Crossing the water

One hopes most Irish students who have decided to study in Britain will view their forthcoming experience positively and with enthusiasm. Nevertheless, from our own experience with Irish students and staff here at South Bank University, London, we are aware that deciding to come here to study is a major decision.

It's important, therefore, to be as prepared as possible in order to avoid the uncertainty and loneliness sometimes felt by Irish people when they first arrive.

This potted general guide to life in Britain may help:

Cultural Matters

Cities like London, where society is multi-ethnic and the pace definitely faster, can be lively and exciting whether or not you mix with the large Irish community. However, adjusting to life in Britain can be made easier if there is an Irish community within reach. Irish communities tend to be located in the larger cities and towns. Being within reach of an Irish community can alleviate homesickness.

College places

Many thousands of Irish people are studying on full-time undergraduate courses in Britain. The number applying to universities in Britain and Northern Ireland through UCAS has declined steadily from about 13,000 in 1996 to 11,000 in 1997. In 1998, with still a month to go, the figure is about 8,000.

This decline may be caused by the introduction of tuition fees and the high cost of living, particularly in light of the current punt/sterling exchange rate. However, the decrease clearly means that more places are available and there are still very many places available on a wide variety of courses.

If you are considering applying now to a British university, you should make contact directly. Most universities operate a helpline to advise students on places and may also offer a place immediately - the South Bank University helpline phone number is (0044) 171 815 8158.

Courses which have tended to be most popular with Irish students are those either not available in Ireland or difficult get onto - at South Bank University these include sports science, occupational health and safety, nursing and other medical-related courses.

Money matters

The British government has introduced tuition fees for virtually all students starting a course this month. Students who deferred entry from 1997 may be exempt, as are students studying for a BSc or a DipHE in nursing studies.

Irish students on the diploma and degree nursing studies programmes are currently eligible for annual National Health Service bursaries of between £4,500 and £5,370. However, these may be withdrawn for students taking up places after September 1999. Nursing courses in Britain are exempt from the recently introduced £1,000 tuition fee. Irish and other EU students can apply to the appropriate Local Education Authority (LEA) for assistance with their tuition fees.

Accommodation

It's important to organise accommodation as early as possible and certainly before you travel. You might want to consider staying with friends or relatives or living in the university's halls of residence. Most halls of residence are self-catering - and canteens are available if you don't wish to cook.

Within London the costs of halls of residence can range from £360£370 sterling per month. Private accommodation can start from £350 per month for a bedroom in a shared house or flat. When renting private accommodation, you will also need to take into account the costs of bills and local council tax.

Outside London the costs of halls of residence can range from £350 to £360 per month, and private accommodation can start from £340 per month. The accommodation unit at your university will be able to give you advice.

It's advisable to have adequate funds available for the first few weeks as it might take a while to arrange access to your money in Ireland. If you're eligible for a student grant in Ireland you can transfer this to Britain, though you should take into account the current punt / sterling exchange rate.

If you're considering banking with your own Irish bank, do make sure that there is a local branch within reach. For identification purposes it's advisable to bring a birth certificate, a passport if possible and also some other form of identification such as a driving licence or cheque card.

Health

While living in Britain or Northern Ireland, students from the Republic have the right to much free medical treatment and should register with a doctor and a dentist as soon as possible. To do this it will be necessary to complete an AG1 form which can be collected from a surgery. You can call the free National Health Service helpline - 0800 665544.

College information

Most universities produce free publications with information on a whole range of financial and other practical matters. The college's student support office, or equivalent, and the student union will be able to offer advice and assistance on a wide range of practical issues.

At South Bank University we have over 400 Irish students and a large number of Irish staff. We have established a working group with the aim of improving the overall experience of our Irish students.

Part-time Work

Vacancies for part-time work are advertised in local newspapers. There are Irish recruitment agencies which advertise in Irish papers in Britain. Opportunities for part-time work vary, but in large cities jobs in catering and bars are common.

If you do get a job you won't have to pay any income tax on the first £4,195 - this is the single person's tax allowance for 1998-99. When starting work you will need a national insurance number which you can get from your local Social Security Office.

Social activities

Many Irish students who study in Britain continue their involvement in Irish music, culture and sport. Information on these activities and events is available from a number of sources including local libraries and British-based Irish newspapers such as the Irish Post and the Irish World. The Irish Post also carries job ads and is available on the Internet at address: httpp://www.irishpost.co.uk

General information

General and specific information is available from the British Council in Dublin and the Irish Embassy in London. At South Bank University we have a European officer, Lara Kelley, who is heavily involved in our initiatives to support Irish students. She can be contacted at (0044) 171 815 6705

There are a number of useful publications including: Across the Water - A Guide for Young Irish People Going to Britain by Michael J Curran (Irish Chaplaincy in Britain - phone (0044) 171 263 1477) available from Irish bookshops in London; A Guide to London for Young Irish People, published by the Action Group for Irish Youth, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA.

There are also a number of Irish advice centres and Irish social and cultural centres - information on specific Irish societies can be obtained from the Federation of Irish Societies, 52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB - phone (0044) 171 916 2733.

Professor Nicholas Rowe is dean of the South Bank Business School, South Bank University, London.