United Kingdom

Attractions of Studying in the UK

The United Kingdom is an extremely popular tourist destination, and since it is the birthplace of the English language, it also places considerable emphasis on English language education, attracting many international students from all over the world.
In comparison to other countries, most universities, language schools and various vocational schools are open to foreigners, and the country is very hospitable to foreign students.

As British English is characterised by a less habitual accent and a strong tendency to pronounce each word clearly, students who study and live in the home country of the English language will be able to acquire prestigious British English language proficiency.

Popular Cities

1. 1. London

   

   London, the capital of the UK, is the country's largest city, located in the southeast. Despite its great influence as one of the three largest cities in the world, the city retains a traditional beauty, with its streets lined with mediaeval buildings. Strolling the streets and meeting people from diverse backgrounds is one of London's charms. Public transportation in the city is adequate and is the main means of transportation for both residents and tourists.
   
   The overall cost of living in London is higher than in Tokyo, and is also more expensive in the United Kingdom because it is the central city of the country.
   
   [Popular Spots]
   Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, The British Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral
   
   [London Climate]
   London is characterised by warm currents flowing into the Atlantic Ocean and prevailing westerly winds, which make it comfortable even at high latitudes. The temperature drops sharply after the sunsets causing a large difference in daily temperatures.

2. 2. Brighton

   

   Brighton is a seaside resort located in southern England and attracts many tourists during the summer months. Many young people, mainly students from the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, live in Brighton. Cafes and restaurants line the streets, creating a colourful landscape.
   
   Brighton has long been known as a diverse city, welcoming many international students. The liberal atmosphere of Brighton, where a festival for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people is held every summer, makes it a comfortable and relaxing destination for international students.
   
   [Popular Spots]
   Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion
   
   [Brighton Climate]
   Summer is the best season to visit Brighton as the average maximum temperature is a comfortable 20°C. However, be aware that temperatures at night tend to be cooler.

3. 3. Cambridge

   

   Located in the eastern part of England, Cambridge has developed as an academic city with the University of Cambridge at its centre and is bustling with many students. Compared to other cities, Cambridge is a relatively safe city with a large student population, creating a favourable and comfortable living environment for international students.
   
   Being a compact city, most people travel by bicycle or on foot. The city has a serene atmosphere with many historical buildings and bountiful nature. The iconic River Cam is a symbol of Cambridge and the main river flowing through the city in eastern England.
   
   [Popular Spots]
   King's College London, St John's College, The Fitzwilliam Museum, River Cam
   
   [Cambridge Climate]
   Cambridge Climate : Cambridge is cool all year round. Although there is not much annual precipitation, the weather is changeable due to warm currents and prevailing westerly winds, and sudden passing showers are common.

Living in United Kingdom

Climate

While some people may have the impression that the United Kingdom is often a rainy and cloudy country, it actually does not have that much precipitation throughout the year. Summer in the UK is recommended for those who are considering short-term study abroad. Temperatures are usually hot, with many days exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, but the low humidity makes it comfortable.

With long daylight hours and brightness until around 10PM, the lively British atmosphere can certainly delight visitors who enjoy drinking until late while soaking up the sun and the many events that are held here.

Prices

Generally speaking, prices are a little high in the UK. The consumption tax is higher in the UK compared to the rest of the world, with the current tax rate at 20%.

However, not all things are subject to tax. Foodstuffs, utilities and other items that are minimal and necessary for daily life are basically tax exempted.
Prices of goods vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Thus, it is recommended that students research the approximate cost of living in the places they intend to visit.

Public Order

Security in the United Kingdom is relatively favourable though it varies from region to region. Particularly in urban areas, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and snatch thefts are common.

Tourists are also easy targets, so extreme caution should be exercised.
Walking alone at night should be avoided if possible as some areas of London can become quite unsafe at night.

Estimated Cost of Study Abroad

List of Language Schools