tips

If you're planning on studying abroad in the UK, there's a lot to be excited about. From seamless public transport to the unique cultural experiences you can find everywhere, there's a lot to love about traveling abroad and studying at the same time.

The best way to make the most of it, though, is to be financially prepared. With this in mind, let's talk about the top five financial tips for studying abroad in the UK.

1.     Take Your Student Card Everywhere

You may still be getting used to remembering to put your student card in your wallet when you go out, but having it on you when you're studying abroad in the UK is pretty essential.

You'd be surprised how many shops, museums, restaurants, and general activities you can find that will offer you a discount if you can show them your student card. This is an excellent way to save a bit while you're out there and having to navigate a relatively tight budget. It also means that you'll be able to make the most of doing more, for less.

2.     Refinance with a Low-Risk Loan

If you're part of the way through your UK study experience, and you're struggling to come up with the funds you'll need to make it the rest of the way, you may want to consider checking out a low-risk loan.

If you're an ordinary student, you probably know what it's like to be broke. Who can resist all those parties, take-out meals and Starbucks drinks? Plus, the price of schooling and textbooks is skyrocketing around the world. However, there are a few things you can do that will relieve some pressure off your wallet and save you from living on ramen noodles and air. 

Switch to cash

If you're living off of student loans, you're living on borrowed money. This means you have debt, so don't sink any deeper by over-spending which can be very easy when you're using credit cards. Instead, switch to cash, so you have a better overview of your spending and how much money you have left. 

Get a roomie

If you can't live with your parents, look for a good roommate that will make paying rent a little easier. Apartments today can be quite pricey, so a reliable roomie will allow you to save half of the living costs. 

When you move away to university, there can be a lot to adjust to at once. It's a time for meeting new people, expanding knowledge and living independently - and for many, the first time you've managed your own cleaning. Here are the eight tips every student should know, for a happy and healthy university life.

Create a rota

Students want two things: top grades and endless fun. If cleaning wars aren't on your university agenda, it's best to create a rota from the outset.

Get together with your housemates and create a list of tasks, then rotate each week. To make the job seem less daunting, split the rota into tasks, not rooms. This way, the rota is easily flexible, to cater for inevitably tight deadlines and exams.

When you move in, take the time to find out your waste collection day - and note this on the rota.

Organise the fridge

The secret to a sparkling kitchen is an organised fridge. Avoid food waste and foul smells by keeping a box for items approaching their use-by dates on one of the shelves, so you know what to use or clear.

Clear items from the fridge every few days, and take out kitchen bins. Food waste is the source of many student kitchen nightmares - stay on top of this rotation, and you're already enroute to a sparkling home.

Having a good degree can open many doors for you, and your career is very likely plotted out in some way. However, these days, a degree is simply not enough, and if you want to optimise your future, you need to consider ways of making your CV look more professionally rounded. In a time when competition is fierce, and every job has more applicants than they can feasibly interview, it is vital that your CV gets you into the interview room and that you have something to say when you get there. The best way to accomplish this is through extracurricular activities, and whether that means a part-time job in a field relevant to your studies, unpaid work experience or even simply volunteering for a local charity, having non-academic achievements on your CV can go a long way to improving your interview chances. However, before you start applying for every job you can find, it's important that you're aware of your rights.

Your employer

Every single year, there are thousands of students from around the world that enter into student foreign exchange programs.  Basically, students travel to other countries to learn other languages or cultures while attending a year at school in that country.  Going to the United Kingdom as a student has some specific challenges, but if you are hosting a student from the United States or any country, there are a few tips that can help you get through the process. Hosting a student does require some diplomacy as things are going to be new for the both of you.  Hopefully, these tips can help you.

Remember the Student Is the Guest

One thing that you will have to remember is that the student you are hosting is the guest in your home and they may not be ready for the challenges coming at them.  Even if you have a great family with a husband and kids of your own, the student may not be used to that style of family life.  Keep an open mind and make sure the student feels at home and that feeling must come from all the host family members.