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United Kingdom is an exciting country which you can truly enjoy for a short visit or for a longer period if you decide to enrol in a course of study, work or even settle here.
The country is experiencing a booming economy and has built a strong reputation for its diversified and cosmopolitan life attracting people from all over the world. There is a mix and match of cultures with more than 50 nationalities and as many as 300 different languages. As such one cannot help but feel welcome! |
In addition, there are plenty of excellent universities and colleges, museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants as well as pubs, beautiful parks and open green spaces which will cater to anyone's interest and entice you to come to the UK on a temporary or a permanent basis.
Life in the UK can be a true rollercoaster while working in the City, London's famous financial heart, or it can take a slower pace in the quaint British countryside.
Most people who have come here wish to stay as long as possible and make the UK their home.
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The United Kingdom is an island situated in west northern Europe with a population over 60 million people. The capital is the busy city of London with more than 8.5 million inhabitants.
The country is a political union made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. |
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Government and Political System ˆtopˆ |
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| The UK is a democracy with a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Elizabeth II. The head of Government is currently Mr Tony Blair (PM). |
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| The official language is English although people also speak Gaelic, Welsh and Irish.
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| The local currency is the Pound Sterling (£). |
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The UK offers the choice of living in urban areas or in the countryside.
In urban areas, people mostly live in blocks of flats although it is also possible to live in houses with gardens. It is, however, unusual for properties to have a large garden, a drive way or a garage.
In villages, there is comfortable and spacious accommodation with good links to nearby city centres which allows people to live outside of cities with the convenience of getting to work easily. This option also offers easy access to lakes, forest and woodlands during weekends.
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| Upon initially arriving in the UK, many different types of accommodation are available to stay in. Options include renting a private house, flat sharing, staying in a hostel, private boarding or buying your own property.
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The United Kingdom education system is divided broadly into five areas:
- Preschool
- Primary School
- Secondary / Public School
- Career and Vocational Training
- University or other tertiary institutions
The United Kingdom is renowned for its excellent educational system and its high standard universities. To graduate from a British school or university is a fantastic ticket for a successful career in the UK or anywhere else in the world.
You may wish to study and improve your English or enrol onto a wide variety of courses and qualifications open to overseas students.
Education is important in the UK. Children must attend school from the age of 5 to 16 years old. Before the start of formal schooling many children attend nursery. They then begin with primary education and this usually lasts until they are eleven. |
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The school year is 39 weeks long and is divided into six terms. It usually starts in September and ends in July.
The University year usually starts in September/October and ends in May/June.
The main holidays are at Christmas, Easter and Summer.
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Most school children receive free education whilst others attend independent fee paying schools.
Students need to pay to attend University. The fees vary from one University to another and overseas students are required to pay higher tuition fees. Students may have the option to obtain a scholarship or take out a student loan.
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The UK will offer you a multitude of employment opportunities to start and pursue your career. A member of the European Union and G8, the United Kingdom is ranked amongst the largest economies in the world. You may be able to come to the UK under different working schemes which aim to attract the high skilled and shortage occupations.
There are many places to seek employment, via high street recruitment agents, advertisements in national or local newspapers or via the internet. You may wish to check the employment situation on reputable internet recruitment agencies or in the national press.
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Your success in finding a job will depend on the type of work you are looking for and which part of the UK you intend to live in.
If you work in London, you can expect a higher salary compared to the rest of the UK.
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Once you have decided on which type of accommodation you would like, a location, and a price range, there are many different ways to find a property to buy or rent. You will find plenty to choose from, depending on your taste and budget!
The average rental cost in the UK was £759 per month in September 2008 when the average price of a new home in the UK was £255,787.
However, the average cost of renting in London is about:
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£150-£200 per week for a Self-contained bedsit or studio flat.
£180-£250 per week for a 1 bedroom flat flat with a lounge, kitchen and bathroom.
In addition to the rent or mortgage, people need to pay Council tax and utility bills.
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| Also see details on: |
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| 1. Our Services |
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| 2. Uk immigration news |
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| 3. UK visa categories |
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