Learning to settle in across the water

Leaving home to study at a college or university is, for most of us, a huge step. It can give rise to a whole host of feelings and emotions which can run even deeper if you are one of the increasing number of Irish students who has decided to study in Britain or Northern Ireland. These feelings and emotions will differ from person to person, as experienced by the many members of my own family who have travelled from Ireland to live or study there.

Hopefully most Irish students who have decided to study in Britain or Northern Ireland will view their forthcoming experience positively and with enthusiasm. Nevertheless, from our own experience with Irish students and staff here at South Bank University, we are aware that deciding to come here to study is a major decision. It is important therefore, to be as prepared as possible in order to avoid feelings of uncertainty and loneliness that are sometimes felt by Irish people when they first arrive here. The following sections consider some of the issues relevant to Irish students studying in Britain or Northern Ireland.

Current Matters

There are currently over 5,000 Irish nationals studying on full-time undergraduate courses. From our experience with Irish students here at the university we know that it is particularly important to be prepared for the cultural differences between the two countries.

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 or Northern Ireland can be made easier if there is an Irish community within reach. Irish communities tend to be located in the larger cities and towns, although this is not always the case. While not all Irish students may wish to restrict themselves to an Irish environment, it may be advisable to be within reach of an Irish community as homesickness can be alleviated by mixing with other Irish people.

Initial preparations/financial matters

It is important to organise your accommodation as early as possible and certainly before you travel. You might want to consider various options such as staying with friends or relatives or living in the university's halls of residence. The accommodation unit at your university will be able to give you advice. Most residents are liable for Council Tax though students who stay in the university's halls of residence, or in accommodation where all the residents are students, are exempt from this tax.

Universities should be able to give you guidance concerning the cost of living. It is 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 are considering banking with your own Irish bank, do make sure that there is a local branch within reach. For identification purposes it is advisable to bring a birth certificate, a passport if possible and also some other form of identification, e.g., driving licence, cheque card. While living in Britain or Northern Ireland, Irish students 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. To obtain advice there is a free National Health Service helpline - phone: 0800 665544 (from within the UK).

The college/university

Most universities produce a number of free publications for students containing information on a whole range of financial and other practical matters. The university'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. These services will be described during the Student Induction, which is usually held during the first couple of weeks of term.

Students, particularly those on the first year of an undergraduate course or equivalent, often need advice and support. Some universities recruit a large number of international students and have made considerable efforts to ensure that these students are properly supported. At South Bank University we have over 400 Irish students, and a large number of Irish staff, and have established a working group with the aim of improving the overall experience of our Irish students. The working group comprises Irish staff and students, including the Student Union Irish Society, and examples of its work include:

Involving external Irish organisations and societies to develop initiatives and organise events that create a supportive environment for Irish students;

Providing information and advice for Irish students before they arrive at South Bank University;

Arranging a special welcome reception/induction for Irish students, which is attended by a number of external Irish organisations and societies;

Organising a "befriending" scheme for new Irish students where support and advice is available from existing Irish students;

Establishing formal links between Irish students, Irish staff and the Student Union Irish Society. Working with the Irish Society to help organise social and cultural events;

This support is in addition to that offered through the normal university services, e.g., all students have a personal tutor. This initiative for Irish students has proved very successful to date and similar schemes are being developed for students from other countries.

Part Time Work

Living away from home can be expensive, and many full-time students decide to take on a part-time job. Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers and there are also recruitment agencies that advertise in local Irish papers here. The opportunities for part-time work vary, but in the large cities jobs in catering and bars are not uncommon.

If you do get a job, you won't have to pay any income tax on the first £4,045, which is the single person's tax allowance for 199798. When starting work you will need a National Insurance Number, which you can obtain from your local Social Security Office.

Social Activities

Many Irish students who study in Britain continue their involvement in Irish music, culture and sport. There is a wide range of Irish activities including social clubs, sports clubs, Irish societies and advice centres, not to mention the large number of Irish pubs which host a wide range of Irish entertainment. The Irish societies and centres tend to be located in areas with large Irish communities, e.g., London, Manchester, Liverpool, Luton, Birmingham, Coventry, Leeds, Leicester. A number of university student unions also have an Irish society or equivalent that organises social and cultural events.

Information concerning 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. Probably the best known of the papers is the Irish Post which is available everywhere, and covers a very wide range of news and information relating to Irish affairs and activities. It has a very good Irish entertainment section, and carries advertisements for jobs and so forth. If your local newsagent does not stock this or any other paper you need, you should still be able to order it. The Irish Post is also available on the Internet - address : http://www.irishpost.co.uk

Sources of information

General and specific information is available from the British Council in Dublin, and the Irish Embassy in London which operates a general information office. Clearly if you are fortunate enough to know someone who has studied at the university, or has knowledge of the city/town, it may be worth talking to them.

There are a number of useful publications including :

Across the Water - a guide for young Irish people going to Britain by Michael J. Curran (published by the Irish Chaplaincy in Britain - phone: 0044-171-263-1477) available from bookshops including the Irish Bookshop, 8 Archway Mall, London N19 5RG (phone: 0044-171-263-4748).

Other publications containing some useful information include: A Guide to London for Young Irish People, published by the Action Group for Irish Youth, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA.

There is also a number of Irish advice centres and Irish social and cultural centres that offer a range of facilities. 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). Details of these centres and societies should also be available from local libraries.

In conclusion, it can take a little time to settle into higher education in a new environment, but remember that college/university life is usually enjoyable and rewarding. British and Northern Irish universities welcome Irish students and from our experience Irish students at South Bank University find studying in London very worthwhile. It is also worth remembering that, after graduating, you will have the opportunity of gaining employment and valuable work experience with companies here that will improve your career prospects both in Ireland and the UK.

Professor Nicholas Rowe is Dean of South Bank Business School, South Bank University, London