About The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is made of up of four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. England, Scotland, and Wales share the island of Great Britain, which lies just off the northwest coast of continental Europe. The fourth country, Northern Ireland, is a portion of another island, which is split between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an independent country, in the south.

The UK education system is flexible, so you can study in a way that suits your lifestyle and career aspirations. When you study in the UK you meet people from different nationalities, sharing their backgrounds and discovering new perspectives.  UK qualifications are recognized and respected throughout the world. It‘s flexible education system suits all streams of students and gives countless career opportunities worldwide.

Despite the changeable nature of UK’s weather, there are four distinct seasons in the UK: winter, spring, summer, and autumn. On the whole, temperatures rarely fall below -5˚C or rise much above 32˚C. One of the most noticeable climatic features in the UK is long summer days and short winter ones: it gets dark by 1600 in December, but not until 2200 in July.

Living in the United Kingdom

Finding a nice place to live is always difficult. The UK is no exception – getting the right accommodation can be hard, especially in large cities. There are wide varieties of safe and modern accommodation offered to students in the UK, you need to choose from them.
Depending on where you are looking, good quality and larger rental properties can often be difficult to find and prohibitively expensive. Furnished or partly-furnished flats rented for short periods can be especially pricey.

• On-Campus – Most UK universities offer places for new students in their halls of residence. Halls can vary from single rooms with shared kitchen and living areas to self-contained studios.
• Off-Campus – Many Students choose off-campus option (Private, rented accommodation) as they want to explore their life beyond the campus.
• Home Stay – a homestay is an option where you live with a UK family in their home. It will be a great opportunity to experience UK culture.
• Flats and houses – Students may wish to share a furnished flat or house with friends after they have been in the UK for some time. They will share all the rent, gas and electricity bills. This sort of accommodation can be cheaper than others.
• Bedsits – A bed-sitting room is a single room for both living and sleeping. Cooking facilities may be in the bedsit or elsewhere in the building. Bathroom facilities are normally shared. Bedsits give independence and a lot of freedom, but may be lonely. They vary in size and quality so a student should never take a room without seeing it first.
• Accommodation for mature students -If students plan to bring their families along, and are sure they have adequate finances to meet the extra costs involved, we would advise them to travel ahead of their families, before their course begins. In order to secure a suitable place to stay before the arrival of their dependents.

Estimated living costs

The cost of living can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, budget and spending habits. You can consider a part-time job while studying in the UK to help pay off any loans or to cover your basic needs.

Level Estimated living costs (£)
Undergraduate 40 weeks  7000-9000
Postgraduate 52 weeks   9000-11000

About U.S.A

The U.S.A is a country of 50 states covering a vast swath of North America, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii extending the nation’s presence into the Pacific Ocean. Major Atlantic Coast cities are New York, a global finance and culture center, and capital Washington, DC. Midwestern metropolis Chicago is known for influential architecture and on the west coast, Los Angeles’ Hollywood is famed for filmmaking.

The USA has the world’s largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience in the United States. Nearly 5% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA are international students, and the numbers are growing. From the mid-1950’s, when international student enrollment was only just reaching 35,000, international education in the USA has come a long way.

Any international student wanting to study in the USA will need to obtain a student visa for the USA. Most students are issued with an F-1 visa, and the general outline/process flow for obtaining an F1 visa is as follows:

Living in the U.S.A

Student life in the United States is an incredibly unique experience, especially when compared to the experience that you may get in a country like the United Kingdom or Canada. This is likely due to the fact that many students who obtain a secondary school education in the United States end up going on to university, and it is considered a part of the process of “growing up” in American culture.

Accommodation in USA for international students: Factors to consider

While calculating the cost of living in the US, it is important to consider the city where the university is located. For example, the Boston/Cambridge area, where Harvard is located, is costly; but it pales in comparison to New York City, home to Columbia University, which is among the highest in the US. If you are looking for cheaper options, Kansas City is a good bet as it has a lowly price. Now higher the price index, it is very likely the cost of an accommodation would also be higher. Housing prices and price index in major US cities

Off-campus accommodation in US for international students:

If a student can’t find on-campus accommodation, he can go for off-campus accommodation. Many universities in the USA, including Stanford, extend off-campus hosing at subsidized rates for international students. In the case of Stanford, the Single Graduate Monthly rate for all accommodation types (Arastradero West, Boardwalk & Park Place Apartments and Carmel the Village) is $1,083. For couples, the rate is $1,760/month per apartment.

