Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? - Travel (30) - Nairaland
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| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by fiscalcliff: 8:42pm On Aug 03, 2013 |
spikes C:I tend to flow with Adaobi's post in this regard 400 quid a month on housing,bills and food  Mehn, spill on how you run things over in the UK cos it sounds incredulous Also could those post answer the second segment of my initial post (reproduced below) so as to aid those who may have similar questions Thanks
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| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by spikesC(m): 10:44pm On Aug 03, 2013 |
fiscalcliff: If you live near the school campus, you definitely won't need transportation, except of course sparingly You can get accomodation 65 to 70 a week (lets use 70) You can live very comfortably on 30 a week for feeding Now do the math  Buy your cloths from Nigeria, we have more quality all-whether cloths than them. Unless you wanna change wardrobes every season. |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by fiscalcliff: 11:23pm On Aug 03, 2013 |
Staying near the campus is definitely a plus though some universities run free bus services which also would be of help I get the housing part but enlighten moi (and by extension others) how the UK system works I recall a thread on the UK where peoples lamented on many things, one of which was heating costs which spiked because the cold winter https://www.nairaland.com/1246083/god-forsaken-country-called-britain So do you pay a steady electricity rate all year through  My budget is about £450-500 a month (small trips inclusive although spending could go north of this figure depending on the attraction  )Even though I'm coming to Britain to study,its a chance to do, see and be to/in places one has read about over the years And also,say I get money for hand no mean say make oyinbo maga me to help spend am  Thanks for the clothing from Naija tip as I await the insights of others |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by spikesC(m): 9:51am On Aug 04, 2013 |
fiscalcliff: Staying near the campus is definitely a plus though some universities run free bus services which also would be of help Forget about heating costs, the apartments am talking about are all inclusive. Heating, gas, internet etc. They're all easy to find. Just throw away the TV when you find one 450-500 is very very Good. But might not be enough if you're too outgoing. Clubbing is very expensive in the UK. I never said don't club, but try to learn the system and how to manage your money first before you start clubbing. Lets say 3 to 5 months after your entry. Also, within the first few months, try to get monthly call plans that are much more beneficial to international calls. Those first few months are the time you'll make so much international calls to home  |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Nobody: 10:26am On Aug 04, 2013 |
Buy yourself a £5 phone card 1 Like |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Lakehay21: 7:01pm On Aug 04, 2013 |
Minus accommodation rent, £400 is clearly enough for you to live in a house shared with 4-5 people. Even if you have to pay bills. Well here in Sunderland, I have seen houses where you pay £200 a month excluding bills. They are quite nice I believe one can still survive(may be not very comfortably though) on a budget of £400 (rent inclusive) in them. Giving that you will be sharing electricity, water, gas, internet bills with about 5 other people. So you may end up paying around £80 on bills per month. Leaving you with £120, which you can spend at the rate of £30 a week. fiscalcliff: |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Lakehay21: 7:32pm On Aug 04, 2013 |
On clothing issues though, things are generally fairly priced here. And the prices depend on which stores you enter. Primark's and Matalan's wares are usually very cheap. Stores like River Island normally runs student discount around September/October. Vodafone seems to be most student friendly network provider in terms of deals but they don't offer cheap int'l calls like Lebara, Delight and Lycamobile do. fiscalcliff: |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Lakehay21: 7:35pm On Aug 04, 2013 |
There are no all-weather clothes you can buy (from Nigeria)that can withstand the harsh conditions of winter in the uk especially during winter. spikes C: |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Lakehay21: 8:02pm On Aug 04, 2013 |
weekly or monthly? adaobi123: Buy yourself a £5 phone card |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Nobody: 8:06pm On Aug 04, 2013 |
Lakehay21: weekly or monthly? Lool. You just use the card until it runs out.... Theres no monthly weekly thing |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Nobody: 10:06pm On Aug 04, 2013 |
Lakehay21: There are no all-weather clothes you can buy (from Nigeria)that can withstand the harsh conditions of winter in the uk especially during winter. One can get very good winter jackets (used) from bend down select/Okirika stores in Naija. That's where I got the one I wrapped myself in when I came over. Though I had to buy new ones when I settled down but it will keep you warm. I use Delight mobile to call Naija at 5p/min and 4p/min on weekends. |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by fiscalcliff: 11:46pm On Aug 04, 2013 |
