Should You Study in the US or the UK?

Studying abroad is a fantastic way to improve your knowledge and skillset, and to develop a global perspective. The US and UK are among the most popular study abroad destinations due to their reputable institutions and high quality of life.

While both are highly developed Western nations, there are many cultural and academic differences that you should consider if you want to study in the US or UK.

Although the US and UK are similar – especially in the eyes of foreigners – there are many key differences that will affect your education and study abroad lifestyle.

Here are some of the biggest differences between studying in the US and UK:

• University Options: The US has thousands of universities, while the UK has just over 160 institutions.
• Degree length: To graduate with a bachelor’s degree, you need to study for 3 years in the UK. In the US, it typically takes 4 years!
• Cost: US tuition is generally higher, but financial aid is more common.

The academic requirements for studying in the US and UK will vary according to each institution. Generally, you’ll need the following to study in the US or UK as an international student:

• Qualifications & academic transcripts: You’ll need to provide proof of your current and projected grades to study abroad. In the US, you need to send copies of your official transcripts to the university which will then be accepted or rejected. In the UK, you can submit your grades and application via an online portal – UCAS – and the university will grant you either a conditional or unconditional offer.
• Proof of English proficiency: As an international student, the university or college that you’re applying for will require proof of English language abilities. This can come in the form of an IELTS or TOEFL certificate.
• Additional documents: You’ll need to prepare in advance by gathering references, letters of recommendation, letters of intent, and so on. You may even need to provide proof of funding or financial support to sustain your studies abroad.

Students may also be confused about converting their grades at first. In the US, you may be asked for a GPA, whereas you’ll be asked for your grades from A-F in the UK. You can view a GPA to UK grades conversion chart to assess the general expectations of schools in the US and UK.

When studying in the US, your major will include a range of other general education modules. In the UK, however, your selected major is exactly what you will study from the get-go. If you’re open to studying other subjects or having course flexibility, it can be advantageous to study in the US. Otherwise, if you’d like to dedicate your energy to a specific subject, you can do so from the first to the last day in the UK.

Generally, there are fewer assignments in UK studies. It is more focused on independent study without many deadlines so your entire grade can be based on one paper or exam. However, this can also be subject-dependent, as grades for some subjects may depend on multiple exams, assignments, and your attendance record. The US usually has weekly deadlines for assignments, quizzes, and at least 2 exams during the semester.

There are multiple cost considerations for studying in the US and UK, not only tuition fees. Here is a list of costs that you’ll need to take into account before making your decision:

• Tuition cost: Annual tuition fees for international students in the US range from $20,000–$55,000 USD, compared to $12,000-$31,000 USD in the UK. You’ll also need to consider the fourth year of study in the US, and tuition fees will vary from public and private universities.
• Cost of living: While the cost of living is generally higher in the US, it depends on where you study in either country. While the cost of living is high in London and New York, it’s far lower in smaller cities and towns in either country.
• Airfare & travel: Consider your proximity to these countries and how it affects your budget for airfare and travel. While cities such as London and New York have major international travel links, other areas are less accessible and can be costly to get to. When in-country, traveling in the UK is fairly accessible and inexpensive, whereas traveling in the US will require more time and money.

People may have a preconceived idea of the student lifestyle based on TV shows and movies but that’s not always the reality. Here’s how the student experience compares between the US and the UK.

• Campus life: The campuses both countries are full of social groups, activities, sports clubs, and much more, making it easy to make friends while studying abroad in either country.
• College sports: College sports are deeply rooted not only on-campus but in US culture. In fact, college football is the US’ second most popular sport (behind the NFL) based on attendance and viewership. College sports have strong fan bases and historic rivalries which help students form a sense of community and identity. In the UK, however, sports (particularly football or soccer) are highly popular, but play far less of a role in university life.
• Student housing: Student housing plays an important role in your study abroad experience. US and UK students often stay on campus during the first year before moving elsewhere in the city after. While both offer a variety of student housing options, it’s common for students in the US to stay in shared dorms. While this can minimize personal space, it’s a great way to make friends.
• Nightlife: For many, nightlife is one of the biggest aspects of their student experience. While the student nightlife is thriving in both countries, it’s important to remember that the drinking age is 18 in the UK and 21 in the US.
• Work & internship opportunities: Students in both countries can work throughout their studies. If you’re studying in the US on an F-1 visa, you can work on-campus during your first academic year and off-campus afterwards. Both countries also offer fantastic postgraduate work and internship opportunities across many fields. Initiatives such as the US’ Optional Practical Training (OPT) program and the UK’s Graduate Route program allow students to work after graduation.

Read more: Study in the UK vs the US: Which is Better for Your Master’s Degree?

There’s much more to consider outside of finances and education. Although it’s no use trying to find the “perfect” destination (no such place exists!), here are some other things that you should consider before studying in either the US or the UK.

• Climate: Generally, the UK experiences lots of wind and frequent rainfall throughout the year. While Scotland and northern England are slightly colder and wetter than southern England, the variety is minimal compared to the US. With mountain ranges, scorching and freezing desserts, windy plains, and humid subtropics, there is much more variety to consider in the US.
• Safety: Both countries are generally safe, but it’s important to be vigilant at all times, as crimes happen everywhere. It’s not uncommon for students to encounter (or even cause) problems when involved with large quantities of alcohol.
• Travel opportunities: It’s generally easier to get around in the UK, where it’s smaller and you have strong railway and bus links. In the US, you may need to rely on having your own vehicle or flying to get from one place to another because public transportation and nationwide bus systems like Greyhound can be hit or miss.
• Public vs. private universities in the US and UK: In the US, private universities are often viewed as more prestigious, but they are also much more costly. In the UK, however, most top-ranking universities in the UK are public, and private schools are not necessarily indicative of prestige.

While it may be a toss-up between the two countries, just know that wherever you decide to study abroad will provide you with not only a valuable education and a resume booster, but a life-changing experience, too. You’ll make friends for life, and you’ll be able to call your new location your home away from home.

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