the above list of tips and high-quality yet cheap universities in the UK to choose from, the process might be more daunting. Book a free consultation with us here.