I would like to get an un-biased, truthfully answer to which places in the UK would be good to work, study etc

Question

I would like to go there next year, England, but I want to know for sure what I am getting into. I am to graduate, and I am thinking of just working overseas next year, in order to: sightsee, get used to the HS/University transition, travel, gain experience etc. I would like to go to Liverpool or Manchester and maybe London (but it is very expensive). However, Sussex and Southampton are supposedly nice places, as well. I am looking to live with someone who has extra house space, preferably an older couple. I am Canadian. I would appreciate if only THOSE FROM THE UK (ENGLAND) ANSWER THIS QUESTION, as they live there and would be able to provide more details from experience. Thank you.

Answer 1

re the university of sussex (or brighton) - it would depend what course you were doing, and therefore what campus you were on - if you're in brighton, there's brilliant nightlife, shops, art galleries, the seaside, the south downs, and you're only an hour from london or gatwick airport by train

however... there are also campuses in eastbourne (where i live), which isn't brilliant... although there are lots of old people!

any university you get into will be able to help advise on accomodation, although in the first year there'll usually be student accomodation in the uni (recommended as a great way of meeting people, all my friends made great friends in halls) - if you're living a uni lifestyle (late nights etc) an older couple might not appreciate the intrusion.

Answer 2

Not as straightforward as you think.

I assume you wish to stay for longer than 90 days, therefore you need a visa.

What type of visa depends on whether you come as a student, a tourist or you wish to work. I suggest you contact the nearest UK Embassy and seek advice.

The idea of staying with an older couple is good, particularly if they have children about your age at university.

Remember that you will need to supply a UK address where you plan to stay on your Visa application. Being Canadian your application should be straightforward but may take several weeks so apply in good time..

Southampton is a good choice, it has an excellent University that specialises in electronics and telecommunications, (The fibre-optic cable was invented there) and Maritime studies. Southampton is home to the UK Coast Guard.

It is a major seaport and has excellent facilities for anyone interested in sailing. The city has good access by road, rail or air. The Local airport is alongside the motorway and easy to get to.

There is a motorway link direct to London about 70 miles away and lots of interesting places within easy reach. Winchester, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and the Isle of White.

Once you get out of town there is the New Forest to explore and lots of great countryside.

As you say London is very expensive and in my view overrated. By all means visit and do the tourist things but I would not recommend a long stay. Manchester and Liverpool are worth a visit but again I would not recommend a long stay.

I'm sure you will enjoy your stay.

Ian M

Answer 3

Ok, I’ll champion Liverpool as a fantastic place to study.  

Liverpool has excellent universities, is cheap to live and has a fantastic student vibe about the place.  The nightlife is brilliant and if you’d like to explore the rest of the UK, Wales, the Lake District and Scotland are all easy to reach.  Because the UK is only small it’s easy to travel, for example it only takes 2 hours on the train to get from Liverpool to London.