All you should know about studying in UK post-Covid-19!

Most Indian students dream to pursue their higher education in a foreign land, wherein the United Kingdom tops the list. Studying in the UK, whether to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate course or any other research-related course, is a wish of many students. Year on year, thousands of students are flying to the UK to fulfill this dream. But due to this Covid-19 pandemic, dreams of aspiring students have come to standstill. It’s been a year, and we all are getting accustomed to the new normal and how to move ahead with life post-Covid-19 attack. This applies to the student’s ambition as well. Things are trying to be back on track and students are gearing up to take it ahead.  In such a scenario, the role of a study abroad counselor becomes of utmost importance, and the best study abroad consultants in Ahmedabad, Flamingo Educare, will be at your rescue in these trying times.

Apart from knowing the basics related to study in the UK, students need to be updated with all the latest information about the impact of Covid-19 on studying abroad, especially in the UK. For this, it would be apt to take the assistance of an education counselor to guide you with all the rules and regulations, and mandatory process to pursue their career in the UK. Laws and regulations for foreign students are changing constantly; as a result, it becomes imperative for the students to seek the best and updated guidance in regards to the UK quarantine rules and regulations to safely reach their destination and pursue their goals.

Impact of covid-19 on international students in the UK

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, that has spread across the globe, almost half a million international students who had planned to study in the UK enrolled in the HEI’s or the UK Higher Education Institutions, found themselves in a tricky situation that neither they nor their institution would have ever faced before. Most universities across the UK have either limited or completely adjourned face-to-face teaching. For international students in the UK during Covid, most of them were unable to return, the UK government had provided a visa extension option. Students were able to study online, and wherever possible were allowed to learn face-to-face in very small groups. Though this is contradictory to what the students would have hoped for when they chose to study in the UK.

The staff in the UK universities are striving hard to support students with their wellbeing and learning as well but it indeed would take much more effort for the students to stay motivated and seek the best out of online learning. At present students are not allowed to travel freely around the UK, which is an integral part of the UK study experience. They are not allowed to attend big groups, but the student unions in respective universities are trying innovative ways to connect students and form communities to take the optimum advantage of the technology options. As per the latest UK quarantine rules, international students reaching the UK, need to have taken a COVID-19 test, 72 hours before arrival, and the day they land in the UK, they have to isolate themselves and undergo quarantine for 10 days from the day of their arrival in the UK.

Covid-19 and UK universities: FAQs

What is the Current Situation in the UK?

The current scenario of Covid-19 in the UK is the lockdown has been extended till 19^th July 2021. International students who are already in the UK are allowed to attend in-person classes from 17^th May onwards based on stage 3 progress to ease lockdown. Students, who are planning to reach the UK from India, will have to abide by the UK travel restrictions listed under the Red list countries. India has been considered in the Red list countries by the UK government. Hence it is mandatory to follow all the rules and regulations that fall under the red list countries while entering the UK from India. First and foremost, you need to take the negative Covid-19 test 72 hours before arrival in the UK, complete the passenger locator form online, 48 hours before travel, and book yourself a quarantine hotel package including 2 tests. Some students may stay at the quarantine hotels that are approved by the government that strictly depends on the university they have opted for.

How does your study abroad consultant help you to plan your study in UK Post COVID-19?

Your study abroad consultant plays a vital role in executing your plan or ambition to study in the UK post-Covid-19. They not only guide and assist you in choosing the right course and the university, plan the budget, important documentation work, help in logistics planning, impart currency knowledge, and many other finer details. Especially in these crucial times, when the rules and regulations are quite fluctuating, the role of the study abroad consultant becomes imperative. They are updated with the latest developments related to travel to the UK, are aware of the student visa norms, changing airline terms and conditions, and are also aware of the latest developments at all the universities. Trust and take the assistance of the Flamingo Educare team, one of the leading study abroad consultants in Ahmedabad.

What support is available for International Students in the UK?