About Dubai

The Emirate of Dubai is the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates but has the biggest population at over 2.1 million inhabitants. Size has been synonymous with Dubai as it continues to build the first, largest and the biggest constructions in the world. Dubai’s dynamics are always transient and ever-changing with its constant urge to construct something better and bigger than the previous. Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks. It is extremely well known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, and the Emirati people are welcoming and generous in their approach to visitors. The local currency is the Dirham, which is pegged at AED 3.67 to 1 US dollar.

The UAE attaches great importance to education, which dates back to historical times. Education in the UAE has evolved from the simple traditional mode and is in line with international standards.

Living in Dubai

Studying in Dubai? Lucky you! The city is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world. We’ve got rescue and comfy accommodation right in the heart of the city, putting you within easy reach of everything. With our help, you’ll have the best student experience Dubai has to offer.

About Ireland

Ireland is a friendly, safe country But don’t just take our word for it. In 2010, Lonely Planet named Ireland the friendliest country in the world. In 2014, it ranked Ireland the 13th most peaceful place on Earth. Did you know that Irish people were behind all these life-changing inventions? The submarine, color photography, the modern tractor, the guided missile, the nickel-zinc battery, the portable defibrillator, the Gregg system of shorthand speed writing, the modern stethoscope, rubber shoe soles, soda water, a treatment for leprosy, the aircraft ejector seat and chocolate milk. Politically, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland), which covers five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, in the northeast of the island. In 2011, the population of Ireland was about 6.4 million, ranking it the second-most populous island in Europe after Great Britain. Just fewer than 4.6 million live in the Republic of Ireland and just over 1.8 million live in Northern Ireland.

Ireland has one of the best education systems in Europe. The quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth Ireland has experienced over the last few decades. Irish higher education institutions are widely recognized for excellence in many disciplines. Ireland is recognized as an international location for high-quality scientific research. Ireland is an English speaking country.

Living in Ireland

Accommodation – A guide for international students

You will have a range of options to choose from, with varying costs attached. Student accommodation in Ireland falls into four broad types:

1. On-campus accommodation: Campus accommodation in halls of residence is always in demand and can be relatively expensive. It is generally organized as apartments of 4 to 8 students, with a private bedroom and a shared kitchen, living room and bathroom. Rent must normally be paid at the start of each semester, rather than on a monthly basis. An advance deposit is also required, refunded when you leave. Utilities such as heating are usually extra, although several halls of residence include heat and electricity in their initial charge and deduct payment for usage in excess of the average allowed for from the deposit. It is important to check specific arrangements with your college.
2. Long-term student hostel: There is limited availability for this option but it can be quite flexible. You stay in a hostel with other students and your monthly rent provides for use of a communal living area and kitchen, along with a bedroom. Breakfast and sometimes dinner will be included in the rent, as are utility bills.
3. Accommodation with a family: You can live as a paying guest in an Irish home, where you have your own room with space to study, but otherwise share the house with the family. This is a popular option with students attending English language schools, especially for short courses, but is also an arrangement that works well for many further and higher education students. In Ireland, accommodation with a family is commonly known as living in ‘digs’; in other countries, it may be better known as ‘homestay’. Normally, morning and evening meals will be provided but you will need to buy your own midday meal on campus or elsewhere. There are no extra charges for heat, light etc., and some of your laundries will be done.
4. Private rented accommodation: The options here include renting a bed-sit, a flat/apartment or sharing a house. It is usually cheaper to share accommodation with others.

A bed-sit is an essentially a single room unit with basic cooking facilities (a mini-kitchen area), a bed and some additional furniture. Toilet and bathroom facilities are generally shared with the other occupants of the building through there may be a self-contained shower.

A flat or apartment will offer a kitchen and living room (possibly combined), a bathroom and one or more bedrooms. Again, quality and cost vary. A compact one bedroom unit may cost little more than a bed-sit, while a three bedroom flat/apartment will cost substantially more.

A house or apartment share with other people can be the cheapest, as bills are divided among more people. Sharing a room can reduce costs even further.

In all cases, rents are usually payable monthly and in advance. At the beginning of a letting period, you pay a deposit of one month’s rent, which will be refunded when you leave (provided you have not caused any damage to the premises). The normal length of a lease is 9 or 12 months, and it can be difficult to find anything shorter. If you break a lease without notice or if you do not adhere to the terms of the lease, you will lose your deposit.