Thanks guys for all your insights While I have not walked in your shoes as you have over there, I can construct pictures through your eyes which will aid me to form my own opinions and help integrate and better still help me hit the ground running once in Britain On behalf of others benefiting from this your valuable insights,thank you Keep it coming @ spike,I'm not really a club person but do plan on checking out the scene whilst in Britain I could comfortably up my spending to £1000 monthly yet emptying my accounts is not my reason of leaving Naija However after graduation, man must have ca$h to spend and move around Even limiting one's spending to 400 quid -104k naira- monthly makes you a well to do person by Nigerian standards 1.25 million naira per year on housing, meals and bills no be yam If the need to spend £1000 arises fine,but my goal is to save as much as possible whenever possible If I can go as low as £200-300 , I no mind O!You said I should throw out the TV  Is the TV license that high Though I plan on getting an HDMI compatible TV for use primarily as my computer monitor and also plan on streaming content from my computer and tablet unto it If time allows,I might throw in satellite TV (heck who still watches terrestrial TV this days) Will I need a licence for all this @ Lake hay,you insights are highly appreciated seeing I glean a lot regarding the NorthEast from you As long as the boundaries of personal privacy are not breached,I can stay with other peeps seeing studio flat and other decent accommodation types are really northward price wise |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Lakehay21: 7:56pm On Aug 05, 2013 |
I know but was just asking to know you're suggesting he spend £5 card monthly(practically hard to do) or weekly. lol adaobi123: |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Lakehay21: 8:02pm On Aug 05, 2013 |
You can have a TV and not need a TV license if you don't watch live TV broadcasts. If you watch catch-up services or use your TV for video games/pc monitor, you won#t need a license then. fiscalcliff: Thanks guys for all your insights |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Nobody: 8:25pm On Aug 05, 2013 |
Lakehay21: I know but was just asking to know you're suggesting he spend £5 card monthly(practically hard to do) or weekly. lol It depends how much he talks on the phone. |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by fiscalcliff: 7:00am On Aug 06, 2013 |
@ lakehay, spikes etal ,how do you handle money issues? Your sponsor wires you from Naija or you use your Naija bank issued ATM e.g. GTBank MasterCard? I'm thinking of using mine over there or better still opening a domiciliary account here and getting a dollar or pound denominated debit card (because of the 1000 naira withdrawal charge per transaction). Are cards like Fidelity Bank issued Visa Cards also accepted? |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Lakehay21: 10:47pm On Aug 06, 2013 |
As long as the card is issued by VISA or Mastercard, it is accepted at ATMs and POS terminals here. I am aware that most banks in naija are now issuing VISA card, which is cool. But each bank has its own policies. GTBank charges #1000 per withdrawal, even more at times. So please talk to your bank about it. PLus there ar withdrawal limits put in place by these banks, so find out. Having a domiciliary accounts in Pounds or dollars is also cool, but remember that you can only pay in Pounds and dollars into them depending on which currencies you are running. So I will advise that you stick to the VISA card transactions except your Family and friends will be changing their nairas into pounds first so as to pay them into your domiciliary account. fiscalcliff: @ lakehay, spikes etal ,how do you handle money issues? |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Nobody: 7:31am On Aug 07, 2013 |
I shop with my GTbank naira master card here, And when I need cash I do a cash back. Though I also opened a Barclays acct. |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by peteafrik88(m): 8:07am On Aug 07, 2013 |
fiscalcliff: @ lakehay, spikes etal ,how do you handle money issues? From my experience, u better dont rely on any of those Naija issued cards, including the domiciliary account cards. Firstly, the normal naira mastercard has yearly withdrawal limit and the dorm acc has lots of exorbitant monthly charges, wen used or not. Unless, u will not rely on the naira mastercard as d main source of finance here, mayb withdrawing in bulk and depositing it in ur UK acc. U may nt worry so much, as it may also depend on ur duration of stay here..... #Over&Out |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by peteafrik88(m): 8:10am On Aug 07, 2013 |
honey86: I shop with my GTbank naira master card here, And when I need cash I do a cash back. Though I also opened a Barclays acct.That was my strategy when I arrived but it got to a point when it stopped working for cashbacks. I had to restructure my mode of operation.... |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Nobody: 12:49pm On Aug 07, 2013 |
peteafrik88:Whao, as for me, I took enough money that would cover my expenses for like a month. I opened an account and have them transfer the rest of my money. Subsequent funds were logged into my GTbank account. 1 Like |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by auntytee: 9:02am On Aug 08, 2013 |
I intend to commence my masters programme in january. Please can any give any accurate details on University of westminster?... From what I have bn reading on this thread, I understand that living in london as a student is a bit or rather more expensive than the other cities. But this seem to be one of the few schools willing to offer a place for my course in january. *I'll like to know the average cost of renting an apartment in central london, close to the school precisely. *is there a high population of black race? (Its my first time) *wht will it cost on living expenses?.. (I'm not so much of a "spendaholic". Any piece of information will be highly appreciated. |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by peteafrik88(m): 10:42am On Aug 08, 2013 |
