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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) and Britain, is a sovereign state located off the north-western coast of continental Europe. The country includes the island of Great Britain, the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with another state¡ªthe Republic of Ireland.

Many people confuse the United Kingdom with Great Britain, but in fact, they are not the same thing. The United Kingdom is a united group of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These four countries share a group of islands to the northwest of mainland Europe and are united under one government with one monarch.

Great Britain comprises only England, Scotland, and Wales.

While the UK has four distinct countries, each with its own culture and different dialects, there is a reason that many people confuse the UK with England. For centuries, England was the dominant nation, with the monarch frequently called the"Queen of England."When people think of the UK, the image of the monarch is often the first thing they think of. The kings, queens, princes, and princesses of England have become international celebrities. The UK is also known for other cultural icons, like David Beckham, Dr. Who, and the Beatles. If you visited the UK, you would want to dine on decadent Cadbury chocolate after a traditional meal of fish and chips, washing it all down with a glass of Guinness stout.

The people of the UK are known as leaders in the arts as well as science and technology. The UK is the place where fashion trends often start and actors or musicians are born. London, the center of it all, is often called a "cultural superpower."

The UK, and England specifically, is known for some of the top universities in the world. People travel from around the globe to study at some of the world's highest-ranked schools, like Cambridge and Oxford. In fact, UK has four universities ranked among the global top 10 in the QS World University Rankings.

Climate in the UK
The climate in the UK varies tremendously based on location. Areas that are close to the Atlantic, like Northern Ireland and Wales, are wet, windy, and mild in temperature. England has cool, but not cold, temperatures almost year-round, and experiences an average amount of rainfall. Snow can happen, but is uncommon.

Cost of Living
Like the climate, the cost of living is going to vary depending on where you live in the UK. London, which is a cultural and educational center, is one of the most expensive places in the world. Rent and the cost of day-to-day activities are both quite high here. Eating out is also expensive throughout England, so consider looking for a dormitory or apartment that has a kitchen to cut down on expenses.

Higher Education in the United Kingdom

Because of its excellent universities, higher education in the United Kingdom is sought after, not only by residents of the UK but people around the world. Typically, students enter university starting at age 18. Most residents will attend a state-financed school for their undergraduate degree, to help control costs.

In the UK, the first degree is a bachelor's degree. Most students spend about three years studying for this degree, and during this time they are known as undergraduates. Upon graduation from an undergraduate or other first-degree program, eligible students may choose to pursue postgraduate education. A master's degree, which typically takes one year, is the first option. Doctoral programs will take about three years. Admissions to graduate programs are highly competitive, and these are not state-financed.

In addition to these three basic degrees, students in the UK can pursue specialist qualifications through its various boards and guilds. These specialist qualifications may include Psychology, Law, Medicine, Education, or Business.

Studying in the UK provides you with the benefit of a degree from one of the world's most prestigious schools. The country values education, and you will be living in the midst of excellent thinkers and researchers. If your degree of choice includes a strong research focus, you will find that studying in the UK gives you the opportunity to join excellent research programs.

Tuition fees

As you consider studying in the UK, understanding the cost will help. In the 2012 to 2013 school year, undergraduate degrees in England specifically were set at a max of ?9,000 per year, with a cost of ?6,000 being more common. Postgraduate degrees had higher costs than undergraduate programs, but this varied tremendously between schools. Students who studied outside of England paid a range of ?5,000 - ?20,000 per year for their degrees.

Graduating with a degree received in the UK opens the door to many employment opportunities. Because these universities are so highly regarded around the world, you will have the option to pursue employment in international locations, and also within the UK should you choose to settle there.

Health Insurance

The UK offers a national healthcare system called National Health Service. Students who are taking at least six months of courses in the country may qualify for free or subsidized treatment in the UK. Those who are residents of the EEA or already live in the UK automatically qualify for NHS services, no matter how long they intend to study in the UK.

Obtaining a visa to the UK

The types of student visas to the UK include:

• Tier 4 General ¨CThis visa applies to adults over the age of 17 coming to the UK to study.
• Student Visitor ¨CThis visa applies to students taking a short course and not planning to work during their stay.
• Prospective Student ¨CThis visa applies to students who need to make final arrangements before beginning Tier 4 study.

Tips

As you prepare to study in the UK, remember that several universities and specific programs are highly competitive. Get your application in early to ensure you can get a spot, and apply to more than one school to improve your chances of being approved. Find affordable housing near the university or on campus, and consider sharing a loft or apartment with another tenant to maximize your financial investment. With these tips, you will be able to study in the UK with minimal hassle, taking advantage of a country with a rich educational heritage and an international reputation for producing quality graduates.