4 Tips for Settling into Foundation Courses in the UK

Fri 03 Jun 2016

The first few months of life in a new country can be daunting for international students. No matter how well prepared you are, finding yourself in a foreign culture far from your family and friends is still a big adjustment, especially when you’re trying to master a new language at the same time.

However, it doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems. By taking a few simple steps to make yourself feel more at home, and making use of the resources provided by your university, you can make the transition to life in the UK much smoother, leaving you free to focus on making new friends, exploring your new country, and creating the memories of a lifetime.

1. Make the Most of Student Support in Foundation Courses in the UK

As you start life in the UK, the staff of pathway programs like ONCAMPUS will be there to support you every step of the way. Each student is assigned a Personal Tutor, who acts as the first point of contact for anything you might need, and provides regular tutorial sessions to help you with everything from academic referencing to adjusting to your new accommodation. In addition, your course tutors are always willing to provide individual academic support and help with any issues you may have. 

2. Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Needs

Since students enrolled in foundation courses come from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, they often have very different individual needs when it comes to accommodation. Some will want to be among their fellow students in a university dormitory, while others from more family-oriented backgrounds might prefer to stay in a traditional home.

International pathway programs offer a range of accommodation options so that you find living arrangements that suit you. Students in ONCAMPUS London, for example, can stay in modern, fully-furnished dorms in the heart of London, or choose from a number of homestay options in different areas of the city, with welcoming host families to provide additional support.

More family oriented students can choose from a range of homestay options

3. Make Friends With the Classmates You’ll Meet in Your Foundation Courses

Class sizes in foundation courses in the UK are kept small making it easier for you to get to know your classmates quickly. This warm, supportive environment gives you the chance to make lasting friendships as you explore everything your new home has to offer on specially organised sightseeing tours, class trips, and social events.

Students in pathway programs can explore the UK together

4. Students in Foundation Courses Should Explore All Their Campus Has to Offer

While you’ll quickly make friends with your classmates, you can also take the opportunity to extend your social network by taking an active role in campus activities. Students in pathway programs enjoy all the same access to clubs, societies and events on their campus as other undergraduate students, including sports teams, volunteer organisations, and religious groups—so you can easily find new and exciting ways to meet new people and become more involved in life at your new university.

Want to find out more about university pathway programs for the UK?

Contact ONCAMPUS to speak to one of our advisors today!