honey86:Sure. GTBank even sent me an email stating dat I yave exhausted my yearly withdrawal limit and I should switch to a Domicillary acc. But I dont like D9micillary acc cos of so much charges associated wit it and i will nt even b coming back to d country any tym soon. I knw dis happened cos i used it to pay my tuition fees and all other fees... |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by DisGuy: 10:45am On Aug 08, 2013 |
auntytee: I intend to commence my masters programme in january. Please can any give any accurate details on University of westminster?... From what I have bn reading on this thread, I understand that living in london as a student is a bit or rather more expensive than the other cities. But this seem to be one of the few schools willing to offer a place for my course in january. population of black race doing your course? in the uni or the city? the cost of renting apartment in central london is higher than average, there are good transport links to central london so you can always looking further- also depends on your campus location other information are readily available on the school website and other university website to be honest- all average cost ofcourse information for all uk student are applicable to those studying in london too |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by auntytee: 12:22pm On Aug 08, 2013 |
Dis Guy:thank you so much dis guy. Sorry I dint specify. I meant in the city and vicinity. When you say higher that average, what is average please. And are there also students aprtment in central london as well?.... |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by DisGuy: 1:58pm On Aug 08, 2013 |
London being the capital is the most ethnically diverse city in the UK-[also one of the most in the world] compared to any other city it has a higher population of black people its recommended that you have £800 as minimum but many people get by on £500 or even less central london is a commercial/prime area, the further you go the cheaper the rent- they'll be student accommodation in cnetral but they are rare and expensive |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by fiscalcliff: 3:22pm On Aug 08, 2013 |
@ aunty tee,hope you like cold weather cos winter is what January brings Also do know that while you can get by on £500-800 as Dis Guy said,a minimum £1000 per month is what the UKBA demands foreign students have as a their monthly upkeep fee for London and environs So keep that in mind when applying London is very ethnically diverse as Dis Guy stated With a large Nigerian/African community No need to get all worked up because even though its Europe, you'll integrate faster than other cities which have almost only Caucasian people peteafrik88: I'm quite pleased I asked this question Without it never would have learnt about cash backs But Pete,the cashback scheme looks cool I presume it stopped working for you because of the mail GTBank sent you on your yearly withdrawal limit Never knew one existed,if I may ask, how much is GT's yearly withdrawal limit Also would you care to share how you restructured your operations honey86: @honey,I'm thinking to do something similar Take some money along(about £1500-2000: hope its not too much) open an acct to run my stuff over there and also use my GT MasterCard Now with all this am thinking of opening a 1st bank account Why 1st bank? Because they and GT are about Naija's biggest and easily accessible banks Also 1st has links to Barclay's only since that since I'm just about opening an account with them, doing large transactions within the first 6months might raise some flags Alternately, I might use my Access old acct which links to Visa That apart can you ,Pete, lakehay and others over there share more valuable insights Also what British bank would you recommend in the North East; Barclay's ,HSBC ,Standard Chartered, RBS, Lloyd's etc Heck,I even learnt that Tesco has a bank |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by auntytee: 11:00pm On Aug 08, 2013 |
Thnks for d info guys... I appreciate |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by Lakehay21: 11:12pm On Aug 09, 2013 |
I think any of Lloyd's, Halifax, HSBC or Barclays is ok. In terms of ease of bank transfer through internet banking, lloyds and Halifax seem better than the rest. fiscalcliff: @ aunty tee,hope you like cold weather cos winter is what January brings |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by peteafrik88(m): 2:43am On Aug 10, 2013 |
fiscalcliff: I'm quite pleased I asked this questionFrom the email, it says 40,000 dollar. I used my Mastercard to sort out my tuition and all other stuffs, thats why I reached my limit really quick. Cashbacks are really cool as they can help you dodge the charges frm 9ja banks. My mode of operation was not different from any other person frm this group as we learned how to manage finances togeda. |
| Re: Nigerian Students In The Uk How Do You Survive? by fiscalcliff: 5:42am On Aug 10, 2013 |
^^^^^ Eyah Pete,I understand better now Don't think I should have that withdrawal limit issue though And to think that this schools who don't allow you pay your tuition and other fees in Naija using this cards do so once in their territory Yet regardless of all the bad press we get,Americans and Chinese are bigger scammers that us  As a former boss used to exclaim,that's life Thanks Pete and Lakehay for your all insights (including other great contributors) They've been a goldmine 2 Likes |
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