Go to first unread
Back
to top
Getting my Bachelors degree in London or Manchester as an American
Watch this thread
noraaaam1
Badges:
2
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#1
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
0
reply
noraaaam
Badges:
4
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#2
Report
#2
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
0
reply
999tigger
Badges:
19
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#3
Report
#3
(Original post by noraaaam1)
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
You wont get a visa anyway as you have to prove you cna support yourself without recourse to public funds.
I honestly wouldnmt come till 2022 anwya as CV19 has altered the student experience for the worse.
Not many courses start in the Spring of a year, they mostly start in September.
Youi can get a job for 20h a week but we are going to go into a recession so unless you have some special skills it could be hard (not impossible).
You can work out how much you will need in advance. There are US students on TSR or if you chose your uni, then you cna contact thier US societies.
Your first task is to get the grades you need.
You can then id the university and whether its Manchester or London. London is VV Expensive. Also London has some excellent unis and many not so excellent. If you do the research and make the right chopices then you can maximise your chances of a decent time. make the wrong choices and I dont think its worth coming.
0
reply
mnot
Badges:
20
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#4
Report
#4
(Original post by noraaaam1)
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
0
reply
Telomere
Badges:
15
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#5
Report
#5
Manchester is far less expensive a city to live well in than London, but neither city is fun to be broke in. You will be restricted to 20 hours a week part time work during term-time on your visa and a lot of competition for jobs, whereas at least back home you can work unrestricted. US degrees are also a hell of a lot easier to step on and off, whereas the UK model is quite rigid.
I'd suggest staying closer to home until your finances are in better shape.The advice about coming for a 1 year Masters is a good suggestion - or even as a year abroad student during your US degree.
I'd suggest staying closer to home until your finances are in better shape.The advice about coming for a 1 year Masters is a good suggestion - or even as a year abroad student during your US degree.
0
reply
chloenix
Badges:
20
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#6
Report
#6
I think it sounds like a great plan, don't worry! You just need to do a lot of research into it!
Firstly you definitely need to look into the universities and how good they are for your chosen degree. If you want to save money, I would heavily advise you NOT to go to London. Living costs are extremely high and there is no chance you will be able to afford it if you are already struggling. There are loads of other cities that offer more realistic living costs. Manchester is cheaper, albeit not the cheapest, but you could also look into the hundreds of UK universities that aren't based in cities, which I imagine are cheaper.
A part-time job would cover living costs I believe, but you might need to get a US student loan that covers accommodation too if that is possible.
Firstly you definitely need to look into the universities and how good they are for your chosen degree. If you want to save money, I would heavily advise you NOT to go to London. Living costs are extremely high and there is no chance you will be able to afford it if you are already struggling. There are loads of other cities that offer more realistic living costs. Manchester is cheaper, albeit not the cheapest, but you could also look into the hundreds of UK universities that aren't based in cities, which I imagine are cheaper.
A part-time job would cover living costs I believe, but you might need to get a US student loan that covers accommodation too if that is possible.
0
reply
noraaaam
Badges:
4
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#7
Report
#7
(Original post by chloenix)
I think it sounds like a great plan, don't worry! You just need to do a lot of research into it!
Firstly you definitely need to look into the universities and how good they are for your chosen degree. If you want to save money, I would heavily advise you NOT to go to London. Living costs are extremely high and there is no chance you will be able to afford it if you are already struggling. There are loads of other cities that offer more realistic living costs. Manchester is cheaper, albeit not the cheapest, but you could also look into the hundreds of UK universities that aren't based in cities, which I imagine are cheaper.
A part-time job would cover living costs I believe, but you might need to get a US student loan that covers accommodation too if that is possible.
I think it sounds like a great plan, don't worry! You just need to do a lot of research into it!
Firstly you definitely need to look into the universities and how good they are for your chosen degree. If you want to save money, I would heavily advise you NOT to go to London. Living costs are extremely high and there is no chance you will be able to afford it if you are already struggling. There are loads of other cities that offer more realistic living costs. Manchester is cheaper, albeit not the cheapest, but you could also look into the hundreds of UK universities that aren't based in cities, which I imagine are cheaper.