About Canada

Canada is the second largest country in the world (after Russia) by land mass. Canada has a total area of 9.9 million sq. km. and touches the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic oceans making it the country with the longest coastline. It is composed of 10 provinces and three territories with Ottawa as its capital.  The provinces are: Alberta (capital: Edmonton) , British Columbia (Victoria), Manitoba (Winnipeg), New Brunswick (Fredericton), Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John’s), Nova Scotia (Halifax), Ontario (Toronto), Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown), Quebec (Quebec City), and Saskatchewan (Regina). The three territories are: Northwest Territories (Yellowknife), Nunavut (Iqaluit), and Yukon (Whitehorse).

Canada is the first country in the world to adopt a policy of multiculturalism, embracing diversity and pluralism. Today, of Canada’s total population of more than 35 million, a fifth are immigrants. In fact, based on the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS), Canada is home to people from over 200 ethnic origins. Major cities include massive Toronto, west coast film centre Vancouver, French-speaking Montréal and Québec City, and capital city Ottawa. Canada’s vast swaths of wilderness include lake-filled Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains. It’s also home to Niagara Falls, a famous group of massive waterfalls.

Education in Canada is generally divided into primary education, followed by secondary education and post-secondary. It encompasses both publicly-funded and private schools, including: community colleges/ technical institutes, career colleges, language schools, secondary schools, summer camps, universities and university colleges. Education is compulsory up to the age of sixteen in every province in Canada, except for Ontario and New Brunswick, where the compulsory age is eighteen.

Living in Canada

Depending on your budget, expectations, and other circumstances, Canada’s schools can supply or connect you to a variety of both on and off-campus accommodation options.

Main Types of Accommodation: Standard accommodation for international students falls into one of five typical options.

1. Student Residence – Dormitories & Townhouses – Some schools provide student residence on-campus or nearby the campus. Dormitories are usually larger buildings housing many students, while townhouses are detached, housing usually three to six students. Dormitories have common areas for entertainment, cooking, and exercise, as well as shared bathrooms and shower facilities. These dormitories sleep one or more person per room, and are managed directly by the school. Dormitories are often a suggested housing choice for first-year college and university students.

Townhouses usually contain three to six bedrooms with single occupancy rooms (no roommates) and a main floor containing kitchen and living room area. This style of accommodation is usually reserved for second – fourth-year university students and graduate students. In both cases, these styles of accommodation may include a nearby cafeteria or food court where you can eat daily, or are situated in close proximity to eating establishments on or off-campus. Both options might include utilities such as heat, hot water, and internet, or offer them at a reduced fee.

2. Off-Campus Shared Apartment or Condominium – Off-campus shared apartments provide students with a single room, in a living space with one or more other roommates. Like townhomes (above) they most often contain a single occupancy bedroom or living space and have a shared kitchen, bathroom, dining, and living room area. Rental costs for off-campus housing vary dramatically, especially in the larger cities of Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

3. Host Family/Home stay – Living with a host family can provide you with a sense of home and security as you start your new life in Canada. Host families normally provide a private, single-occupancy room, and serve one – three meals per day and internet access. A host family can also answer questions about the city, introduce you to Canadian culture and customs and share mealtimes with you. Shared accommodation may be an option, and also room-only options (without meals) may be possible. Students living in homestay accommodation should expect to travel 30 – 50 minutes by bus or train in order to reach the school. This is a normal commute time in Canada.

4. Furnished or Unfurnished Apartment Rentals – There are many secure ways to find a temporary furnished apartment rental before your arrival in Canada by using websites such as Airbnb, Craigslist, HouseTrip or Wimdu. These apartments are normally furnished, private rentals. Be sure to read the reviews of each rental and check the feedback from other guests who have previously stayed there. Renting an unfurnished apartment is also possible, but difficult to navigate for first-time international students to Canada.

 About Australia

Australia is a country and continent surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Its major cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide – are coastal. Its capital, Canberra, is inland. The country is known for its Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, a vast interior desert wilderness called the Outback, and unique animal species like kangaroos and duck-billed platypuses.

