Read Part 1 to learn about study abroad application!
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Getting my visa was easier than I thought it would be, but it was still a frightening process. Following instructions is essential when completing your student visa application. One of the forms was the kind that says “if you apply to 3, go to question 14, if you apply to 2, go to question 16” and it was annoying. However, it makes sense if you really read carefully and take your time completing the application. I even suggest reading through the entire form first so you can avoid mixing up questions and needing to reprint pages (which I am guilty of).
The general application is fairly straight forward; it is online for Canadians and is just a big form of your personal information and questions about you. As a Canadian, generally speaking, you do not need to prove you have enough money to go abroad. However, this is case-to-case so make sure you have bank statements and other financial proof available should it be required. You will probably have to travel to get your bio-metrics done. The “interview” is NOT an interview; it is a quick run through of your application package to make sure everything is there. There is a scan of fingers and eyes and boom you are mailing off your application. It gets sent to New York City for a fee and you can even track it online! You can see where your application is and what is happening to it; it is comforting to watch. The visa process is quite quick. They don’t dilly-dally in looking over your application. This means that there isn’t tons of time to freak out about it.
While waiting for your application, organize other parts of your trip. Do not buy a flight or insurance yet, but look into them for sure! Be sure to research cultural differences! As much as the UK is not a huge leap in cultural difference from Canada, it has its subtle differences which can hit hard if you are unprepared, even compared to all the big differences that you prepare for if you are going to a country that is culturally different like India or Thailand. Also, gather information about your future town/city. Google Map it! Look into how far from big cities like London or Glasgow you will be. What makes your town unique? Is there a market? Is there a castle in the middle of it? Did some famous poet live there? Make the waiting fun because if you don’t, you will just sit there worrying all the time and not be prepared for when you get the “yes” you have been waiting for.
Applying to study abroad seems like a lot and it is. It is a process that takes just as much time as any project assigned in class, so organize yourself the best you can! Follow instructions, take your time, read carefully and ask questions. Use the waiting periods to find out about your country and the whole of the UK and to organize how you will get there. It is a lot of waiting and wondering, but the feeling you get when you get the “yes” and suddenly it is all happening is like nothing else. It is this pure joy that you have worked and waited for, something so big that is finally happening and no one can stop it. Now you get to buy that flight ticket and pack that suitcase and then head off on your adventure of a lifetime!