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A graduate route has been confirmed to open for applications on 1 July 2021. International students with a valid Tier 4 visa and who have studied an eligible course at bachelor’s degree level or above at a UK higher education provider and want to work in the UK after their studies will be able to apply, as it was announced on 4 March 2021 by the UK government. This comes in line with the initiative to increase highly skilled migrants, which also formed discussion as part of the annual Budget announced last Wednesday. Applicants who began their studies Autumn 2020 will now have until 21 June 2021 to enter the UK and be eligible for the Graduate route. Those who started their course January or February 2021 will need to be physically present in the UK before 27 September 2021. Graduates will not need a job offer to be eligible for the programme but will require a new visa application only possible from inside the UK. It was stated there would be no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Graduates will have two years to look for work after their studies while Doctoral PhD students will have three years.
Welcome/induction days, otherwise known as ‘Freshers’ Week’, are designed to welcome you on campus and start preparing for life at university! Introduction to courses and campus tours are set up so you’re able to find out more about how your course is structured, set up student finance payments, access your university email account and get to know your academic timetable. A welcome programme that schedules a host of other induction activities and events is also set up to get you to start making the most of your student experience and meet new freshers. Upon verifying your student identity and completing registration, you’ll have your photograph taken where you’ll be then able to collect your student ID card. Welcome weeks are great opportunities to meet your tutors and classmates, get to know your city, access amazing campus facilities and join a society!
Ordering out can get old: not to mention too many takeaways can be unhealthy and expensive on your budget. We’ve put together a list of the most popular supermarkets in the UK where you can do your general shopping, not to mention make out on some great deals on groceries!
A great choice for those with a budget in mind and one of the nation’s favourite supermarkets. Their ‘Super 6’ and ‘Super Weekly Offers’ include deals on fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Aldi also usually stocks up on amazing student essentials in September: From bedroom essentials and tech essentials to kitchen and groceries – they cover so much to start your student living.
Tesco has a loyalty card programme: Tesco Clubcard, where you can collect points and get vouchers and enjoy rewards at the supermarket chain. You might come across different Tescos e.g. Tesco Metro, Tesco Express, Tesco Extra, etc. Usually they are different in sizes, with different parts highlighting different prices. £3 Meal deals are also great options if you’re looking for a quick go to where you can choose from selected drinks, snacks and wraps/sandwiches/rolls/pasty/salads.
Asda has their own ‘Smart Price’ line, introducing a huge line of quality products and with great value. They also have 3 for 2 on lunchtime meal deals, meals for 2 and other special offers.
A popular German discount supermarket chain that serves customers internationally across Europe: Lidl boasts a wide range of fresh food and products with offers every week.
Morrissons has a Doorstep Delivery service for £4.50 – for students, that is £2. You can also register to More for Students and enjoy benefits through extra discounts, student-only offers, products and offers to enjoy as well as hints and tips through each term.
Sainsbury is the UK’s second largest supermarket chain. Their Nectar card allows you to collect points when shopping as well as with their partners that do big brand offers each week. You can redeem your points and shop online with hundreds of brands. Like many other retailers, they also offer meal deals.
A myWaitrose Membership card rewards customers in different ways. While there are no points to collect, you can enjoy exclusive prices and offers made. You can also enjoy a free hot drink when shopping with them – all you need to do is bring a reusable cup – a great part of their initiative to reduce plastic and packaging!
This supermarket chain boasts lots of frozen foods and a wide assortment of prepared meals. Students can get £6 off every £50 spend with Student Beans. Big deal events are also launched and hundreds of products are sold under £1.
The M&S Sparks reward programme has personalised offers, charity donations with every purchase and a chance to win a little gift every week.