UK studies: Get your teeth checked before leaving

Over 200 parents, young adults and teenagers attended the British Council's 'Education UK pre-departure briefing 2007' on Tuesday, July 24 in Mumbai.

Held in the Regal Room of the Hilton Towers (formerly Oberoi Towers), the event was hailed as "a success" by Suchita Gokarn, the Head of Education UK West India.

The programme commenced at 1:30 pm and wrapped up at 6:00 pm. During this time, new students and their parents mingled with UK alumni and professionals from the education sector.

The multimedia presentation featured PowerPoint, video interviews and montages and photos from UK campus-life.

The key aspects discussed were student visa application and immigration, travel, settling in the UK, student loans, accommodation, employment opportunities, health and finances.

Each attendant was also presented with a packet of information, detailing all aspects of the study abroad process. The packet contained useful web sites and resources available on-line.

The students, departing in August and September, agreed that the pre-departure orientation briefing was helpful.

A female student leaving for Oxford University said, "I want to be as prepared as possible. This is the first time I have ever left home and I want everything to go smoothly. I've already learned so much today, from academic issues like plagiarism to off-campus issues like dental care. I had no idea that dental work was not covered under the UK's medical health care scheme. Now, I'll be sure to get my teeth checked before my flight."

One UK alumni said, "It's wonderful to see the number of students and parents here today. Everyone is enthusiastic before leaving for foreign studies, but enthusiasm only gets you so far. It's absolutely essential for students to understand the process and proper procedures. I used the British Council material extensively during my preparation for the UK, and it helped me immensely."

Some of the main points that were raised:

How to utilise Visa Facilitation Service and what documents you should submit alongside your visa application
The importance of taking travel insurance before departure, booking your ticket well in advance and packing properly
The ability to work for up to 20 hours a week part-time during your studies, plus opportunities for employment after graduation
The importance of organising your schedule and juggling tasks. "Work hard, study hard and party hard."
How to avail of student loans, how to maintain a budget, course fees and living expenses
The differences between university accommodation and private accommodation
The importance of opening a bank account with banks on or near campus
What to bring with you on your journey and what to do upon arrival in the UK,
Health insurance and coverage, what's not covered under insurance (dental work)
Academic and teaching style of the UK versus India and the importance of citing references