A part-time job would cover living costs I believe, but you might need to get a US student loan that covers accommodation too if that is possible.
0
reply
noraaaam
Badges:
4
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#8
Report
#8
(Original post by 999tigger)
Dont come until you have enough money to support yourself.
You wont get a visa anyway as you have to prove you cna support yourself without recourse to public funds.
I honestly wouldnmt come till 2022 anwya as CV19 has altered the student experience for the worse.
Not many courses start in the Spring of a year, they mostly start in September.
Youi can get a job for 20h a week but we are going to go into a recession so unless you have some special skills it could be hard (not impossible).
You can work out how much you will need in advance. There are US students on TSR or if you chose your uni, then you cna contact thier US societies.
Your first task is to get the grades you need.
You can then id the university and whether its Manchester or London. London is VV Expensive. Also London has some excellent unis and many not so excellent. If you do the research and make the right chopices then you can maximise your chances of a decent time. make the wrong choices and I dont think its worth coming.
Dont come until you have enough money to support yourself.
You wont get a visa anyway as you have to prove you cna support yourself without recourse to public funds.
I honestly wouldnmt come till 2022 anwya as CV19 has altered the student experience for the worse.
Not many courses start in the Spring of a year, they mostly start in September.
Youi can get a job for 20h a week but we are going to go into a recession so unless you have some special skills it could be hard (not impossible).
You can work out how much you will need in advance. There are US students on TSR or if you chose your uni, then you cna contact thier US societies.
Your first task is to get the grades you need.
You can then id the university and whether its Manchester or London. London is VV Expensive. Also London has some excellent unis and many not so excellent. If you do the research and make the right chopices then you can maximise your chances of a decent time. make the wrong choices and I dont think its worth coming.
0
reply
noraaaam
Badges:
4
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#9
Report
#9
(Original post by mnot)
If money is an issue, why not get a degree in the US, perhaps your local State has a school you can get a scholarship to or good value for in-state students. Do well and then come over for an MSc, that way you only pay the large fees for 1 year.
If money is an issue, why not get a degree in the US, perhaps your local State has a school you can get a scholarship to or good value for in-state students. Do well and then come over for an MSc, that way you only pay the large fees for 1 year.
0
reply
chloenix
Badges:
20
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#10
Report
#10
(Original post by noraaaam)
Thank you so much for replying to my message and for that information! Are you currently a student right now, if so which city are you studying in?
Thank you so much for replying to my message and for that information! Are you currently a student right now, if so which city are you studying in?
I wish I had more information to help you, but I honestly don't know too much about applying to study in the UK when you're from the US, but I think it's definitely possible.
What do you want to study?
0
reply
noraaaam
Badges:
4
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#11
Report
#11
(Original post by Telomere)
Manchester is far less expensive a city to live well in than London, but neither city is fun to be broke in. You will be restricted to 20 hours a week part time work during term-time on your visa and a lot of competition for jobs, whereas at least back home you can work unrestricted. US degrees are also a hell of a lot easier to step on and off, whereas the UK model is quite rigid.
I'd suggest staying closer to home until your finances are in better shape.The advice about coming for a 1 year Masters is a good suggestion - or even as a year abroad student during your US degree.
Manchester is far less expensive a city to live well in than London, but neither city is fun to be broke in. You will be restricted to 20 hours a week part time work during term-time on your visa and a lot of competition for jobs, whereas at least back home you can work unrestricted. US degrees are also a hell of a lot easier to step on and off, whereas the UK model is quite rigid.
I'd suggest staying closer to home until your finances are in better shape.The advice about coming for a 1 year Masters is a good suggestion - or even as a year abroad student during your US degree.
