Life in the UK

The UK is one of the most popular countries in the world to study. It is renowned for its high educational standards, its heritage, safety and popular culture.

How will I find life at the University?

With students from over 40 different countries, the University provides a sense of community for students and staff, while offering a stimulating, unique learning environment.

Delivering high quality trans national education (TNE) experiences for students

The RAU is delighted to be part of a scheme from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Commissioned by Universities UK and GuildHE as a voluntary exercise to demonstrate the commitment of UK higher education to deliver high quality trans national education (TNE) experiences for students, the Quality Evaluation and Enhancement of UK Transnational Higher Education Provision (QE-TNE) scheme relates to benchmarking and assuring the quality and standards of international teaching provision by UK universities.

English language requirements

The University accepts a variety of English Language qualifications. The University’s preferred test is the IELTS (Academic) and the IELTS Academic (UKVI) variant for students who need a Visa to study in the UK. For students who apply for Foundation degree programmes and are not Majority English Speaking country nationals, the IELTS (UKVI) is a requirement to obtain their Student visa.

The following list shows the majority of the tests we accept.

Preparing for university

Want to know what you need to think about before arriving at university? Here is some essential information.

Money

All the high street banks have student bank accounts. Make sure you find out which one offers the best rates and incentives for you and open your bank account before applying for your student loan.

Things to bring to university

Here is a list of things that it is helpful to bring to university, and some things that you don't need!

  • Extension lead
  • Homey decorations, nice bedding, photos from home, blue tac
  • Coat hangers
  • Door stops
  • Clothes horse
  • Ear plugs/noise cancelling headphones
  • Slippers
  • Hot water bottle
  • Medicinal essentials
  • Laptop
  • Washing bag/basket
  • Waterproofs
  • Over the door hanging space
  • Storage boxes
  • A planner
  • Snack box to save you walking to

Things I wish I'd known before coming to university...

There's lots of pressure surrounding university. There's pressure to make friends, get into a relationship, drink and socialise, do well in your studies and then find moving away from home a breeze because it's not "cool" to cry and be homesick.

Catered vs self-catered halls

How to choose between catered or self-catered accommodation at the RAU, and some tips if you are deciding to be self-catered.

By Jess Palmer, 1st Year, BSc (Hons) Agriculture

Being self-catered may seem different, it may seem a world away from those hearty family meals we are all used to, but as I soon learnt it can be just as easy and simple to recreate that same good food whilst you are at university. When deciding on whether to be self-catered or catered for it is important to considerer these things:

Nigerian Dinner

Earlier this year I went to a Nigerian themed dinner at the RAU.

By Tatenda Mazordoze, 1st Year, FdSc (Hons) Agriculture and Farm Management

It took four hours to prepare different types of food that are popular in Nigeria, and many students from different nations in different parts of the world came along to have a great night out eating Nigerian food.

A day in the life of a 1st year Agriculture student

Hi, my name is Jess and I’m in my 1st year of studying BSc (Hons) Agriculture at the RAU. This is what I get up to during my day.

A typical day includes waking up at 6am and getting to the gym for 6.15am. There's a free gym on campus for students which is so helpful for us.

Why I chose the RAU to study Agriculture

I chose the Royal Agricultural University to do my degree for many reasons.

By Jess Palmer, 1st Year, BSc (Hons) Agriculture

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