Moving to Australia can be an amazing experience. Although it is the sixth largest country in the world at over 3 million square miles, it is only home to 21 million people, which ensures that natural beauty dominates over suburban landscapes (especially out of the main cities). English is the official language spoken in Australia and you will have no problem communicating when moving to Australia if you speak English.  Australia is so large that it actually experiences an extremely varied climate; different parts of the country experience different weather patterns. Northern Australia is tropical, with hot and humid weather and seasonal monsoons. Summers are long and hot while winters are cool and occasionally wet. Western Australia is hot and dry in the summer and cools in the winter with temperatures often falling as low as 7 or 8°C.  Australia has the world’s 13th-largest economy and ninth-highest per capita income.  With the second-highest human development index globally, the country ranks highly in quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and civil liberties and political rights.

Living in Australia

International students who choose to study in Australia have a large range of accommodation options from which to choose. However, students need to be aware that housing at Australian universities is very different from what many international students will be used to, because Australian universities provide little or no university housing. It is not nonexistent, but most students at Australian universities live off-campus, whether through homestay programs, hostels, or rental properties.

Homestay – Homestay programs involve an international student living with an Australian family in their home, and it is a great way for international students to fully integrate themselves into Australian life. These programs are popular with secondary students or students enrolled in short-term English courses. Single or shared rooms are generally available, and costs vary by type of room, but are usually between A$110 and A$270 per week. Although meals are generally covered under the cost, self-catered homestay is also available. Students can generally find that their institution’s accommodation services keep a register of approved and reputable homestay providers. For more information on various homestay companies and packages, please see the homestay section of our website.

Hostel and Guest House Accommodation – Some international students may choose to stay in hostel or guest house accommodations. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared, and students cook for themselves in this type of accommodation. At around A$80-A$135 a week, these accommodations tend to be cheaper than university or homestay accommodations. They also provide a valuable opportunity for social interaction amongst international students.

Rental Property – Many students in Australia choose to share the cost of a rental property with several housemates. Students who choose this type of housing may either move into a pre-established household, or they may set up a household with friends. Students generally have to provide some or all of the household’s furniture, as rental properties are rarely furnished. Rental accommodations generally cost around A$100-A$400 per week, and shared rental accommodations cost around A$70-A$250 per week. These accommodations usually require payment of rent in advance, as well as a security payment, which is generally equal to one month’s rent, paid up front.

On-Campus Housing – Although the majority of Australian students live off-campus, some Australian universities do provided housing for their students through residential colleges, halls of residence, or apartments. Prices and availability of accommodations vary according to the university, so international students should contact their institution prior to their arrival in Australia. Students should also apply early, as these accommodation options are limited and very popular. Generally, on-campus accommodation costs around A$80-A$250 per week.

Residential Colleges – Residential colleges provide students with accommodation, meals, cleaning, and a range of services for social and academic needs. Because of the wide range of services offered, they are generally more expensive than halls of residence, which also offer accommodations, but with fewer added services than residential colleges. Halls of residence accommodations include some meals and cleaning services, but self-catering facilities are also available for students who wish to be more independent.

Apartments – Some universities offer apartments either on or close to campus for their students to rent. Under this accommodation, students have security of university-provided housing, as well as the independence of fully self-catered living. There is a wide range of accommodation options available to students in Australia, so students should put thought into choosing the option that best fits their needs. On average, 90-100% of students in Australia live off-campus, so there are plenty of off-campus housing options from which to choose. However, this also means that the demand for housing is high, particularly housing situated close to campus. International students are encouraged to arrive in Australia two to three weeks before the start of orientation so as to get situated before classes begin.

About Singapore

Singapore has a strong economy and is a socially safe country with a stable government and a low crime rate, making it an ideal place to study. One of the benefits of going to Singapore is that English is most commonly used language. Singapore is extremely popular among students who wish to study courses in animation, design, game development, music, etc. Courses in law and combined post-graduate courses in management and engineering are extremely popular choices for students from South-Asia. Singapore has become a popular study destination for higher education.

Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial center with a tropical climate and multicultural population. All major attractions are also accessible by tour bus. Since the city is only 60 miles (100k) from the equator, the tropical temperatures do not very much. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed through the year. Like most of Southeast Asia, Singapore is generally hot and humid. It’s warm and humid year round, with the temperature almost never dropping below 20°C (68°F), even at night, and usually climbing to 30°C (86°F) during the day.