0
reply
noraaaam
Badges:
4
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#12
Report
#12
(Original post by chloenix)
I'm not a student but I'm in Year 13 (senior) applying to UK universities. I want to study in London, Exeter or Durham!
I wish I had more information to help you, but I honestly don't know too much about applying to study in the UK when you're from the US, but I think it's definitely possible.
What do you want to study?
I'm not a student but I'm in Year 13 (senior) applying to UK universities. I want to study in London, Exeter or Durham!
I wish I had more information to help you, but I honestly don't know too much about applying to study in the UK when you're from the US, but I think it's definitely possible.
What do you want to study?
0
reply
threeportdrift
Badges:
20
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#13
Report
#13
(Original post by noraaaam)
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
0
reply
hihi1111
Badges:
11
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#14
Report
#14
(Original post by noraaaam)
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
Hey! I am going to soon start applying to schools undergraduate programs. My plan is to apply to a couple of schools in both cities, and then once I get accepted, defer my application so I'm able to begin my first year in Spring of 2022. Does that sound like a plan? My biggest concern is the money aspect of it all especially because I am broke. The nice and helpful funding that the U.K government provides to U.K or EU students (the tuition and maintenance loans) does not apply to American students. So basically, I have to get a student loan from the U.S government. However, I do not know how I will fund anything like housing, groceries, transportation, getting my visa, renewing my visa, other fees, insurance, etc. I am so scared of the future. I don't think getting a part-job in the U.K will help me cover these large costs either. Please please give me advice! I will greatly appreciate it. If you know any American's who have gotten or are getting their bachelor's in the U.K please let me know! ;(((
Last edited by hihi1111; 1 year ago
0
reply
noraaaam
Badges:
4
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#15
Report
#15
(Original post by threeportdrift)
Don't start in the Spring, it may be possible, but it's far from ideal. You are basically entirely out of step with the University experience. Wait until the standard 'fall' entry.
Don't start in the Spring, it may be possible, but it's far from ideal. You are basically entirely out of step with the University experience. Wait until the standard 'fall' entry.
0
reply
chloenix
Badges:
20
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#16
Report
#16
(Original post by noraaaam)
Ohh okay, that sounds so nice! It's okay, I understand. I feel like it is much more common to come to the U.K to get your Master's, but getting your bachelors seems to be much more uncommon. I can't find anyone on Youtube or the Internet who's committed a full 3 years in the U.K for their undergrads. Most people just come for either a semester or a year at most but don't actually end up getting their bachelor's degree from a U.K University. I really would like to study something on the more creative side. I am still doing my research because I also want to pick something that has a decent return on investment in the U.K especially if I am trying to live there after my studies. How about you, what do you want to study?
Ohh okay, that sounds so nice! It's okay, I understand. I feel like it is much more common to come to the U.K to get your Master's, but getting your bachelors seems to be much more uncommon. I can't find anyone on Youtube or the Internet who's committed a full 3 years in the U.K for their undergrads. Most people just come for either a semester or a year at most but don't actually end up getting their bachelor's degree from a U.K University. I really would like to study something on the more creative side. I am still doing my research because I also want to pick something that has a decent return on investment in the U.K especially if I am trying to live there after my studies. How about you, what do you want to study?
But there will always be people with similar experiences to you. But I do think it's a good idea. Just continue to send emails and make phone calls to enquire about the logistics of US loans. There might be some scholarships available for international students like you, too. You will find results eventually!
And I want to study Law!
0
reply
noraaaam
Badges:
4
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#17
Report
#17
(Original post by hihi1111)
im currently in year 12 however i live very near to london and i can tell you its a lovely city. the only thing is the cost of living there is a lot higher than other cities. i advice you to look into other unis here and find the best ones for what you want to study. other places will be a lot cheaper and a part time job would cover all the costs. there is a lot of transportation here like trains, buses so you will get around easily and many supermarkets here like Lidl are low cost so that shouldnt be a worry. i dont know any americans personally who study here but ive seen a lot of americans move to here and other places in europe like italy and germany to study so its 100% possible for you to do ! the only thing is im pretty sure unis start in autumn/fall around september. what do you want to study and ill see if i can reccomend any unis ?
