7 Things Counsellors Should Track Closely as They Mentor Indian Students to Study in the UK

1. Get familiar with UCAS

Applying to the UK as an undergraduate is a simpler process than other countries. All UK universities use UCAS to process applications. This means applicants only must prepare a single personal statement and application, rather than preparing different applications for different colleges. Its key dates are the same every year, for example, 15 October is the deadline for Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses. Applicants pay a single fee and can apply for up to 5 courses. Some universities also allow students to apply directly, which is usually free.

2. Great for specialisation

Universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland specialise early on. If you apply to an Automotive Engineering course, you will study Engineering courses for the whole of your degree. For students who already show they have real strengths in a particular discipline, this is welcome. They can focus on what they like, and what they are good at. Even for generalists, it means that students can train more quickly for the working world. For some disciplines, like Pharmacy and Engineering 4-year Masters programmes are the norm, alumni graduate with an Masters degree, not a Bachelors.

3. Far more than just London or Manchester

There is more to India than Delhi NCR and Mumbai and the UK is the same. It offers a huge range of university experiences outside of its biggest cities and the Russell Group. We have beautiful, well-regarded universities by the seaside, in the countryside and in smaller, less famous cities. Counsellors should help students to break down some of their preconceptions. If you live in a big city, you can easily fade in to the background or get lost in the crowd of 'International students. Smaller, less famous locations allow students to find their feet in a new culture in a gentler way.

4. No need for sad, tragic underdog personal statements

Many students worry about how they should present themselves in their personal statement. There is often an assumption that universities are only interested in the most triumphant, underdog, high-achieving students but what about if you are just normal? I would argue that in the UK, we want students who are passionate about what they are going to study. They don't need to be a trumpet-playing cricket lover who is also Head Girl, and who volunteers to look after sick animals as well as enjoying Law. Instead, we'd love law applications which talk about listening to law and politics related podcasts, taking part in model UN, being a member of Amnesty and who has an opinion of the importance of Law in everyday life. Although work experience is great, there are multiple ways to show commitment to a subject which are free. Ultimately the personal statement should tell the admissions tutor about the kind of student they're going to teach.

5. Scholarships

Unlike our North American counterparts, the UK does not offer significant scholarships at undergraduate level. Many UK universities will offer Indian students partial discounts based on attainment or accepting their offer by a particular date. At my own institution, our awards up to £4000 per year, based on academic attainments. Typically, these do not require an additional application, the UK universities prefer high school students focus on getting the highest grades they can, rather than crafting appealing scholarship applications. Some universities will also offer partial scholarships for the highest achieving students in sport or music. These are for students who are approaching international level in their discipline with additional support such as specialist coaching, facilities and support available.

6. Tolerance is the minimum; appreciation is the goal!

The UK is proud to be multi-cultural and diverse with national laws which protect people's rights to be themselves, regardless of race, religion, age, gender identity and sexual orientation. Students coming to the UK will be able to practice their religion proudly and feel safe in the UK, wherever they go. It also means that they will likely meet and study with people who are very different from them. It might be the first time they have done this, but developing intercultural competence is a vital skill for students who want to change the world!

7. Rankings are a start but

Counsellors must battle a lot of (mis)information and help applicants and their families make good choices. Rankings can be a helpful start, but they do not give the whole picture of life at a university.

I would recommend that counsellors follow the university's social media, attend their online events, and learn about a few universities. Most universities will have an Indian student society, they will be able to tell you the reality of life in the UK. The national association NISAU is another great resource, run entirely by Indian alumni. Also, reach out to the university's international offices— my colleagues and I love to help students find the right place to study.