Studying In The Us: A Guide For British Students

Studying abroad is a great opportunity for students to gain international experience and broaden their horizons. For British students, the US is a popular choice, with its world-renowned universities, vibrant cities, and cultural attractions. However, there are several key considerations for British students planning to pursue higher education in America. Firstly, the application process can be lengthy and complex, involving standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT, multiple essays, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, the cost of tuition and living expenses in the US can be significantly higher than in the UK, with limited funding options available for international students. Social life and campus culture also differ considerably, with a focus on fraternities and sororities, and a legal drinking age of 21. Nonetheless, American universities offer a well-rounded education with excellent job prospects, making them an attractive choice for British students seeking new challenges and opportunities.

Visa requirements

If you are a British student and want to study in the US, you will need to obtain a visa. The most common type is the F-1 non-immigrant visa. The application process for this visa can be complex and requires several steps. Firstly, you need to be accepted onto your chosen course and register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Then, you can complete the online visa application and schedule a visa interview at the US Embassy in London. Before the interview, you must pay a non-refundable visa application fee of $160 and a separate $350 charge to register with SEVIS.

For the interview, you will need to gather the necessary documentation, including a passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US, the confirmation page of your completed visa application form, and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, which will be sent to you by your university. You will also need to provide proof of your academic record, such as transcripts, certificates, and diplomas, as well as evidence of your intent to leave the US once your course is finished. During the interview, biometrics such as fingerprint scans will be taken, and if further administrative processing is not required, your visa will be processed and approved.

It is recommended to apply for your visa early, as the process can be lengthy, and it may take time to gather all the required documentation. Additionally, student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your university start date, but you will not be allowed to enter the US on your visa more than 30 days before the start date of your course. Therefore, it is crucial to plan and ensure you have all your timings right.

University applications

Undergraduate Applications

Undergraduate applicants to UK universities must apply via UCAS (University and College Admissions Service). Through UCAS, you can apply to up to five universities and pay only one fee for these applications.

In the US, there is no central body like UCAS that facilitates university applications. You will need to apply to each university separately on their website. There is no limit to the number of universities you can apply to, but it costs around $45 on average (around £36) per application, so only apply to the ones you're genuinely interested in.

Deadlines

In the US, deadlines for applications tend to start from the beginning of January through to March. Many US university applications open online on 1st August the year before your chosen year of entry, including the Common Application (used by more than 600 US universities).

In the UK, UCAS sets two major deadlines for all applications: 15th January and 24th March.

Entry Requirements

US universities will typically require all international students to take either the SAT or ACT before applying. Some universities specify one or the other, so check with the international admissions office before registering.

UK universities will base their decisions mostly on your academic achievement and your personal statement. If required, admissions tests (e.g. for Oxford and Cambridge) will also be weighted highly.

Application Components

For US universities, you will need to submit:

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (usually two)
• A personal essay or statement
• Application fee ($45 on average)

For UK universities, you will need to submit:

• Personal statement
• Predicted grades
• Academic transcript
• Letter of recommendation (usually one)
• Application fee (up to £27 for five choices)

Application Process

• Research available universities
• Check the requirements for entry
• Take the SAT or ACT
• Ask for letters of recommendation
• Write your personal and supplemental essays
• Put your application together and apply
• Accept your offer and plan your move to the US

Student Visas

If you are a UK student applying to study in the US, you will need to obtain a type F-1 visa. You can only apply for this after a university has accepted you. The application process can be complicated and requires a visa interview with the US embassy in the UK.

Costs

Tuition fees in the US can be higher than in the UK, but there are many scholarships and bursaries available for international students. The cost varies depending on the type of degree and institution, ranging from around £3,080 for a public two-year college to around £31,440 for a private non-profit four-year college.

Tuition fees in the UK are capped at £9,250 per year for undergraduate degrees. International students studying in the UK typically pay between £10,000 and £38,000 per year.

Social Life

University in the UK is known for its thriving party culture. In the US, the social life varies depending on the state, but alcohol tends to be treated like a taboo, with a legal drinking age of 21.

Tuition fees

Public vs Private Universities

US universities are either public or private. Public universities are cheaper for US residents from the same state, whereas out-of-state students pay a higher rate, similar to the system in Scotland. As a UK resident, you will likely be paying out-of-state fees. Private universities are generally more expensive than public universities.

