Counting down the days

A week to go! I can't believe it's finally down to this, just a few more days until I finally board the plane and spend the next year doing what I love, learning, exploring, and just trying to get by. But before all of this happens, there's still so much to do and it was a long admin journey to get to this point. Here are some of the tips learned:

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1. Apply early!

Most uni's open their registrations for a program the year before the program starts. Whilst this is super obvious, it gets tricky with international uni's because of the big difference in wen the terms start, e.g. South Africa works from Feb/March till November whereas the UK works from Sept till Oct the next year. This means you need to set reminders for when the applications open and submit on time. It really helps to be prepared. Make sure you have visited the program's page and know what documents you will to apply. Typically this will range from previous academic records, recommendation letters, and official degree certificates. Also very important is that you will be requested to do an English language test to make sure you are proficient if your university does not have English as the only language of instruction. This takes place through a completely different company that the uni recommends and you will also need to pay and study for this test. What I would recommend, if you did complete your studies in English, is that you have your supervisor write a letter stating you have completed all studies and examinations in English on official university stationary and submit this (it worked for me). The University of Pretoria does also give such a letter, but it actually states that there are different languages of instruction and they cannot guarantee you completed your degree in English (this might not be a problem anymore since UP adopted only English as the official instruction language).

Also keep in mind that with the differences in uni starting dates and when you apply abroad, you might not have your official graduation documentation. You can apply with the academic record you have and will be able to be accepted (this is a Conditional Offer - i.e. you are accepted on the condition that you provide evidence that you received your degree), but they need your official documents in order to give you an Unconditional Offer. This is the one you need in order to receive a CAS number (like an official sponsorship number from the uni), which in turn you need to apply for a Visa.

Lastly, when applying keep in mind you'll need to leave in Sept to begin your new program. Therefore you need to finish your studies before that time or apply for the following year - which means you'll have almost 8 months of holiday before becoming a full student again. If this feels like a waste (which it did for me) buckle down and try to figure out a timeline and how to manage everything.

2. Finding funds

Money. This is a big one, I know. Trying to study overseas without either billionaire parents o a full scholarship is basically impossible. When looking at course fees you'll notice you'll be paying as an international student, therefore the price of the course is easily doubled. Then you'll need to pay an application fee for applying, which will be in pounds, and then a deposit fee if you are accepted, also in pounds. You'll need to make sure you have accommodation, food money, personal expenses, traveling for busses and trains, and for just normal sight seeing if you won't be living like a hermit and never interact with people. This doesn't take into account your Visa application, plane tickets, TB test fees (o yes, you'll need a TB test for most European countries if you stay for longer than 6 months), and healthcare. Most countries have an estimate of how much you'll need to survive per month in a city, for London and most metropolitan cities you'll need a lot lol.

This being said, it's extremely important that you explore literally every option you can think of. Start with university's Fee and Funding page - this will give you a good indication of scholarships tat the university have available and on what level they are (undergrad vs postgrad vs research). If this doesn't help, contact the faculty directly and they can maybe point you in the right direction (this is how I got my scholarship). Next you can check out charities and other NGO's, these usually have really specific parameters. Also make sure you apply for things like the Commonwealth Scholarship and the Chevening Scholarship (these have really weird application deadlines so don't miss them!).

When applying, really give it your all for each application. I know there are so many people who apply for the scholarships and you genuinely feel you have no chance, but to give you an idea: the scholarship I applied for only has 1 available each year for an international student and it happens that I ended up being that 1 person to receive it. No matter how small you think your chances are, if I was able to get it, why can't you. I spent weeks writing my application letter and tried to send in more reference letters than necessary but I think it really helped my case. Try reaching out to a faculty member from the uni you were accepted and chat with them, chances are they might say yes to writing a letter from their side. It could only help your application.

3. Visa time

Now, once you have your Unconditional offer and your funding sorted out you can finally apply for a Visa! Seriously, make sure you do this with time to spare. This means also submit all your final docs to the uni by at least April or May (talking specifically from experience of KCL). They enter their summer vacay in mid year so no matter how many emails you send you'll have to wait for term to start. It takes quite a while to process your docs and for the uni to give a CAS number, remember, you're also not the only international student who needs one. But without this number you won't be able to apply for a Visa.

Once you apply, make sure which Visa you need (6 months vs 1 year). This makes a huge difference. You also need to already have a place to stay because this is required on your application in order to receive a British Residency Permit (speaking specifically for UK now) which you'll need to pick up in the first week of being there. Also important to note is that when you apply for a Visa they will require you to pay for healthcare right then and there. This is a lot of money, so make sure you have the available funds. Once you've applied you'll need to upload your docs and do your biometrics, and then you wait. If there is a travelling crisis like this year (2022) then it can take almost 2 months to receive your Visa - this is why I say be prepared! Try holding off on booking a plane ticket until you have your visa or make sure its a flexi ticket if your visa comes late.

4. Prepare yourself emotionally

Up to this point everything has been a breeze haha. JK. What I mean is that once everything above is done, it's kind of official and all the hard work is done (for now). It's time to start packing your bags and make a bucket list of things you want to achieve and places you want to see once you're there.

This is where the hard part starts. It's so difficult to conceptualize what it means to be gone for a year. To leave friends and family behind and to know they'll be going on with their life while you're away. It's important to process your feelings and to prepare yourself emotionally, not only for leaving but also so that you know how to carry yourself when you're away from your emotional support system. Make sure you talk to friends and family about these feelings and let them know that you're going to stay in touch. Sometimes all you really just want to hear from them is some reassurance - that they love you and they'll still be there for you and not much will change except distance. This can be a total lie, sure, but it really helps to know how friends feel about you and brings a sense of calmness - for me at least. Remember that skype exists, that you can text anytime. Think about cool apps which helps you to stay in touch and try fun ways of staying part of each others day. Plan visits and fun trips! The one thing that stays in my mind is to make sure the people you love knows that you love them. No one ever gets tired of feeling loved.

I really hope some of these tips help or that my experience gives a starting point. If there are any other topics or tips you'd like to know about, let me know or we can have a chat!

xxx

Ninna