Kerala - Kochi   

More Indians opting for studies in United Kingdoms

KOCHI: Nearly 150 students aspiring to study in the United Kingdom attended a pre-departure briefing organised by Education U.K. and British Council here on Tuesday.

The event was part of the promotional programmes being organised by Education U.K. and British Council to help students and parents make their preparation smooth and hassle-free.

Elaborating on student visas and accommodation in the United Kingdom, R. Nim Bahadur, manager, Education U.K. (South India), advised students to apply for accommodation at the earliest.

“If you have not already arranged suitable accommodation, finding somewhere to live will be one of the main concerns during your first days in the U.K., and this can be very difficult,” he said.

Urging students to confirm their accommodation arrangements through the accommodation office at their place of study before they arrive in the U.K., Mr. Bahadur said students should be prepared to pay for accommodation in advance, if necessary.

He told students not to bring any family members with them unless they have booked accommodation for them in advance.

Mr. Bahadur said most institutions provide accommodation for single and unaccompanied married international students in a hall of residence or a self-catering, shared house or flat.

Chris Perry, Entry Clearance Officer, British Deputy High Commission, who spoke on the visa procedures, said students should get entry clearance before travelling.

Full information about how to apply for a student visa can be downloaded from www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en or obtained from the British Mission.

Explaining that visas cannot be obtained on arrival in the U.K., Mr. Perry said the number of Indian students opting for higher education programmes in the U.K. has gone up considerably. He termed the procedure of processing a visa as “simple” and “student friendly”.

Mr. Perry also said the section dealing with students at the visa services wing of the British Deputy High Commission in India provides information on visa procedures that include academy technology approval scheme, student visitor visa, and about the documents to be submitted at the time of visa processing. The pre-departure briefing provides an excellent opportunity for students to interact with the visa officer face to face and obtain clear guidance before applying for the student visa, he said.

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