A brief history: Stonehenge and other examples of prehistoric culture are all that remain of the earliest inhabitants of Britain. In 5th century A.D., Britain was invaded by Angles, Saxons, and Jutes from Scandinavia and the Low countries and seven large Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were established until the 10th century when it finally became united under the kings of Wessex. The people were awarded certain basic rights when, in 1215, King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta. Between 1272 and 1307, Edward I continued the conquest of Ireland, reduced Wales to subjection, and made some gains in Scotland; however, in 1314, English forces led by Edward II were ousted from Scotland. A Hundred Years’ War (1338-1453) resulted in the loss of almost all the large English territory in France during the reign of Edward III. It was during Elizabeth’s reign (1558-1603), England became a world power. Elizabeth’s heirs, James I (1603-1625) incurred large debts and were forced either to depend on parliament for taxes or to raise money by illegal means. In 1649, Charles I was defeated and executed by a large segment of parliament and the monarchy was then abolished. It was then in 1660 after the death of Oliver Cromwell, the lord protector, Charles II was placed on the throne. Charles II was succeeded by his brother James II and James by his daughter Mary and her husband. It was during Queen Anne’s reign, in 1707, England and Scotland were joined by the Act of Union. The constant wars with France expanded the British Empire all over the globe, particularly in North America and India. The Victorian era, named after Queen Victoria (1837-1901) saw the growth of democratic system of government and it was followed by the reign of Edward IV (1901-1910). When Germany invaded Belgium, Britain entered World War I. After the resignation of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, the Conservative leader Winston Churchill became the next prime minister who led Britain through most of World War II but he resigned shortly in 1945. Elizabeth II succeeded George VI in 1952 and Winston Churchill again became the prime minister. Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first woman prime minister from the Conservatives in 1979. Finally, eighteen years of Conservative rules ended in May 1997 when Tony Blair from the Labor Party triumphed and became the prime minister.

Geography and Climate: The United Kingdom consists of Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland. England is the southeast part of British Isles. Important rivers flowing into the North Sea are the Thames, Humber, Tees, and Tyne. The climate of the United Kingdom is classified as a mid-latitude oceanic climate with warm summers, cool winters, and plentiful precipitation throughout the year. Though the weathers can be changeable from one day to the next temperature variations throughout the year are relatively small.

Population/Languages/Ethnicity/Religion: The population of the United Kingdom is about 60,776,238. The languages spoken are English, Welsh, Scots Gaelic. The ethnicity comprises of English (83.6%), Scottish (8.6%), Welsh (4.9%), Northern Irish (2.9%), black (2%), Indian (1.8%), Pakistani (1.3%), mixed (1.3%), and other (1.6%). Religions are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, other, and unspecified or none.

Education: The education system in the UK (except Scottish education system) is divided into four main parts: primary education, secondary education, further education, and higher education. The pathway for international students is-diploma-advanced diploma-Bachelor’s degree-Master’s degree. They can enroll in any of the levels provided that they meet the entry requirements and any credits are accepted. There are various types of scholarships and grants that the international students are entitled to.  

Living: Living in the UK is relatively expensive compared to other counties. You should be able obtain the yearly accommodation and living costs from the college/university you are going to attend in a particular area.

Employment: The international students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full time during breaks; however, the factor that your work does not hamper with your studies are taken into considerations.