10 Easy Tips for International Student Nurses Planning to Study Abroad in 2024

You’ve just been accepted to study nursing in the United Kingdom, which is great! The thought of studying in the UK might seem daunting, but with the right preparation and understanding of some key differences between studying in the UK and your home country, you can be on your way to becoming a qualified nurse in no time!

Here are ten top tips to help you prepare to study nursing in the UK.

1. Budget for extra costs

As an international student nurse, you’ll likely have to budget for extra costs that domestic students don’t have to think about. Here are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting for your student nurse lifestyle in the UK:

2. Travel costs – getting to and from the UK can be expensive, especially if you’re coming from a long distance away. Make sure to consider travel costs when planning your budget.
3. Visa fees – if you need a visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to consider the cost of the visa itself as well as any associated application fees.
4. Tuition – tuition fees for international students studying nursing in the UK can be expensive, so make sure you consider that into your budget as well.
5. Taxes – depending on your residency status, you may also have to pay taxes on any earnings made during your time as a student nurse in the UK. 
6. Living Expenses – living expenses will vary depending on where you choose to live while studying in the UK; however, it’s important to remember that these expenses will add up quickly over time!

 2. Select an accommodation near your University

As an international student nurse, one of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to try and find accommodation near your University. This will help you save time and money on transportation, and it will also allow you to be close to all the action.

Plus, being close to your college will make it easier to meet other students and get involved in student nurse lifestyles. Here are 5 tips to help you find the perfect place to live

1. Is the location secure and safe?
2. is a common area with amenities such as a gym or a movie theatre where individuals can socialise and make new friends.
3. the location and distance of the accommodation from the university
4. Easy access to public transit, the airport, and shopping
5. Living expenses and costs

3. Get involved on campus

Being involved on campus is a great way to meet other students and get involved in student nurse lifestyles. Here are a few tips: 

1. Join a club or society that interests you. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and make friends.
2. Attend campus events. From sporting events to cultural festivals, there is always something going on. Attending these events is a great way to learn more about British culture and make new friends.
3. Get involved in student government. This is a great way to have your voice heard and make positive changes on campus.
4. Study abroad! This is an amazing opportunity to see another country and learn about nursing in a different healthcare system

4. Take notes in class

When you’re an international student, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by everything that’s going on around you. One way to combat this feeling is to take good notes in class. This will help you keep track of what’s going on and review the material later on. 

Additionally, taking notes will help you participate in class and make friends with your classmates. Plus, some universities may even require these notes to pass certain exams. 

It’s important to remember that there are various types of schools in the United Kingdom so a note-taking strategy may vary depending on which type of school you attend. 

Regardless, if you are struggling with understanding any course material or lectures, talk to your lecturer as soon as possible. If they are unable to answer any questions or help solve any problems then contact the school’s Head Office or International Student Advisor (ISA). They can offer more advice and direction on how best to go about tackling the issue at hand.

5. Start learning medical terminology from day one

If you’re an international student nurse studying in the UK, one of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to start learning medical terminology from day one. 

It can be difficult to understand lectures and patients if you don’t know the basic terms used in healthcare. Here are a few tips to get you started: 

1. Use a medical dictionary. Many great online dictionaries can help you understand words used in healthcare.

2. Talk to your classmates and professors. If you’re unclear about anything, don’t be hesitant to ask for clarification.

3. Do some research on your own. A quick Google search can often provide helpful information on unfamiliar terms.

4. Take advantage of resources like Youtube and Quizlet. These sites offer quizzes and flashcards with definitions that can help you learn new vocabulary.

5. Remember what word comes first when pairing two words together. For example, ‘pneumonia’ refers to an infection of the lungs that typically manifests as fever and chills with chest pain; ‘arthritis’ refers to inflammation or injury of a joint- most commonly involving the knees or hips- characterized by pain and stiffness; ‘hypertension’ is abnormally high blood pressure, typically greater than 140/90 mmHg

6. Watch short videos explaining medical terminology by searching medical terminologies on YouTube

6. Buy a good laptop

If you’re going to be a nursing student, you’re going to need a good laptop. A laptop is an essential piece of equipment for any student, but especially for nurses. Not only will you need it to keep track of your patients and their progress, but you’ll also need it to do research and write papers.

You’ll want a laptop that is lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go. And, of course, you’ll want one that is durable enough to withstand the rigors of a busy nursing lifestyle.

Finally, make sure you buy one that has a long battery life and strong Wi-Fi signal, too.

7. Be flexible with your plans

It’s important to be flexible when you’re an international student studying nursing in the UK. The healthcare system is different from what you’re used to, and you’ll need to be adaptable. 

There will also be a lot of new terminologies to learn. Be prepared to study hard and make the most of your time in the UK!

1. Get to know the National Health Service (NHS) before you arrive. The NHS is the public healthcare system in the UK and it’s very different from what most international students are used to. You’ll need to be familiar with how it works before you start your studies.

2. Be prepared for a lot of new terminologies. Nursing is a complex field with its own language.

3. Find a good support network. Whether it’s your fellow students, a local church group, or an online community, make sure you have people you can rely on for help and advice.

4. Don’t forget your passport and visa! Remember to pack your passport and visa!

5. Find an excellent support system. Make sure you have people you can rely on for aid and guidance, whether it’s your fellow students, a local church group, or an internet network.

8. Make Friends With Locals

When you first arrive in the UK, everything will be new and unfamiliar. It can be helpful to make friends with locals who can help show you around and introduce you to new things. 

Not only will this help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings, but you’ll also get a better sense of what life is like in the UK. 

Here are a few tips for making friends with locals

 – Join clubs or activities that local people enjoy (running clubs, pottery classes, etc.) 

– Start conversations by asking questions about where they live 

– Take part in their hobbies (outdoor walking groups) 

– Ask them to go out on social occasions with you

9. Visit local clinics and hospitals to get an experience of what you will face at the University

As an international student nurse, you will be exposed to a different healthcare system than what you are used to. The best way to get prepared for this is to visit local clinics and hospitals in the UK to get a feel for how things work here. 

This will also help you make friends and contacts within the nursing community who can help support you during your studies. Here are some tips to make the most of your visits:

2. Talk to as many people as possible – from receptionists and admin staff, to nurses, doctors, and patients. Everyone will have a different perspective on what it’s like to work in and use the healthcare system, so it’s important to get as many opinions as you can.
3. Ask lots of questions!

10. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

One of the best parts about studying abroad is that you get to experience a new culture. Embrace your time in the UK and try new things! From exploring new cities to trying different foods, there is so much to do. And, who knows, you may even find a new favorite place.

Remember that these opportunities only come once in a lifetime- make the most of them!