International student looking to stay after graduation?

Are you a final-year international student looking to stay in the UK after graduation? The prospect of building a career in the UK post-graduation is definitely enticing, but it's a path that requires careful planning, resilience, and a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. It's important that you start your research as soon as possible and that you don't give up even during hard times. Waiting for visas and searching for jobs can be a quite stressful time but try to not focus too much on the final destination and try to enjoy the process of finding out more about your aspirations. 

Tips for international students staying in the UK after graduation: 

• 1. Visa and Immigration
• If you wish to stay in the UK,  apply for a Graduate visa. This visa allows students to remain in the UK for a set period, usually two years, to seek employment. During this time, students are free to work for any employer, sector, and level. Also, when you are applying for a visa consider if you're a dependant. 
• 2. Job Search Start doing your job research as early as possible and applying for graduate schemes. Network with alumni, attend career fairs, and utilise university resources such as the Talent Team and Handshake platform.
• 3. Accommodation If you plan to stay in the UK, find suitable long-term accommodation options that fit your budget and lifestyle. You can search for accommodation on websites such as rightmove.co.uk , zoopla.co.uk or look at estate agencies. Make sure you make your research so you are not taken advantage of by your landlord. 
• 4. Family If you wish to bring your family to the UK, make sure that your accommodation has facilities for that and that it is allowed in the contract. 
• 5. Healthcare If you haven't done so, register with a local General Practitioner (GP) to access healthcare services when needed.
• 6. Tax and Finances Familiarise yourself with the UK tax system and if you haven't, open a bank account for managing your finances effectively.
• 7. Stay Informed with policies and politics in the UK Stay updated with the latest changes in immigration policies and work regulations to avoid any unexpected challenges.
• 8. Learn more about the UK culture and work culture Embrace the local culture, explore the country, and participate in events to enrich your experience in the UK.

• 9. Post-Study Opportunities If available, take advantage of any post-study work visa options that allow you to work in the UK after graduation.
• 10. Build a Network Stay in touch with your university friends and acquittances; attend alumni nights and keep in touch with lecturers ; attend events in your local city or nearby cities; join groups, etc. 

Things to know about the UK work culture:

If you're looking to work in the UK, it's also important that you familiarise with the UK work culture!

• Punctuality Punctuality is highly valued in the UK. Arriving on time for work, meetings, and appointments is expected.
• Professionalism The UK work environment emphasises professionalism, which includes dressing appropriately, using formal language in communication, and maintaining a respectful attitude towards colleagues and superiors.
• Teamwork Collaboration and teamwork are essential in the UK workplace. Be prepared to work closely with colleagues, share ideas, and contribute to group projects.
• Respect for Hierarchy The UK has a hierarchical work structure, where managers and superiors are respected for their positions and decisions.
• Work-Life Balance While the UK values hard work, there is also an emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Employees are encouraged to take their allotted vacation days and avoid excessive overtime.
• Tea and Coffee Culture In many workplaces, tea and coffee breaks are common social activities and opportunities to network with colleagues.
• Email Etiquette When communicating via email, follow a formal and polite tone. Always include a greeting and a closing, such as "Dear" and "Kind regards."
• Feedback Accept feedback positively and be willing to improve based on constructive criticism.
• Lunch time You’ll probably get an hour for lunch if you’re working a full seven-and-a-half-hour day, which is usually taken at 1pm. It’s likely you’ll notice people shoving sandwiches or snacks into their mouths while sitting at their desks during this time. Yes, we can confirm this is their lunch.

If you have any concerns or would like to know more about how to find a job, adapt to the UK work culture or other topics, don't hesitate to contact your university services! They will be happy to support you throughout the journey of navigating into the world of work.