Are you considering relocating to the UK from Nigeria to study? The steps involved in the process can sometimes be challenging, especially if this is your first time at a university in a different country; however, there are still many benefits attached to it in the long run.

The United Kingdom is at the top of the list of preferred study destinations for many Nigerian students because of its economic growth, employment prospects, and social benefits. As an international student, there is a lot you need to understand about studying in the UK from Nigeria, from researching the right course and university to sending university applications and planning your finances. 
So, in this blog post, we will take you through the simple steps to follow to relocate to the UK from Nigeria via a study visa.

Steps to follow when relocating to the UK from Nigeria

Below are 7 steps to follow when migrating to the UK from Nigeria via a study visa:

Step 1: Research about your university and course

The first and most important step when relocating to the UK from Nigeria is to conduct thorough research on the various UK universities and courses. To make sure that the university and course you choose are a good fit for you, consider these things below:

1. The university’s reputation

Find out how prominent the university is in general. Consider a university that ranks globally, is accredited, and is renowned in your study area. Verify the university’s strengths and weaknesses by checking student testimonials and reviews from both students and alumni.

2. The course structure

Look at the course structure for the exact course you want to study. Check to see if the coursework matches your academic goals. Know the required courses, the electives, and any specialisation choices at the university.

3. Faculty and opportunities for research

Find out about the qualifications and areas of specialisation of the professors in your department. Check out the research opportunities that are open in the department. Verify whether there are study centres, labs, or projects that fit your interests and would make learning easy and fun for you.

4. Resources and facilities

Explore the university’s buildings and research the university’s resources to see if they could make a big difference in the quality of your education. This includes computer labs, libraries, and any other places with specialised tools or equipment that are needed for your desired course.

5. Processes and conditions for admission

Verify the conditions for admission and the application process, such as deadlines, documents that are needed, and any required standardised tests (IELTS or TOEFL).

6. Activities outside of school and services to help students

Find out about the university’s extracurricular programmes and student support services. This could include student study groups, career counselling, internship opportunities, and other services that make your university experience fun.

Step 2: Send university applications

The university application process is the next critical step after selecting a course and university of your choice. The university’s requirements must be strictly followed at this stage, so gather and submit complete and accurate documents. Knowing the starting dates of the application and the deadline dates is crucial because missing them could affect your chances of being accepted into the university. 

At this stage, you’ll provide the university with a full breakdown of your educational and personal history, serving as your formal introduction. To increase your chances of being accepted to the university and course of your choice, you should approach the application process carefully and on time.

Step 3: Apply for a UK student visa

Immediately after you get your university acceptance letter, start your student visa application process on the official website for the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI). Learn all about the UK student visa fees and requirements in Nigeria, and make sure you give accurate information when you apply. This includes proof that you can afford to study at your chosen UK university, proof of acceptance into the university, and any other documents required of you. Applying for a UK student visa from Nigeria costs approximately £490, according to GOV.UK.

Additionally, as part of your application, you must pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (a fee you pay when you apply for your visa that allows you to access health services in the UK, register with a doctor, and obtain prescriptions). The length of your visa determines the price you pay. Before you apply, find out how much you’ll have to spend.

Following the instructions for applying for a visa will ensure that your time studying in the UK from Nigeria goes smoothly and legally. Additionally, you will be able to focus on your studies without worrying about your immigration status.

Step 4: Make accommodation arrangements

Relocating to the uk for accommodation
Relocating to the uk from nigeria via study visa 3

Accommodation is a very important part of relocating to the UK from Nigeria. It’s important to do a lot of research and planning when deciding whether to stay off-campus or on-campus. Many UK universities offer a variety of on-campus housing choices that make living on campus easy and comfortable, while others help students find the best private accommodation option in the area. According to the Complete University Guide, the average weekly cost for student accommodation in the UK is roughly £166 and £228 for private sector accommodation. In London, the average weekly cost for university accommodation is roughly £212, whereas in the private sector it is £259.

Accommodation sources like Uniplace and Casita are available and they provide a wide range of affordable student accommodation at verified locations. You can search by price, kind of accommodation, accommodation characteristics, and rules. You can get suitable accommodation from them when you arrive in the UK.

Making plans for your accommodation before you arrive is very important because it provides sufficient time to get suitable accommodation options that fit your needs and your budget. By taking care of your housing needs early on, you not only improve your general health and comfort but also make it easier to fit in with your new university environment and culture.