im currently in year 12 however i live very near to london and i can tell you its a lovely city. the only thing is the cost of living there is a lot higher than other cities. i advice you to look into other unis here and find the best ones for what you want to study. other places will be a lot cheaper and a part time job would cover all the costs. there is a lot of transportation here like trains, buses so you will get around easily and many supermarkets here like Lidl are low cost so that shouldnt be a worry. i dont know any americans personally who study here but ive seen a lot of americans move to here and other places in europe like italy and germany to study so its 100% possible for you to do ! the only thing is im pretty sure unis start in autumn/fall around september. what do you want to study and ill see if i can reccomend any unis ?
0
reply
hihi1111
Badges:
11
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#18
Report
#18
(Original post by noraaaam)
Thank you so much! Really, you think I would be able to cover all my other costs like accommodation, insurance, visa, miscellaneous, grocery, transportation, and going out by working a part-time (20 hr a week) job? Hmm, I want to study something on the more creative side like graphic design or something not so creative like public relations. Thanks again!!
Thank you so much! Really, you think I would be able to cover all my other costs like accommodation, insurance, visa, miscellaneous, grocery, transportation, and going out by working a part-time (20 hr a week) job? Hmm, I want to study something on the more creative side like graphic design or something not so creative like public relations. Thanks again!!
0
reply
threeportdrift
Badges:
20
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#19
Report
#19
(Original post by noraaaam)
So I should wait until Fall of 2022? I will be 19 soon and not at university. If I go by Fall of 2022, I will be nearly 21 and starting my first year then. Is that not odd?
So I should wait until Fall of 2022? I will be 19 soon and not at university. If I go by Fall of 2022, I will be nearly 21 and starting my first year then. Is that not odd?
It's going to be wildly expensive though. I wouldn't pay to come and do something creative unless it was at one of the very top schools for that subject (and they will probably be in London). There just won't be the return on your investment.
Your best bet for bursaries/scholarships will be from the US, the UK doesn't have the same approach to philanthropy.
0
reply
ReadingMum
Badges:
18
Rep:
?
You'll earn badges for being active around the site. Rep gems come when your posts are rated by other community members.
#20
Report
#20
Forget starting in the spring - normal undergraduate courses start in September in the UK.
If money is tight I would discourage London.
I am not wishing to rain in your parade but you need to do quite a lot more research. In terms of finance, here are some numbers.
If you were a low income English student you could get the maximum maintenance loan which covers accommodation, food, travel, socialising, whatever. That would be just about £9k.
The minimum wage here is £6.45 per hour so a 20 hour a week job would bring in £129 pw so £6,708 per annum if you worked 52 weeks a year - too low to pay any tax. It would not be enough to live off if you need to cover extra things like visas. Hopefully you would get a job at higher than NMW but you shouldn't rely on it. You could also work full time in the holidays which could boost income - easier done if we are post COVID by then.
Will the US government cover your fees? Take a look at some uni websites - international fees are higher than for home students, sometimes A LOT higher.
If money is tight I would discourage London.
I am not wishing to rain in your parade but you need to do quite a lot more research. In terms of finance, here are some numbers.
If you were a low income English student you could get the maximum maintenance loan which covers accommodation, food, travel, socialising, whatever. That would be just about £9k.
The minimum wage here is £6.45 per hour so a 20 hour a week job would bring in £129 pw so £6,708 per annum if you worked 52 weeks a year - too low to pay any tax. It would not be enough to live off if you need to cover extra things like visas. Hopefully you would get a job at higher than NMW but you shouldn't rely on it. You could also work full time in the holidays which could boost income - easier done if we are post COVID by then.
Will the US government cover your fees? Take a look at some uni websites - international fees are higher than for home students, sometimes A LOT higher.
Last edited by ReadingMum; 1 year ago
0
reply
X
Quick Reply