Two-Year vs Four-Year Degrees

Another factor to consider is the length of your degree. In the US, most undergraduate courses are four years long, whereas in the UK they are usually three years. Two-year degrees are also available in the US, but these will only give you an associate's degree, which is similar to an AS Level. To get a full degree, you would need to transfer to another university and study for an additional two or three years.

Cost Comparison

The average annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students in the US range from £3,080 for a public two-year college to £31,440 for a private non-profit four-year college. In comparison, international undergraduate tuition fees in the UK range from £11,400 to £38,000.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Although US universities can be more expensive than UK universities, there are many scholarships and bursaries available for international students. These can be needs-based, niche, merit-based, or sports scholarships. According to the Education Data Initiative, 83.8% of undergraduates at US universities received financial aid in 2021.

Part-Time Work

It is also possible to take on a part-time job to help fund your studies. James Martin, a British student at George Mason University, took on a part-time job on campus to supplement his income.

Student Loans

British student loans cannot be used for studying in the US. If you need to borrow money to fund your studies, you would need to take out a private bank loan, which comes with higher interest rates and no ability to defer repayment.

Visa Requirements

To get a student visa for the US, you will need to prove that you have enough money to cover your living expenses. This equates to £1,023 per month for up to nine months, or £9,207 in total (£12,006 if you will be based in London). You will also need to consider the cost of the visa itself, which is currently £490, and an NHS surcharge of £776.

Funding options

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships and financial aid are the most common ways to fund studies at American universities as a British student. According to the Education Data Initiative, 83.8% of full-time undergraduates at American universities receive some form of financial aid.

Universities with the highest tuition fees, such as Harvard and MIT, often provide the most generous support packages. This financial aid can come in the form of sports scholarships, academic merit scholarships, or needs-blind policies, where applications are assessed on academic credentials alone.

Fulbright Commission's website is a great place to start looking for suitable scholarships. Additionally, the following websites offer a host of scholarships, grants, and fellowships for international students in the USA:

• BigFuture Scholarship Search
• Funding for US Study
• International Financial Aid College Scholarship Search

Student Loans

Student loans are available for British students in the US, but they should be treated as a last resort. The terms and conditions of US student loans are less favourable than those in the UK. US student loans require an American citizen with a good credit rating to be a guarantor, and the interest rates and repayment schedules are less generous.

Part-Time Work

Part-time work can supplement a British student's income while studying in the US. A student visa will typically allow for on-campus work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and up to 40 hours a week during holidays.

Home Country Funding

Your home country can be a source of funding for your studies in the US. Contact your local government office to inquire about funding options, as some governments provide support for citizens studying abroad. Additionally, consider reaching out to large companies in your home country to inquire about studying assistance. However, funding from your home country may require you to return home after completing your studies.

International Organizations

Several international organizations, such as the Fulbright Commission, World Council of Churches, and World Health Organization, offer grants and scholarships to students worldwide. These opportunities can be competitive, so it is essential to plan and apply early.

Private Organizations

Some private organizations, particularly UK companies, may provide financial aid for students studying in the US in exchange for an agreement to work for them after graduation. The following resources can be useful for finding this type of financial aid:

• International Scholarships Database
• International Education Financial Aid
• International Student Loans

Family Funding

According to a study by the Institute of International Education (IIE), nearly 65% of international students are funded by their families. Therefore, it is worth discussing funding options with your family.

Social life

The social life of British students studying in the US can be quite different from what they are used to in the UK. University in the UK is known for its thriving party culture, while the US has a very different social scene.

One of the most notable differences is the approach to alcohol. In the US, alcohol is treated like a taboo, with strict rules and fines in place for students who are caught consuming or possessing it. This can be a shock to British students who are used to a more relaxed drinking culture.

Another difference is the lack of shared spaces in US dorms. In the UK, students often have access to living rooms and kitchens, which provide a space to socialise. In the US, it is common for dorms to only have two beds and no shared spaces, which can make it challenging for students to find a place to gather with their friends.

The US also has a culture of "quiet hours", which may start as early as 11 pm on weekdays and 12 am on weekends. This can be a challenge for British students who are used to socialising and partying late into the night.

Despite these differences, British students can still have a rich social life in the US. Many US universities offer a broad range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies that students can join to meet people and make friends. The university experience varies widely across different states in America, so it is important to research the social scene at your chosen university before applying.

Additionally, US universities often have strong alumni networks and connections with potential employers, which can provide valuable networking opportunities for students. The long-established internship system in the US can also help students build their professional networks and gain valuable work experience.

Frequently asked questions