🎓 UK Student Visa (Tier 4 / Student Route)

• Type: Student Route Visa (formerly Tier 4)
• Eligibility:
– Valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
– Proof of funds: tuition + living expenses (~£1,023/month outside London, £1,334/month in London)
– English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo (based on university requirement)
• Application Fee: £490 (approx.)
• IHS (Health surcharge): £776/year
• Work Rights:
– Up to 20 hrs/week during term, full-time during vacations
– Eligible for 2-year Graduate Route (PSW) after graduation
🔗 UK Government Visa Guide

2️⃣ University Student Support & Wellbeing Services

Most UK universities provide extensive support to international students:
• International Student Office – Pre-arrival, visa help, post-arrival guidance
• Student Wellbeing Services – Counselling, mental health support
• Academic Support – Writing centres, personal tutors, workshops
• Careers Services – CV reviews, job search help, placement fairs
• Faith & Multifaith Chaplaincy – Prayer rooms and interfaith events
• Buddy Programs – Pair new international students with existing students
🔗 Example: University of Manchester Support

3️⃣ International Student Societies & Cultural Groups

Join cultural and regional societies for support, friendship, and events:
• Indian Society – Found in almost every major UK university
• Pakistani Society (PakSoc) – Active in London, Birmingham, Manchester
• Bangladeshi Student Associations – Vibrant in East London, Cardiff, Leeds
• Sri Lankan & Tamil Societies – Found in Warwick, Bristol, and London universities
• Nepali Student Society UK (NSS UK) – National-level network with events and career help
• African & Caribbean Society (ACS) – Very active with career events, open to all
• ASEAN Student Societies – Representing Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese students
🔗 Example: UCL Societies List

4️⃣ Community & Volunteer Support Groups

These nonprofit and student-led groups support international students:
• UKCISA – ukcisa.org.uk
– Official support agency for international students
– Immigration advice, fee status, healthcare, housing
• One Young World – oneyoungworld.com
– Global leadership & youth network with opportunities in the UK
• Migrants Organise – migrantsorganise.org
– Provides mentoring and wellbeing support for international migrants/students
• Citizens Advice Bureau – citizensadvice.org.uk
– Free legal and housing advice across UK cities
• The Mix UK (for young people) – themix.org.uk
– 24/7 mental health and crisis support
• International Students House (ISH) – ish.org.uk
– Offers low-cost housing, events, clubs, and student community in central London

5️⃣ Useful Apps, Websites & Student Life Tools

Visa & Immigration Help
• UKVI Visa Status Tool
• UKCISA Advice Line
• Visas & Immigration YouTube by UK Home Office

Student Life & Budgeting
• UNiDAYS – Student discounts on tech, food, clothing
• Student Beans – Verified student deals
• Too Good To Go – Save food, save money
• Splitwise – Split bills with flatmates
• Monzo or Revolut – Digital bank accounts for students

Student Forums & Communities
• The Student Room – UK’s largest student forum
• Facebook Groups – Search “Indian/Pakistani/Nigerian Students in UK” + your university
• Reddit /r/UKuni – Discussions about UK student life

📝 Tip: Always register with a local General Practitioner (GP) for NHS access and join your Students’ Union for representation, events, and club memberships.