When I first thought about studying in the UK, I had no clue where to even start. Everyone around me kept talking about UCAS like it was the most obvious thing in the world and honestly, at first it just looked like a really long online form. But once I got into it, I realised the process is pretty straightforward, just stressful in its own way.
The UCAS process
I began my application process during my last year of school, around the end of September. UCAS is the main platform you use to apply, and you get five choices. That sounds like plenty until you actually start picking because suddenly five doesn’t feel like enough.
The hardest part for me was the personal statement. Unlike other countries where you can just list grades and activities, in the UK they really want you to talk about why you want to study your subject. It had to be academic and focused, not just a story of “I’ve always loved the idea of this.”
I must’ve rewritten my first draft at least 10 times, cutting out sentences that sounded too much and adding bits that showed I’d actually done research into the field. When I finally hit submit, it felt like handing in a piece of myself. The most difficult part was sticking to the word count and being concise.
Doing GCSEs and A-Levels as an international student
One thing that really shaped my experience was the fact that I did both GCSEs and A Levels at a British school, even though I'm not originally from the UK, my parents felt it was important to keep me in this curriculum so the transfer to higher education would be seamless. At first, it was a massive adjustment. GCSEs cover so many subjects, and it felt like I was being stretched in every direction. But in hindsight, that foundation gave me such an advantage. I got used to the British style of exams, essay writing, and coursework deadlines, which later made the whole university application process less intimidating.
Then, in year 12 came A Levels. Picking just 3 subjects to focus on was stressful, but it also gave me time to really dive deep into what I wanted to study at university. A Levels force you to specialise early, and while that sounds daunting, it actually helped me write a stronger personal statement. I could point to specific topics I’d studied in detail, instead of being more vague.
Being in a British school meant I wasn’t just preparing academically, I was also picking up on the culture, the slang, and the way teachers expected you to think critically. So when it came to applying through UCAS, I already felt like I was used to the system rather than looking in from the outside. That made a huge difference as an international student, because I didn’t feel as lost as I might have if I’d done a completely different curriculum abroad.
Offers and waiting
Once I decided on what I wanted to study, I next had to decide where. At this stage I really had to consider my wants and what would work for me. This included looking into the area and vibe of each city, as well as cross-referencing my predictions to the course requirements.
After submitting the application, it’s just a whole lot of waiting. Slowly, offers start to show up. All of my offers were conditional and along the lines of “if you get these grades, then you’re in,” however, there's a chance for an offer to be unconditional too.
I remember checking Track (now known as UCAS Hub) constantly, even though I knew it wouldn’t update overnight. When I finally picked my firm and insurance choices, that’s when everything suddenly felt real.
Sorting out finances
As an international student, it’s not like in the UK where most people apply for Student Finance loans. For me, it was all about proving I had the funds, paying deposits and showing bank statements for the visa.
Budgeting became its own challenge. I soon realised that paying tuition was just one part of it. There's also accommodation, food, transport, and all the little extras that add up when you’re living in a new country. Sorting that out before I even arrived gave me peace of mind.
The visa process
The next step was applying for a UK student visa. This is where things start to feel real. Your chosen university sends you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter once you’ve met your conditions and paid the deposit. That document is basically proof that the uni has officially given you a place.
With the CAS, I could apply for my visa online, upload documents, and book a biometric appointment. Part of the process involved showing proof of funds, paying the visa fee, and the immigration health charges which gives you access to the NHS whilst being a student.
At the visa centre, I had to give fingerprints and have my photo taken. A few weeks later, I received my visa in my passport, which allowed me to actually live in the UK. Once I arrived, I had to collect my BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) card from a local post office. This card became my official ID for everything from registering with a GP to opening a bank account.
Settling in
Arriving in the UK was both exciting and overwhelming. The first week was all about practical things: picking up my BRP card, registering with a GP (which is basically your local doctor), and opening a UK bank account so I could pay bills. I also had to get used to the small things, like setting up a UK SIM card or figuring out how transport worked in my city.
Freshers’ Week helped a lot with settling in. It’s that first week where unis organise events, campus tours, and nights out so you can meet people. For me, it was the first time I realised just how many international students there were. Settling in wasn’t just about paperwork, it was about finding my rhythm as well.
Looking back
Honestly, the whole process felt huge at the time, but once you break it down step by step, it’s not impossible. If I could give one piece of advice, it’s to start early and don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers, friends, or even people who’ve done it before.
The best part is that moment when UCAS finally updates to say “Congratulations, your place is confirmed.” It makes all the late nights rewriting your personal statement and stressing over exams worth it.
Studying in the UK as an international student isn’t just about getting into uni, it's about proving to yourself that you can handle the exams, the paperwork, the stress, the visa, and the move. Once you get past all that, the real adventure begins and that’s the part you’ll always remember.
