Now that you have finally decided to study abroad for an MBA in UK or applied with Engineering Universities in UK with help from your UK education consultants, it is time for the pre flight checks.

FLIGHTS

There is a wide range of prices for airline tickets, so shop around. It is sometimes even cheaper to spend Christmas back home (two Apex return flights of not more than six months may not be more expensive than two one-way tickets booked for August of one year and June of the next).

Some airlines from London offer very much cheaper one-way fares than those on offer by the regular carriers. When you arrive at your airport destination you are advised to look for airport limousines (taxis are more expensive) or public transport to take you to the town/city centre closest to your University. Some UK Engineering and UK MBA Universities might even provide transport from the airport with prior notification, and you may be asked to contact the International Office in the exchange University to tell them when and where your flight will arrive.

HEALTH INSURANCE and DENTAL TREATMENT

It may be best to obtain necessary dental treatment in India before you depart for your study overseas, as this is often not covered under Health Insurance Schemes. If you have a medical condition, or have a prescribed medication regime to follow, please discuss this in advance with your GP. The particular medication you use may not be available overseas, or might be issued under a different name. It can also be very expensive, and you may wish to investigate the feasibility of taking a year’s supply with you.

PERSONAL INSURANCE

Before leaving for abroad studying, you are strongly advised to take out some form of insurance policy to cover the cost of your personal property should it be lost or stolen. Locally, Tata AIG; ICICI Lombard; Thomas Cook have options; who claim to specialize in policies for students studying abroad.

FINANCE

UK admission consultants suggest that you consult your bank in India about transferring money for your period of study overseas, though internet banking will make any money transactions much easier.

Once at the University, if you want to open an account on or near the campus, you are likely to need your passport, student card, proof of residence and money to deposit.
Advice on this is usually offered in documentation from the relevant institution or during their orientation programme. Remember that it can take several weeks for money to be transferred from the UK and you should ensure that you have enough money with you to cover initial expenditure. You are advised to take a small amount of local currency with you, and perhaps a supply of Travellers Cheques, A credit card or pre loaded card (from HDFC Bank; Centrum and Thomas Cook) will make your life much easier.

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR

You will have already realized that the climatic extreme is higher in the UK compared to India.

Clothing and footwear for use in wintertime are probably best purchased at or near the University, as items purchased on-site are generally far more suitable for use there, and usually no more expensive than those purchased in your home country.

HALLS OF RESIDENCE (Dormitories)

Halls of Residence, particularly at British Universities are quite small, and students will probably have to share a room. It is often the case that you will be required to purchase bedding or enter contract for bedding, as this will not be supplied by the dormitory. Please refer to the documentation sent by the University concerning this if you have booked Halls of Residence.

CULTURE SHOCK

Culture shock is a very real phenomenon and all travellers opting to study abroad and entering a foreign culture are affected by it to some extent. You may feel disoriented or even physically unwell initially, but should always bear in mind that this is both normal and temporary.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Take photocopies of important documents (e.g. passport, birth certificate, insurance policy) and always keep them in a separate place from the originals. Also leave a set of copies in an accessible place at home.

Although you are probably used to assessing a particular situation or location instinctively, remember that when you are abroad studying, you will initially be less familiar with the social habits and less able to judge the safety of particular areas or patterns of behavior. Always err on the side of caution and try to anticipate any trouble. Unfortunately accidents can happen and things may go wrong. In such circumstances, keep a cool head, contact the local police/ relevant emergency services, and definitely seek help from the International Office at the institution you are attending. You may also need to contact the Embassy or Consular Office, and it is a good idea to find out where the nearest one is before you arrive.

You will find full details through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at:

www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/find-an-embassy
Their main website at www.fco.gov.uk also contains lots of useful information.

USEFUL INFORMATION

You will probably receive some helpful information from the University you will be attending, but it is a good idea to find out as much as possible about your destination before you travel. Important websites are:
• The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (advice for travellers)
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad See in particular the ‘Know before you go campaign’
• The Department of Health Travel Advice
www.dh.gov.uk/en/faq/DH_088370
You may also wish to check the following websites:
• www.lonelyplanet.com
• www.roughguides.com
• dir.yahoo.com/Regional/countries
• www.justlanded.com

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITYCARD (ISIC):

These can be useful to gain travel concessions and cheap entry to museums, cinemas etc. They cost £9 and can be obtained from STA Travel in Byres Road. You need proof of full-time student status and a passport photograph.

TELEPHONING

Our Previous students have recommended companies which allow cheap calls from UK landlines to numbers overseas – no registration required – Example are: www.telediscount.co.uk and www.telesavers.co.uk

FINALLY

Remember that the staff of the International Office at the University you are attending have a lot of experience in dealing with difficulties which arise for abroad studying students, both academic and personal, and are always ready to offer advice or assistance. Please do not struggle with problems for some time, when a solution might easily have been found by reference to either the International Office there or to this office. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties, please feel free to contact the Co-ordinator.

Tags: FLIGHTS, health insurance, PERSONAL INSURANCE

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