Essential Points to Consider for Pakistani Students Settled in UK
Living or moving to the UK as a Pakistani student can open doors for great opportunities to learn, grow and explore new horizons but it may come as a culture shock for many. Especially when facing homesickness, tough new routines and new cultural experiences.
We’ll go over some practical advice and ideas to help your shift go more smoothly, and be more enjoyable. We can help you with everything from adjusting to the weather (yes, it rains a lot) to overcoming the challenges of a new culture to finding your go-to halal restaurants.
If you are a Pakistani student who is settled or has recently moved to the UK then it’s your lucky day. In this guide we’ll give you some points to consider if you’re a Pakistani student settled in the UK.
6 Essentials for Pakistani Students Moving to or Already Settled in the UK
How to get your Student Visa?
The following conditions must be met in order to obtain a student visa from Pakistan to the UK:
- You have to be 16 years old.
- You must perform well on tests of your English language proficiency.
- You are enrolled in a full-time program at an accredited university.
- Due to the relatively high cost of living for students in the UK, financial proof showing you have the funds to cover both your program and yourself is required.
You can use the UK government’s visa application facility for more thorough responses. Now that we have cleared how to get our student visa, here is your survival guide to live as a student in the UK, with this in hand you’ll become royalty in no time.
Boss Your Budget:
Now that you have your visa in hand, when you move to the UK you’ll face significantly higher costs, here is a breakdown of expenses you’ll have to face when you plan to settle in the UK.
| Essentials | Average Cost | Notes |
| Dozen Eggs | £2.30 | |
| A litre of Petrol | £1.24 | Petrol prices vary based on region and market conditions |
| Monthly Rent of One Bedroom Apartment | £1,100 per month | Higher in London |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Internet) | £50 – £150 per month | Typically higher in larger cities like London |
| Food (Groceries) | £160 – £250 per month | Student budget for grocery shopping |
| Dining Out | £5 – £15 per meal | Casual dining or takeaway |
| Transport (Public) | £30 – £150 per month | Discounted travel cards available for students |
| Mobile Phone Plan | £10 – £30 per month | For basic student plans |
| Tuition Fees | £10,000 – £38,000 per year | Varies based on course and institution |
| Course Materials (Books, etc.) | £30 – £60 per month | Could be lower if buying used books or using library resources |
| Entertainment | £50 – £100 per month | Cinema, social activities, and student events |
Understand the Culture Game
The UK has its quirks! People are polite but value personal space. Don’t feel disheartened if they seem reserved at first, it’s normal. Start with small talk about the weather or ask for help (Brits love to help!).
- Participate in cultural events at your university and share your own traditions, many British people are curious about other cultures.
- If you miss home, join Pakistani societies at your university or find cultural hubs like Brick Lane in London, which is famous for its South Asian vibe.
- Share interesting facts about Pakistan whenever you get the chance. Whether it’s showing off your Urdu writing skills, talking about your favorite Pakistani movies, or explaining why chai is better than coffee, your unique perspective will make you stand out!
Saving on Transfers
Many students living in the UK have to send money back home at some point of their stay. Whether it’s for making donations, supporting your family, or simply sending some pocket money to your little brother. However, most of the money sent is cut through taxes or hidden fees, if not that it almost never reaches on time.
TangoPay is a lifesaver for students settled in the UK, it is a quick and convenient way to send money back to Pakistan. Here are some reasons why you should use TangoPay for your next transfer:
Seamless Transfers: Sending fast and instant transfers is made into reality with TangoPay.
Convenience: With your tough routine as a student you hardly get the time to visit banks and make transfers. With the TangoPay app, you can make instant transfers with just a few taps.
24/7 Customer Service: If you are stuck or need any help during your transactions then our able team is ready to assist you around the clock.
So sit back, relax, and save your time with TangoPay.
Halal Food Hotspots
The biggest concern anyone has when traveling or moving to the UK from Pakistan is finding halal food, but don’t worry we have a list of places you can get your food easily. Finding halal food isn’t as tough as you think! Most major cities have halal grocery stores and restaurants.
- Grocery Shopping: Visit stores like Pak Foods, Asian Supermarket, or Continental Cash & Carry. In London, you’ll find everything from halal meat to Pakistani spices in places like Whitechapel or Southall.
- Eating Out: Explore halal-friendly spots like Dishoom for Indian-Pakistani fusion or chains like Nando’s (many locations serve halal chicken).
- In cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Leicester, you’ll find entire areas, like Wilmslow Road in Manchester, full of halal eateries.
Tip: Always look for the “HMC Certified” logo to be sure your food is genuinely halal.
Find your Space
Start Your Search Early
Finding good accommodation can be tough, so you should start the hunt asap! Use the following websites to easily find the right fit for you.
- Rightmove
- Zoopla
- SpareRoom
- If your university offers student housing, that’s an easy and safe option for your first year
- Go for Shared Housing
Sharing a flat might be your best bet as housing can be expensive in the UK. It’s also great for splitting bills like electricity, gas, and WiFi. Plus, you’ll have someone to talk to if you’re feeling lonely. - Choose the Right Location
Look for a place close to your university or public transport. Living near your campus can save time and money, especially if you’ll be walking or biking. Check if the area is safe and has nearby grocery stores, especially halal ones. - Be Careful with Your Budget
Rent can be your biggest expense, so plan wisely. In cities outside London, shared accommodation can cost £400–£800 per month. In London, it’s higher, around £600–£1,200. Don’t forget to add utility bills, which might cost an extra £50–£100 if they aren’t included in the rent.
The house hunt in the UK might be a little difficult at first but with the right planning and tips you’ll have a roof over you in no time.
Conclusion
When in need, TangoPay can help! TangoPay makes sure you can easily remain in touch with your loved ones back home with fast, safe, and affordable international transfers. TangoPay supports you at every stage.
Ready to level up your international transfer game? Download the TangoPay app today and experience seamless money transfers with ease.
With this guide in hand you’ll find the transitional period a little easier, so sip some tea and enjoy your time in the UK. Good luck if you are starting or already started this exciting new chapter in your life! Embrace every moment, learn as much as you can, and remember, you’ve got this. Cheerio mate!