On average there are around half a million international students in the UK, as the United Kingdom is the second most popular country preferred for higher education. This means that the universities in the UK are very well equipped to help and advise international students. Apart from the student union at the respective university, support for international students in the UK can be sought through the British Council and Study UK, UKCISA – The UK Council for International Student Affairs, and the respective university’s international office.

The universities in the UK have implemented numerous support services related to Covid 19. Services such as food packages, additional technical support for online learning, support during self-isolation periods, and other services can be easily accessed by international students. Students should update their respective universities with their current circumstances.

What are the current Covid requirements on entering the UK?

India is amongst the red list countries as per the UK government; hence certain restrictions and rules are mandatory for entering the UK. Travelers or Students should fulfill the protocols related to Covid requirements in the UK. First and foremost, students should undertake a Covid -19 test 72 hours before they arrive in the UK, a negative Covid test to enter the UK is mandatory. Along with it, you need to complete the passenger locator form, and buy a 10-day quarantine hotel package along with 2 Covid tests.

Do international students planning to travel to the UK need to book a testing package before arrival?

For international students who are planning to study in the UK, they must follow the right arrival procedure; failure to do so may result in fines or delays. The students should take the Covid-19 test and carry the negative result of this test while traveling to the UK. A particular university’s testing package may or may not be appropriate as per the legal requirement of travel testing. The students have to pre book and pay for their travel test package in the UK. This test package includes 2 Covid-19 tests that need to be taken on or before Day 2 and the other one on and after the Day 8 of the travel quarantine in the UK.  If the students do not abide by all these rules, then he or she shall be liable for a fine of around GBP 2000. Students should keep themselves updated with the latest changes in the rules and regulations; this can be easily done so with the help of expert counselors at Flamingo Educare.

What are the Quarantine rules in the UK for international students?

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, all international students in the UK must be updated about some of the key processes before arriving in the country. Each one should follow every hygiene and security policy in regards to the quarantine rules for international students set up by respective universities. This should be cross-checked on the government’s official website to have a fair idea about the updated UK quarantine rules. Most of the UK universities are offering students hotel quarantine on their arrival. Some of them are the University of Bristol, Coventry University, Northampton University, etc. Though there are many changes and updates, hence it is advised to check the official website of the university for the latest information.

Will international students be able to access the vaccine?

Yes, International students will be able to access Vaccination in the UK. There would be no charges on vaccination for international students. In the UK, the Covid-19 vaccine is offered by community pharmacies, sites run by GPs, or at some hospitals or bigger vaccination centers. For booking coronavirus vaccination appointments, students need to register themselves at the local GP or the NHS website.

What is a quarantine hotel?

A quarantine hotel means a hotel wherein the customer has to quarantine himself. Travelers or students arriving in the country from the red-list countries, need to prebook a quarantine hotel and pay through an online portal before traveling. Those arriving are met at a specific point at the airport and then they are transported to the quarantine hotel in the UK. He or she is allocated a room for 10 days post their arrival. Students are tested on the 2^nd and 8^th days from their arrival. Students, who fail to book or seek a quarantine hotel, will be subjected to a huge fine of around GBP 5000 to 10000.

Can students with a student visa travel from red list countries to the UK?

Yes, students having a UK student Visa are eligible to travel from red list countries to the UK.  As per the UK government guidance on student travel, students can enter the UK by strictly abiding by the entry norms set by the government.

What will happen if a student is unable to complete their course as a result of Covid-19?

International students in the UK who could not finish their study course due to the pandemic are granted to extend their Student/Tier 4 Visa in the UK and shall be exempted from all the rules and regulations related to standard academic progression.

If a student leaves the UK during the Coronavirus outbreak and cannot return within 60 days, will they lose their Tier 4/Student visa?

The UK government will not consider a breach of sponsor duties if the student has decided to return to their home country, but he or she will want to continue their current study courses in the UK through distance learning, then in such scenario, he or she will be able to retain their Tier4/Student Visa in the UK. On the contrary, if the student does not continue with his or her distance learning for more than 30 days, whether he or she is in the UK or at the home country, the sponsorship will be withdrawn and it would also impact his or her Tier4/Student Visa.