Leaving home to study at a college or university is, for most of us, a huge step. It can give rise to a whole host of feelings and emotions which can run even deeper if you are one of the many Irish students who has decided to study in Britain or Northern Ireland.

These feelings and emotions will differ from person to person - as experienced by the many members of my own family who have travelled from Ireland to live or study in Britain.

Most Irish students who have decided to study in Britain or Northern Ireland will, one hopes, view their forthcoming experience positively and with enthusiasm. Nevertheless, we are aware that deciding to come here is a major decision. It is important to be as prepared as possible, in order to avoid the feelings of uncertainty and loneliness sometimes felt by Irish people when they first arrive.

Culture

From our experience with Irish students here at South Bank University we know that it is particularly important to be prepared for the cultural differences between the two countries. Cities like London, where society is multi-ethnic and the pace definitely faster, can be lively and exciting whether or not you mix with the large Irish community.

However, adjusting to life in Britain can be made easier if there is an Irish community within reach. Irish communities tend to be located in the larger cities and towns - though this is not always the case.

While not all Irish students may wish to restrict themselves to an Irish environment, it may be advisable to be within reach of an Irish community; homesickness can be alleviated by mixing with other Irish people.

College Places

There are currently many thousands of students from the Republic studying on full-time undergraduate courses in Britain and Northern Ireland. The number of Irish students applying to universities in Britain and Northern Ireland through UCAS (the British equivalent of the CAO) has, however, declined steadily, from approximately 11,000 in 1997 to 8,000 in 1998.

In 1999, with still some weeks to go, the figure is approximately 7,000. Possible reasons for this decline include the introduction of tuition fees and the high cost of living, particularly in light of the current exchange rate.

There are still very many places available on a wide variety of courses and many universities will continue to recruit for the next few weeks. If you are considering applying now to a British university you should contact the university directly. Most universities operate a student helpline that will advise students on the places available and may also offer a place immediately South Bank University's helpline number is (0044) (171) 815 8158.

In recent years the courses that have tended to be most popular with Irish students are those that are either not available in Ireland or are difficult to gain a place on. Examples here at South Bank University include sports science, occupational health and safety, nursing (and other medical-related courses), special effects etc.

Finance

The British government introduced tuition fees for virtually all students who started a course in September 1998. Students who may be exempt are those studying for a BSc or a DipHE in nursing studies. Irish students on a DipHE in nursing studies can also apply to the Department of Health for a bursary of between £4,500 and £5,500 sterling.

For students on the BSc in nursing studies this bursary is means-tested. Details of this bursary can be obtained from your university.

Irish students, and all students from EU countries, can apply to the appropriate local education authority (LEA) for assistance with their tuition fees. Your university will be able to advise you which LEA to contact and you are advised to do this as early as possible to avoid delays in enrolment.

The amount of tuition fees a student will have to pay will range from nothing to £1,025 sterling and will be determined by the joint income of his or her parents.

It is important to organise your accommodation as early as possible - and certainly before you travel. You might want to consider various options, such as staying with friends or relatives or living in halls of residence. Most halls of residence are self-catering, though university canteens are available if you do not wish to cook.

Within London the costs of halls of residence can range from £60 to £70 sterling per week. Private accommodation can start from £50 per week for a bedroom in a shared house or flat; when renting private accommodation, you will also need to take into account the costs of bills and council tax.

Outside London, halls of residence cost from £50 to £60 per week, and private accommodation can start from £40 per week. The accommodation unit at your university will be able to give you advice.

Most residents in Britain or Northern Ireland are liable for council tax, though students who stay in the university's halls of residence - or in other accommodation where all the residents are students - are exempt from this tax.

Universities should be able to give you guidance concerning the cost of living. It is advisable to have adequate funds available for the first few weeks; it might take a while to arrange access to your money in Ireland. If you are eligible for a maintenance grant in Ireland you can transfer this to Britain; if you are considering banking with your own Irish bank, do make sure that there is a branch within reach.

For identification purposes, it is advisable to bring a birth certificate, a passport if possible and some other form of identification, such as a driving licence or cheque card.

While living in Britain or Northern Ireland, Irish students have the right to much free medical treatment and should register with a doctor and a dentist as soon as possible. To do this, complete an HC1 form, which can be collected from a surgery. To obtain advice there is a free National Health Service helpline (tel: (0800) 665544, from within the UK).

The college

Most universities produce a number of free publications for students containing information on a whole range of financial and other practical matters. The university's student support office (or equivalent) and the students' union will be able to offer advice and assistance on a wide range of practical issues. These services will be described during induction, usually held during the first couple of weeks of term.

Students, particularly those on the first year of an undergraduate course or equivalent, often need advice and support. Some universities recruit a large number of international students and have made considerable efforts to ensure they are properly supported.

At South Bank University, we have more than 400 Irish students and a large number of Irish staff; we have established a working group with the aim of improving the overall experience of our Irish students. The working group includes Irish staff and students - including the students' union Irish Society - and examples of its work include:

involving external Irish organisations and societies to develop initiatives and organise events that create a supportive environment for Irish students;

establishing formal links between Irish students, Irish staff and the Irish Society and working with the Irish Society to help organise social and cultural events;

providing information and advice for Irish students before they arrive at South Bank University;

working with organisations in Ireland to ensure that Irish students are given accurate advice about studies in Britain;

developing an Irish Alumni Association to provide a network for graduates of South Bank University who return to Ireland.

Part-time work

Living away from home can be expensive and many full-time students decide to take on a part-time job. Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers and there are also Irish recruitment agencies that advertise in local Irish papers here. Opportunities vary, but in the large cities jobs in catering and bars are not uncommon.

If you do get a job, you won't have to pay any income tax on the first £4,336 - the single person's tax allowance for 1999-2000. When starting work you will need a national insurance number, which you can obtain from your local social security office.

Social Life

Many Irish students who study in the Britain continue their involvement in Irish music, culture and sport. There is a wide range of Irish activities including social clubs, Irish societies and advice centres, not to mention the large number of Irish pubs with Irish entertainment. The Irish societies and centres tend to be located in areas with large Irish communities - e.g. London, Manchester, Liverpool, Luton, Birmingham, Coventry, Leeds, Leicester.

Information can be found in newspapers such as the Irish Post and the Irish World. Probably the best known is the Post, which is available everywhere and covers a very wide range of news and information relating to Irish affairs and activities. It has a very good Irish entertainment section and carries advertisements for jobs and so forth. If your local newsagent does not stock this or any other paper you need - including The Irish Times - you should be able to order it. The Irish Post is also available on the Internet (www.irishpost.co.uk).

It can take a little time to settle into higher education in a new environment, but remember that college/university life is usually enjoyable and rewarding; British and Northern Irish universities welcome Irish students - and, from our experience, Irish students at South Bank University find studying in London very worthwhile.

It is also worth remembering that, after graduating, you will have the opportunity of gaining employment and valuable work experience with companies in Britain that will improve your career prospects in both places.