Step 5: Plan your finances

Financial planning is also a major part of your ambition to relocate to the UK from Nigeria, and it requires calculating the funds needed for tuition, accommodation, and daily living costs. It’s also important to make decisions about other prices, like health insurance or administrative costs. For financial support, you can get scholarships, grants, and other kinds of financial support for your tuition. A UK university takes into account international students, including those from Nigeria. An international student in the United Kingdom may get up to £10,000 in financial aid. With the correct guidance, you can get information about various scholarships as well as the necessary application details.

It’s important to do this early in the application process. By learning about all the financial aid options and knowing all the costs involved, you can make a solid financial plan that will help you stay focused and secure on your academic journey in the UK.

Step 6: Prepare to travel

It’s more important than ever to ensure you’re completely ready to travel. Confirm your travel plans and how you’ll get to your accommodation, so your landing goes smoothly. It’s important to pack everything you need and make sure you have all the necessary documents, like your passport, visa, and letter of acceptance to the university.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which happened in 2020, it’s important to stay up-to-date on any COVID-19 travel restrictions to make sure you follow all health and safety rules. If you pay great attention to these factors, you can travel prepared. This will boost your confidence and reduce the likelihood of any setbacks when relocating to the UK from Nigeria.

Step 7: Set up important services

When you get to the UK, you need to set up the services you need immediately to make relocating go smoothly. Setting up a bank account is essential for managing your funds, and getting a local cell phone and internet link ensures you can communicate and connect easily. Learning how to use the local transport system will make it easier to get around every day, and exploring the area will help you understand how things work within your surroundings. When you set up these necessary services, it not only makes your daily life easier, but it also makes your migration to the UK from Nigeria more comfortable and easy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, relocating to the UK from Nigeria to study is a big step that will pay off in many ways in the future. The seven steps explained above provide a simple approach for a smooth entry into the educational system in the United Kingdom. To make the most of the opportunities in the UK, it’s important to think ahead, go prepared, and keep an open mind. By following these procedures, you will be able to manage every aspect of your migration to the UK from Nigeria and also lay a good foundation for a fulfilling and rewarding experience while studying in the United Kingdom.

FAQ’s

How much will it cost me to relocate to the UK from Nigeria?

Moving to the UK from Nigeria may cost different amounts, depending on several factors. Some of these factors are your university, your type and place of accommodation, and your way of life. A lot of different costs can come up, so international students from Nigeria should set aside funds for things like tuition, on- and off-campus accommodation, feeding, health insurance, travel, visa fees, and any other costs that might come up. 

The yearly cost of relocating from Nigeria to the UK may start at £15,000 or higher. It is important to do a lot of research on university-specific costs and your spending habits to make a personalised budget that gives an accurate picture of how much the relocation will cost in total.

What is the easiest way to migrate to the UK from Nigeria?

Generally, the easiest way to relocate to the UK from Nigeria is to get a valid UK student visa. You will not be able to enter the country without a visa. To apply for a UK student visa, you need to gain admission into a recognised UK university, meet the requirements for the visa, and apply through the UKVI (Visa and Immigration).

Can Nigerians settle in the UK?

Yes, according to Immigration Advice Services, you can settle in the UK under the following conditions;

● You must have legally lived in the United Kingdom for a minimum of five years.
● Within a year, you can’t have spent more than 180 days outside of the UK.
● You need to show that you can speak and write English well and be familiar with British customs.

Nigerian students who have completed their studies at universities in the UK may be able to get a work visa. International students from Nigeria can stay in the UK and work for another two years with this visa.

Is relocating to the UK from Nigeria worth it?

Relocating to the UK from Nigeria can be worth it because of the benefit of getting a better education, experiencing other cultures, and finding a wide range of opportunities. The UK has universities that are known all over the world and a wide range of cultural experiences, so there are chances to grow personally and academically. Being exposed to the UK education system and making connections with people from different backgrounds can help you learn new things and see things in the bigger picture.

How do I find UK education consultants in Abuja for guidance?

AHZ provides the best UK education consultancy in Abuja for Nigerians interested in studying in the United Kingdom. Our staff of qualified counsellors in Abuja are ready to meet with you and assist you in gaining admission into the most suitable UK university for you without stress or error. Do well to visit us at the AHZ Abuja office for the proper guidance you need.