studying abroad?
More specifically in the UK..
Here's an online orientation from a know-it-all who has spent (albeit only) 2 years in the UK (as of 2017).
TO do before flying off:
✓ digitalise important documents
and store in your phone
✓ list down whatever is in each of your luggages
✓ check-in BIA a night before to get 20KG extra
between 20:30 and 22.30 and bring your BSU card/UK visa/MOE card/CAS statement
✓ apply for personal insurance
because without insurance no one's paying to have your body sent home
✓ apply for Royal Skies to start collecting miles
if you plan on travelling with RBA/BIA a lot
✓ apply for a BRP online
✓ get a visa
✓ register on UPP
TO bring:
✓ passport sized photographs
NOT to bring:
x too many blouses
unless you're staying in the summer, blouses are counter-productive because it feels like winter all year 'round. But blouses are so cute I brought them anyway. Besides, coats exist for a reason!
TO handcarry (not according to level of importance):
Most of these documents are important as upon arrival they will need to see proof as to whatever you say you're in UK for
✓ passport
✓ flight tickets
✓ health documents e.g. x-ray sheet, TB sheet, vaccination certificates
✓ confirmation and offer letters
✓ CAS statement
I have completely forgotten what a CAS statement is soz BUT HANDCARRY THE CRAP OUT OF IT
✓ £ money £
drop hints to your aunts and uncles to give your kaching before you exchange the lot of them
✓ finance documents e.g. tuition fees, accommodation details, laptop receipt (shrugs), FGL or the financial guarantee letter
✓ original certificates of qualifications
TO do as soon as you settle:
✓ purchase an Oyster card
to start travelling cheap by bus or through the trains/tubes if you're an avid London go-er
✓ register for IHS
basically the BRU-HIMS of UK
✓ set up a bank account
now it's crucial you don't just walk in a bank and say you need to create a savings account. Collect a statement from your university beforehand and have your BRP or passport as well as FGL with you. Opening a bank account is important mainly for allowance purposes but takes time. If you're lucky, they'll give you an appointment the next week. I personally like Barclays because there's a branch in my school (and lets me personalize my card for free), but remember to choose one that isn't the best but most convenient in terms of its location.
✓ before pictures of your room/kitchen/toilet
so when you leave you aren't susceptible to damage cost left by previous tenants
✓ collect your student ID
and don't lose it 3 times because they charge you each time
✓ buy necessities
kitchen appliances, utensils, pillows, pillow sheets, duvet (fancy word for selimut - DO NOT underestimate the weather), duvet sheet, survival food for the first week (just-eat.co.uk)
✓ pay rent
✓ set up monthly rental payment
✓ familiar yourself with your university's website and d/l your university's mobile app
(OPTIONAL) to do later on:
❀ get a railcard
easier online, and saves cost when you apply for the 3 years option
❀ get a Boots/Superdrug card
❀ get a monthly phone plan
in my opinion, paying £17 for 12gb data and 200 minutes (I think) is well worth it as I find myself surfing the internet a lot. Plus, top-ups provide so little data. I recommend it especially if your uni's wifi is eduroam. The most popular phone services in the UK are 02 (apparently fast in London), 3 (click for contract options) and EE. I use 3. Keep in mind, however, that some contracts (such as mine) expire only after 12 months, meaning you will have to pay off all those 12 months even when you're home for the summer and are not using your line. Cancelling the contract will also required a fee not worth paying.
❀ sign up for unidays
for plenty student discounts on most things (food/clothes/travel expenses)
WHERE to get...:
groceries → Lild, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Asda, Tesco
toiletries → Boots, Superdrug
TIPS or reminders:
✓ book your travels through BruHall
this is just so they could keep track spy on you
✓ keep travel receipts
BruHall can potentially reimburse you
✓ for parents of students
Brunei government employees may book their stay in Brunei House thru their work offices
✓ leave your driver's license at home
I gather that most of new university students are also new drivers. Unless you are planning to drive in the UK, leave your license in Brunei to have your parents renew it after a year or you'll come back wanting to drive but will be cockblocked by a penalty charge of BND20
✓ understanding the £
guys say a meal costs you BND5 in Brunei, in the UK the same meal is gonna cost you £5 true story
✓ register your university's 24-hour phone number as well as Brunei Halls' (+44 20 7402 0045)
✓ don't lose your BRPs!
costs £70 for renewal, and a lot of effort + time I imagine
★ Brunei Hall as a guarantor
this is important and when things are important they are also complicated. Because of reasons, after a year staying on campus you would want to or will be kicked off to live off-campus (off university grounds). Now this is difficult for international students as new laws and its potatoes-patatoes require students with 'no UK guarantor' to spend their parents' entire life savings on a place they have yet to set foot in. A UK guarantor is to my understanding someone who will be liable for your rent payments if you happen to disappear or on a more morbid note - die. Having a UK guarantor will allow international tenants to pay their rents like normal people - monthly. NOT having a UK guarantor, however, will send you down a dark path.. An international student with no UK guarantor will be asked to pay 6 months' rents in advance. There is a solution to this, of course, as Brunei Hall can act as your UK guarantor (contact them for forms). However, because Brunei Hall is a 'company' and not a 'legitimate person' some landlords will not accept Brunei Hall as a guarantor. Therefore, before oncoming 2nd year students (or even 1st year students who wish to stay off-campus) signs a contract with their agencies and landlords, please be sure they accept Brunei Hall as a guarantor beforehand! I was required to pay around BND5K a month before I started living in my home in the UK because I wasn't informed of this earlier. ALSO, GUESS WHAT, the 6 months' rent they ask for is for the last 6 months of your tenancy if you're planning to stay in the house for a year. You would still need to pay the first 6 months of rent month-by-month. This has turned into a rant.
I'll add more as I go along!