Beyond the picture-perfect skyline and the bustling city center, there’s still so much more to Singapore for visitors to explore.

iving in Singapore

Singapore has a high standard of living and can be an expensive place to live. The annual living costs for students are estimated to be around S$4,700 (Singapore Department of Statistics 2009). Rent is likely to be your biggest outgoing but there is a variety of options for students; some of them will offer better value for money. Food is relatively inexpensive if using University food outlets or if eating in. Local public transport is also cheap and a monthly transport pass will cost around S$90.

1. Halls of residence

On-campus graduate housing is generally available but demand greatly exceeds supply. Halls of residence are therefore reserved for full-time postgraduates with new students on research programmers often given priority. Some universities only provide on-campus accommodation for defined periods of time (one year) and this may not cover the entire duration of your course, particularly if you are a PhD student. On-campus is offered on a self-catered basis (but university canteens and cafés are widely available). Universities generally do not offer accommodation to families and couples and recommend that students seek alternative in the private sector.

2.            Private shared flats

Privately owned apartment or house can be rented directly from the owner. This can be an expensive option, so sharing with fellow students will help reduce the cost. You can expect to pay around S$400 per person per month

3.            Housing Development Board (HDB) flats

It is possible to rent a room in a HDB flat or the entire flat. This is a cheaper alternative to private housing. Prices for HDB properties range from S$250 (room only) to $1,000 (whole flat) per month.

4.            Living in a flat of your own

This is the most expensive option and can cost anything from S$1000 upwards

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciations. New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometers east of Australia and roughly 1,000 kilometers south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga.

The 2017 Global Peace Index, which compares 162 countries for the risk of personal violence, rates New Zealand as the world’s second safest country just after Iceland.  Transparency International’s 2017 Corruption Perception Index ranks us the least corrupt country in the world, equal with Denmark.

Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. Kiwis are some of the most amazing, loving, and welcoming people that you will ever meet. If you are a stranger, a native New Zealander is going to treat you like you are a friend. This is the number one reason to go anywhere for school, but New Zealand is amazing for their educational system. First, the tuition is some of the lowest in the world. You get a British-based education (due to their British influences) for a percentage of the cost. The degrees are recognized around the world as being up-to-date and practical. You will get a high quality, hands on education that you deserve.

Living in New Zealand

Accommodation for International Students

Whilst studying in New Zealand you will need somewhere to live. Many students live on campus in Halls of Residence, while others opt for a home stay with a local family, or live with friends (or strangers) in a rented ‘flat’ (apartment/house). Here is some information on options for student accommodation in New Zealand. There are several options for student accommodation in New Zealand. Your place of study may be able to assist you in finding accommodation when you apply to study.

Halls of Residence – Most tertiary institutions, and some private secondary schools, in New Zealand have Halls of Residence. Halls of Residence are generally located a short walk from campus. Rooms are single or twin-share, with communal laundry, lounge room and dining hall. Meals are usually provided, and all dietary needs can be catered for. A warden lives on site, and organized sporting and recreational activities are common. Halls of Residence are great for students who wish to meet new people and live in a secure, safe environment.

Average cost: Around NZ$200 – $300 per week.
Home stay/Private Board  – Home stay means you live with a New Zealand family in their home – usually with a room of your own. Your Home stay family provides your meals and helps you with day-to-day life in New Zealand. Home stay accommodation is an excellent way to meet New Zealanders, and interact with people in English. As a guest in your host family’s home you are expected to contribute to normal family life, a great way to experience Kiwi culture.

Average cost:  Around NZ$180 per week.
Flatting/Independent Accommodation –“Going Flatting” is the New Zealand term for renting an apartment or house (flat). Flatting gives you the flexibility to live with as many people as you like – males or females. Flats range from one bedroom apartments to 4 or 5 bedroom homes. Rental accommodation is generally clustered around colleges or universities, but flats can be found in most city suburbs. Many rental properties in New Zealand come with a garden, and have car-parking.

An oven is provided and sometimes other larger appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Most New Zealand houses are stand-alone, and do not have central heating. Your landlord does not have to supply heat, so you pay for gas/electricity between you and your flat mates. Usually a “bond” (2 – 4 weeks rent) is paid to your landlord. This is returned to you when you move out – providing the house has not been damaged in any way.

For advice on rental properties in New Zealand contact the Department of Business, Innovation & Employment.

Average Cost: $70– $150 rent per week, plus expenses (food, electricity, phone, water etc)